Get ready to enjoy Chocolate Chip S’mores Bars, a fun and easy treat! If you love s’mores, you will adore this sweet twist. Imagine layers of gooey chocolate, soft marshmallows, and crunchy graham crackers baked right into bars. In this post, I’ll share simple steps and key tips to make these delightful bars at home. Let’s dive in and create your new favorite dessert!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Decadent Flavor: The combination of chocolate chips, graham cracker crumbs, and marshmallows creates a rich and indulgent treat that satisfies any sweet tooth.
- Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward and requires minimal effort, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
- Perfect for Sharing: Cut them into squares and serve at gatherings, potlucks, or family events—everyone will love them!
- Versatile Treat: Feel free to customize with your favorite mix-ins like nuts or different types of chocolate for a unique twist!
Ingredients
List of Key Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For these bars, I use unsalted butter. It helps control the saltiness. The brown sugar gives a rich, deep flavor. Granulated sugar adds sweetness and a nice texture. I also add eggs and vanilla extract for moisture and flavor.
Baking Essentials
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
I use all-purpose flour for the base. Baking soda helps the bars rise. A little salt balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
S’mores Elements
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- Extra chocolate chips and marshmallows for topping
The chocolate chips melt in the bars, creating gooey pockets of chocolate. Mini marshmallows add a sweet, fluffy bite. Graham cracker crumbs give that classic s’mores crunch. I also top the bars with extra chocolate chips and marshmallows for a fun finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Mix until it is light and fluffy.
Mixing the Ingredients
- Add the eggs one at a time. Mix well after each egg. Pour in the vanilla extract and stir.
- In another bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda, and salt together. Gradually add this dry mix to the wet mix. Stir until just combined.
Final Assembly
- Fold in the chocolate chips and graham cracker crumbs. Make sure they spread evenly throughout the dough.
- Gently fold in the mini marshmallows, reserving some for the top.
- Spread the mixture into the prepared pan. Smooth the top with a spatula.
- Sprinkle extra chocolate chips and marshmallows on top for added goodness.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes. Check when the edges turn golden brown and the center is set.
- Let the bars cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Carefully lift them out using the parchment paper. Cool completely on a wire rack before cutting into squares.
Tips & Tricks
Baking Tips
To get the best texture for your bars, make sure to cream the butter and sugars well. This step adds air to the mix, making the bars soft. When you bake, look for golden edges and a set center. A toothpick test can help; it should come out with a few moist crumbs.
Flavor Enhancements
You can add fun mix-ins like chopped nuts or dried fruit. These additions create extra texture and taste. For a stronger s’mores flavor, use more chocolate and marshmallows. Try adding a pinch of cinnamon to the batter for warmth.
Presentation Suggestions
Serve your bars on a rustic wooden board for a cozy look. Drizzle some melted chocolate on top for flair. You can also lightly toast extra mini marshmallows and sprinkle them on the bars for a fun touch.
Pro Tips
- Choose the Right Chocolate: Use a mix of semi-sweet and milk chocolate chips for a balanced sweetness that complements the richness of the bars.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the dry and wet ingredients, mix just until you see no more flour. Overmixing can lead to tough bars.
- Cool Before Cutting: Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting them into squares. This helps them set and prevents them from falling apart.
- Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to add your favorite toppings like nuts or different types of chocolate to personalize the flavor of your s’mores bars.
Variations
Alternative Ingredients
For those with dietary needs, you can easily adapt this recipe.
- Gluten-free options: Use gluten-free all-purpose flour instead of regular flour. This small change keeps the bars tasty and safe for gluten-sensitive eaters.
- Vegan adaptations: Replace the butter with coconut oil and the eggs with flax eggs. Mix one tablespoon of flaxseed meal with three tablespoons of water for each egg.
Different Flavor Combinations
Get creative with flavors! You can make these bars even more exciting.
- Adding peanut butter or caramel: Swirl in some creamy peanut butter or drizzle melted caramel over the top before baking. Both options add a rich twist to the bars.
