Golden Grahams S’mores Bars Recipe | Easy No-Bake Treat
I recently made these delightful Golden Grahams S’mores Bars Recipe, and I have to tell you—my kitchen has never smelled so good, and my sweet tooth has never been so satisfied. Imagine a perfect mix of crunchy cereal, melted chocolate, and gooey marshmallows in one heavenly bite—it’s everything you love about classic s’mores but without the campfire hassle.
I whipped up a batch for a small get-together with friends, and they disappeared faster than I expected. Now, I can’t wait to share how easy and fun these are to make so you can enjoy them, too. If you love sweet and slightly spicy flavors, you can also try the Hot Honey Glazed Chicken Recipe for something completely different yet equally delicious.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to make these bars, along with a few pro tips to help you get the best results:
- 1 bag (10.5 oz) miniature marshmallows (about 5½ cups) – using mini marshmallows ensures they melt quickly and coat evenly instead of clumping together.
- 1½ cups milk chocolate chips (about 9 oz) – these melt smoothly while keeping a slightly firm bite for that signature s’mores texture.
- 5 tablespoons butter – adds richness and helps the chocolate-marshmallow mixture bind to the cereal.
- ¼ cup light corn syrup – creates that perfect chewy, slightly sticky consistency without being hard or brittle.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – enhances the sweetness and brings out the chocolate’s flavor.
- 1 box (13 oz) of Golden Grahams cereal (about 8 cups) – gives that graham cracker crunch and nostalgic s’mores taste.
Note: Serves approximately 12–16 bars.
Variations
Want to switch things up? Try these fun variations to make the recipe your own:
- Dairy-free: Use dairy-free chocolate chips and plant-based butter. Also, double-check that your marshmallows are vegan-friendly.
- Sugar-reduced: Replace milk chocolate with dark chocolate (at least 70% cocoa) and use a reduced-sugar cereal if available.
- Extra flavor: Stir in toasted coconut flakes, chopped nuts (like pecans or almonds), or crushed pretzels for a sweet-salty twist.
- Different chocolates: White chocolate, caramel chips, or peanut butter chips all give a unique flavor boost.
If you enjoy experimenting with sauces and marinades for your savory dishes, you might also love the Hot Honey Chicken Marinade Recipe—it’s the perfect balance of heat and sweetness, much like the flavor contrast in these bars.
Cooking Time
Here’s a quick breakdown so you can plan your dessert time easily:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour (mostly cooling time)
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Equipment You Need
You don’t need much to make this dessert — just the basics:
- Large saucepan: To melt the butter, marshmallows, syrup, and chocolate together.
- 13 × 9-inch baking pan: For shaping and setting the bars.
- Spatula or buttered spoon: To stir and press the mixture evenly into the pan.
- Measuring cups & spoons: Ensures accuracy for the perfect texture.
- Parchment paper (optional): Makes lifting the bars out of the pan much easier.
How to Make Golden Grahams S’mores Bars
Prep the marshmallow and chocolate mixture
Start by greasing your baking pan or lining it with parchment paper. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Add the chocolate chips, corn syrup, and all but one cup of the mini marshmallows. Stir slowly until everything is smooth and fully combined. Remove the pan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract for an extra layer of flavor.
Mix in cereal and remaining marshmallows
Pour the Golden Grahams cereal into the saucepan and gently stir until every piece is coated with the chocolate-marshmallow mixture. Then, fold in the reserved cup of mini marshmallows for an extra gooey and chunky texture that resembles roasted s’mores.
Press into the pan and let it set
Transfer the mixture into your prepared pan and press it down evenly using a buttered spoon or lightly wet hands to prevent sticking. Allow the bars to cool at room temperature for at least an hour, or until they’re completely firm. Once set, cut into squares or rectangles and serve.
Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better
From my own kitchen experience, here are a few tips to help you make the best Golden Grahams S’mores Bars possible:
- I always butter my hands or spatula before pressing the mixture—it prevents sticking and keeps the surface smooth.
- Let the bars cool completely before cutting for cleaner, neater slices.
- If you prefer firmer bars, refrigerate them for 20–30 minutes after cooling at room temperature.
- For a stronger s’mores flavor, try toasting a handful of marshmallows under the broiler and folding them in right before pressing into the pan.
- I like to save a little extra cereal to sprinkle on top before cooling—it adds crunch and makes the bars look more rustic and inviting.
How to Serve Golden Grahams S’mores Bars
I love cutting these bars into large, chunky squares and stacking them on a serving plate lined with parchment for a cozy, homemade look. For parties, drizzle some melted chocolate on top and sprinkle crushed graham cereal for extra visual appeal.
You can also serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or topped with whipped cream for a decadent dessert. If you’re serving at a picnic or gathering, wrap individual bars in parchment or wax paper for a cute, grab-and-go presentation.
Nutritional Information
Each bar is a sweet treat, but here’s an approximate breakdown so you know what you’re indulging in:
- Calories: 267 kcal
- Protein: 2.7 g
- Carbohydrates: 46.9 g
- Fat: 9.3 g
Make Ahead and Storage
Storage at Room Temperature
Keep the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They’ll stay chewy and crunchy without getting soggy.
Refrigerating or Freezing
Refrigerate for up to 1 week in a sealed container. For longer storage, wrap each bar in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 1 month.
Restoring and Reheating
If the bars are too firm after chilling or freezing, let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes, or microwave for 10–15 seconds to bring back that gooey, marshmallowy texture.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These bars are the ultimate quick dessert, and here’s why they’ve become one of my all-time favorites:
- Effortlessly easy: Just melt, mix, and press—no baking required, no stress involved.
- Perfect texture combo: Crunchy, chewy, and gooey in every single bite.
- Crowd-pleasing treat: Great for picnics, parties, or after-school snacks that everyone loves.
- Customizable: You can tweak the ingredients to make them dairy-free, gluten-free, or even extra indulgent with caramel or nuts.
- Nostalgic flavor: Tastes just like a campfire s’more—without the smoke, mess, or hassle!
If you decide to make these Golden Grahams S’mores Bars, be prepared for how addictive they can be. They’ve become a go-to dessert in my home because they’re simple, satisfying, and always bring a smile to everyone’s face. Give them a try—you’ll fall in love at the very first bite!
Golden Grahams S’mores Bars Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Start by greasing your baking pan or lining it with parchment paper. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Add the chocolate chips, corn syrup, and all but one cup of the mini marshmallows. Stir slowly until everything is smooth and fully combined. Remove the pan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract for an extra layer of flavor.
- Pour the Golden Grahams cereal into the saucepan and gently stir until every piece is coated with the chocolate-marshmallow mixture. Then, fold in the reserved cup of mini marshmallows for an extra gooey and chunky texture that resembles roasted s’mores.
- Transfer the mixture into your prepared pan and press it down evenly using a buttered spoon or lightly wet hands to prevent sticking. Allow the bars to cool at room temperature for at least an hour, or until they’re completely firm. Once set, cut into squares or rectangles and serve.
Notes
- I always butter my hands or spatula before pressing the mixture—it prevents sticking and keeps the surface smooth.
- Let the bars cool completely before cutting for cleaner, neater slices.
- If you prefer firmer bars, refrigerate them for 20–30 minutes after cooling at room temperature.
- For a stronger s’mores flavor, try toasting a handful of marshmallows under the broiler and folding them in right before pressing into the pan.
- I like to save a little extra cereal to sprinkle on top before cooling—it adds crunch and makes the bars look more rustic and inviting