Hey y'all! If you're craving a classic campfire treat without the hassle, these golden grahams s'mores bars are going to be your new guilty pleasure. They're packed with gooey marshmallows, sweet chocolate, and crunchy Golden Grahams cereal—perfect for parties, weekend snacks, or anytime you need a quick, crowd-pleasing dessert. They're super easy to make with just a few ingredients and no baking required. Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This
- No baking required—just melt, mix, and chill!
- Iridescent layers combine chocolate, marshmallow, and crispy cereal for the ultimate s'mores flavor.
- Perfect for potlucks, gatherings, or make-ahead treats.
- Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal cleanup.
- Great for kids to help out in the kitchen.
Ingredients
- 5 cups Golden Grahams cereal
- 4 cups miniature marshmallows, divided
- 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- ¼ cup light corn syrup
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
Directions
Step 1: Prep Your Pan
Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Melt the Chocolate Mixture
In a large pot over medium-low heat, melt the butter, corn syrup, and salt. Add 2 cups of the marshmallows and all the chocolate chips. Stir constantly until the mixture is melted, smooth, and glossy.
Step 3: Mix In Cereal & Marshmallows
Remove the pot from heat. Add vanilla extract, then stir in the Golden Grahams cereal and remaining 2 cups of marshmallows. Gently fold until everything is evenly coated and the marshmallows are slightly melty but still visible.
Step 4: Press Into Pan
Transfer the mixture into your prepared pan. Using a greased spatula, press it down gently and evenly without packing it too tightly.
Step 5: Cool & Slice
Let the bars set at room temperature for about 1 hour, or chill in the fridge for 30 minutes until firm. Cut into squares and enjoy!
Notes
- Use parchment for easier bar removal and cleaner slicing.
- Don't overmix—gently folding keeps the bars light and airy.
- For extra gooeyness, reserve a handful of chocolate chips and marshmallows to sprinkle on top after pressing.
Variations
- Peanut Butter Twist: Add ½ cup creamy peanut butter when melting the butter for a nutty layer.
- Double Chocolate: Use chocolate-flavored cereal in place of Golden Grahams for a richer chocolate taste.
- Oven-Baked Crunch: Bake the pressed bars at 350°F (175°C) for 7-8 minutes to toast the top.
Required Equipment
- Large saucepan or pot
- 9x13-inch baking pan
- Mixing spoon or spatula
- Parchment paper (optional, for easier cleanup)
Storage Instructions
Store golden grahams s'mores bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. For longer storage, wrap bars individually and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before eating.
Suggested Pairings & Serving Recommendations
- Serve with a cold glass of milk for a nostalgic treat.
- Pair with hot chocolate or coffee for cozy evenings.
- Pack for picnics or party dessert tables—no plates required!
Pro Tips
- Lightly wet or grease your hands to press the mixture into the pan without sticking.
- For super-clean slices, chill bars before cutting and use a sharp, greased knife.
- Let the chocolate mixture cool for 1-2 minutes before adding the cereal to prevent sogginess.
FAQ
- Can I use large marshmallows instead of mini?
- Yes! Simply chop large marshmallows into smaller pieces before melting and mixing in.
- Are golden grahams s'mores bars gluten-free?
- No, Golden Grahams cereal contains gluten, but you can swap for a certified gluten-free graham cereal if needed.
- Can these be made ahead of time?
- Absolutely—these bars stay fresh for several days and can be made up to 2 days before serving.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Yields: 16 bars
Ingredients
- 5 cups Golden Grahams cereal
- 4 cups miniature marshmallows, divided
- 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- ¼ cup light corn syrup
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
Instructions
-
1Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
-
2In a large pot over medium-low heat, melt the butter, corn syrup, and salt. Add 2 cups of the marshmallows and all the chocolate chips. Stir constantly until the mixture is melted, smooth, and glossy.
-
3Remove the pot from heat. Add vanilla extract, then stir in the Golden Grahams cereal and remaining 2 cups of marshmallows. Gently fold until everything is evenly coated and the marshmallows are slightly melty but still visible.
-
4Transfer the mixture into your prepared pan. Using a greased spatula, press it down gently and evenly without packing it too tightly.
-
5Let the bars set at room temperature for about 1 hour, or chill in the fridge for 30 minutes until firm. Cut into squares and enjoy!
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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