There’s something irresistibly nostalgic about a classic s’more, but these Gourmet S’mores Bars take that familiar campfire treat to a whole new level. Imagine gooey marshmallows melting into rich, velvety chocolate layered over a buttery graham cracker crust—no campfire needed. I whipped up this recipe one lazy weekend, craving something sweet yet sophisticated, and the result instantly became a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re hosting friends or craving a cozy homemade dessert, these bars bring together comfort and elegance with every bite. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll find it hard to settle for ordinary s’mores again!
Why choose Gourmet S’mores Bars?
Rich, Decadent Flavor: These bars combine luxurious chocolate and gooey marshmallow in a buttery graham cracker base.
No Campfire Needed: Enjoy that beloved campfire taste anytime, right from your oven.
Easy to Make: Simple steps mean you can create this indulgence even on busy days.
Perfect for Sharing: Crowd-pleasing and versatile, great for parties or cozy nights in.
Nostalgic Meets Sophisticated: Classic comfort food elevated into an elegant dessert everyone loves.
Gourmet S’mores Bars Ingredients
For the Graham Cracker Crust
- Graham cracker crumbs – Use finely crushed crumbs for that perfect buttery base.
- Unsalted butter – Melted butter binds the crumbs, adding rich flavor.
- Granulated sugar – A little sweetness to balance the crust’s texture.
For the Chocolate Layer
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips – Choose good-quality chips for a rich, velvety chocolate experience.
- Heavy cream – Helps create a smooth ganache-like texture in the bars.
For the Marshmallow Topping
- Large marshmallows – Toasted marshmallows bring that gooey, nostalgic charm to these bars.
- Butter – Brushed on marshmallows before broiling to enhance caramelization and flavor.
Additional Tips
- For an extra touch, sprinkle chopped toasted nuts or a dash of sea salt on top to elevate your Gourmet S’mores Bars.
How to Make Gourmet S’mores Bars
For the Graham Cracker Crust:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×9-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- Combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar in a bowl until mixture holds together when pressed, using finely crushed crumbs for the best texture.
- Press the crust mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan, creating an even layer; bake until light golden, about 10 minutes.
For the Chocolate Layer:
- Heat heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until it just begins to simmer, about 2 minutes.
- Pour the hot cream over semi-sweet chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl; let sit 1 minute, then whisk until smooth.
- Spread the ganache evenly over the warm crust; allow it to set slightly, about 5 minutes, until it becomes thick and glossy.
For the Marshmallow Topping:
- Arrange large marshmallows standing upright on the chocolate layer, covering the surface completely for an even, gooey topping that’s irresistibly melty.
- Broil on high for 1–2 minutes until marshmallows puff and turn golden brown; watch closely to prevent scorching and achieve a delightful caramelized top.
- Cool bars at room temperature until set, about 30 minutes, then refrigerate for 1 hour before slicing into neat, even squares.
Optional: Sprinkle flaky sea salt or chopped nuts for crunch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Gourmet S’mores Bars
Room Temperature: Keep leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days for the best texture and flavor.
Fridge: For longer freshness, store in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 5 days, enjoying the bars chilled or let them come to room temperature before serving.
Freezer: Freeze individually wrapped bars in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before enjoying for optimal taste.
Reheating: If desired, gently warm bars in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-10 minutes to restore that deliciously gooey consistency.
Gourmet S’mores Bars Variations
Feel free to let your creativity shine and personalize these delightful bars to suit your taste!
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Nutty Twist: Add ½ cup of chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, to the graham cracker crust for added crunch and flavor. Nuts bring a lovely earthiness that balances the sweetness beautifully.
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Flavor Infusion: Mix in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract or almond extract into the chocolate layer for an aromatic boost that will tantalize your taste buds.
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Spicy Kick: Stir in a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of chili powder into the chocolate ganache for a surprising heat element that contrasts beautifully with the sweet marshmallows.
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Fruitiness: Layer sliced strawberries or bananas on top of the ganache before adding marshmallows for a fresh, fruity surprise that elevates every gooey bite.
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Dairy-Free Option: Substitute the heavy cream and chocolate chips with coconut cream and dairy-free chocolate for a rich, creamy alternative ideal for lactose intolerant friends.
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Caramel Drizzle: Before adding the marshmallows, drizzle store-bought or homemade caramel sauce over the ganache to introduce a luscious layer of sweet indulgence.
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Cookie Crust: Swap the graham cracker crust for crushed Oreo cookies for a chocolaty twist that can add a delightful contrast to the creamy marshmallows.
