Golden Graham S'mores Treat

This Golden Graham s'mores bars recipe transforms the classic campfire treat into a convenient no-bake dessert that captures all the flavors without the mess. The combination of crunchy Golden Grahams, gooey marshmallows, and melty chocolate creates that authentic s'mores experience in an easy-to-serve bar form that both kids and adults adore.

I first made these for my nephew's birthday party when rain canceled our backyard s'mores plans. The kids actually preferred these bars to traditional s'mores because they were less messy, and now they're requested at every family gathering.

Ingredients

• Butter Essential for creating that rich base and helping everything stick together. Use unsalted for better control over flavor.
• Mini marshmallows The star ingredient that creates the gooey texture. Mini marshmallows melt more evenly than large ones.
• Golden Grahams cereal The genius substitute for graham crackers giving you that honey graham flavor with extra crunch.
• Mini semisweet chocolate chips These distribute better than regular chips and melt slightly from the warm marshmallow mixture for authentic s'mores flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare baking dish

Generously grease a 9x13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking. This step is crucial for easy removal later.

Melt butter and marshmallows

In a large saucepan over low heat melt the butter most of the way then add 16 ounces of marshmallows stirring until completely melted. Keep the heat low to prevent scorching.

Add cereal

Remove the pan from heat and quickly stir in 8 cups of Golden Grahams until evenly coated. The cereal should maintain its crunch while being completely covered in the marshmallow mixture.

Mix in remaining ingredients

Gently fold in the remaining 5 ounces of marshmallows and 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips. Working quickly but carefully ensures the additional marshmallows and chocolate stay mostly intact for texture contrast.

Press into pan

Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish and press down evenly using light pressure. Pressing too hard will make the bars dense and tough.

Add toppings

Sprinkle the surface with the reserved 1/4 cup cereal and 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips for visual appeal and extra texture.

Cool and serve

Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature before cutting into squares. This helps the bars set properly for clean cuts.

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The mini marshmallows are my secret weapon in this recipe. By reserving some to add at the end, you get those signature pockets of gooey marshmallow that remind you of a freshly roasted s'more pulled from the campfire. My daughter always picks out the pieces with the most visible marshmallow chunks.

Storage Tips

These Golden Graham s'mores bars stay fresh for up to 4 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Place parchment paper between layers if stacking to prevent sticking. Avoid refrigerating as this can make the cereal lose its crispness and cause the bars to become too firm.

Variations To Try

While the classic recipe is perfect, you can customize these bars in several delicious ways. Try adding 1/2 cup of peanut butter to the marshmallow mixture for a creamy twist. White chocolate chips can replace semisweet for a different flavor profile. For a festive touch, sprinkle the top with colored sprinkles or crushed candy based on the holiday or occasion.

Serving Suggestions

These bars make a wonderful dessert on their own, but they also pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an elevated dessert experience. For a fun presentation at parties, cut them into small squares and serve on a platter alongside fresh strawberries or raspberries for a pop of color and freshness that balances the sweetness.

The History Behind S'mores

The Golden Grahams cereal used in this recipe pays homage to traditional s'mores, which have been an American camping tradition since at least the 1920s. The first published recipe for "Some Mores" appeared in a Girl Scout handbook in 1927. This modern twist maintains all the nostalgic flavors while making them accessible year-round, regardless of weather or camping equipment.

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Recipe FAQs

→ How do I prevent the cereal mixture from sticking to my hands?

Lightly spritz your hands with nonstick baking spray before pressing the cereal mixture into the baking dish. This creates a barrier that prevents sticking while allowing you to firmly pack the mixture.

→ Can I use regular-sized marshmallows instead of mini marshmallows?

Yes, you can substitute regular marshmallows. Use approximately 8 cups of regular marshmallows instead of the 21 ounces of mini marshmallows. They may take slightly longer to melt, so be patient and keep the heat low.

→ How should I store these Golden Graham S'mores bars?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. Place parchment paper between layers if stacking them. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week, though they may become slightly harder.

→ Can I freeze these s'mores bars?

Yes, these bars freeze well. Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

→ Can I add other mix-ins to these bars?

Absolutely! Consider adding chopped nuts, toffee bits, butterscotch chips, or even small pieces of graham crackers for extra texture and flavor. Just fold them in at the same time as the additional marshmallows and chocolate chips.

→ Why do some of my marshmallows and chocolate chips need to be added after removing from heat?

Adding some marshmallows and chocolate chips after the initial melting creates pockets of whole marshmallows and chocolate throughout the bars, mimicking the texture and experience of traditional s'mores with visible marshmallow and chocolate pieces.