The Dessert Dynamo: What Exactly Are Oven-Baked S’mores Bars?
If you could distill the pure joy and nostalgic flavors of a campfire s’more into a decadent, easy-to-manage dessert, you would create the Oven-Baked S’mores Bars. These aren’t just s’mores flattened out; they are a sophisticated, yet entirely comforting, dessert bar composed of three sensational layers that perfectly mimic the classic campfire treat.
These bars are an absolute must-make because they solve the two biggest problems with traditional s’mores: the messiness and the need for a campfire! This recipe delivers the perfect balance of texture and flavor, featuring:
The Crunchy Base: A buttery, spiced crust made from crushed graham cracker crumbs, providing that foundational crunch and signature flavor.
The Melty Center: A generous, gooey layer of melted chocolate chips and toasted mini marshmallows, which becomes wonderfully stretchy and luscious when baked.
The Crumble Topping: A delicate, slightly underbaked cookie dough topping that bakes around the melting marshmallows, sealing in the gooey center and adding a satisfyingly soft chew.
The combination results in a dessert that is portable, sliceable, and intensely satisfying—a major upgrade from the open-flame original. The sheer simplicity and crowd-pleasing nature of these Oven-Baked S’mores Bars make them an essential recipe for every home baker.
From Campfire to Kitchen: The Sweet Origin of S’mores Bars
To truly appreciate the Oven-Baked S’mores Bars, we have to acknowledge the long history of the original treat: the s’more. The word “s’more” is a contraction of “some more,” a testament to its irresistible nature.
The first documented recipe for “Some More” appeared in a 1927 publication called Tramping and Trailing with the Girl Scouts. These early instructions describe the classic trio: a toasted marshmallow and a piece of chocolate sandwiched between two graham crackers. It quickly became the definitive campfire dessert, deeply embedded in American outdoor and youth culture.
The transition from a simple, hands-on camping snack to a sophisticated dessert bar—like our Oven-Baked S’mores Bars—is part of a broader culinary trend of taking rustic classics and adapting them for the home kitchen. This bar format emerged as bakers sought to capture the intense, nostalgic flavor of s’mores without the smoke and inconvenience. By placing the components in a pan and baking them, the dessert became stable, easy to transport for potlucks or bake sales, and even easier to share. The result is a perfect evolution: a tribute to the campfire classic that you can effortlessly create right in your oven, achieving a uniform gooeyness that’s tough to replicate with a roasting stick.
Gathering the Essentials: Ingredients with Quantity for the Best S’mores Bars
The best part about making Oven-Baked S’mores Bars is that the ingredients are straightforward, yet they combine to create complex, comforting flavors. Precision in measurements ensures the perfect ratio of gooey center to crisp crust and chewy topping.
Yields: 12–16 Bars
Total Time: Approximately 30–35 minutes
| Layer/Category | Ingredient | Quantity | Key Role in the Bar |
| Crust Base | Graham cracker crumbs | 1½ cups | Provides the classic s’mores foundation and crunch. |
| Unsalted butter | ½ cup (1 stick) | Melted, binds the crust firmly. | |
| Brown sugar | ¼ cup | Adds moisture and a hint of molasses depth. | |
| Salt | Pinch | Balances the sweetness. | |
| Middle Layer | Semi-sweet chocolate chips | 1½ cups | Creates the rich, melting chocolate core. |
| Mini marshmallows | 2 cups | Melts down into the signature gooey layer. | |
| Cookie Topping | Unsalted butter | ½ cup (1 stick) | Softened, the base of the chewy topping. |
| Brown sugar | ½ cup | Essential for chewiness and depth of flavor. | |
| Granulated sugar | ¼ cup | For structure and sweetness. | |
| Large egg | 1 | Binder and moisture provider. | |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp | Enhances all the sweet flavors. | |
| All-purpose flour | 1 cup | Structure for the soft cookie topping. | |
| Baking powder | ½ tsp | Ensures the topping is light and tender. | |
| Salt | ¼ tsp | Balances the sugars. | |
| Mini marshmallows | ½ cup | Mixed into the topping for extra pockets of goo. | |
| Chocolate chips | ½ cup | Mixed into the topping for added chocolatey goodness. |
The Baking Process: Step-by-Step Direction and Preparation Method
Creating these phenomenal Oven-Baked S’mores Bars is easier than setting up a fire pit! Follow these simple steps for perfectly gooey results.
Step 1: Prep and Preheat
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This moderate temperature ensures even baking without burning the marshmallows. Line an 8×8 or 9×9 baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring the paper overhangs the edges. This “sling” will be crucial for lifting the bars out cleanly once cooled.
