Crunchy Peanut Butter S’mores Bars

$- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs - 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter - 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup - 1 cup mini marshmallows - 1/2 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark) - 1/4 cup chopped peanuts (optional) - 1/4 teaspoon salt You can swap honey or maple syrup with agave nectar or brown rice syrup. These options add sweetness without losing flavor. If you need a peanut butter substitute, try almond butter or sunflower seed butter. They work well and taste great. For gluten-free options, look for gluten-free graham crackers. They offer the same crunchy texture as regular ones. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This gets it ready for baking. Next, line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper. Leave some paper hanging over the edges. This makes it easy to lift out the bars later. In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, salt, peanut butter, and honey (or maple syrup). Blend until it looks like a thick dough. This will be your crust. Now, press two-thirds of the graham cracker mixture into the bottom of the pan. Make sure it is firm and even. This will be the base layer. Next, sprinkle the mini marshmallows and chocolate chips over the pressed mixture. Spread them out well for even coverage. Crumble the rest of the graham cracker mixture on top. Gently press it down so everything sticks together. If you like crunch, you can add chopped peanuts on top. Bake your bars in the oven for 15-18 minutes. Watch for the marshmallows to puff up and turn golden. This means they are done. Once baked, remove the pan from the oven. Let it cool for about 10 minutes. Use the parchment paper to lift the bars out of the pan. Allow them to cool completely on a wire rack. Then, cut into squares. Enjoy your tasty Peanut Butter S’mores Bars! To make chewy bars, mix the ingredients well but don’t overwork the dough. For crunchy bars, add chopped peanuts. This adds great texture and flavor. Press the dough firmly into the pan. This helps the bars hold together. When mixing, start with the graham cracker crumbs and salt. Then add peanut butter and honey. Stir until you get a thick, sticky dough. This step is key for the right texture. For a fun presentation, serve the bars on a colorful plate. Drizzle melted chocolate on top for a sweet touch. Add whole roasted peanuts as a garnish for a rustic vibe. Pair these bars with ice cream or whipped cream. The cold creaminess balances the warm, gooey bars. You can also enjoy them with a glass of milk. This makes for a perfect dessert experience. Pro Tips Use Natural Peanut Butter: Opt for natural peanut butter without added sugars or oils for a healthier and more authentic flavor. Chill Before Cutting: For cleaner cuts, refrigerate the bars for an hour after baking before slicing them into squares. Experiment with Flavors: Try adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or a dash of vanilla extract to the peanut butter mixture for an extra flavor boost. Storage Tips: Keep the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or freeze them for longer storage. {{image_2}} You can mix things up with your Peanut Butter S’mores Bars in fun ways. Here are a couple of ideas: - Different Chocolate Types: Use milk chocolate for a sweet touch. Dark chocolate gives a rich taste. You can even mix both for a unique flavor. - Nuts and Fruits: Try adding chopped almonds or walnuts for extra crunch. Dried fruits like cranberries or raisins add a nice chewiness. You can make these bars fit your diet. Here’s how: - Vegan Modifications: Swap honey for maple syrup. Use a nut-free butter like sun butter instead of peanut butter. Make sure your chocolate chips are dairy-free. - Nut-Free Versions: If you can’t have nuts, try sun butter or soy nut butter. This keeps the bars tasty and safe for everyone. To keep your Peanut Butter S’mores Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container. You can place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate them. These bars stay good for about a week in the fridge. If you freeze them, they last up to three months. Just wrap each bar in plastic wrap before putting them in a freezer bag. When you want to enjoy leftovers, warm them up in the microwave. Heat for about 10-15 seconds. This keeps the bars soft and gooey. If you prefer a crispy texture, place them in the oven at 300°F for 5-10 minutes. This method helps maintain their yummy taste and texture. Always check that they are warm enough before serving. Yes, you can make these bars ahead of time. They keep well in the fridge for up to a week. Just store them in an airtight container. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them. They can last for up to three months in the freezer. Just thaw them in the fridge before serving. If you don’t have graham crackers, try using digestive biscuits or crushed vanilla wafers. You can also use gluten-free options like almond flour or gluten-free cookies. Each will give a different taste, but they will work well in the recipe. Check the bars after 15 minutes in the oven. Look for puffed marshmallows that are golden brown. If they look too soft, bake for a few more minutes. The edges should be firm, while the center may be a bit soft. These bars are not gluten-free if you use regular graham crackers. To make them gluten-free, use gluten-free graham crackers or another suitable substitute. This way, everyone can enjoy this tasty treat! You now have a simple guide to making Peanut Butter S’mores Bars. We covered the key ingredients, steps for baking, and tips for the best results. Remember, feel free to substitute ingredients for your taste or needs. Try different flavor combos or dietary options to switch things up. Finally, enjoy your tasty treats right away or store them for later. With this recipe, you can impress anyone with your skills. Happy baking!$

Crunchy Peanut Butter S’mores Bars

Deliciously crunchy bars combining peanut butter, marshmallows, and chocolate.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 16

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

1 cup graham cracker crumbs
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
1 cup mini marshmallows
1/2 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark)
1/4 cup chopped peanuts (optional, for crunch)
1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.
In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, salt, peanut butter, and honey (or maple syrup). Mix until the mixture is well combined and resembles a thick dough.
Press two-thirds of the graham cracker mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to create a base layer.
Evenly distribute the mini marshmallows and chocolate chips over the pressed mixture, spreading them out for even coverage.
Crumble the remaining graham cracker mixture over the top of the marshmallows and chocolate chips. Press down gently to help adhere everything together.
Optional: Sprinkle the chopped peanuts across the top for an added layer of crunch and flavor.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes until the marshmallows are puffed and golden.
Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then use the parchment paper to lift the bars out. Allow to cool completely on a wire rack before cutting into squares.

Notes

Serve on a colorful plate, drizzled with melted chocolate and garnished with whole roasted peanuts.

Keyword bars, dessert, peanut butter, s'mores