- Using different types of chocolate: Instead of regular chocolate chips, try dark chocolate, white chocolate, or even butterscotch chips. Each type gives a unique taste that pairs well with marshmallows.
Seasonal Variations
Change it up with seasonal flavors!
- Fall-inspired s’mores bars with pumpkin spice: Mix in pumpkin spice with the batter. This adds a warm flavor that fits perfectly with fall.
- Holiday-themed variations with peppermint: For a festive touch, add crushed peppermint candies to the batter or sprinkle them on top. This gives a cool, minty flavor that brightens the bars.
These variations show how you can personalize your Chocolate Chip S’mores Bars. Each option invites you to explore new tastes and textures.
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Chocolate Chip S’mores Bars fresh, allow them to cool completely. Next, cut them into squares. Place the squares in an airtight container. This helps to trap moisture and keep them soft. You can also layer parchment paper between the bars to prevent sticking. If you want them to last longer, store them in the fridge.
Freezing Tips
If you want to save some bars for later, freezing is a great option. Wrap each square in plastic wrap tightly. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. Be sure to remove as much air as possible before sealing. For thawing, take them out the night before and let them sit in the fridge. You can also thaw them at room temperature for about an hour.
Shelf Life
For the best taste, enjoy these bars within a week. They will taste fresh and delicious. If you see any signs of spoilage, like a dry texture or an off smell, it’s best to throw them away. Keeping them stored properly ensures you get the full flavor of your s’mores bars every time!
FAQs
Common Questions
How to make Chocolate Chip S’mores Bars from scratch?
To make these bars, gather your ingredients. You will need butter, sugars, eggs, flour, baking soda, salt, chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, and graham cracker crumbs. Start by creaming the butter and sugars in a bowl. Add the eggs and vanilla next. Mix the dry ingredients in another bowl. Combine both mixtures, then fold in chocolate chips and marshmallows. Spread the mix in a pan and bake until golden.
What can I substitute for graham cracker crumbs?
If you do not have graham cracker crumbs, you can use crushed cookies. Vanilla wafers or digestive biscuits work great. You can also try crushed pretzels for a salty twist. Just make sure the texture is similar to crumbs for the best outcome.
Cooking and Baking Queries
Can I use other types of chocolate?
Yes, you can use any type of chocolate you like. Dark chocolate adds a rich taste. Milk chocolate is sweeter and creamier. You can even mix different kinds for a fun flavor. Just keep the amount the same as the recipe suggests.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can make these bars ahead of time! Bake them a day or two in advance. Once cooled, store them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh and tasty. Just remember to let them cool completely before storing.
Serving Suggestions
What drinks pair well with Chocolate Chip S’mores Bars?
These bars go well with milk or hot chocolate. You can also serve them with coffee for a rich treat. For a fun twist, try them with a sweet iced tea.
How can I add a twist to the presentation?
To make your bars look special, drizzle melted chocolate on top. You can also sprinkle some toasted mini marshmallows for a fun touch. Serve them on a rustic wooden board for a cozy feel.
This blog post covered everything you need to make delicious Chocolate Chip S’mores Bars. We started with key ingredients, including butter, sugars, eggs, and s’mores components. Next, I guided you through step-by-step instructions for preparation and baking. We explored tips to enhance flavor and presentations, as well as variations for different tastes. Finally, I shared storage info to keep your bars fresh. With these details, you’re set to bake your own treats. Get creative with flavors and enjoy the proces
Chocolate Chip S'mores Bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 0.5 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- to taste extra chocolate chips and marshmallows for topping
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, followed by the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips and graham cracker crumbs, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Gently fold in the mini marshmallows, reserving a handful for the top.
- Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Sprinkle extra chocolate chips and marshmallows on top of the batter for added texture and flavor.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set.
- Allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then carefully lift them out using the parchment paper and let them cool completely on a wire rack before cutting into squares.
