Golden Grahams S’mores Bars Recipe

Golden Grahams S’mores Bars are the perfect no-bake treat that combines the iconic flavors of a classic campfire s’more with the irresistible crunch of Golden Grahams cereal. These delicious bars are made with marshmallows, chocolate, and the toasty sweetness of Golden Grahams, creating a delightful and nostalgic snack that’s easy to make. Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a quick dessert, or simply craving the flavors of s’mores, these bars are a fantastic option.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to make the best Golden Grahams S’mores Bars, from ingredients and step-by-step instructions to variations and helpful tips. Let’s get started!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Pan

1. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or nonstick cooking spray. Alternatively, you can line the pan with parchment paper, allowing some excess to hang over the sides for easy lifting later.

Step 2: Melt the Marshmallows and Butter

1. In a large saucepan, melt 5 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium-low heat.
2. Once the butter is melted, add 8 cups of mini marshmallows (reserve 2 cups for later) and stir continuously until the marshmallows are fully melted and smooth. This should take about 3-5 minutes.
3. Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. The vanilla enhances the sweetness and adds a rich depth of flavor.

Step 3: Add the Golden Grahams

1. Gently fold in 6 cups of Golden Grahams cereal using a wooden spoon or silicone spatula. Mix until the cereal is fully coated with the marshmallow mixture.

Step 4: Add Chocolate Chips and Marshmallows

1. While the mixture is still warm, fold in 1 1/2 cups of semisweet chocolate chips and the remaining 2 cups of mini marshmallows. The warmth will slightly melt the chocolate chips, creating gooey pockets of chocolate goodness, while the marshmallows will add extra chewiness.

Step 5: Press the Mixture into the Pan

1. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking pan. Use a sheet of wax paper or parchment paper to press the mixture firmly into an even layer. Be careful not to press too hard, as this can compact the bars and make them too dense.
2. Let the bars sit at room temperature for about 30-60 minutes to cool and set.

Step 6: Slice and Serve

1. Once the bars have set, use a sharp knife to cut them into squares or rectangles. You can make them as large or small as you’d like.
2. Serve and enjoy your delicious Golden Grahams S’mores Bars!

Tips for Perfect S’mores Bars

• Use Fresh Marshmallows: Fresh marshmallows melt more easily and give the bars a softer, gooier texture. If your marshmallows are old and dry, the bars might turn out tough.
• Work Quickly: Once the marshmallows and cereal are combined, work quickly to transfer the mixture to the pan and press it in before it cools and becomes too firm to spread.
• Avoid Over-Melting Chocolate Chips: When adding the chocolate chips, fold them in gently and avoid stirring too much to prevent them from fully melting. This way, you’ll get delightful chocolate chunks throughout the bars.
• Grease Your Hands or Spatula: If the marshmallow mixture is sticking to your hands or spatula while pressing it into the pan, lightly grease them with butter or cooking spray to make the process easier.
• Let the Bars Set Fully: Give the bars enough time to set at room temperature before slicing. This ensures they hold their shape and don’t crumble when cut.

S’mores Bars Variations

One of the best things about Golden Grahams S’mores Bars is how customizable they are. Here are a few fun variations you can try:

1. Peanut Butter S’mores Bars: Add 1/2 cup of peanut butter chips to the marshmallow mixture for a peanut butter and chocolate combo that’s always a hit.
2. Nutty S’mores Bars: Stir in 1/2 cup of chopped nuts like almonds, walnuts, or pecans for added crunch and flavor.
3. Extra Chocolatey S’mores Bars: Drizzle melted chocolate on top of the bars after they’ve been pressed into the pan. You can also mix in white chocolate chips for a fun twist.
4. Salted Caramel S’mores Bars: Drizzle the bars with salted caramel sauce before letting them set for a sweet and salty treat.
5. S’mores Bars with Candy: Incorporate chopped candy bars like Reese’s, Kit Kats, or M&Ms for extra indulgence.
6. Holiday-Themed S’mores Bars: Add seasonal sprinkles or colored marshmallows to give your bars a festive flair for holidays like Christmas, Halloween, or Easter.

