Can I use large marshmallows instead of mini?

Absolutely! Just chop them into smaller pieces so they melt evenly. The key is to get an even, creamy base without big lumps.

Do I have to use Golden Grahams cereal?

Golden Grahams really nail that s’mores flavor, but if you’re in a pinch, try a similar graham-tasting cereal or even broken graham crackers. The texture may be a bit different, but still delicious.

Can I make these bars dairy-free?

With simple swaps like dairy-free butter and chocolate chips, you can easily make a batch that works for everyone. The flavor and texture hold up beautifully.

The bars are hard after cooling—what went wrong?

This typically happens if the cereal is over-mixed or the bars are pressed down too firmly, compacting everything too tightly. Next time, mix and press just until combined for that soft, chewy bite.

No Bake S’more Bars Recipe

Imagine all the gooey, chocolatey, crispy magic of a campfire s’more—minus the sticky fingers and smokey hair! No Bake S’more Bars deliver everything you love about that classic treat in one ridiculously simple, no-fuss recipe. In just minutes, you’ve got the ultimate dessert bar that will make both kids and grown-ups do a happy dance. Sweet, chewy, a little crunchy, and loaded with melty chocolate, this recipe is your ticket to stress-free deliciousness any night of the week.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Insanely Easy: These bars come together in a flash—no oven, no fuss, just a handful of pantry staples.
Crowd Pleaser: Who doesn’t adore s’mores? These bars have all the flavors everyone loves, but served in a much neater package.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Perfect for parties, lunch boxes, or last-minute guests—slice and stash, and you’re ready for anything.
Customizable: Whether you’re craving extra chocolate or a sprinkle of sea salt, this recipe plays well with your personal twists.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about what makes these bars so special and how each ingredient shines:

Cooking Spray: Keeps everything from sticking to your pan—trust, you don’t want to wrestle with gooey marshmallows!
Salted Butter, Melted: Adds richness and that tiny bit of saltiness you need to really bring out the sweet flavors.
Mini Marshmallows: The secret to gooey s’more texture—use most in the base, save a handful for those irresistible pockets of melty goodness.
Golden Grahams Cereal: Truly, there’s no better substitute for that toasty, graham cracker crunch in every bite.
Chocolate Chips: It’s s’mores, so you need plenty of chocolate. Use a mix of semi-sweet or milk chocolate for balance.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

There are so many ways to make these bars your own:

Add a Crunch: Mix in a handful of chopped toasted nuts or pretzel pieces for salty-sweet flavor.
Make It Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free cereal instead of Golden Grahams.
Peanut Butter Boost: Swirl a spoonful of peanut butter into the melted marshmallow mixture—it’s a game changer!
Go Dark: For a more grown-up take, use dark chocolate chunks and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top.
Extra Marshmallowy: Add some mini marshmallows right on top (and even torch them lightly for that classic toasted look and taste).

How to Make No Bake S’more Bars

Prepare Your Pan

First, grab an 8×8-inch pan or similar. Line it with parchment paper for easy removal and give a good spray with cooking spray. Don’t skip this! Marshmallow stickage is real.

Melt the Butter and Marshmallows

In a large non-stick pot on medium-low heat, melt the salted butter. Toss in almost all your mini marshmallows (save a big handful for later). Stir gently until everything becomes smooth and glossy.

Mix in the Cereal

Turn off the heat. Right away, fold in the Golden Grahams cereal and stir until every piece is coated in the sticky marshmallow mixture. Then, add in that reserved handful of marshmallows and most of the chocolate chips—this approach gives you lovely gooey bits and melting chocolate ribbons throughout.

Press into the Pan

Pour the mixture into your prepared pan. Press down with a greased spatula or your clean hands (spray them with cooking spray first—trust me) to make an even layer.

Add More Chocolate

While the bars are still warm, scatter the remaining chocolate chips over the top. Let the heat from the bars soften the chocolate, then gently press them in. Want a little extra drama? Add a few more marshmallows and use a kitchen torch to toast them.

Set & Slice

Let your bars cool completely at room temperature (or speed things up with a short stint in the fridge if you’re in a hurry). Once they’re set, slice into squares and marvel at your handiwork!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Work Fast: Once the cereal and marshmallow mixture is combined, act quickly—marshmallow sets up fast.
Parchment Paper is Your Best Friend: It’ll make lifting the bars out for slicing so much easier.
Don’t Pack Too Hard: Press firmly, but don’t squish! You want a chewy, not brick-hard, bite.
Spray Everything: From your spoon to your hands, a bit of cooking spray stops a sticky mess.

How to Serve

These bars shine all on their own, but pairing can take them up a notch:

Dessert Platter

Arrange them with fresh berries, strawberries, or graham cracker sticks for a fun dessert board.

Warm and Gooey

Pop a square in the microwave for 10 seconds for extra meltiness—especially good with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Party Treat

Wrap individually in wax paper or cellophane for a grab-and-go school snack or bake sale hit.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your s’more bars in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days. They’ll stay chewy and delicious—no fridge required.

Freezing

You can freeze the cut squares. Just separate layers with parchment paper and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to a month. Thaw at room temperature, and they’ll be as delightful as ever.

Reheating

There’s no real need to reheat these, but if you want gooey marshmallow vibes, a few seconds in the microwave works wonders.

FAQs

Can I use large marshmallows instead of mini?

Absolutely! Just chop them into smaller pieces so they melt evenly. The key is to get an even, creamy base without big lumps.
Do I have to use Golden Grahams cereal?

Golden Grahams really nail that s’mores flavor, but if you’re in a pinch, try a similar graham-tasting cereal or even broken graham crackers. The texture may be a bit different, but still delicious.
Can I make these bars dairy-free?

With simple swaps like dairy-free butter and chocolate chips, you can easily make a batch that works for everyone. The flavor and texture hold up beautifully.
The bars are hard after cooling—what went wrong?

This typically happens if the cereal is over-mixed or the bars are pressed down too firmly, compacting everything too tightly. Next time, mix and press just until combined for that soft, chewy bite.

Final Thoughts

No Bake S’more Bars are hands-down one of the easiest treats you’ll ever whip up, but they look (and taste) like something special. Whether you’re treating yourself on a busy weeknight or need a sweet for a last-second party, these bars deliver big on flavor and nostalgia—without the bonfire cleanup. It’s time to make your kitchen the coziest campfire around. Give this recipe a try and watch every bite disappear!