Golden Grahams Smores Bars: Easy Recipe & Delicious Twists

Golden Grahams Smores Bars: Remember those carefree summer nights gathered around a crackling campfire, faces illuminated by the flickering flames, and the irresistible aroma of melting marshmallows and chocolate filling the air? Now, imagine capturing that nostalgic magic in a no-bake dessert that’s ready in minutes! These aren’t your average s’mores; we’re taking the classic campfire treat to a whole new level of deliciousness with a shortcut that’s perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings.

S’mores, a quintessential American treat, have been warming hearts and satisfying sweet cravings for nearly a century. While their exact origins are debated, the first known recipe appeared in a Girl Scout guidebook in the 1920s, quickly solidifying their place in American culinary tradition. The combination of crunchy graham crackers, gooey marshmallows, and rich chocolate is simply irresistible, a symphony of textures and flavors that evokes feelings of warmth, comfort, and pure joy.

What makes these Golden Grahams Smores Bars so special? They offer all the beloved flavors of traditional s’mores without the need for a campfire or even an oven! The secret ingredient? Golden Grahams cereal! These bars are incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and effort. The crunchy cereal base provides a delightful contrast to the soft, melted marshmallows and decadent chocolate topping. People adore this dish because it’s quick, convenient, and utterly delicious – a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for kids and adults alike. Get ready to experience s’mores in a whole new, incredibly addictive way!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 10 tablespoons (1 1/4 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 6 cups Golden Grahams cereal
• 1 (10.5 ounce) bag mini marshmallows
• 1 (11.5 ounce) bag milk chocolate chips
• Optional: Coarse sea salt, for sprinkling

Preparing the Golden Grahams Mixture:

1. Melt the Butter: In a large, microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter. I usually do this in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, to prevent it from splattering everywhere. You can also melt it in a saucepan over low heat if you prefer.
2. Combine Sugars and Vanilla: Once the butter is melted, add the packed light brown sugar and granulated sugar to the bowl. Stir well until the sugars are fully incorporated into the melted butter. The mixture should be smooth and creamy.
3. Add Vanilla and Salt: Stir in the vanilla extract and salt. The vanilla enhances the overall flavor, and the salt balances the sweetness. Don’t skip the salt – it really makes a difference!
4. Combine with Golden Grahams: Now, pour the Golden Grahams cereal into the bowl with the butter and sugar mixture. Gently fold the cereal into the mixture until it’s evenly coated. Be careful not to crush the cereal too much; you want to keep those squares intact. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect texture in your bars.

Melting the Marshmallows:

1. Prepare the Marshmallows: In a separate large, microwave-safe bowl, pour in the mini marshmallows. It’s important to use a bowl that’s large enough because the marshmallows will puff up quite a bit when heated.
2. Microwave the Marshmallows: Microwave the marshmallows on high for 1 to 1 1/2 minutes, or until they are puffed up and slightly melted. Keep a close eye on them, as they can burn quickly. The timing will depend on your microwave, so start with 1 minute and add 30-second intervals as needed.
3. Stir the Marshmallows: Once the marshmallows are melted, remove the bowl from the microwave and stir them until they are smooth and creamy. They should be easy to stir and have a slightly sticky consistency.

Combining and Assembling the Bars:

1. Combine Marshmallows and Cereal Mixture: Pour the melted marshmallows over the Golden Grahams mixture. Gently fold the marshmallows into the cereal until everything is evenly coated. This is where things get a little sticky, but don’t worry – it’s all part of the fun! Make sure the marshmallows are distributed throughout the cereal so that every bite is gooey and delicious.
2. Add Chocolate Chips: Add the milk chocolate chips to the mixture. Gently fold them in until they are evenly distributed. Some of the chocolate chips will melt slightly from the warmth of the marshmallows, creating pockets of melty chocolate throughout the bars. If you want to add extra chocolate, feel free to use more chips!
3. Prepare the Pan: Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper. This will make it much easier to remove the bars later. Make sure the parchment paper overhangs the sides of the pan, creating handles that you can use to lift the bars out.
4. Press the Mixture into the Pan: Pour the Golden Grahams, marshmallow, and chocolate chip mixture into the prepared pan. Use a spatula or your hands (lightly greased with butter or cooking spray) to press the mixture evenly into the pan. You want to create a compact and uniform layer. Press firmly to ensure the bars hold together well.
5. Optional: Sprinkle with Sea Salt: If you like a sweet and salty combination, sprinkle a little coarse sea salt over the top of the bars. This adds a nice contrast to the sweetness of the marshmallows and chocolate.
6. Chill the Bars: Place the pan in the refrigerator and chill for at least 30 minutes, or until the bars are firm. This will allow the marshmallows to set and the chocolate to harden, making the bars easier to cut and serve.

