Gooey S’mores Bars

When I think of warm summer evenings spent around a fire pit, the blissful aroma of toasted marshmallows wafting through the air immediately comes to mind. As dusk settles and laughter fills the garden, that nostalgic sweetness creeps in, reminding me of s’mores—those quintessential treats that evoke memories of backyard adventures and campfire stories with loved ones. But what if you could capture that delightful essence without the hassle of roasting marshmallows and balancing graham crackers over an open flame? Enter my Gooey S’mores Bars!

These bars are the entire s’mores experience in an easy-to-make, fun-to-eat format. Just imagine biting into a gooey, warm layer of chocolate and marshmallow goodness, the crispy graham base crumbling ever so perfectly. They take no time to prepare and are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire!

Recipe Timing

• Prep Duration: 10 minutes
• Active Cooking: 25 minutes
• Total Duration: 35 minutes
• Portion Size: 16 bars
• Complexity: Simple

Nutritional Recipe

• Calories per portion: Approximately 200 calories
• Protein: 2 grams
• Carbs: 27 grams
• Fats: 10 grams
• Fiber: 1 gram
• Sugars: 15 grams
• Sodium: 75 mg

Why You’ll Love This Gooey S’mores Bars

These Gooey S’mores Bars bring that perfect balance of crunchy and chewy, along with a rich, melty chocolate experience. They are a delightful treat for gatherings, picnics, or simply enjoying a sweet moment at home. Plus, they are remarkably easy to whip up—no campfire needed! With the entire family watching, these bars will surely become the dessert twice as nice.

The Complete Cooking Journey

Let’s dive into the sweet, simple process of bringing this dessert to life. From mixing the crust to pulling these delicious squares out of the oven, it’s all about concrete steps—to ensure your bars turn out as divine as they should!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 2 cups milk chocolate chips
• 2 cups mini marshmallows
• 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk

Method:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start your adventure by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial to ensure your bars bake evenly.

Step 2: Create the Graham Cracker Mixture

In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Mix until it resembles a thick, crumbly paste—this will be the foundation that holds your delicious bars together.

Step 3: Form the Crust

Now for the fun part! Press this mixture into a greased 9×9 inch baking pan, spreading evenly to create a sturdy crust. Make sure it’s pressed down well so that it holds up during baking.

Step 4: Sprinkle the Chocolate Chips

Evenly distribute those creamy chocolate chips over your crafted crust. Let those glistening morsels spread a bit of excitement through your kitchen as you prepare for the next layers.

Step 5: Layer on the Mini Marshmallows

Add a fluffy layer of mini marshmallows on top of the chocolate chips. This will ensure every bite bursts with that classic s’mores experience.

Step 6: Drizzle with Sweetened Condensed Milk

To sweeten the deal further, drizzle your sweetened condensed milk generously over the marshmallows. It adds that necessary gooeyness that ties everything together!

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Pop your creation into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the marshmallows are golden brown and the entire kitchen is filled with an irresistible sweet aroma.

Step 8: Cool and Cut

Allow to cool for a few moments before cutting into bars. This step is important to let the gooey layers set just right, so you don’t burn your fingers! When they’re ready, slice into squares and serve.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for the ultimate treat! You can also pair these bars with a chilled glass of milk or a hot cup of cocoa for those cozy nights in.

Storage & Leftovers Guide

These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to a week. They may not last long, but if you have leftovers, they are just as good when chilled!

Kitchen Wisdom & Success Tips

To avoid sticky fingers while slicing, use a knife dipped in warm water for clean cuts. For added flavor, consider mixing in some crushed nuts or a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking.

Flavor Variations & Adaptations

Why not mix things up? Experiment with different types of chocolate, like dark or white chocolate. For a fruity twist, consider adding some sliced strawberries or banana pieces to the mix, or switch out the graham crackers for crushed cookies for a unique base.

Reader Questions & Solutions

1. Can I use gluten-free graham crackers?
   Absolutely! Gluten-free options work great for those with dietary restrictions.

2. How do I prevent the marshmallows from burning?
   Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes of baking; using foil to cover if they’re browning too quickly can help.

3. Can I freeze these bars?
   Yes, cut into bars and store in a freezer bag for up to three months. Enjoy them straight from the freezer for a cool treat!

4. What if I don’t have sweetened condensed milk?
   Substitute with an equal amount of evaporated milk mixed with a bit of sugar for a similar sweetness.

5. Can I use different types of chocolate?
   Definitely! Experimenting with flavors like peanut butter chips or caramel will yield delightful results.

Wrapping Up

Your Gooey S’mores Bars are ready to create sweet memories just as those summer nights by the fire. With each bite, you’ll savor the joy of homemade goodness that brings everyone together. So gather your ingredients, get your family or friends involved, and indulge in sweet happiness together! Happy baking!

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