S’mores Cereal Bars: Your Ultimate Easy No-Bake Treat!

Indulge in the irresistible taste of summer campfires with these delightful S’mores Cereal Bars. This recipe transforms the classic gooey, chocolatey magic of s’mores into an incredibly easy, no-bake treat that’s perfect for any occasion, all year round. Forget the campfire smoke and sticky fingers – these bars deliver all the nostalgic flavor without the fuss, ready in just minutes.

Craving that iconic combination of toasted marshmallows, melty chocolate, and crispy graham crackers? Our S’mores Cereal Bars are your answer. Requiring only 15 minutes of active preparation time and using just 6 simple ingredients, these bars eliminate the need for an oven. They are the ultimate quick fix for your s’mores desires, whether you’re hosting a party, packing school lunches, or simply enjoying a sweet moment at home.

Author’s Notes

The Treat That Made My Mom Famous (Well, Sort Of!)

For as long as I can remember, S’mores Cereal Bars have held a special place in my family’s dessert repertoire. While my mom didn’t invent the recipe – I’m pretty sure its origins lie on the back of a cereal box – she perfected it over the years and became genuinely “famous” for them among our friends and extended family. Whenever there was a potluck, a school event, or a family gathering, everyone knew to look for her legendary s’mores bars. They were always the first dessert to disappear, leaving behind nothing but happy, satisfied faces.

If you’re a s’mores aficionado, prepare to be completely hooked. The irresistible combination of crunchy graham cereal, perfectly gooey marshmallows, and rich, melty chocolate creates a symphony of textures and flavors in every bite. It’s a taste of pure childhood nostalgia, elevated into a convenient, crowd-pleasing treat. Even after countless batches over the years, I honestly believe I’ll never tire of these delightful bars. They are truly a timeless classic in our household.

Why These S’mores Cereal Bars Are a Must-Try

Beyond their delicious flavor, these S’mores Cereal Bars offer a multitude of benefits that make them a go-to recipe for any home baker, novice or experienced:

• Effortlessly Easy: With only 6 basic ingredients and a simple melting and mixing process, anyone can master this recipe.
• No-Bake Wonder: Skip the oven! This is the perfect dessert for hot summer days or when you simply don’t want to heat up your kitchen.
• Lightning Fast: From start to finish, you’ll have these bars ready to set in about 15 minutes. Ideal for last-minute cravings or unexpected guests.
• Crowd-Pleasing Favorite: S’mores are universally loved, and these bars are no exception. They’re guaranteed to be a hit at parties, picnics, and family gatherings.
• Nostalgic Comfort: Recreate the beloved campfire experience without the smoke, bringing back cherished memories with every bite.
• Versatile & Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe with different cereals, chocolates, or mix-ins to suit your taste (more on this below!).

Essential S’mores Cereal Bars Ingredients

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. With just a handful of common pantry staples, you can create a truly decadent dessert. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why each component is vital:

• Graham Cereal: This is the backbone of your s’mores bars, providing that characteristic graham cracker flavor and satisfying crunch. While Golden Grahams® is the classic choice and highly recommended for its authentic taste, any store-brand graham cereal will work beautifully. You can also experiment with other toasted cereals for a unique twist, like chocolate or peanut butter varieties.
• Marshmallows: These are crucial for the signature gooey texture. Opt for miniature marshmallows, as they melt more evenly and incorporate better into the mixture. The fresher and softer your marshmallows, the chewier and more delightful your bars will be. A squishy bag is always a good sign!
• Chocolate Chips: For the ultimate s’mores experience, quality matters when it comes to chocolate. We recommend using good quality milk chocolate chips for a classic, creamy flavor that melts beautifully. Brands like Ghirardelli® or Guittard® offer superior taste and texture compared to cheaper alternatives, which can sometimes be waxy and melt inconsistently. Feel free to use semi-sweet or even dark chocolate chips if you prefer a less sweet profile.
• Butter + Corn Syrup: This dynamic duo works wonders in creating the perfect consistency for your bars. The butter adds richness and helps with the smooth melting of the marshmallows, while light corn syrup acts as a powerful binding agent, preventing the bars from becoming too crumbly and ensuring they remain wonderfully soft and chewy.
• Vanilla Extract: A touch of pure vanilla extract elevates all the other flavors, adding a subtle warmth and depth that rounds out the sweetness of the marshmallows and chocolate. Don’t skip this ingredient, as it truly enhances the overall taste.
• Salt: Just a tiny pinch of salt is all it takes to balance the sweetness of the marshmallows and chocolate, enhancing their flavors and preventing the bars from being overly cloying.
• Cooking Spray: Essential for preventing the sticky mixture from adhering to your pan and your hands during the pressing stage.

