There is something truly magical about indulging in a dessert that captures the cozy, nostalgic feeling of a campfire treat without stepping outside. This Indoor S’mores Bars Recipe brings all the gooey, chocolatey goodness and toasted marshmallow delight we adore in traditional s’mores, but it’s baked into luscious bars that are easy to share and enjoy anytime. Whether you’re craving a quick homemade dessert or planning a fun treat for friends and family, these bars offer the perfect blend of crunchy graham cracker crust, silky melted chocolate, and soft, golden marshmallows. Get ready to fall in love with this indoor twist on a classic campfire favorite!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the simplicity of these ingredients fool you; each one plays an essential role in building the perfect texture and flavor balance of these Indoor S’mores Bars Recipe. From the buttery graham cracker crust to the rich chocolate layer and the beautifully toasted marshmallows, every component contributes something special to this irresistible dessert.
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs: Provide that signature crumbly, slightly sweet base that holds everything together beautifully.
- 1/2 cup melted butter: Adds moisture and richness to the crust, helping it crisp up just right in the oven.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar: Brings a warm, caramel-like sweetness that enhances the graham cracker flavor.
- 1 pinch salt: Balances the sweetness and rounds out the overall flavor profile.
- 4 bars Hershey’s chocolate: The classic chocolate bars melt down to create a silky, luscious layer that s’mores are known for.
- 1 cup chocolate chips: Adds extra chocolate richness and helps keep the chocolate layer smooth when melted.
- 1/3 cup heavy cream: Makes the chocolate layer creamy and decadent, elevating the taste experience.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional): A small touch of vanilla deepens the flavor and brings warmth to the chocolate.
- 1 1/2 cups mini marshmallows: Tiny pockets of marshmallow fluff that melt and toast beautifully on top.
- 1/2 cup large marshmallows (cut in half or quarters): These larger marshmallows create a dramatic, golden toasted look and extra gooeyness.
How to Make Indoor S’mores Bars Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Prep the Pan
Start by setting your oven temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) so it’s ready when you need it. While the oven warms up, grease your baking pan lightly to ensure the bars don’t stick and lift out smoothly after baking. This small prep step makes cleanup a breeze and keeps your bars looking flawless.
Step 2: Create the Crust
In a bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs with melted butter, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt. This mixture forms the delightfully crunchy and slightly sweet base that’s key to the texture of your Indoor S’mores Bars Recipe. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. The firm press ensures each bar will hold its shape after baking and slicing.
Step 3: Bake the Crust
Pop the crust into the oven for about 10 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it takes on a light golden color and begins to smell toasty and warm. This step is essential because it helps the crust set and develop that satisfying crispness you expect in a s’mores treat.
Step 4: Make the Chocolate Layer
While the crust cools slightly, melt together the Hershey’s chocolate bars, chocolate chips, and heavy cream in a saucepan over low heat or in short bursts in the microwave. Stir frequently until you achieve a smooth, glossy chocolate mixture. If you’re using vanilla extract, stir it in now to bring a subtle aromatic warmth that elevates the whole dessert.
Step 5: Spread Chocolate and Add Marshmallows
Pour and spread the melted chocolate evenly over the cooled graham cracker crust. Then shower the top with mini marshmallows and the halved large marshmallows. This combination ensures a delightful mix of textures once baked, with gooey softness and that perfect toasted exterior.
Step 6: Bake Until Toasted
Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 5 to 7 minutes. Watch closely as the marshmallows transform from puffy white clouds into beautifully golden, lightly toasted bites. This final baking step is where the magic happens, creating the unmistakable finish that makes these Indoor S’mores Bars Recipe truly irresistible.
Step 7: Cool and Slice
Allow your bars to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing into squares. This patience pays off by letting the chocolate firm up just enough, so your bars cut cleanly without crumbling or sticking together. Now they’re ready to be enjoyed!
How to Serve Indoor S’mores Bars Recipe
Garnishes
Although these bars are standouts on their own, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted caramel sauce can add an extra layer of sweetness and visual appeal. For a festive touch, sprinkle a few crushed graham crackers or extra mini marshmallows on top before serving.
