Smores Crack Bars: The Ultimate No-Bake Dessert Recipe

S’mores crack bars: Prepare to meet your new favorite dessert! Imagine the gooey, chocolatey, marshmallowy goodness of a campfire s’more, but amplified and transformed into an addictively delicious bar. These aren’t just any dessert bars; they’re a symphony of textures and flavors that will have everyone begging for the recipe.

While the classic s’more has its roots in early 20th-century American camping culture, the concept of combining graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallows has evolved into countless variations. This s’mores crack bars recipe takes that beloved combination to a whole new level of indulgence. The “crack” element comes from the irresistible, almost addictive quality of the bars – once you start, it’s nearly impossible to stop!

What makes these bars so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of textures: the crisp graham cracker base, the melted chocolate, and the soft, gooey marshmallows. The taste is pure nostalgia, evoking memories of campfires and summer nights. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal effort and readily available ingredients. Whether you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing dessert for a party or a simple treat to satisfy your sweet tooth, these s’mores crack bars are guaranteed to be a hit. Get ready to experience a dessert that’s both comforting and utterly decadent!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 12 full graham crackers)
• 1 1/2 cups milk chocolate chips
• 1 1/2 cups mini marshmallows
• 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (for drizzling, optional)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for drizzling, optional)

Preparing the Graham Cracker Base:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial for even baking. Make sure your oven is properly calibrated for the best results.
2. Prepare your baking pan. I like to use a 9×13 inch baking pan. Line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. This will make it super easy to lift the bars out later, and trust me, you’ll thank me for this tip! The parchment paper also prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
3. Cream together the butter and sugars. In a large bowl, or the bowl of your stand mixer, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. The mixture should be pale and airy. This step is important because it incorporates air into the batter, which helps to create a tender crumb. Make sure your butter is truly softened, but not melted. Melted butter will result in a greasy and flat bar.
4. Add the eggs and vanilla. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Make sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. The vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor of the bars, so don’t skip it!
5. Combine the dry ingredients. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Whisking ensures that the baking soda and salt are evenly distributed throughout the flour, which is important for proper leavening and flavor.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in two or three additions, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can develop the gluten in the flour and result in tough bars.
7. Stir in the graham cracker crumbs. Gently fold in the graham cracker crumbs until evenly distributed throughout the batter. The graham cracker crumbs add a delicious graham cracker flavor and a slightly sandy texture to the base of the bars.
8. Press the dough into the prepared pan. Press the graham cracker mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. I find it easiest to use my fingers or the back of a spoon to press the dough firmly and evenly into the pan. Make sure the dough is packed tightly to create a solid base for the toppings.

Adding the S’mores Goodness:

1. Sprinkle with chocolate chips. Sprinkle the milk chocolate chips evenly over the graham cracker base. Make sure to cover the entire surface of the base with chocolate chips for maximum chocolatey goodness.
2. Top with marshmallows. Sprinkle the mini marshmallows evenly over the chocolate chips. Again, make sure to cover the entire surface with marshmallows.

Baking and Finishing Touches:

1. Bake in the preheated oven. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the marshmallows are golden brown and the edges of the bars are lightly browned. Keep a close eye on the bars while they are baking, as the marshmallows can burn easily.
2. Let cool completely. Remove the bars from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan before cutting. This is important because the bars will continue to set as they cool. If you try to cut them while they are still warm, they will be messy and difficult to handle.
3. Optional: Drizzle with melted chocolate. If desired, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips with the vegetable oil in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the cooled bars. The vegetable oil helps to thin the chocolate and makes it easier to drizzle.
4. Cut into bars. Once the bars are completely cool, lift them out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Cut into bars using a sharp knife. I like to cut them into squares, but you can cut them into any shape you like.
5. Enjoy! These S’mores Crack Bars are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Tips for Success:

• Use softened butter. Softened butter is essential for creating a light and fluffy batter. If your butter is too cold, it will be difficult to cream with the sugars. If your butter is melted, the bars will be greasy and flat.
• Don’t overmix the batter. Overmixing the batter can develop the gluten in the flour and result in tough bars. Mix until just combined.
• Press the dough firmly into the pan. This will create a solid base for the toppings.
• Keep a close eye on the bars while they are baking. The marshmallows can burn easily, so keep a close eye on them and remove the bars from the oven when they are golden brown.
• Let the bars cool completely before cutting. This will allow them to set properly and prevent them from being messy.
• Customize your bars! Feel free to add other toppings, such as chopped nuts, pretzels, or sprinkles. You can also use different types of chocolate chips, such as dark chocolate or white chocolate.

Variations:

• Peanut Butter S’mores Crack Bars: Add 1/2 cup of peanut butter to the batter along with the butter and sugars.
• Salted Caramel S’mores Crack Bars: Drizzle the cooled bars with salted caramel sauce.
• Dark Chocolate S’mores Crack Bars: Use dark chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate chips.

Conclusion:

And there you have it! These S’mores Crack Bars are truly irresistible, and I’m confident they’ll become a new favorite in your household. Why are they a must-try? Because they perfectly capture the nostalgic flavors of campfire s’mores in a convenient, shareable, and utterly addictive bar form. The combination of the buttery, salty cracker base, the gooey marshmallow center, and the rich chocolate topping is simply divine. It’s a symphony of textures and tastes that will have everyone reaching for seconds (and maybe even thirds!).

But beyond the incredible flavor, these bars are also incredibly easy to make. Seriously, the recipe is so straightforward that even a novice baker can whip up a batch in no time. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a dessert that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum satisfaction? That’s the beauty of these S’mores Crack Bars. They’re the perfect treat for potlucks, bake sales, or simply a cozy night in with your loved ones.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

While these bars are amazing as is, there’s always room for a little creativity! Here are a few ideas to take your S’mores Crack Bars to the next level:

* Ice Cream Topping: Warm a bar slightly and top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra decadent dessert. A drizzle of hot fudge sauce wouldn’t hurt either!
* Nutty Delight: Sprinkle chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds over the melted chocolate before it sets for added crunch and flavor.
* Peanut Butter Swirl: Swirl a spoonful of peanut butter into the melted chocolate for a Reese’s-inspired twist.
* Espresso Kick: Add a teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the melted chocolate for a mocha flavor.
* Seasonal Sprinkles: Decorate the bars with festive sprinkles for holidays or special occasions. Think red and green for Christmas, pastel colors for Easter, or orange and black for Halloween.
* Different Chocolate: Experiment with different types of chocolate! Try dark chocolate for a richer flavor, or white chocolate for a sweeter treat. You could even use a combination of milk, dark, and white chocolate for a visually stunning and delicious result.
* Caramel Drizzle: A drizzle of salted caramel sauce over the finished bars adds a touch of sophistication and enhances the sweetness.
* Mini Marshmallows: Instead of large marshmallows, use mini marshmallows for a more even distribution throughout the bars.

These are just a few ideas to get you started. Feel free to experiment and create your own unique variations! The possibilities are endless.

Time to Get Baking!

I truly believe that everyone should experience the joy of these S’mores Crack Bars. They’re the perfect combination of sweet, salty, and gooey, and they’re guaranteed to put a smile on your face. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake up a batch of these addictive treats.

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe! Once you do, I’d love to hear about your experience. Did you make any variations? What did your family and friends think? Share your photos and stories in the comments below! Let’s spread the love for these incredible S’mores Crack Bars and inspire others to give them a try. Happy baking!