Crafting Your S’mores Cereal Bars: Step-by-Step Guide with Expert Tips

Making these no-bake s’mores bars is incredibly straightforward, but a few key tips can ensure your treats turn out perfectly every time:

• Grease the Pan Generously: Before you even start melting, make sure your 9×13-inch baking pan is thoroughly greased. Spray it generously with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal. This is crucial to prevent the sticky s’mores mixture from adhering to the pan.
• Microwave Slowly and Stir Frequently: When melting the marshmallows, chocolate chips, butter, corn syrup, and salt, use short bursts of heat (20-second intervals in the microwave). Stir well after each interval, scraping the bottom and sides of the bowl. This prevents scorching the mixture and ensures a smooth, even melt. Patience here will pay off in a beautifully uniform base.
• Don’t Overheat the Mixture: Overheating marshmallows can make them brittle and tough once cooled. Remove the mixture from the microwave as soon as it’s melted and smooth, even if there are a few tiny lumps of marshmallow remaining, as they will melt with residual heat.
• Use a Very Large Mixing Bowl: You’ll be adding a good amount of cereal to the melted mixture, so ensure you have a generously sized bowl. This allows for easier and less messy mixing, ensuring every piece of cereal is evenly coated without crushing it.
• Mix Gently but Thoroughly: Once the melted mixture is poured over the cereal, work quickly to combine everything. Use a sturdy spatula and fold the mixture until all the cereal is coated. Be gentle to avoid crushing the delicate graham cereal.
• Lightly Press into the Pan: When transferring the mixture to the prepared pan, lightly spray your hands with cooking spray. Gently press the mixture evenly into the pan. Do not press too hard or compact the mixture excessively, as this will result in dense, hard bars instead of soft, chewy ones. A light, even touch is all that’s needed.
• Allow Adequate Setting Time: While tempting to dive in immediately, allowing the bars to set at room temperature for at least 1 hour (or refrigerating for firmer bars) is essential for them to fully firm up and achieve their ideal chewy texture.

Variations and Customizations for Your S’mores Cereal Bars

While the classic S’mores Cereal Bar is perfect as is, this recipe is incredibly versatile, inviting you to get creative with your additions and make it uniquely yours. Here are some exciting ideas to inspire your next batch:

• Cereal Swaps:
  • Chocolate Lover’s Dream: Replace some or all of the Golden Grahams with chocolate-flavored cereal for a double chocolate s’mores experience.
  • Peanut Butter Bliss: Incorporate a peanut butter-flavored cereal or add a tablespoon of creamy peanut butter to the melted mixture for a rich, nutty twist.
  • Cookie Crunch: Crush up some chocolate wafer cookies or shortbread cookies and mix them in for added texture and flavor.
• Chocolate Adventures:
  • Dark Chocolate Depth: Use dark chocolate chips for a more sophisticated, less sweet bar.
  • White Chocolate Swirl: Melt white chocolate and drizzle it over the set bars for an elegant finish.
  • Chocolate Chunks: Swap chips for chunks for bigger bursts of melted chocolate.
  • Toffee Bits: Add a handful of toffee bits to the mixture for a delightful crunchy, caramel-like flavor.
• Marshmallow Magic:
  • Toasted Topping: Before the bars fully set, sprinkle extra miniature marshmallows on top and gently toast them with a kitchen torch for an authentic campfire experience.
  • Flavored Marshmallows: If you can find them, try flavored marshmallows (like strawberry or chocolate) for an interesting twist.
• Nutty Additions:
  • Chopped Nuts: Stir in finely chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds for added crunch and richness.
  • Peanut Butter Swirl: After pressing the bars into the pan, dollop small amounts of melted peanut butter over the top and swirl with a knife.
• Extra Goodies:
  • Salty-Sweet Perfection: Crush pretzels and mix them into the cereal for a fantastic salty crunch that perfectly complements the sweetness.
  • Candy Mix-ins: Add mini M&Ms, chopped candy bars, or other small candies for extra bursts of flavor and color.
  • Sprinkles: For a festive touch, mix in sprinkles or add them to the top before the bars set.

