Graham Cracker Bars Recipe
If you’re craving a sweet treat that’s irresistibly gooey, crunchy, and bursting with cozy chocolate-mallow goodness, you’re going to absolutely fall in love with these Graham Cracker Bars. They bring all the fun of a campfire s’more, but in bar form, baked to perfection with a buttery graham cracker crust, melty semi-sweet chocolate, and the best toasted mini marshmallows topping. This recipe is an absolute crowd-pleaser that’s easy to whip up anytime you need a comforting dessert or a festive snack to share with good company.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are delightfully simple yet essential for creating the perfect balance of textures and flavors in your Graham Cracker Bars. Each component plays its part, from the buttery crust to the delightfully gooey marshmallows on top.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted: Provides richness and helps to bind the graham cracker crust together with a buttery flavor.
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs: The base of the crust that adds a sweet crunch and classic graham cracker taste.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Gives a touch of sweetness to balance the salty butter and enhance the crust’s flavor.
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips: Melts beautifully for the chocolate layer, offering that perfect contrast to the crispy base and fluffy marshmallows.
- 2 cups mini marshmallows: Toasted on top, these give the bars that signature gooey, golden finish that you won’t be able to resist.
- Pinch of salt: Just enough to deepen the flavors and prevent the bars from tasting overly sweet.
How to Make Graham Cracker Bars
Step 1: Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and a pinch of salt. Mix everything together until it resembles wet sand in texture. This step ensures that the crumbs stick together well and bake into a delightful crunchy crust.
Step 2: Bake the Crust
Press the crumb mixture firmly into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, creating an even layer. Bake the crust for 10 minutes until it turns lightly golden. This initial bake helps the crust set and develop a lovely buttery crunch that forms the perfect base for the chocolate and marshmallow layers.
Step 3: Add the Chocolate and Melt
Remove the crust from the oven and sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly over the warm surface. Return the baking dish to the oven for 2 minutes to soften the chocolate. Once softened, gently spread the melted chocolate evenly over the crust using a spatula, creating a rich, velvety layer.
Step 4: Top with Marshmallows and Broil
Scatter the mini marshmallows across the chocolate layer. Place the dish under a broiler for just 1 to 2 minutes until the marshmallows turn a gorgeous golden brown and start to toast. Be sure to watch them carefully—this step happens fast, but it’s what gives the bars their signature toasty-sweet charm.
Step 5: Cool and Cut
Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature so the layers can set properly. Once cooled, cut them into squares—about 16 serves perfectly—to reveal layers of buttery crust, melted chocolate, and toasted marshmallows that will have everyone asking for seconds.
How to Serve Graham Cracker Bars
Garnishes
Although these bars shine on their own, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of caramel sauce can add an extra touch of sweetness and visual appeal. For a fresh contrast, sprinkle finely chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts on top just before broiling for a crunchy twist.
Side Dishes
Serve these Graham Cracker Bars alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a classic indulgence. They also pair wonderfully with a warm cup of coffee, hot chocolate, or even a glass of cold milk, creating a comforting dessert experience perfect for any season.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the Graham Cracker Bars into bite-sized squares and arranging them on a decorative platter for a party or potluck. You can also sandwich them between two layers of ice cream to make a delicious frozen treat. Another way to impress is by serving them in small mason jars layered with whipped cream and berries for a rustic, layered dessert.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftover Graham Cracker Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Keeping them sealed ensures the crust stays crisp and the marshmallow topping remains soft rather than sticky or hardened.
Freezing
These bars freeze beautifully! Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then store them in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator to retain their perfect texture.
Reheating
If you want to revive that fresh-from-the-oven warmth, pop the bars in the oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes or microwave them in short bursts, watching carefully to avoid melting the marshmallows too much. This will soften the chocolate again and bring back their gooey charm.
FAQs
Can I use crushed graham crackers instead of store-bought crumbs?
Absolutely! Crushing your own graham crackers with a rolling pin or food processor works perfectly and can be a great option if you want to control the crumb size or avoid extra additives.
What can I substitute for mini marshmallows if I don’t have any on hand?
You can use regular marshmallows cut into smaller pieces, but keep an eye on the broiling time since larger marshmallows may take longer to toast evenly.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs. Many brands offer gluten-free options that work just as well, so you won’t have to miss out on this treat.
How do I prevent the crust from becoming soggy?
Baking the crust before adding the chocolate ensures it’s crisp and able to hold up against the moist toppings. Pressing the crumb mixture firmly into the pan also helps create a sturdy base that resists sogginess.
Is it okay to store Graham Cracker Bars in the fridge?
While you can refrigerate them, the bars may become firmer and lose some of their gooey texture. It’s best to keep them at room temperature if you plan to eat them soon, but refrigeration is fine if you want to extend their shelf life slightly.
Final Thoughts
These Graham Cracker Bars are pure magic in every bite—a flawless blend of buttery, chocolatey, and marshmallowy goodness that’s sure to brighten any occasion. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or simply treating yourself, this recipe is so simple yet incredibly satisfying. Go ahead, make a batch and watch how quickly they disappear; I promise they’ll become one of your all-time favorite desserts!
