If you closed your eyes and imagined everything you love about classic s’mores—gooey marshmallows, rich chocolate, crunchy graham crackers—all packed into a no-bake treat you can whip up in under 15 minutes… well friend, this recipe is that dream come true. It’s childhood nostalgia, kitchen simplicity, and dessert magic all rolled into one sweet little bar.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One summer, when the campfire plans got rained out and the kids were disappointed, I tossed together these bars in a pinch—and let me tell you, they totally saved the day! Now they’re a go-to favorite any time we’re craving something sweet without the fuss.
- No baking required—hello, summer lifesaver!
- Perfect blend of gooey, crunchy, and chocolatey
- Comes together in just 15 minutes
- Kid-friendly and crowd-pleasing for parties or snacks
- Easy to customize with your favorite add-ins
Ingredients Breakdown
Essentials
- 4 cups Golden Grahams cereal
- 1 (10 oz) bag mini marshmallows, divided
- 1 ½ cups milk chocolate chips or chopped milk chocolate
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Pro Tips
- Swap in semi-sweet or dark chocolate if you prefer less sweetness
- Use parchment paper in the pan to make cutting way easier
- Reserve a handful of chocolate chips and marshmallows to press on top before cooling—it looks extra fun and festive
- A pinch of flaky sea salt on top? Pure bliss.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Line an 8×8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a little overhang on the sides for easy removal. Lightly grease the parchment.
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium-low heat.
- Add ¾ of the mini marshmallows (about 7 cups), kosher salt, and vanilla extract. Stir constantly until fully melted and smooth.
- Remove from heat and stir in the Golden Grahams until evenly coated with the marshmallow mixture.
- Gently fold in the chocolate chips (they may melt slightly—that’s totally okay).
- Pour mixture into your prepared pan and gently press into an even layer using a spatula or clean hands (lightly greased if needed).
- While still warm, scatter the reserved marshmallows and chocolate chips on top and lightly press them in.
- Let bars cool for about 1 hour at room temperature before slicing into squares.
Chef’s Tips and Tricks
- Don’t press the bars down too firmly—you want that lovely s’mores fluffiness!
- Let them cool completely before cutting to keep those edges neat.
- Double the batch and use a 9×13-inch pan for parties or potlucks.
- Wrap leftovers individually in plastic wrap for the lunchbox or a grab-and-go treat.
Recipe Variations and Serving Suggestions
- Stir in peanut butter chips for a peanut butter cup twist
- Add chopped pretzels for a sweet-salty crunch
- Use dark chocolate chunks for a more grown-up flavor
- Drizzle with melted white chocolate or butterscotch for flair
- Serve bars slightly warmed with a scoop of vanilla ice cream—so dreamy!
FAQs
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes! They hold up beautifully for 3–4 days at room temp. Just keep them sealed in an airtight container.
Do I have to use Golden Grahams?
You don’t—though they really give that classic graham cracker taste. You can swap in crushed graham crackers or even a crispy rice cereal if needed.
Can these be made gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just use gluten-free graham-style cereal and double check your marshmallows and chocolate are GF-certified.
Recipe Card
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes (plus cooling)
Ingredients:
- 4 cups Golden Grahams cereal
- 1 (10 oz) bag mini marshmallows, divided
- 1 ½ cups milk chocolate chips
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment and grease lightly.
- Melt butter in a saucepan, then stir in marshmallows (reserve 1 cup), salt, and vanilla until smooth.
- Remove from heat; fold in cereal and chocolate chips.
- Transfer to pan and press gently into an even layer.
- Top with reserved chocolate and marshmallows. Cool for 1 hour before slicing.
Nutrition: ~180 calories per serving
If these no-bake s’mores bars bring a little sunshine to your kitchen, I’d love to hear about it! Leave a comment, snap a pic and tag me on Instagram @thekitchensaid, or share it with someone who could use a little sweet in their week!