Golden Grahams S'Mores Bars

This nostalgic Golden Grahams S'mores Bars recipe brings all the flavors of campfire s'mores into a convenient, no-bake treat. The combination of gooey marshmallows, rich chocolate, and crunchy cereal creates that perfect balance of textures and flavors that both kids and adults will adore.

I first made these bars for my daughter's camping-themed birthday party, and they were such a hit that they've become our go-to dessert for potlucks and family gatherings. The kids always ask for seconds!

Ingredients

• 5 cups mini marshmallows: For the base creates that gooey binding texture
• 1 1/2 cups milk chocolate chips: Provides rich chocolatey flavor use high-quality chips for best taste
• 5 tablespoons butter: Adds richness and helps prevent sticking
• 1/4 cup corn syrup: Essential for the sticky binding texture and glossy appearance
• 7 cups Golden Grahams cereal: Provides the graham cracker flavor and satisfying crunch
• 1 cup mini marshmallows: Added at the end creates pockets of soft marshmallow throughout

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Pan:

Thoroughly butter or grease a 9x13 inch baking pan, making sure to cover the bottom and sides completely. This crucial step ensures your bars will release easily when serving.

Create the Base Mixture:

In a large saucepan, combine 5 cups of mini marshmallows, milk chocolate chips, butter, and corn syrup. The large saucepan gives you plenty of room to stir in the cereal later.

Melt the Ingredients:

Place the saucepan over low heat and gently melt the mixture, stirring constantly with a rubber spatula. Keep the heat low to prevent scorching the chocolate or burning the marshmallows. This should take about 3-5 minutes until completely smooth.

Add the Cereal and Extra Marshmallows:

Remove the pan from heat immediately and place it on a heat-resistant surface. Working quickly, fold in the Golden Grahams cereal and the remaining cup of mini marshmallows. Stir until all cereal pieces are evenly coated with the marshmallow mixture. The extra marshmallows will stay partially intact, creating delicious pockets of gooeyness.

Transfer to Pan:

Spoon the sticky mixture into your prepared baking pan. The mixture will be very sticky and thick, which is exactly what you want for chewy, delicious bars.

Shape and Set:

Use the back of your spatula to press the mixture evenly into the pan. Lightly grease your spatula with butter to prevent sticking as you flatten the mixture. Press firmly to ensure the bars will hold together when cut.

Cool and Cut:

Allow the bars to set at room temperature for about 60 minutes until firm enough to cut. For clean cuts, use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between slices.

Pin it

These bars always remind me of summer camp as a child, where we would gather around the campfire making s'mores. The first time I made these for my own children, seeing their chocolate-smeared smiles brought me right back to those carefree days. Now they help me make them, always sneaking extra chocolate chips when they think I am not looking.

Storage Tips

These Golden Grahams S'mores Bars are best enjoyed within 3 days. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Avoid refrigerating these bars as they will harden too much and lose their delightful chewy texture. If your kitchen is particularly warm, store in the coolest part of your pantry.

Smart Substitutions

If Golden Grahams aren't available, you can substitute with Cinnamon Toast Crunch or even regular graham crackers broken into small pieces. For a different flavor profile, try dark chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate. White chocolate works beautifully too for a unique twist. The corn syrup helps with texture and binding, but in a pinch, honey can work as a replacement though it will add its own distinct flavor.

Serving Suggestions

While these bars are perfect on their own, you can elevate them for special occasions. Try serving them slightly warmed with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert. For a fancy presentation, drizzle the tops with additional melted chocolate and sprinkle with crushed graham crackers. They make excellent additions to dessert platters alongside fresh fruit for a balanced sweet ending to any meal.

Pin it

These Golden Grahams S'mores Bars are sure to be a crowd-pleaser for any occasion!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I substitute Golden Grahams with other cereals?

Yes, other cereal options like Rice Krispies or cornflakes can work, but they may alter the signature flavor of the bars.

→ How do I prevent the mixture from sticking to the pan?

Grease your pan thoroughly with butter or cooking spray before adding the sticky mixture. Greasing your spatula also helps.

→ Can these bars be made nut-free?

Golden Grahams S'Mores Bars are naturally nut-free as long as your ingredients (e.g., chocolate chips) are certified nut-free.

→ How long should these bars cool before serving?

Let the bars set at room temperature for at least 60 minutes to ensure they hold their shape when cut.

→ Can I add other ingredients for variety?

Absolutely! You can mix in ingredients like crushed pretzels, white chocolate chips, or toasted coconut for added texture and flavor.