Step 2: Construct the Graham Cracker Crust
In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, the melted butter, brown sugar, and the pinch of salt. Mix until the crumbs are evenly moistened and resemble wet sand. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Use the bottom of a measuring cup or a glass to pack it down tightly; a dense crust prevents the gooey filling from sinking.
Step 3: Layer the Gooey Core
Sprinkle the 1½ cups of chocolate chips evenly over the prepared crust. This will be the smooth, melted layer. Then, top this with the 2 cups of mini marshmallows. Try to keep the marshmallows spread evenly, as they will expand significantly during baking.
Step 4: Craft the Chewy Cookie Dough Topping
In a separate bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream the softened butter with both the brown sugar and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth. In a smaller bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix just until combined. Finally, fold in the extra ½ cup chocolate chips and ½ cup mini marshmallows.
Step 5: Top and Bake
Take spoonfuls of the cookie dough topping and drop them in flattened chunks across the marshmallow layer. It is intentional that the dough does not fully cover the marshmallows; the gaps allow the marshmallows underneath to toast and brown, creating those beautiful, gooey pockets of flavor. Bake the bars for 22–28 minutes. You are looking for a golden-brown top and edges that look set.
Step 6: Cool and Slice (The Hardest Part!)
Once baked, the marshmallows will be bubbly, and the Oven-Baked S’mores Bars will be dangerously hot and incredibly gooey. You must allow them to cool for at least 30 minutes before attempting to slice them. Cooling ensures the chocolate sets slightly and the bars hold their shape. Use the parchment paper sling to lift the cooled bars out before slicing them into neat squares.
Elevating the Experience: Delicious Tips & Variations
This recipe is already a hit, but you can easily tailor the Oven-Baked S’mores Bars to your personal preferences with these simple adjustments:
Chocolate Swap: For the most authentic, classic s’mores taste, swap the semi-sweet chips in the middle layer for milk chocolate chips or even chopped-up milk chocolate bars. The rich, milky flavor enhances the nostalgia.
The Double Crunch: For extra texture and a deeper graham flavor, add ½ cup crushed graham crackers to the cookie dough topping mixture in Step 4. This provides a satisfying crunch against the gooey center.
A “Toasted” Look: If you want that genuine campfire aesthetic, carefully broil the bars for 1–2 minutes right at the end of the baking cycle. Watch them continuously, as marshmallows burn quickly. This will achieve a dark, caramelized toast on the top marshmallows, simulating the perfect campfire s’more.
Make it a Crowd: To prepare these for a larger event, simply double the entire recipe and bake it in a standard 9×13-inch baking pan. The baking time may be slightly longer (closer to 30–35 minutes).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Oven-Baked S’mores Bars
Q: Why are my S’mores Bars falling apart when I slice them?
A: This is almost always due to slicing them while they are still too hot. The marshmallow and chocolate layers need time to cool and solidify slightly. For the best result, let the Oven-Baked S’mores Bars cool to room temperature, or even chill them briefly in the refrigerator, before slicing. A sharp knife, lightly coated with non-stick spray, also helps.
Q: Can I use different types of chocolate?
A: Absolutely. While the recipe suggests semi-sweet chips, you can substitute dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or a combination. You can also use fun variations like peanut butter chips mixed in with the chocolate for a twist on the S’mores Bars flavor.
Q: Do I have to use mini marshmallows?
A: Mini marshmallows are highly recommended for this recipe. Their small size allows them to melt and spread more evenly across the pan, creating a better, more consistent gooey layer than if you tried to pack in large marshmallows. Plus, they blend better into the cookie dough topping.
Q: Can I make the cookie dough ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the cookie dough topping and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Let it soften slightly at room temperature before dropping it onto the marshmallow layer for easier spreading.
The Sweet Conclusion: Why These S’mores Bars Are Your Next Baking Project
The search for the perfect nostalgic dessert ends here. These Oven-Baked S’mores Bars are a masterpiece of effortless baking, transforming a beloved campfire classic into a manageable, decadent square. From the crunchy, spiced graham cracker base to the intensely gooey, melted chocolate and marshmallow core, and finally, the chewy cookie topping, every bite delivers the authentic taste of summer nights. They are ideal for every occasion—from a cozy weekend treat to the star of a bustling bake sale. Skip the smoke, embrace the ease, and enjoy the unparalleled, gooey perfection of the ultimate Oven-Baked S’mores Bars.
