Golden Grahams S’Mores Bars Recipe
If you’re craving a nostalgic treat that brings back campfire memories with a fun twist, you’re going to love this Golden Grahams S’Mores Bars Recipe. It’s like the classic s’more you know and adore but supercharged into a chewy, chocolatey bar that’s perfect for sharing (or not!). I’ve made these a bunch of times and swear they’re the ultimate snack for parties, after school, or whenever you need a sweet pick-me-up. Ready to dive in? Let me tell you all about the magic behind these bars.
Why This Recipe Works
- Perfect Texture: The combination of melted marshmallows and butter creates a gooey binder that holds the crispy Golden Grahams perfectly.
- Simple Ingredients: No fancy add-ins here — just pantry staples that transform into a crowd-pleaser.
- Chocolatey Goodness: Milk chocolate chips melt into the mix, giving you that rich, sweet flavor without overpowering the cereal’s crunch.
- Quick & No-Bake: It comes together in under 15 minutes, with no oven needed, making it an easy go-to dessert or snack.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Every ingredient in my Golden Grahams S’Mores Bars Recipe plays a role in achieving the perfect balance between gooey, crunchy, and chocolaty. I always look for quality mini marshmallows and real butter, which make a huge difference. Here’s the scoop on each key player:

- Mini marshmallows: They melt easily and create that famous s’mores gooey texture without being too demanding to work with.
- Milk chocolate chips: Choose a good brand for melting since they add creamy sweetness and melt evenly without seizing.
- Butter: Real butter gives a rich flavor and smooth melting base. Margarine works too, but butter’s my preference.
- Corn syrup: This keeps the bars chewy and helps prevent crystallization, but don’t worry if you don’t have any – sugar and water can substitute!
- Golden Grahams cereal: The star! Adds crunch, mild cinnamon flavor, and holds up well to the marshmallow mixture.
- Extra mini marshmallows: Stirring some in at the end gives some little pockets of marshmallow joy throughout the bars.
Tweak to Your Taste
I love how flexible the Golden Grahams S’Mores Bars Recipe is! You can easily swap or add ingredients to suit your cravings or dietary needs. Here are a few of the tweaks I’ve tried and really enjoyed:
- Variation: Adding a handful of chopped nuts (like toasted pecans) gives a nice crunch contrast and a little savory note.
- Dairy-free version: Use vegan butter and dairy-free chocolate chips to make it plant-based without losing any of that creamy goodness.
- Extra chocolaty: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips on top before the bars set for an extra chocolate hit.
- Seasonal twist: Swap Golden Grahams with Cinnamon Toast Crunch to ramp up the cinnamon flavor in fall or winter.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Golden Grahams S’Mores Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Ingredients
Start by greasing a 9×13 inch baking pan with butter or non-stick spray. This is key to avoiding sticky bars later, so don’t skip it! Measure out your marshmallows, chocolate chips, and other ingredients to have everything ready — it makes the melting step a breeze.
Step 2: Melt the Magic
On low heat, combine 5 cups of mini marshmallows, milk chocolate chips, butter, and corn syrup in a large saucepan. Stir gently and patiently — low and slow is the name of the game here to prevent burning. Once everything is silky and melted, pull the pan off the heat immediately to avoid scorch.
Step 3: Mix in the Crunch and Marshmallows
Stir in the Golden Grahams and the remaining mini marshmallows quickly while the mixture is still warm. It’s going to be sticky, so don’t be shy about getting in there with a sturdy spatula. This step gives you those little pockets of softness and big bursts of cereal crunch.
Step 4: Press and Set
Transfer the sticky mixture into your greased pan. Use the back of a spatula — lightly greased to make your life easier — to press down the mixture evenly. Let it sit at room temperature for about 60 minutes so it can harden just right before you slice it into bars.
Pro Tips for Making Golden Grahams S’Mores Bars Recipe
- Low and Slow Melting: Melting marshmallows and chocolate on low heat prevents burning and keeps the mixture smooth.
- Grease Your Tools: Lightly greasing your spatula helps you spread the sticky mixture evenly without losing any to sticking.
- Don’t Skip the Extra Marshmallows: Adding those last mini marshmallows in gives a fun texture contrast that elevates the bars.
