Gooey S’mores Bars: No Soggy Bottoms!

Who can resist the allure of a classic s’more? The toasted marshmallow, the melty chocolate, the satisfying crunch of a graham cracker – it’s pure campfire perfection. But sometimes, when you try to recreate that magic in bar form, you end up with a soggy graham cracker crust. Fear not! This recipe for gooey s’mores bars guarantees a perfectly crisp base, loaded with chocolatey, marshmallowy goodness, and absolutely no soggy bottoms. Get ready for the ultimate indoor s’mores experience!

Why You’ll Love These Gooey S’mores Bars

These s’mores bars aren’t just delicious; they’re also:

• Easy to Make: No complicated steps or fancy equipment required!
• Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for parties, potlucks, or a simple weeknight treat.
• Kid-Friendly: A guaranteed hit with the little ones (and the young at heart!).
• No-Soggy-Bottom Guarantee: Seriously, that pre-bake is a game-changer!
• Customizable: Easily adaptable to your favorite chocolate and marshmallow variations.

Gathering Your Ingredients for Gooey S’mores Bars

The beauty of s’mores is in their simplicity, and that extends to the ingredients list! We’re aiming for that classic s’mores flavor profile: a buttery graham cracker base, rich chocolate, and gooey marshmallows. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect balance of textures and tastes.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: 1 1/2 cups of finely ground graham cracker crumbs. You can buy pre-made crumbs or crush your own using a food processor or a zip-top bag and a rolling pin. Aim for a fine, even texture for the best crust.
• Unsalted Butter: 1/2 cup (one stick), melted. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the overall saltiness of the bars.
• Granulated Sugar: 1/4 cup. The sugar adds a touch of sweetness to the graham cracker crust and helps it bind together.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: 1 (14 ounce) can. This is the key to the gooey, rich filling that binds the chocolate and marshmallows to the crust. Make sure it’s sweetened condensed milk, not evaporated milk!
• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: 1 (12 ounce) package. Semi-sweet chocolate provides a good balance of sweetness and chocolate intensity. Feel free to experiment with other types of chocolate, like milk chocolate or dark chocolate, depending on your preference.
• Miniature Marshmallows: 2 cups. Miniature marshmallows melt more evenly and create that signature gooey s’mores texture.

Crafting Your Gooey S’mores Bars: Step-by-Step

Making these gooey s’mores bars is a breeze, but there’s one crucial step that separates this recipe from the rest: pre-baking the crust. This simple technique prevents the dreaded soggy bottom and ensures a sturdy foundation for all that gooey goodness. Let’s get started!

1. Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature when you pop in the crust.
2. Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Mix well until the crumbs are evenly moistened. The mixture should resemble wet sand.
3. Press into Baking Dish: Press the graham cracker mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Use the bottom of a measuring cup or your fingers to create an even, compact layer. A well-pressed crust is essential for preventing sogginess.
4. The Secret Weapon: Pre-Bake the Crust: Bake the crust for 10 minutes. This pre-baking step is absolutely crucial for creating a firm, non-soggy crust. It allows the butter to melt and bind the crumbs together, creating a sturdy base that can withstand the moisture from the filling.
5. Add the Sweetened Condensed Milk: Remove the pre-baked crust from the oven and pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the top. Spread it out with a spatula to ensure it covers the entire surface. The sweetened condensed milk will create a sticky, sweet layer that helps the chocolate and marshmallows adhere to the crust.
6. Sprinkle on the Chocolate Chips: Sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly over the sweetened condensed milk. Make sure to distribute them well so every bite has a perfect chocolatey burst.
7. Top with Marshmallows: Top the chocolate chips with the miniature marshmallows, creating a fluffy, cloud-like layer. Don’t be afraid to pile them high!
8. Bake Until Golden Brown: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the marshmallows are golden brown and puffed. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning. The marshmallows should be soft and gooey, and the chocolate should be melted and slightly softened.
9. Cool Completely: This is the hardest part, but it’s essential! Let the s’mores bars cool completely in the baking dish before cutting into squares. This allows the filling to set up and prevents them from being too messy. Trust me, patience is a virtue here!

Tips for Perfect Gooey S’mores Bars Every Time

Want to ensure your s’mores bars are a guaranteed success? Here are a few extra tips to keep in mind:

• Don’t Overbake: Overbaking will result in dry, hard marshmallows. Keep a close eye on the bars and remove them from the oven as soon as the marshmallows are golden brown and puffed.
• Use Parchment Paper for Easy Removal: Line your baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. This makes it easy to lift the s’mores bars out of the dish once they’ve cooled.
• Get Creative with Chocolate: Experiment with different types of chocolate, such as milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even chocolate chips with caramel or peanut butter.
• Add a Sprinkle of Sea Salt: A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top of the baked bars enhances the sweetness and adds a touch of sophistication.
• For a smoother cut, use a warm, clean knife. Run it under hot water and dry it before each cut.

What to Serve With Gooey S’mores Bars

These gooey s’mores bars are perfect on their own, but they also pair well with:

• A cold glass of milk
• A scoop of vanilla ice cream
• Fresh fruit, such as strawberries or raspberries

Your Gooey S’mores Bars Questions Answered (FAQ)

Can I make these s’mores bars ahead of time?

Yes! These bars are great for making ahead. Once cooled completely, cut them into squares and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Can I freeze these s’mores bars?

Yes, you can freeze these s’mores bars. Cut them into squares, wrap them individually in plastic wrap, and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.

Can I use regular-sized marshmallows instead of miniature marshmallows?

While you can use regular-sized marshmallows, they may not melt as evenly as miniature marshmallows. If you use regular-sized marshmallows, you may want to cut them into smaller pieces before topping the bars.

Why did my crust still turn out soggy?

The most common reason for a soggy crust is not pre-baking it long enough, or at a low enough temperature. Also ensure the oven is properly preheated. Another reason is overfilling the bars with too much sweetened condensed milk or not letting them cool completely.

I’m looking for other easy dessert recipes similar to this. Do you have any suggestions?

Absolutely! If you enjoyed these s’mores bars, you might also like our easy caramel nut dessert jars, which offer a similar level of sweetness and simplicity. For a different take on chocolate, check out our easy delicious chocolate sheet cake recipe. Both are crowd-pleasers and perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth!

Enjoy Your Homemade Gooey S’mores Bars!

There you have it – a foolproof recipe for gooey s’mores bars that are guaranteed to be a hit! The perfect combination of crispy, gooey, and chocolatey, these bars are a delicious way to enjoy the classic campfire treat any time of year. So go ahead, bake up a batch and share the s’mores love! Don’t forget to leave a comment below and let me know what you think, and share your creations on social media using #DishWhisperer. Happy baking!