Cutting and Serving:

1. Remove from Pan: Once the bars are chilled and firm, use the parchment paper overhang to lift them out of the pan. Place the bars on a cutting board.
2. Cut into Squares: Use a sharp knife to cut the bars into squares. The size of the squares is up to you – you can make them as big or as small as you like. I usually cut them into about 2-inch squares.
3. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the Golden Grahams S’mores Bars immediately, or store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They are best enjoyed fresh, but they will still be delicious even after a few days.

Tips and Variations:

• Use Different Cereals: While Golden Grahams are the star of this recipe, you can experiment with other cereals. Cinnamon Toast Crunch or Rice Krispies would also work well.
• Add Nuts: For extra crunch and flavor, add chopped nuts such as pecans, walnuts, or almonds to the mixture.
• Use Different Chocolate: If you’re not a fan of milk chocolate, you can use semi-sweet, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate chips.
• Add Peanut Butter: For a peanut butter twist, add a few tablespoons of peanut butter to the melted marshmallow mixture.
• Make it Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free Golden Grahams or another gluten-free cereal to make this recipe gluten-free.
• Marshmallow Swirl: Reserve some of the melted marshmallow and swirl it on top of the bars before chilling for a visually appealing effect.
• Double Chocolate: Add cocoa powder to the melted butter and sugar mixture for a richer, chocolatey flavor.

Storage Instructions:

Store the Golden Grahams S’mores Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To prevent them from sticking together, you can place a sheet of parchment paper between layers.

Make-Ahead Tips:

You can prepare the Golden Grahams mixture and the melted marshmallow separately ahead of time. Store them in airtight containers at room temperature. When you’re ready to assemble the bars, simply combine the mixtures and follow the remaining steps.

Troubleshooting:

• Bars are too hard: You may have overcooked the marshmallows. Be sure to microwave them for the recommended time and keep a close eye on them.
• Bars are too sticky: You may have used too many marshmallows. Stick to the recommended amount in the recipe.
• Bars are falling apart: You may not have pressed the mixture firmly enough into the pan. Use a spatula or your hands to press the mixture evenly and tightly.

Nutritional Information (approximate, per serving):

Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.

• Calories: 350
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 11g
• Cholesterol: 45mg
• Sodium: 200mg
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Sugar: 30g
• Protein: 3g

Conclusion:

And there you have it! These Golden Grahams Smores Bars are truly a must-try for anyone who loves the classic campfire treat but wants a no-fuss, indoor version. The combination of the subtly sweet Golden Grahams, the gooey melted marshmallows, and the rich chocolate creates a symphony of flavors and textures that will have you reaching for seconds (and maybe thirds!).

What makes these bars so special is their simplicity. Forget about building a fire, roasting marshmallows to perfection, and dealing with sticky fingers. This recipe streamlines the entire process, allowing you to enjoy the essence of smores in a convenient and utterly delicious bar form. Plus, they are incredibly easy to customize!

Why are these bars a must-try? Because they are quick, easy, require minimal ingredients, and deliver maximum flavor. They are perfect for potlucks, bake sales, after-school snacks, or simply a sweet treat to brighten your day. They are also a fantastic way to get the kids involved in the kitchen – even the littlest helpers can assist with measuring and mixing.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

The possibilities are endless when it comes to serving and customizing these Golden Grahams Smores Bars. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

* Warm them up: A few seconds in the microwave will make the marshmallows extra gooey and the chocolate even more melty.
* Add a scoop of ice cream: Vanilla or chocolate ice cream pairs perfectly with the warm, chewy bars.
* Drizzle with chocolate sauce: For an extra decadent treat, drizzle melted chocolate or hot fudge sauce over the top.
* Sprinkle with sea salt: A pinch of sea salt enhances the sweetness and adds a delightful salty-sweet contrast.
* Get creative with mix-ins: Consider adding chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts, or almonds), shredded coconut, or even a swirl of peanut butter to the mixture.
* Different chocolate: Experiment with different types of chocolate, such as dark chocolate, white chocolate, or even a combination of all three.
* Seasonal variations: For a festive twist, add crushed candy canes during the holidays or pumpkin spice during the fall.
* Make them gluten-free: Use gluten-free Golden Grahams cereal to make these bars suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

These Golden Grahams Smores Bars are incredibly versatile, so feel free to experiment and create your own unique variations. Don’t be afraid to get creative and have fun with it!

I truly believe you’ll love this recipe as much as I do. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a family favorite. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience the magic of smores in a whole new way.

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe! Once you’ve made your own batch of Golden Grahams Smores Bars, I would absolutely 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! I can’t wait to see your creations and hear all about your smores-making adventures. Happy baking!