- Avoid Refrigeration: Storing these bars at room temperature keeps them chewy — the fridge makes them rock hard and tough to cut.
How to Serve Golden Grahams S’Mores Bars Recipe

Garnishes
Sometimes, I sprinkle on a pinch of flaky sea salt just before the bars set to bring out the chocolate’s richness. Toasted coconut flakes or a quick drizzle of melted peanut butter also make for delicious, unexpected toppings that spice things up.
Side Dishes
I find a cold glass of milk pairs perfectly with these bars, especially if you’ve added extra chocolate. For a warm twist, try them alongside a mug of hot cocoa or coffee — it’s like dessert and a drink hugging each other!
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun party dessert, cut the bars into bite-sized squares and serve them on a rustic wooden board garnished with fresh berries or mint leaves. I’ve also wrapped individual bars in parchment paper tied with twine to give as sweet little gifts — everyone loves that cozy campfire vibe they bring.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store my leftover Golden Grahams S’Mores Bars in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them chewy and soft. If your kitchen is extra warm, a cool spot or pantry works best. Avoid sealing them with warm moisture as it can make the bars a bit sticky and hard to handle.
Freezing
Freezing works great if you want to prep ahead — just wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready, thaw at room temperature for around 30-60 minutes. They’ll taste just as wonderful, almost like freshly made!
Reheating
If you want that melty fresh-out-of-the-pan vibe, pop a bar in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. Be careful not to overheat—it only takes a moment for the marshmallow to soften back up and the chocolate to melt slightly, making it a total delight.
FAQs
-
Can I use another cereal instead of Golden Grahams?
Absolutely! While Golden Grahams give a nice touch of cinnamon and crunch, cereals like Cinnamon Toast Crunch or even plain Rice Krispies can be great substitutes depending on your flavor preference.
-
What if I don’t have corn syrup?
No worries — you can substitute 1/4 cup sugar and 1 tablespoon water, heating it gently until the sugar dissolves before adding to your marshmallow mixture.
-
How do I avoid the bars being too hard?
Be sure not to refrigerate the bars, as cold temps make the marshmallows firm up and the bars tough. Letting them set at room temp ensures a perfect chewy texture.
-
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Just swap Golden Grahams for a gluten-free crispy cereal you love. Make sure other ingredients are also gluten-free to keep it safe.
Final Thoughts
I’m honestly so excited every time I make these Golden Grahams S’Mores Bars Recipe because they always bring that perfect cozy, sweet comfort we all crave, no matter the season. They’re simple, nostalgic, and just downright delicious. If you love s’mores but want an easier, mess-free way to enjoy them, give these bars a go — I promise you’ll be keeping this recipe in your back pocket for whenever the snack attacks hit.
Print
Golden Grahams S’Mores Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Golden Grahams S’Mores Bars combine crunchy cereal, gooey marshmallows, and melted milk chocolate into a delightful treat. These bars are easy to make and perfect for snack time or a fun dessert.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 5 cups mini marshmallows
- 1 1/2 cups milk chocolate chips
- 5 tablespoons butter or margarine
- 1/4 cup corn syrup
- 7 cups Golden Grahams cereal
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Butter or grease a 9×13 inch baking pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Melt Ingredients: In a large saucepan over low heat, add 5 cups of mini marshmallows, 1 1/2 cups milk chocolate chips, 5 tablespoons butter or margarine, and 1/4 cup corn syrup. Stir gently with a rubber spatula until everything is melted and combined smoothly.
- Mix with Cereal: Remove the saucepan from heat and place it on a heatproof surface. Quickly stir in 7 cups of Golden Grahams cereal and 1 cup of mini marshmallows until they are evenly coated. The mixture will be very sticky.
- Transfer to Pan: Spoon the sticky mixture into the prepared baking pan. Use the back of your spatula, lightly greased if necessary, to flatten and press the mixture evenly across the pan.
- Set and Cut: Allow the bars to harden at room temperature for 60 minutes. Once set, cut into 16 squares and serve.
Notes
- If you don’t have corn syrup, substitute with 1/4 cup sugar and 1 tablespoon water.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them soft; avoid refrigerating as it can harden the bars too much.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 230 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 90 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg


