Quickie S’mores Bars

These five-minute 4 ingredient S’mores bars aka indoor s’mores are sure to be a hit at your next gathering! All the flavor of S’mores, but they travel conveniently and don’t require a fire or oven to enjoy.

💖 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This is the fastest, easiest way to satisfy your s’mores cravings without breaking out the fire pit. They’re portable, crowd-pleasing, and wildly adaptable. Plus, they freeze beautifully if you want to make them ahead.

🛒 Ingredient Notes

Mini Marshmallows: Jet-Puffed or store-brand works great here.

Golden Grahams or Honey Chex: Either adds that classic graham flavor and satisfying crunch.

Butter: Salted or unsalted both work.

Mini Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet, milk, or dark all melt deliciously into these gooey bars.

Before you begin, line a 9″x13″ baking pan with parchment paper, leaving about 2 inches overhanging on each side. This is for easy removal from the pan. If you don’t have parchment paper you could use aluminum foil or just butter the dish liberally.

Quickie S’mores Bars Video

👩‍🍳 How to Make Quickie S’mores Bars

You’ll Need:
1 10 oz Package Mini-Marshmallows
1 box (23.5 oz) Golden Grahams Cereal or Honey Graham Cereal (Store brand) or Honey Chex Cereal
3 Tbs Butter
1/2 c. Mini Chocolate Chips

1. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter. Add the marshmallows and heat for thirty seconds at a time, stir and repeat until the marshmallows are completely melted.
2. Add the honey graham cereal (the entire box!), stirring to completely coat.
3. Sprinkle the bottom of the prepared dish with mini chocolate chips, about 1/4 of a cup, then transfer the honey graham/marshmallow mixture to the pan. Sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips over the mixture.
4. Butter the backside of a metal spoon and use it to smooth the mixture evenly in the pan, spreading it out. Let it harden about an hour before cutting. If you’re in a hurry, set the pan in the freezer for 5 minutes, then cut the bars.
5. Remove the bars from the pan by gently lifting the overhanging parchment paper on each side and cut into bars.
6. Serve immediately.

Want Gluten-Free S’mores?

This recipe can easily be adapted and made gluten-free by using Honey Nut Chex cereal instead of Golden Grahams cereal. (Kraft Jet-Puffed marshmallows are gluten-free, as are Doumak).

If you like S’mores, you’ll love these recipes as well:
S’more Bars

S’mores Peanut Butter Bars

S’more Bites

National S’mores Day, August 10th

It is National S’mores Day on August 10th! Celebrating the great s’mores tradition, be sure to use these little known facts about our favorite camping treat.

S’more facts: Did you know…

1 S’mores predate the Girl Scouts and even the campfire? An 1897 newspaper clipping from Venice, Italy mentions recipes for chocolate sandwiches.

2 While some sources claim that S’more was invented in the late 1800s by an unknown camper, another theory contends that it was named by one of the Boy Scouts who attended a meeting at Mount Marcy in New York state.

3 Merriam-Webster defines s’mores as “a dessert typically consisting of toasted marshmallow and a piece of chocolate bar sandwiching two graham crackers.” The earliest use of the word was in 1974.

4 The English word s’more is derived from the French word s’amusant, which means “they are amusing themselves.” This was a term used by royalty in Medieval France to describe a simple treat enjoyed by both young and old at gatherings.

5 The current world record for largest s’mores was constructed by campers at Deer Run Camping Resort in Gardners, Pennsylvania. Starting with 140 pounds of marshmallows, 90 pounds of chocolate and 90 pounds of graham crackers, the supersized sweet weighed 267 pounds and is believed to be the world’s biggest s’more.

6 One of the largest s’mores ever made was created by chef John Hawk, who has built a 6-foot-wide (2 m) s’more built with 3,000 graham crackers.

The Merriam-Webster dictionary, which defines s’mores as “a dessert consisting usually of toasted marshmallow and pieces of chocolate bar sandwiched between two graham crackers,” suggests the first known use of the word was in 1974.

💸 Budget101® Price Breakdown

🎨 Recipe Variations & Substitutions

• Make it gluten-free by swapping Golden Grahams for Honey Nut Chex.
• Try white chocolate chips for a twist.
• Want a peanut butter kick? Mix in 1/4 cup melted peanut butter to the marshmallow mix before adding cereal.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use large marshmallows instead of mini marshmallows?
Yes, you can! If using full-size marshmallows, roughly chop them or measure by weight (10 oz total). They melt the same but may take slightly longer in the microwave.

What cereal works best for no-bake s’mores bars?
Golden Grahams cereal mimics the graham cracker flavor most closely, but Honey Chex or Cinnamon Toast Crunch can be used for a twist. For a gluten-free version, opt for Honey Nut Chex.

How do I keep my s’mores bars from sticking to the pan?
Always line your pan with parchment paper or foil with overhang for easy lifting. You can also butter the pan well if you don’t have liners. A greased metal spoon or buttered hands make it easier to press the mixture without sticking.

Can I add peanut butter to these s’mores bars?
Absolutely! Stir 1/4 to 1/2 cup of creamy peanut butter into the melted marshmallow mixture before adding cereal. It adds rich flavor and a slight chewiness to the bars.

How long do indoor s’mores bars last?
When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, they last up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 2 months. Place parchment between layers to prevent sticking.

Can I make these bars ahead of time for a party?
Yes! These are ideal make-ahead treats. Prepare them a day or two in advance, cut them, and store them in a covered container until ready to serve. They travel and hold up well.

Are these bars safe to pack in school lunches?
Yes, they’re a great lunchbox treat. Just be mindful of school allergy policies if adding peanut butter or using cereals processed with allergens.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Yes, but you’ll need two 9×13 pans or one large sheet pan. Make the marshmallow mixture in batches to avoid uneven melting or clumping.

Can I make S’mores Bars without a microwave?
Yes! Simply melt the butter and marshmallows together in a large pot over low heat, stirring constantly until smooth before adding the cereal.

What’s the best way to cut these without them falling apart?
Let the bars cool and firm completely before cutting. Use a sharp knife sprayed lightly with non-stick spray or wiped with a buttered paper towel. This keeps the knife clean between cuts.

How can I make these look more like traditional s’mores?
Sprinkle crushed graham crackers on top and lightly torch the top marshmallow layer using a kitchen torch (optional) for a more authentic toasted s’mores vibe.

Do these taste like classic campfire s’mores?
Yes and no—while the flavor is rich, gooey, and chocolatey with that familiar graham vibe, you won’t get the smoky toasted marshmallow essence unless you torch the top. But the convenience makes up for it!

Are S’mores Bars a good bake sale item?
Definitely! They’re low-cost, easy to portion, and eye-catching. Just wrap each bar in wax paper or clear treat bags and label with allergen info (gluten, dairy, etc.)

Easy S’mores Bars Printable Recipe

Quickie S'mores Bars (No-Bake, 5-Minute Dessert)

Budget101.com by Melissa 'Liss' Burnell

These no-bake Quickie S’mores Bars deliver all the gooey, chocolatey goodness of classic campfire s’mores in a fast and easy 5-minute dessert.

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Equipment

• ▢
  9x13-inch baking pan
• ▢
  Parchment paper or foil
• ▢
  Microwave-safe bowl
• ▢
  Spatula or metal spoon (buttered)

Ingredients

  

• ▢ 3 tablespoons butter
• ▢ 1 10 oz bag mini marshmallows
• ▢ 1 box (23.5 oz Golden Grahams cereal (or Honey Nut Chex for gluten-free))
• ▢ ½ cup mini chocolate chips (divided)

Instructions

 

• Line a 9"x13" baking dish with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
• In a large microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter. Add marshmallows and microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring in between, until fully melted.
• Stir in the full box of Golden Grahams cereal, coating completely.
• Sprinkle ¼ cup of mini chocolate chips onto the bottom of the prepared pan.
• Pour the cereal mixture into the pan, pressing it gently into an even layer with a buttered spoon.
• Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of chocolate chips on top.
• Let the bars cool and set for 1 hour at room temp or speed it up with 5 minutes in the freezer.
• Lift using the parchment paper and cut into bars. Serve and enjoy!

Equipment

9x13-inch baking pan

Parchment paper or foil

Microwave-safe bowl

Spatula or metal spoon (buttered)

Notes

Recipe Notes:
• For best results, use fresh marshmallows. Stale ones don’t melt as smoothly.
• If you prefer a more gooey texture, reduce cereal by 1 cup.
• These bars are best enjoyed the same day but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Bonus Tips:
📝 Pro Tip: For a salty twist, toss in ½ cup crushed pretzels with the cereal.
💡 Variation: Use Cocoa Krispies instead of Golden Grahams for a double chocolate s’mores bar.
🔥 Serving Tip: Perfect for camping trips, bake sales, or school lunches—no refrigeration required!

Recipe Size Alteration Note

If you altered the ingedients above by doubling or tripling the recipe, you may also need to change the pan/dish size and adjust the cooking/baking time.

Tried this recipe?Mention @Budget101com or tag #Budget101com!