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Seasonal Spice: During the fall, sprinkle in ½ teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon to the chocolate layer for a warm, cozy flavor that’s perfect for chilly evenings.
Make Ahead Options
These Gourmet S’mores Bars are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the graham cracker crust and chocolate ganache up to 24 hours in advance, storing them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. For the marshmallow topping, it’s best to add it just before broiling, but the bars can be assembled without marshmallows and refrigerated for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply add the marshmallows on top, broil for 1–2 minutes until golden, and enjoy the same irresistible flavor as if they were freshly made. This way, you can delight your family or guests with minimal effort on busy days!
What to Serve with Gourmet S’mores Bars?
Indulge your sweet tooth and create a delightful spread with these complementary treats!
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Rich Coffee: The bold flavors of a freshly brewed cup enhance the dessert’s sweetness, making each bite even more satisfying.
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Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: This classic pairing cools down the warmth of the bars while its creamy texture contrasts the gooey marshmallow perfectly.
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Fruit Salad: A zesty blend of fresh fruits adds a refreshing pop. The natural sweetness cuts through the richness of the bars, bringing balance to the meal.
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Chocolate Sauce Drizzle: An added layer of deep chocolate enhances every bite, inviting chocolate lovers to take their indulgence to the next level.
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Toasted Coconut Flakes: Sprinkle these on top for a tropical twist; the crunchiness of the coconut adds texture to the chewy bars, making for an exciting contrast.
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Sparkling Water with Lime: This zesty, fizzy drink cleanses your palate between bites, keeping your taste buds refreshed and ready for another decadent morsel.
Expert Tips for Gourmet S’mores Bars
- Use Quality Chocolate: Select high-quality semi-sweet chocolate chips for a richer, smoother ganache that truly elevates your bars’ flavor.
- Press Crust Firmly: Firmly pressing the graham cracker crust ensures it holds together when slicing, preventing crumbly bars.
- Watch Marshmallows Closely: When broiling, keep a close eye to avoid burning; marshmallows should be golden and puffy, not blackened.
- Cool Completely Before Slicing: Letting the bars cool and chill fully helps them set properly for clean, neat squares.
- Add Texture with Toppings: Sprinkle flaky sea salt or toasted nuts on top to add contrast and enhance the classic Gourmet S’mores Bars experience.
Gourmet S’mores Bars Recipe FAQs
How do I know if my graham cracker crumbs are the right texture for the crust?
I recommend using finely crushed graham cracker crumbs that feel almost like coarse sand. This texture helps the crust bind beautifully with the melted butter and sugar, ensuring a firm, buttery base without any large chunks.
What’s the best way to store leftover Gourmet S’mores Bars?
Absolutely keep them in an airtight container! At room temperature, they stay fresh for up to 3 days with that perfect chewy texture. If you want to prolong freshness, refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 5 days—just bring them back to room temp for the best flavor.
Can I freeze Gourmet S’mores Bars, and how should I do it?
Very much so! Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place all the wrapped pieces in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw them in the fridge overnight, then warm gently in the oven at 300°F for 5–10 minutes to revive that gooey goodness.
My marshmallows browned too quickly under the broiler. How can I avoid burning them?
Watch them like a hawk! Marshmallows can go from perfectly golden to burnt in seconds. Broil on high but stay right by the oven, checking every 30 seconds. If your broiler is extra hot, consider lowering the rack one level or broiling for shorter bursts with brief rests in between.
Are Gourmet S’mores Bars safe for my pets if they accidentally get a bite?
It’s best to keep these bars away from pets. The chocolate contains theobromine, which is toxic to dogs and cats, and marshmallows can upset their stomach. Always store these treats securely out of your furry friend’s reach.
Indulgent Gourmet S'mores Bars to Satisfy Your Sweet Cravings
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×9-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- Combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar in a bowl until the mixture holds together when pressed.
- Press the crust mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan, creating an even layer; bake until light golden, about 10 minutes.
- Heat heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until it just begins to simmer, about 2 minutes.
- Pour the hot cream over semi-sweet chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl; let sit 1 minute, then whisk until smooth.
- Spread the ganache evenly over the warm crust; allow it to set slightly, about 5 minutes.
- Arrange large marshmallows standing upright on the chocolate layer, covering the surface completely.
- Broil on high for 1–2 minutes until marshmallows puff and turn golden brown; watch closely to prevent scorching.
- Cool bars at room temperature until set, about 30 minutes, then refrigerate for 1 hour before slicing into squares.