How to Store Golden Grahams S’mores Bars

Room Temperature:

• Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps them soft and chewy without drying out.

Freezer:

• If you’d like to store them longer, you can freeze the bars for up to 3 months. Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• To enjoy, thaw the bars at room temperature for about an hour before eating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Golden Grahams S’mores Bars in advance?

Yes! These bars can be made a day or two in advance and stored in an airtight container. They are perfect for preparing ahead of time for parties or gatherings.

Can I use large marshmallows instead of mini marshmallows?

Absolutely! If you only have large marshmallows, simply chop them into smaller pieces so they melt evenly. Use about 40 large marshmallows to replace the 10 cups of mini marshmallows in this recipe.

What if I don’t have Golden Grahams cereal?

Golden Grahams cereal is key to giving these bars their classic s’mores flavor, but if you’re in a pinch, you can use Graham Cracker Crumbs or Cinnamon Toast Crunch as a substitute. Keep in mind that the flavor and texture will be slightly different.

Can I use marshmallow fluff instead of marshmallows?

Marshmallow fluff can be used in place of the marshmallows, but the bars might turn out slightly stickier and less firm. Use about 7 ounces of marshmallow fluff for a similar effect.

Conclusion

Golden Grahams S’mores Bars are a fun, no-bake treat that brings the nostalgic taste of s’mores to your kitchen in a simple and convenient form. With just a handful of ingredients and a few easy steps, you can whip up these delicious bars that are sure to be a hit at any gathering. Whether you stick with the classic recipe or try one of the exciting variations, Golden Grahams S’mores Bars are bound to become a family favorite.

The next time you’re craving something sweet and crunchy, give these s’mores bars a try — they’re the ultimate crowd-pleaser!

Yield: 16 Bars

Golden Grahams S’mores Bars Recipe

Print

Golden Grahams S'mores Bars are the perfect no-bake treat that combines the iconic flavors of a classic campfire s'more with the irresistible crunch of Golden Grahams cereal. These delicious bars are made with marshmallows, chocolate, and the toasty sweetness of Golden Grahams, creating a delightful and nostalgic snack that's easy to make. Whether you're hosting a party, looking for a quick dessert, or simply craving the flavors of s'mores, these bars are a fantastic option.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 5 minutes

Ingredients

• Main Ingredients:
• 7 cups Golden Grahams cereal
• 5 cups mini marshmallows (plus extra for topping)
• 1 1/2 cups milk chocolate chips (or broken chocolate bars)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup light corn syrup (optional, helps make the bars extra chewy)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pan:
   Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray, or line it with parchment paper for easier removal.
   
2. Melt the Marshmallows:
   In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, add 5 cups of mini marshmallows and stir continuously until they’re fully melted and smooth. Stir in the corn syrup and vanilla extract for extra chewiness (optional).
   
3. Add the Golden Grahams:
   Remove the pan from heat and immediately stir in the Golden Grahams cereal until they are evenly coated with the melted marshmallow mixture.
   
4. Add Chocolate:
   Quickly add the chocolate chips (or broken chocolate pieces) to the warm cereal mixture and gently fold them in. Some of the chocolate will melt slightly, creating a s'mores-like effect, while some will remain chunky.
   
5. Press the Mixture into the Pan:
   Transfer the mixture to the prepared 9x13-inch baking dish. Using a spatula (greased to prevent sticking), gently press the mixture into an even layer. Avoid pressing too hard, as you want the bars to remain soft and chewy.
   
6. Top with Extra Marshmallows and Chocolate:
   If desired, sprinkle a handful of mini marshmallows and additional chocolate chips on top of the bars. Press them lightly into the mixture.
   
7. Cool and Set:
   Let the bars cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or until they have set. You can also pop them in the refrigerator for quicker cooling.
   
8. Cut and Serve:
   Once set, cut the bars into squares and serve. Enjoy the delicious, gooey s’mores flavor in every bite!

Notes

• Storage: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Optional Add-Ins: You can add peanut butter, caramel bits, or crushed graham crackers for an extra twist.