Easy S’mores Bars with Peanut Butter & Marshmallow Creme

There’s something magical about the classic combination of graham crackers, chocolate, and toasted marshmallows. It’s the taste of campfires, starry nights, and summer fun. But let’s be honest, building a fire every time a s’mores craving hits isn’t exactly practical. That’s where these incredible Easy S’mores Bars come in! We’re taking all those nostalgic flavors, packing them into an 8×8 pan, and adding a delightful swirl of peanut butter for a truly unforgettable treat. It’s the campfire classic, reimagined for your kitchen.

These bars feature a soft, chewy graham cracker cookie base and top, sandwiching a decadent layer of melted Hershey’s chocolate, creamy peanut butter, and gooey marshmallow creme. Every bite is a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and satisfying. If you’re a fan of this flavor profile, you’ll absolutely love my Peanut Butter Chocolate Brownie Crunch Bars, which offer a similar level of decadent delight!

Table of Contents

Contents List

Why make these Easy S’mores Bars

You might be wondering what makes this s’mores bar recipe stand out. Here’s why you’ll want to make it again and again:

• No Campfire Needed: Get all the gooey, chocolatey goodness of s’mores any time of year, without the smoke or the search for the perfect roasting stick.
• Perfect for a Crowd: This recipe easily makes 16 generous bars, making it ideal for potlucks, bake sales, or family gatherings.
• The Ultimate Flavor Combo: The addition of peanut butter elevates these bars from a simple s’mores treat to a complex, salty-sweet dessert that will have everyone asking for the recipe.
• Surprisingly Simple: Despite the impressive layers, the unique parchment paper trick makes assembly a breeze, ensuring a perfect top and bottom crust every time.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon coarse kosher salt
• 6 graham crackers, crushed into crumbs
• 1/2 cup peanut butter (regular, not natural)
• two 4-ounce Hershey’s XL Milk Chocolate bars
• one 7-ounce jar of marshmallow creme

How to make Easy S’mores Bars

Step 1: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. This ensures it’s ready to go when your bars are assembled.

Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with both the white and brown sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until they are fully incorporated. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Finally, stir in the crushed graham cracker crumbs to create your cookie dough.

Step 3: This step is the secret to perfect bars! Line an 8×8 inch baking dish with a sheet of parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides. Press half of the graham cracker cookie dough evenly into the bottom. Now, carefully lift the parchment paper out with the dough on it and set it aside. This is your top layer, perfectly formed and ready to go.

Step 4: Line the same 8×8 pan with a new sheet of parchment paper. Press the remaining half of the dough into the bottom of the pan to form your base. Arrange the Hershey’s chocolate bars over the dough to create an even layer. Gently spread the peanut butter over the chocolate, followed by the marshmallow creme. It’s okay if the layers aren’t perfectly neat!

Step 5: Take the top cookie layer you set aside earlier and gently flip it over onto the fillings in the pan. Carefully peel the parchment paper off the top. Your s’mores bar is now fully assembled!

Step 6: Bake for 30 minutes, or until the top is a beautiful golden brown and the edges are set. The most important step is to let the bars cool completely before cutting. For the cleanest, most perfect squares, I recommend letting them rest for 4-6 hours at room temperature or placing them in the fridge for an hour or two to firm up.

How to serve Easy S’mores Bars

These bars are a showstopper all on their own! Once completely cooled and firm, use the parchment paper overhangs to lift the entire block out of the pan. Place it on a cutting board and use a large, sharp knife to slice it into 16 squares. They are rich and satisfying, making them the perfect handheld dessert for parties, picnics, or a simple weeknight treat. For an extra indulgent experience, serve a slightly warmed bar with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream.

How to store Easy S’mores Bars

Store any leftover s’mores bars in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and delicious for up to 4 days. You can refrigerate them, which will make them firmer and chewier, but I recommend letting them sit at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes before serving to soften slightly. For longer storage, you can freeze the bars by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They will keep for up to 3 months. Simply thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

Tips to make

Embrace the Parchment Trick: Don’t skip the double-parchment step! It might seem like an extra bit of work, but it’s the foolproof way to get that perfect, even top layer without a sticky, frustrating mess. It makes assembly so much cleaner.

Use Regular Peanut Butter: For this recipe, a conventional, stabilized peanut butter like Jif or Skippy works best. Natural peanut butter tends to be oilier and can separate during baking, which can affect the texture of the filling.

Patience is a Virtue: I can’t stress this enough—let the bars cool completely! The marshmallow creme and chocolate need time to set. Cutting into them while warm will result in a delicious but very gooey mess. A little time in the fridge is your best friend for achieving those picture-perfect slices.

Get Creative with Chocolate: While classic Hershey’s milk chocolate gives the most authentic s’mores flavor, feel free to experiment! Dark chocolate would be a delicious contrast to the sweet marshmallow, or you could even use chopped peanut butter cups for a double dose of peanut butter goodness. For another easy and crowd-pleasing option, give these No-Bake Peanut Butter Cup Bars a try!

FAQs About Easy S’mores Bars

Can I use mini marshmallows instead of marshmallow creme?

While you can try it, marshmallow creme (or fluff) is highly recommended for this recipe. It spreads into a consistent, gooey layer that sets perfectly. Mini marshmallows will melt and can create a slightly different, sometimes bubbly or separated texture, and they may not distribute as evenly.

My graham cracker crumbs aren’t very fine. Is that okay?

Absolutely! Whether you use a food processor for ultra-fine crumbs or crush them in a bag for a more rustic, varied texture, the cookie dough will be delicious. Coarser crumbs will just add a bit more texture to the final bars.

Can I make these bars in a 9×13 pan?

You can, but you will need to double the recipe to ensure the bars have the right thickness and layering. A single recipe in a 9×13 pan would result in very thin, crispy bars that may overbake.

Final Thoughts

These Easy S’mores Bars are the perfect way to capture the essence of a beloved classic in a simple, shareable format. The combination of the chewy graham cracker cookie, rich milk chocolate, gooey marshmallow, and creamy peanut butter is pure comfort and indulgence. It’s a recipe that’s bound to become a new favorite for your family and friends. So go ahead, preheat that oven, and get ready to enjoy the best of the campfire, right from your own kitchen!

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