Gooey Summer S’mores Bars with Toasted Marshmallow Topping Recipe

If you crave all the nostalgia and cozy comfort of a campfire treat but want to bring it indoors, these Gooey Summer S’mores Bars with Toasted Marshmallow Topping are about to become your new favorite sweet fix. Imagine buttery graham cracker layers, luscious chocolate ganache, and a crown of perfectly toasted marshmallows (with bonus coconut for tropical flair!). Even better, this recipe captures summer magic with every bite—simple to prepare, messy-in-a-good-way, and totally shareable for any gathering. It’s the ultimate s’mores experience, no bonfire required!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Gooey Summer S’mores Bars with Toasted Marshmallow Topping is how each ingredient plays a starring role. These basics combine seamlessly for an irresistible texture: crunchy, silky, gooey, and toasty all in one bite. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:

• Graham cracker crumbs: These bring that nostalgic crunch and just the right amount of honey-kissed sweetness for the base.
• Unsalted butter, melted: Adds rich flavor and helps hold the graham cracker crust together perfectly.
• Granulated sugar: Enhances the crust with a touch more sweetness and helps caramelize the edges.
• Semisweet chocolate chips: The magical chocolatey middle—goes gooey and melty, just like a classic s’more.
• Mini marshmallows: They puff, toast, and become delightfully sticky, forming that signature campfire topping.
• Sweetened shredded coconut (optional): A tropical twist that adds chew and a hint of sweetness to the top (try it at least once!).
• Heavy cream: Transforms the chocolate into a silky, luxurious ganache layer.
• Vanilla extract: Rounds out all the flavors and heightens the chocolate’s richness.

How to Make Gooey Summer S’mores Bars with Toasted Marshmallow Topping

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, then lightly grease the paper. This easy step not only prevents sticking but makes for smooth slicing and effortless cleanup later—plus, you’ll easily lift out the whole batch when it’s time to serve!

Step 2: Make the Graham Cracker Crust

In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs with your melted butter and granulated sugar. Stir until everything resembles damp sand; you want every crumb to glisten! Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan. Getting the crust tightly packed means it will hold up beautifully under all that gooey filling.

Step 3: Bake the Crust

Bake the crust for 8 to 10 minutes, until it’s just lightly golden around the edges. This step sets the base and brings out that unmistakable graham flavor. Once done, set the pan aside to cool slightly—let it cool for a few minutes so the chocolate doesn’t melt straight through.

Step 4: Make the Chocolate Ganache Layer

While the crust is cooling, melt your semisweet chocolate chips with heavy cream and vanilla extract. You can do this in short bursts in the microwave or use a double boiler on the stovetop. Once the chocolate is completely smooth and glossy, pour it over the graham cracker crust and spread it evenly, corner to corner, with a spatula.

Step 5: Add Marshmallows (and Coconut!)

Next, rain down a generous layer of mini marshmallows over the glossy chocolate, making sure it’s well covered. If you’re feeling adventurous or tropical, sprinkle the sweetened shredded coconut over the marshmallows—this little touch makes your Gooey Summer S’mores Bars with Toasted Marshmallow Topping extra chewy and interesting!

Step 6: Bake Until Toasty

Pop the pan back in the oven for 5 to 7 minutes. Watch closely: the marshmallows should puff up and develop lovely golden tops, but you don’t want them too dark. This step is what brings the signature look and taste of campfire s’mores right to your oven.

Step 7: Cool and Chill

Set the pan on a rack to cool completely. Once at room temperature, transfer it to the fridge and chill for 1 to 2 hours. This makes slicing a breeze and helps the layers set—your bars will hold their shape and look stunning when served.

How to Serve Gooey Summer S’mores Bars with Toasted Marshmallow Topping

Garnishes

The toasted marshmallow topping is absolutely the star, but you can easily dress up your bars. Try a drizzle of melted dark chocolate, a scatter of extra coconut, a dusting of graham crumbs, or even some flaky sea salt for a sweet-and-salty punch. Let your imagination guide you!

Side Dishes

Because these bars are rich and decadent, pair them with something light and refreshing. Sliced strawberries or a simple berry salad cuts through the sweetness and adds a summery pop of color, while a scoop of vanilla or coconut ice cream transforms your bars into a restaurant-worthy dessert plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut the Gooey Summer S’mores Bars with Toasted Marshmallow Topping into classic squares for easy sharing, or go glam by using round cookie cutters for individual “cakes.” Stack small bars on a platter for a party, or pile them into mason jars for rustic summer picnic vibes. If you really want to channel campfire energy, toast extra marshmallows on wooden skewers and use them as edible “toppers” for each square!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Extra bars should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Separate layers with parchment paper to keep them from sticking together, and they’ll stay fresh and gooey for up to 4 days—if they last that long! The marshmallow topping keeps its soft, pillowy texture and the layers won’t get soggy.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze Gooey Summer S’mores Bars with Toasted Marshmallow Topping for up to a month. Once they’re cooled and chilled, slice and arrange them in a freezer container with parchment between each layer. Thaw individual bars in the fridge overnight—just keep in mind, the marshmallow texture will be a little softer after freezing but still delicious.

Reheating

If you want that just-baked gooeyness, pop a bar in the microwave for about 10 seconds to soften it up and gently warm the marshmallow topping. Don’t overdo it—the marshmallow can get very hot very quickly. Or, if you’re a fan of the classic s’mores “pull,” give them a quick broil in the oven to bring back that toasty marshmallow magic.

FAQs

Can I use milk chocolate or white chocolate instead of semisweet?

Absolutely! If you’re a milk chocolate devotee (like many classic s’mores fans), swap in your favorite chips for a sweeter twist. White chocolate turns these bars into a totally new treat—just keep an eye on sweetness levels, as the bars may taste richer.

What if I don’t have heavy cream for the ganache?

You can use whole milk in a pinch, though the texture will be slightly less velvety. The heavy cream really makes the chocolate extra luxurious, but don’t let a missing ingredient stop you—any rich dairy will do in a bind.

Help! My crust is crumbly—what went wrong?

When pressing the crust into the pan, really pack it down tightly using the bottom of a measuring cup or glass. If it’s too loose or dry, add a touch more melted butter until the crumbs hold together easily before baking.

How do I get perfectly toasted marshmallow topping?

Keep a careful eye in the final minutes of baking. Marshmallows brown fast! For even more color, you can use a kitchen torch right before serving to give each one caramelized edges and a little extra flair.

Do I have to add the shredded coconut?

Not at all! The coconut is totally optional and just adds an extra chewy texture and flavor. Feel free to leave it out—these Gooey Summer S’mores Bars with Toasted Marshmallow Topping are endlessly adaptable to your tastes.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re making dessert for a summer gathering or just want to treat yourself, Gooey Summer S’mores Bars with Toasted Marshmallow Topping bring all the fun of a campfire right into your kitchen. There’s nothing quite like the combination of toasted marshmallows, melty chocolate, and a satisfying graham cracker bite—trust me, your friends and family will be begging for seconds. Let this recipe become a new summer tradition at your table!

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