Irresistible No-Bake Golden Graham S’mores Bars: The Ultimate Toasted Marshmallow Dessert Recipe
Get ready to indulge in a nostalgic and utterly irresistible treat that captures all the magic of a classic campfire s’more, but without the campfire! These easy, no-bake Golden Graham S’mores Bars are a game-changer. Imagine crunchy Golden Grahams enveloped in a luscious, subtle caramel-flavored coating made from toasted marshmallows and creamy milk chocolate. This isn’t just another s’mores bar; it’s an elevated experience, thanks to a simple yet brilliant step that sets these bars apart: toasting the marshmallows before mixing them in.
While many s’mores-inspired desserts are delicious in their own right, these Golden Graham S’mores Bars take things to the next level. The secret? Toasting the mini marshmallows before integrating them into the rich chocolate butter mixture. This simple step unlocks a depth of flavor, adding that signature smoky, caramelized note that makes a real s’more so utterly satisfying. It’s all the yummy, toasty, chocolaty goodness of s’mores, perfectly encapsulated in a simple, no-bake, easy-to-handle bar.
The Magic of No-Bake Desserts
No-bake desserts are a lifesaver, especially when you crave something sweet without turning on the oven or spending hours in the kitchen. They are perfect for hot summer days, busy weeknights, or simply when you want a quick fix for your sweet tooth. These Golden Graham S’mores Bars embody everything wonderful about no-bake treats: minimal effort, maximum flavor, and an impressive result. The ease of preparation, combined with the incredibly delicious outcome, makes them a go-to recipe for home bakers and dessert enthusiasts alike. From preparing the ingredients to chilling, the entire process is designed for convenience.
Why Toasted Marshmallows Make All the Difference
While often overlooked in no-bake s’mores recipes, the toasted marshmallow is arguably the star of a true s’more. That slightly caramelized, smoky, and gooey texture is what we all crave. By taking a mere 10-30 seconds under the broiler to toast your mini marshmallows, you infuse these bars with an authentic s’mores flavor that plain marshmallows simply can’t replicate. This small extra step elevates the entire dessert, giving the marshmallow and milk chocolate coating a subtle caramel undertone that is truly addictive. Don’t worry, even with this quick broiler step, these still firmly fall into the “no-bake” category in our book – because when the rules are this delicious, we make them ourselves!
I must admit, while I love all my dessert creations, these Toasted Marshmallow Golden Graham S’mores Bars quickly became a personal favorite! I’ve adored many other s’mores variations, including the delightful Chewy S’mores Crumble Bars, the indulgent Ooey Gooey S’mores Bars, the refreshing Toasted Marshmallow S’mores Ice Cream, and the adorable Mini S’mores Cheesecakes. But the sheer ease and addictiveness of these particular no-bake bars truly stand out. They are unbelievably simple to prepare, yet deliver a complex flavor profile that will have everyone asking for more.
If you’re a fan of incorporating cereal into your desserts, you’re in good company! Beyond these s’mores bars, you might also enjoy these playful Fruity Pebble Baked Donuts or the equally tempting Samoa No-Bake Cereal Bars. Cereal offers an incredible texture and unique flavor base for a wide array of sweet treats.
Golden Grahams vs. Traditional Graham Crackers
While traditional s’mores rely on graham crackers, the use of Golden Grahams cereal in this recipe is a stroke of genius. Golden Grahams bring a unique, slightly sweeter, and more buttery flavor profile compared to regular graham crackers. Their smaller size and consistent crunch also integrate seamlessly into the chocolate-marshmallow mixture, creating a more cohesive and delightfully textured bar. Each bite offers that perfect balance of crisp cereal and soft, gooey coating, delivering a superior s’mores experience. The golden hue of the cereal also adds a visually appealing touch to the finished bars.
Crafting Your S’mores Bars: A Step-by-Step Guide
The key to the ease of this recipe, and specifically to achieving beautifully toasted marshmallows without a sticky mess, lies in a clever trick: broiling them on buttered parchment paper. Start by preheating your broiler to its highest setting and position the top rack as close to the coils as possible. Prepare an 8×8-inch broiler-safe baking dish by buttering it lightly if you plan to toast the marshmallows on top later. Then, for the initial marshmallow toasting, cut a piece of parchment paper to fit a heavy-gauge baking sheet. Swipe a streak of butter in the middle of the pan to help the parchment stick, then butter the entire surface of the parchment generously. This buttery layer is crucial for preventing sticking. Spread 3 cups of mini marshmallows in a single layer on this buttered parchment. Broil them for just 10-30 seconds, keeping a very close eye to prevent burning – they can go from perfectly golden to burnt in a flash! Once lightly toasted, remove them and set aside. This simple step unlocks so much flavor! The caramelized, gooey marshmallows will lift right off the parchment without any hint of a sticky cleanup. Even though this involves a quick 30 seconds under a broiler, I still proudly call these “no-bake” because, well, I make the rules when it comes to deliciousness!
