There’s something nostalgic about s’mores that instantly transports me back to childhood summer nights spent around a crackling fire. But as much as I love the traditional version, I wanted to create something a little more portable and just as satisfying. That’s how these Golden Grahams S’Mores Bars came to life. They combine everything I adore about classic s’mores—the gooey marshmallow, rich chocolate, and crisp graham crackers—but in an easy-to-make bar form that’s perfect for sharing, gifting, or snacking on the go.
I love how these bars come together with minimal effort and require no baking, making them one of my go-to treats when I’m short on time but still want to impress. They always get rave reviews, whether I’m making them for a bake sale, packing them in a lunchbox, or setting them out at a party. The texture is incredibly satisfying—the crunch of the cereal, the smooth melt of chocolate, and the chewy pull of marshmallow all come together in a single bite.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
You’ll fall in love with this recipe because it takes just a few pantry staples and transforms them into something magical. It’s a no-fuss, no-bake dessert that delivers on both flavor and texture. The sweet, toasted notes from the Golden Grahams mimic the flavor of graham crackers perfectly, while the melted marshmallows and chocolate chips bring all the classic s’mores elements you crave.
These bars don’t require any fancy equipment or baking skills, which makes them ideal for beginner bakers, kids, or anyone who wants a quick win in the kitchen. Plus, they hold up well at room temperature, so they’re perfect for picnics, road trips, or after-school snacks.
Versatile
What’s great about this recipe is how easily it can be adapted. Want to add a twist? Swap in peanut butter chips, drizzle with caramel, or sprinkle crushed pretzels on top for a salty-sweet version. You can also press them into mini muffin tins for bite-sized treats or double the batch for larger gatherings.
Affordable
This dessert is not only delicious—it’s budget-friendly too. With just a handful of ingredients that are commonly found in most kitchens, you can whip up a whole tray without breaking the bank. It’s an ideal recipe when you want something special but don’t want to spend a lot of money on fancy ingredients.
Ingredients for the Recipe:
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6 cups Golden Grahams cereal
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1 package (10 oz) mini marshmallows
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1½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
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¼ cup unsalted butter
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1 tsp vanilla extract
How to Prepare This Recipe
Making Golden Grahams S’Mores Bars is a straightforward process that delivers impressive results with very little time or effort. What I love most is how quickly it all comes together. It’s the kind of treat you can make last-minute and still get a fantastic homemade dessert that tastes just like the classic campfire version.
Before getting started, I like to measure out all the ingredients. Having the cereal, chocolate chips, and marshmallows prepped and ready makes everything run smoother, especially since we’re dealing with melted marshmallows that set quickly.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Preparation
Step 1: Prepare the pan
Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it with butter. This helps to prevent the bars from sticking and makes them easier to remove and cut once they’ve cooled.
Step 2: Melt butter and marshmallows
In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter completely. Once melted, add in 8 cups of mini marshmallows (reserving about 2 cups for later). Stir constantly until the marshmallows are completely melted and the mixture is smooth and glossy. This will act as the glue that binds everything together.
Step 3: Add vanilla extract
Once the marshmallows are fully melted, remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the vanilla extract. It adds a gentle depth of flavor and enhances the sweetness without overpowering the rest of the ingredients.
Step 4: Fold in the cereal
Quickly add the Golden Grahams cereal to the marshmallow mixture and gently fold it together. You want every piece to be evenly coated, but be careful not to crush the cereal while stirring.
Step 5: Mix in chocolate chips and reserved marshmallows
Let the mixture cool slightly for 1–2 minutes to avoid melting the chocolate too much. Then gently fold in the chocolate chips and reserved mini marshmallows. The result is pockets of gooey chocolate and soft marshmallow throughout the bars, adding extra texture and flavor.
Step 6: Press into the pan
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Use a piece of parchment paper or the back of a spatula to press it down evenly into the pan. Apply light pressure to compact the bars, but don’t press too hard or the texture will be too dense.
Step 7: Let them set
Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature for about 1 hour, or refrigerate for 30 minutes if you’re in a hurry. Once fully set, use a sharp knife to slice into squares or rectangles.
Quick and Easy
These bars are the ultimate quick-fix dessert. From start to finish, the entire process takes less than 20 minutes of active time. There’s no need to turn on the oven or use a mixer. One pot and one pan—that’s it. Cleanup is simple, and the results are consistently crowd-pleasing.
Customizable
You can easily customize this recipe to suit different tastes or dietary needs. Swap out the semi-sweet chocolate chips for dark or milk chocolate. If you want a dairy-free option, use vegan marshmallows and plant-based butter. You can even stir in extras like crushed nuts, coconut flakes, or chopped dried fruit for a twist.
I’ve even experimented with a drizzle of melted chocolate over the top or adding a layer of crushed cereal as a topping before pressing everything into the pan. Every variation has been a hit.
Popular With Many People
Golden Grahams S’Mores Bars are always a hit wherever I bring them. They have that universally loved flavor of s’mores in a form that’s easy to serve and eat. Kids love them. Adults sneak more than one piece. Whether it’s a holiday dessert tray, a casual family gathering, or a bake sale, these bars never last long.
PrintGolden Grahams S’Mores Bars
These no-bake Golden Grahams S’Mores Bars are a simple and irresistible treat that combines the nostalgic flavor of s’mores with the crunch of cereal. Made with just five pantry staples, these chewy, chocolatey bars come together quickly and are perfect for parties, lunchboxes, or whenever you need a quick dessert fix.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 10
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 16 1x
Ingredients
- 6 cups Golden Grahams cereal
- 1 package (10 oz) mini marshmallows, divided
- 1½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the pan:
Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease with butter to prevent sticking. Set aside. - Melt the butter and marshmallows:
In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter completely. Once melted, add 8 cups of the mini marshmallows (reserve 2 cups for later). Stir constantly until the marshmallows are smooth and fully melted. - Add vanilla:
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract until combined. - Combine with cereal:
Immediately fold the Golden Grahams cereal into the warm marshmallow mixture. Stir gently until the cereal is fully coated and evenly mixed. - Mix in chocolate and remaining marshmallows:
Allow the mixture to cool for 1–2 minutes. Add the semi-sweet chocolate chips and the remaining 2 cups of mini marshmallows. Stir gently to distribute without fully melting the chocolate. - Press into pan:
Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula or a piece of parchment paper to press it down evenly into the pan. Avoid pressing too firmly to maintain a light, chewy texture. - Cool and slice:
Let the bars cool at room temperature for 1 hour, or place in the fridge for 30 minutes to set faster. Once firm, lift the bars out using the parchment and slice into squares.
Notes
For a firmer texture, press more firmly into the pan.
Add-ins such as chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or crushed pretzels can be folded in with the cereal.
To prevent sticking while pressing, lightly grease your hands or the spatula.
FAQs
Can I make these Golden Grahams S’Mores Bars ahead of time?
Yes, absolutely. These bars can be made a day or two in advance. Just be sure to store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They hold their texture well and taste just as delicious the next day.
How do I keep the bars from sticking to the pan?
Lining your pan with parchment paper or lightly greasing it with butter or non-stick spray will prevent sticking. For easier removal, leave some parchment overhang so you can lift the entire block out before slicing.
Can I freeze Golden Grahams S’Mores Bars?
Yes, you can freeze them. Cut them into squares, wrap each bar in parchment or plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw at room temperature before serving. The texture may be slightly softer, but the flavor will remain intact.
What can I use instead of Golden Grahams cereal?
If you don’t have Golden Grahams, you can try using crushed graham crackers or a similar graham-flavored cereal. Just keep in mind the texture might vary slightly depending on what substitute you choose.
Do I have to use mini marshmallows, or can I use large ones?
Mini marshmallows melt more quickly and evenly, making them ideal. If you only have large marshmallows, you can cut them into smaller pieces before melting. Just ensure they’re fully melted before adding the cereal.
How long do the bars stay fresh?
These bars will stay fresh for up to 5 days if stored in an airtight container at room temperature. For best texture, avoid refrigerating unless you need to set them quickly.