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5 from 1 vote

S’mores Cereal Bars

By
Chelsea Lords

S’mores Cereal Bars are the quickest way to enjoy that gooey, sweet s’mores flavor—all in one pan. This no-bake recipe is simple, fast, and delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Prep Time:
15 minutes

Setting up Time:
1 hour

Total Time:
1 hour 15 minutes

Servings:
24 large bars

Video Tutorial

Watch our step-by-step video guide to make these S’mores Cereal Bars!

Click to watch the S’mores Cereal Bars video

Equipment

• 9 x 13-inch baking pan
• Large bowl

Ingredients

• 8 cups Golden Grahams cereal (see note 1)
• 6 cups miniature marshmallows (divided)
• 2 cups milk chocolate chips (divided, see note 2)
• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter (cut into cubes)
• 1/4 cup light corn syrup
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Cooking spray

Instructions

1. Spray a 9×13-inch pan well with cooking spray or line with parchment paper, then set aside. Add the Golden Grahams cereal to a very large mixing bowl.
2. In a separate large microwave-safe bowl, combine 5 cups of miniature marshmallows, 1½ cups of chocolate chips, the cubed unsalted butter, light corn syrup, and salt. Microwave in 20-second increments, stirring thoroughly after each burst (making sure to scrape the bottom and sides of the bowl). Continue until the mixture is completely melted and smooth, which typically takes about 2 to 4 minutes total. Be careful not to overheat the mixture, as this can make it tough.
3. Stir in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated. Immediately pour the warm marshmallow mixture over the cereal in the large bowl. Using a sturdy spatula, toss and fold gently until the cereal is evenly coated. Take your time during this step to ensure every piece is well covered without crushing the cereal.
4. Once the cereal is coated, gently stir in the remaining 1 cup of marshmallows and ½ cup of chocolate chips. This adds extra pockets of gooey marshmallow and melty chocolate to the finished bars. Pour the entire mixture into your prepared 9×13-inch pan.
5. Lightly spray your hands with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Gently and evenly press the mixture into the pan. It’s important not to press too hard or compact the bars excessively, as this can make them dense and firm rather than soft and chewy.
6. Allow the bars to set uncovered at room temperature for at least 1 hour. If you prefer firmer bars, you can refrigerate them for about 30 minutes to 1 hour. Once set, cut into squares and serve.

Recipe Notes

Note 1: While Golden Grahams are classic, feel free to try other graham-flavored cereals like Malt O Meal® Honey Graham Toasters for a slight variation.

Note 2: For the best flavor and melt, use high-quality milk chocolate chips. We recommend brands like Ghirardelli® or Guittard®. Cheaper brands often contain more wax, which can lead to a less desirable melt and a waxy texture.

Storage: Store S’mores Cereal Bars in an airtight container at room temperature. They are best enjoyed the day they are made for optimal texture and gooeyness. While they will keep for 2-3 days, the marshmallows will firm up over time. Freezing is not recommended as it significantly alters the marshmallow texture upon thawing.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving

| Calories: 560kcal
| Carbohydrates: 127g
| Protein: 4g
| Fat: 7g
| Saturated Fat: 4g
| Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g
| Monounsaturated Fat: 1g
| Trans Fat: 0.1g
| Cholesterol: 9mg
| Sodium: 422mg
| Potassium: 64mg
| Fiber: 2g
| Sugar: 70g
| Vitamin A: 1351IU
| Vitamin C: 19mg
| Calcium: 5mg
| Iron: 21mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation.

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