The Corn Syrup Debate: Our Approach
Unlike many other Golden Graham S’mores bar recipes you might encounter, mine purposefully omits corn syrup. I prefer to avoid it where possible, and I believe you won’t miss it one bit! The absence of corn syrup means the chocolate-marshmallow mixture will thicken quickly. Therefore, it’s crucial to mix the Golden Grahams into the chocolate marshmallow mixture as fast as humanly possible to ensure every piece is evenly coated and the mixture remains cohesive. If you absolutely prefer the texture and ease of mixing that corn syrup provides, you can certainly add a small amount, approximately 1 tablespoon (some recipes even suggest up to 2 tablespoons). However, with quick work, you’ll find the bars come together perfectly without it, resulting in a cleaner flavor.
Tips for Perfect No-Bake Golden Graham S’mores Bars
- Don’t Skip the Toasted Marshmallows: Seriously, this step is non-negotiable for the best flavor! It adds a depth of caramel and smoky sweetness that truly makes these bars shine.
- Work Quickly: Because there’s no corn syrup to keep the mixture pliable for long, have all your ingredients measured and ready to go. Once the chocolate and marshmallows are melted, stir in the Golden Grahams immediately.
- Butter Your Tools: Whether you’re pressing the mixture with a wooden spoon or your hands, a little butter will prevent sticking and make the process much smoother.
- Quality Chocolate Matters: Using high-quality milk chocolate chips, like Ghirardelli, makes a noticeable difference in the richness and melt of your bars.
- Even Pressing: Ensure the mixture is pressed firmly and evenly into the baking dish for uniform bars that hold together well.
- Cool Completely: Patience is key! Allow the bars to cool for at least 30 minutes, or even longer in the refrigerator, to set properly before slicing. This ensures clean cuts and a firm texture.
Flavor Profile: A Symphony of Sweetness and Crunch
These No-Bake Golden Graham S’mores Bars offer a truly harmonious blend of textures and flavors. You get the irresistible crunch of the golden grahams, perfectly complemented by the soft, chewy, and subtly caramel-flavored toasted marshmallow and milk chocolate coating. The pinch of kosher salt balances the sweetness beautifully, enhancing all the other notes. Finally, a sprinkle of fresh mini marshmallows and chopped milk chocolate on top, given a quick kiss from the broiler, adds another layer of gooey texture and rich flavor. Every single bite is a delightful journey through sweet, crunchy, and toasty goodness – you’ll be swooning!
Serving and Storage Suggestions
These bars are best served at room temperature, which allows them to remain perfectly pliable and chewy. They make a fantastic addition to any potluck, picnic, or dessert spread. Enjoy them with a cold glass of milk, a cup of coffee, or as a special after-dinner treat. To store, simply cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. They will stay fresh and delicious at room temperature for several days. If you prefer a firmer bar, you can refrigerate them, but let them come to room temperature for a few minutes before serving for optimal texture.
One final, strong suggestion: you’ll thank me later if you double this recipe! These bars disappear fast, and trust me, you’ll wish you had more!
Don’t forget to scroll down to see what other wonderful bloggers dreamed up for the last day of S’mores Week!
Toasted Marshmallow Golden Graham Smores Bars
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Ingredients
- 3 ½ cups Golden Grahams™
- ¾ cup milk chocolate chips high quality, I use Ghirardelli
- 3 tablespoons butter unsalted
- pinch of kosher salt
- 3 cups mini marshmallows
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ½ cup mini marshmallows
- ¼ cup chopped milk chocolate chips
Instructions
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Preheat the broiler with the top rack as close to the coils as possible. Butter an 8” x 8” baking dish that is broiler safe (if you plan to toast the top marshmallows). Next, prepare the baking sheet on which you will toast the marshmallows. Cut a piece of parchment paper so that it fits inside a heavy-gauge baking sheet. Swipe a streak of butter in the middle of the pan and place parchment in the pan, smoothing down to secure. Butter the parchment paper with softened butter. (I use my hands but you could also use a pastry brush.) Place 3 cups of mini marshmallows in a single layer on the buttered parchment. Broil as close to the coils as you can without touching them. Watch these little guys carefully! I burned my first batch. They only take 10-30 seconds depending on how close you are to the coils. Remove from the oven and set aside.
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In a large, microwave safe bowl microwave the butter, chocolate chips and salt on 50% power in 30 second intervals until melted and smooth. Add the marshmallows and microwave on 50% power in 30 second intervals until the mixture is smooth and melted. Stir in the vanilla.
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Pour the Golden Grahams™ into the chocolate mixture as quickly as possible and mix until the are coated and cohesive. Because there is no corn syrup the mixture will not remain as liquidy, so it is important to do this quickly!
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Press the mixture into your baking dish with a buttered wooden spoon. I used my hands but just in case that isn’t your thing…
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Sprinkle chopped chocolate and marshmallows on top. Lower the oven rack to accommodate the baking dish and broil the top until the marshmallows are toasty.
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Let cool at least 30 minutes, cool and serve! Store, covered at room temperature so that the bars remain pliable.
Notes
Nutrition
