There’s something about s’mores that always brings back sweet childhood memories. The crackle of the fire, the sticky marshmallows, and the rich chocolate melting between graham crackers—those flavors are timeless. So, when I wanted to bring that same nostalgic flavor into my kitchen, I knew these S’mores Seven Layer Bars were the answer. They’re a perfect blend of gooey, crunchy, creamy, and sweet, all in one easy-to-make dessert bar. These bars capture all the campfire magic in a convenient, oven-baked treat.
Why will you love this recipe? For one, it’s pure comfort food. Each bite is packed with chocolate chips, toasted marshmallows, graham cracker crumbs, and sweetened condensed milk, layered beautifully for a chewy, golden finish. They’re simple to make, full of texture, and deliver that irresistible s’mores flavor in every bite. You don’t need a fire pit, and you definitely don’t need fancy ingredients.
Another reason I love making these bars is how versatile they are. Hosting a party? These bars are always a hit on dessert tables. Want to treat your kids after school? They’ll beg you to make them again. Need something for the holidays or potlucks? Done. You can even play around with the ingredients—add peanut butter chips, use dark chocolate instead of milk, or swap out the crust for crushed cookies. These bars give you freedom to make them your own.
Plus, they’re affordable. Every ingredient is pantry-friendly and budget-conscious. Graham crackers, marshmallows, chocolate chips, and a can of condensed milk—there’s a good chance you already have these on hand. And even better, the batch size is generous enough to feed a crowd or keep some tucked away for later.
Ingredients for the Recipe:
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1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
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1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
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1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
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1 cup milk chocolate chips
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1 cup mini marshmallows
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1 cup sweetened shredded coconut (optional)
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1 cup crushed graham crackers or cookie pieces
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1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
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1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional, use walnuts or pecans)
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Pinch of sea salt (optional, for balance)
How to Prepare S’mores Seven Layer Bars
Making S’mores Seven Layer Bars is one of the easiest and most satisfying baking projects I’ve done. The layers come together effortlessly, and within minutes your kitchen starts smelling like a bakery. I always love how low-effort this recipe is, yet the result feels indulgent and homemade. Let’s walk through every step so you can make a perfect batch every time.
How to Prepare This Recipe
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it with butter or non-stick spray. This makes removing the bars much easier after baking.
2. Create the Graham Cracker Crust:
In a medium mixing bowl, combine 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs and ½ cup melted unsalted butter. Mix until the texture resembles wet sand. Pour the mixture into your prepared pan and press it down evenly to form a firm crust. This is your solid base layer.
3. Add Chocolate Chips:
Sprinkle 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips and 1 cup of milk chocolate chips evenly over the crust. If you like a richer chocolate taste, you can use only semi-sweet or even dark chocolate. This is the start of the gooey chocolate layers.
4. Sprinkle the Marshmallows:
Next, scatter 1 cup of mini marshmallows over the chocolate. Don’t worry if they shift a bit as they melt; they’ll caramelize beautifully and give you that toasty flavor s’mores are known for.
5. Add Optional Layers:
If you’re using shredded coconut or chopped nuts, now’s the time to sprinkle them over the marshmallows. The coconut adds a chewy, tropical twist, while nuts give a crunchy contrast. Both are completely optional and customizable to your taste.
6. Add Extra Texture with Crushed Graham Crackers:
Sprinkle 1 cup of crushed graham crackers (or substitute with cookie crumbs like digestive biscuits) over everything to add more s’mores flavor and texture.
7. Pour the Sweetened Condensed Milk:
Evenly pour the full can (14 ounces) of sweetened condensed milk over the entire surface. It helps bind everything together and creates a sticky, sweet finish once baked.
8. Add a Touch of Sea Salt (Optional):
If you want a flavor boost, lightly sprinkle a pinch of sea salt across the top before baking. It brings out the sweetness and balances the richness.
9. Bake:
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is bubbling slightly. The top should be toasty, especially around the marshmallows.
10. Cool and Slice:
Let the bars cool completely in the pan—this is important. If you try to cut them while they’re still warm, they may fall apart. Once cooled, lift the bars out using the parchment paper and cut into squares or rectangles.
Quick and Easy
This recipe comes together in under 10 minutes of hands-on time, making it ideal for last-minute baking or spontaneous dessert cravings. There’s no need for an electric mixer or any fancy equipment. It’s all about layering and baking—it’s that simple.
Customizable
Don’t hesitate to make this recipe your own. Here are a few fun ways to switch it up:
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Use peanut butter chips or white chocolate instead of semi-sweet.
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Swap the graham cracker crust for chocolate graham crackers or even crushed Oreos.
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Add chopped dried fruit like cherries or cranberries for a twist.
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Make it nut-free or coconut-free depending on your preferences.
Popular with Many People
I’ve served these at birthday parties, office potlucks, family barbecues, and bake sales—they’re always one of the first desserts to disappear. Everyone loves the nostalgic flavor, and they’re easy to grab and eat. If you’re looking for something guaranteed to please a crowd, these bars never fail.
PrintS’mores Seven Layer Bars – A Kitchen Addiction
These S’mores Seven Layer Bars are a chewy, gooey, oven-baked twist on the classic campfire treat. With layers of graham cracker crust, melty chocolate, toasty marshmallows, and sweet condensed milk, this crowd-pleasing dessert is quick to prepare and always a favorite at gatherings. Customizable, affordable, and easy to bake, it’s perfect for potlucks, parties, or a cozy night in.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 30
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 1x
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup milk chocolate chips
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut (optional)
- 1 cup crushed graham crackers or cookie crumbs
- 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- Pinch of sea salt (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter until well combined. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.
- Evenly sprinkle semi-sweet and milk chocolate chips over the crust.
- Distribute the mini marshmallows across the chocolate chips.
- Add shredded coconut and chopped nuts if using.
- Sprinkle the crushed graham crackers or cookie crumbs across the top.
- Pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over all the layers, ensuring full coverage.
- Add a light pinch of sea salt if desired.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden and the edges are bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate if your kitchen is warm.
Notes
For a firmer crust, press down with the bottom of a flat measuring cup.
Use chocolate graham crackers or Oreos for a richer base variation.
To avoid sticking, use parchment paper for easy lifting.
Let bars cool fully before slicing to ensure clean cuts.
These bars freeze well—wrap tightly and store for up to 2 months.
FAQs
Can I make S’mores Seven Layer Bars ahead of time?
Yes, absolutely. These bars store very well and can be made up to 2–3 days in advance. Once cooled, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature. If your kitchen is very warm, store them in the refrigerator to keep the chocolate from melting.
Can I freeze these bars?
Yes, you can freeze S’mores Seven Layer Bars for up to 2 months. After they’ve completely cooled, cut them into squares and wrap each piece in parchment paper or plastic wrap. Place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. When ready to eat, let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
What can I use instead of graham crackers?
If graham crackers aren’t available, you can use digestive biscuits, vanilla wafers, or any mild-flavored cookie that can be crushed into crumbs. For a richer base, try chocolate graham crackers or even shortbread.
Can I omit the coconut and nuts?
Yes, both the shredded coconut and nuts are completely optional. They add texture, but the bars will still turn out perfectly without them. If you’re making these for a group, omitting the nuts is a good way to ensure they’re allergy-friendly.
Why do the bars need to cool before cutting?
Allowing the bars to cool completely helps the layers set. When warm, the chocolate and condensed milk are too gooey to cut cleanly. Cooling also allows the flavors to meld, making the bars taste even better.
What if I don’t have sweetened condensed milk?
Sweetened condensed milk is essential for binding all the layers together. There is no direct substitute that performs exactly the same, so make sure to use it for the best results. You can use low-fat versions if needed.
Can I use turkey bacon or chicken ham in this recipe?
This recipe does not contain bacon or ham, so no substitutions are needed here. However, for future reference, turkey bacon or chicken ham can always be used in place of traditional options in savory recipes.