These Golden Grahams S’mores Bars combine crunchy honey graham cereal, gooey marshmallows, and melted chocolate in an easy no bake dessert.

With the nostalgic flavors of campfire s’mores and the satisfying crunch of cereal treats, they’re a simple treat for parties, potlucks, lunchboxes, and casual snacking.

The chocolate-marshmallow mixture coats every piece of cereal while reserved mini marshmallows add little pockets of softness throughout. After a short setting time, the mixture cuts into neat bars with a chewy, crunchy texture.

Why You’ll Want to Make These S’mores Bars

• No oven required: The mixture comes together on the stovetop, making this an easy no-bake dessert.
• Simple ingredients: Golden Grahams, marshmallows, chocolate chips, butter, and a few pantry staples do most of the work.
• Quick preparation: The active cooking time is only about 5 minutes.
• Great texture: Crunchy cereal combines with gooey marshmallow and smooth chocolate for plenty of contrast.
• Easy to portion: The finished mixture can be cut into 12 individual bars.
• Party-friendly: These bars are easy to prepare in a baking pan and transport once set.

Ingredient Insights and Substitutions

1. Golden Grahams cereal: The cereal provides the crunchy honey-graham base and gives the bars their signature texture. Measure about 8 cups for the recipe.
2. Mini marshmallows: Most of the marshmallows melt into the chocolate mixture, while the reserved cup stays whole to create soft pockets throughout the bars.
3. Milk chocolate chips: Milk chocolate gives the bars their sweet, creamy chocolate flavor and helps bind the cereal together.
4. Unsalted butter: Butter adds richness and helps create a smooth mixture when melted with the chocolate and marshmallows.
5. Light corn syrup: Corn syrup contributes sweetness and helps the melted mixture remain cohesive and chewy.
6. Vanilla and salt: Vanilla rounds out the chocolate flavor, while a small amount of salt balances the sweetness.

Golden Grahams S’mores Bars

These Golden Grahams S’mores Bars combine crunchy honey-graham cereal, gooey marshmallows, and melted chocolate in an easy no-bake dessert. With all the nostalgic flavors of campfire s’mores and the satisfying crunch of cereal treats, they’re perfect for summer parties, lunchbox snacks, potlucks, and quick homemade desserts.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 minutes mins

Setting Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Servings: 12

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 267

Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients

  

• 1 box 13 ounces Golden Grahams cereal, about 8 cups
• 1 bag 10.5 ounces mini marshmallows
• 1½ cups milk chocolate chips
• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter
• ¼ cup light corn syrup
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Equipment

• 9 × 13-inch baking pan
• Large saucepan
• Large mixing bowl
• Rubber spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Parchment paper
• Sharp knife

Method

 

1. Lightly grease a 9 × 13-inch baking pan with butter or line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal. Measure the cereal and set aside 1 cup of mini marshmallows for folding in later.
   
2. Add the butter, chocolate chips, corn syrup, and the remaining marshmallows to a large saucepan. Heat over low heat, stirring constantly until the butter and chocolate melt and the marshmallows become smooth. Avoid overheating the mixture, as it can become overly sticky.
   
3. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and salt. Mix until everything is evenly combined and glossy.
   
4. Place the Golden Grahams cereal in a large mixing bowl. Pour the warm chocolate-marshmallow mixture over the cereal and gently fold with a rubber spatula until the cereal is evenly coated.
   
5. Add the reserved mini marshmallows and gently mix them through the coated cereal. Working quickly helps keep the marshmallows distinct and prevents the mixture from setting before it reaches the pan.
   
6. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking pan. Lightly grease your spatula or hands and gently press the mixture into an even layer. Avoid packing it too firmly, which can make the bars dense and hard to bite.
   
7. Let the bars cool at room temperature for about 1 hour, or until firm enough to cut. Lift them out using the parchment overhang and slice into 12 bars with a sharp, lightly greased knife.
   

Nutrition Information

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Heating the mixture too quickly: High heat can make the chocolate-marshmallow mixture overly sticky or difficult to work with.
• Overmixing the cereal: Fold gently to coat the cereal without crushing the pieces.
• Pressing the mixture too firmly: Compacting the bars excessively can make them dense and hard.
• Waiting too long to add the reserved marshmallows: Fold them in while the mixture is still warm and workable.
• Skipping the parchment overhang: Leaving an overhang makes it much easier to lift the set bars from the pan.
• Cutting before the bars set: Give the mixture the full setting time so the bars hold their shape when sliced.

Easy Variations to Try

• Dark chocolate version: Use dark chocolate chips for a deeper chocolate flavor.
• Extra marshmallow: Fold in additional mini marshmallows for more soft, gooey pockets.
• Chocolate drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the set bars before slicing.
• Graham crunch: Sprinkle crushed graham crackers over the top while the mixture is still warm.
• Sea salt finish: Add a very light sprinkle of flaky sea salt for a sweet-salty contrast.
• Mixed chocolate: Combine milk chocolate with semisweet chocolate chips for a less-sweet chocolate profile.

More Easy Dessert to Try

1. Old Fashioned Pancakes
2. Strawberry Buttercream Cake
3. Banana and Chocolate Chip Cake
4. No-bake Lemon Cheesecake
5. Strawberry Shortcake

How to Store Golden Grahams S’mores Bars

1. Cool completely first: Let the bars set fully before transferring them to a storage container.
2. Use an airtight container: Keep the bars covered to protect the cereal from absorbing moisture from the air.
3. Separate layers: Place parchment paper between layers if stacking the bars to prevent them from sticking together.
4. Store at room temperature: Keep the bars in a cool, dry place for several days for the best texture.
5. Keep away from heat: Warm temperatures can soften the chocolate and marshmallow mixture and make the bars sticky.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why are my S’mores Bars too hard?
   The mixture may have been overheated or pressed too firmly into the pan. Keep the stovetop heat low and press the cereal mixture gently.
2. Why are my bars too sticky?
   Excessive heat or warm storage can make the chocolate-marshmallow mixture particularly sticky. Allow the bars to set completely before cutting.
3. Can I use a different cereal?
   Yes, although Golden Grahams provide the specific honey-graham flavor and crunch associated with this recipe. A similar crunchy cereal can change the final flavor and texture.
4. Why did my cereal break apart while mixing?
   Folding too aggressively can crush the cereal. Use a rubber spatula and gently turn the mixture until it is coated.
5. Can I make these bars thinner?
   Yes. Spreading the mixture into a larger pan will create thinner bars, although the thickness and setting time will differ from the stated recipe.

Anjali Arora

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