Side Dishes
Pair these bars with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a dreamy dessert experience. A cold glass of milk or a cup of hot coffee or cocoa also beautifully complements the rich, sweet flavors and balances the indulgence perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Serving these Indoor S’mores Bars Recipe on a rustic wooden tray or a colorful platter adds charm, especially when entertaining guests. You can also cut them into bite-sized squares and serve with mini skewers for an easy-to-grab, party-friendly dessert option. For kids’ birthdays or casual gatherings, wrapping each square in parchment paper makes them portable and mess-free.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These s’mores bars hold up really well when stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Keeping them out of the fridge helps preserve the crust’s crunch and the marshmallow’s softness, so every bite stays as delightful as the first.
Freezing
If you want to make a big batch ahead of time, these bars freeze beautifully. Wrap individual squares or the entire pan tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, just thaw at room temperature for a few hours and indulge!
Reheating
For that fresh-out-of-the-oven gooeyness, warm the bars in a microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or pop them in a low oven (around 300°F/150°C) for 5 minutes. Be careful not to overheat, or the marshmallows can become too tough or dry. Just a little warmth brings back that melty, irresistible texture.
FAQs
Can I use different types of chocolate for this recipe?
Absolutely! While Hershey’s chocolate bars and chips work perfectly here, feel free to experiment with milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate for a fun twist. Just make sure the chocolate you choose melts smoothly with the cream.
What if I don’t have mini marshmallows? Can I just use large ones?
You can substitute all mini marshmallows with large marshmallows, but you may want to cut them into smaller pieces so they toast evenly during baking. The mix of sizes adds great texture but it’s not mandatory.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The graham cracker crumbs typically contain gluten, so to make this gluten-free, use gluten-free graham crackers or an alternative gluten-free crumb base. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Can I make these bars vegan?
With a few substitutions like vegan butter, dairy-free cream, and a dairy-free chocolate of your choice, you can create a vegan version of this Indoor S’mores Bars Recipe. Just make sure your marshmallows are vegan-friendly as well.
How do I keep the marshmallows from burning?
Keep a close eye on the last baking step because marshmallows can go from perfectly toasted to burnt quickly. Baking for 5 to 7 minutes usually does the trick; remove them as soon as they have a golden brown color for the best results.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something special about bringing the magic of s’mores indoors, and this Indoor S’mores Bars Recipe does it with such charm and ease. It’s a fun, comforting treat that will have everyone asking for seconds and wanting to make it a regular feature in your dessert rotation. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and whip up a batch to brighten your day — these bars are sure to become a beloved favorite in your home too!
Print
Indoor S’mores Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 16 minutes
- Total Time: 31 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Enjoy a delicious twist on classic campfire s’mores with these Indoor S’mores Bars. Featuring a crispy graham cracker crust, rich melted chocolate, and a marshmallow topping baked to golden perfection, this easy recipe brings the nostalgic flavors of s’mores right into your oven for a gooey, indulgent treat perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Crust
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 pinch salt
Chocolate Layer
- 4 bars Hershey’s chocolate
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
Marshmallow Topping
- 1 1/2 cups mini marshmallows
- 1/2 cup large marshmallows (cut in half or quarters)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the crust.
- Prepare Crust Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of graham cracker crumbs, 1/2 cup melted butter, 1/4 cup brown sugar, and a pinch of salt. Mix until well combined. Press this mixture evenly into a greased baking pan to form the crust base.
- Bake Crust: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes or until it turns lightly golden and sets firmly.
- Melt Chocolate: In a saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, gently melt the 4 bars of Hershey’s chocolate, 1 cup chocolate chips, and 1/3 cup heavy cream together until smooth. Stir in 1 tsp vanilla extract if using to enhance flavor.
- Assemble Bars: Spread the melted chocolate mixture evenly over the cooled crust. Then, top the chocolate layer with 1 1/2 cups mini marshmallows and 1/2 cup halved large marshmallows.
- Bake with Marshmallows: Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 5 to 7 minutes, or until the marshmallows become golden brown and slightly puffed.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the s’mores bars to cool completely to set. Once cooled, slice into approximately 12 squares and serve.
Notes
- You can substitute chocolate chips with any preferred type of chocolate for a different flavor.
- For a deeper chocolate flavor, consider using semi-sweet or dark chocolate bars.
- Allowing the bars to cool completely ensures they hold their shape well when sliced.
- Use a greased or parchment-lined baking pan to easily remove and serve the bars.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
