Enjoy all the gooey, chocolatey goodness of campfire s'mores-no fire needed! These No Bake Smores Bars with Golden Grahams are a fun, easy dessert perfect for BBQs, school events, or anytime your sweet tooth strikes. With crunchy cereal, melty chocolate, and soft marshmallows, they deliver classic s'mores flavor-minus the mess.
I don't know about you, but I'm absolutely s'mores-obsessed. While nothing beats the classic campfire treat, there's something magical about turning those gooey, chocolatey flavors into fun new desserts-like S'mores Cookies, S'mores Brownies, or even a S'mores Trifle. But when I want something quick, easy, and no oven required, I whip up these no bake s'mores bars with Golden Grahams. They're made with crunchy cereal, melty milk chocolate chips, and gooey mini marshmallows-everything you love about s'mores in a chewy, make-ahead cereal bar. It's the ultimate indoor s'mores recipe you can enjoy year long!
Ingredients and Substitutions
Below is a quick overview of what you'll need to make these no bake s'mores bars with Golden Grahams-a perfect indoor s'mores recipe. Check the recipe card at the bottom for full directions.
- Golden Grahams Cereal– This gives that signature graham cracker crunch. A must for authentic Golden Grahams s'mores bars, but other cereals like Chex, Honeycomb, or Cinnamon Toast Crunch work too.
- Marshmallows– Mini marshmallows melt quickly and mix easily. They’re essential for that gooey s'mores texture.
- Chocolate Chips– Milk chocolate chips give that classic s'mores flavor, but feel free to use dark or semisweet if you want a richer twist on this marshmallow chocolate bar.
- Butter– Salted butter brings out the most flavor, however, unsalted butter or margarine works as well.
- Sugar– White granulated sugar adds the perfect amount of sweetness throughout.
- Water– This helps the chocolate from burning when heated in a saucepan.
- Vanilla Extract– Opt for pure vanilla versus imitation.
How to Make No Bake S’mores Bars with Golden Grahams recipe
Step 1. Grease a 13×9 baking pan with nonstick cooking spray and measure the Golden Grahams cereal into a large mixing bowl. Set aside 1 cup of mini marshmallows for later. In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine the remaining 4 ½ cups mini marshmallows, milk chocolate chips, butter, sugar, and water.
Step 2. Stir occasionally until everything melts into a smooth, gooey mixture. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 3. Quickly pour the warm marshmallow mixture over the cereal and stir to coat thoroughly-this is what gives these no bake s'mores bars with Golden Grahams their irresistible texture. Fold in the reserved 1 cup of mini marshmallows for that extra pop of gooey goodness.
Step 4. Press the cereal mixture firmly into the prepared baking dish in an even layer. Let cool for at least 1 hour before slicing into bars with a sharp knife.
How to Store These Golden Grahams Treats
- Make Ahead: You can make these golden grahams treats up to 5 days in advance and simply store in an airtight container.
- Room Temperature: Store the sliced bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. This keeps them chewy, fresh, and ready to grab when a sweet craving hits. They’re an ideal easy no bake dessert for after-school snacks or casual get-together’s.
- Refrigeration (Hot Weather Tip): If you’re making these bars during warmer months, store them in the refrigerator to prevent the chocolate from getting too soft. They'll still stay chewy and delicious, just with a little chill.
- Freezer-Friendly Option:: You can freeze these bars up to 3 months in a freezer safe container, however the chocolate may dull a bit upon thawing.
Tips for Success
- Prep your pan for easy serving: Make sure to thoroughly grease your 13×9 baking dish before adding the cereal mixture. This helps your no bake s'mores bars with Golden Grahams lift out cleanly. For even easier removal, line the pan with parchment paper-you'll be able to lift the entire batch out and slice neatly.
- Melt low and slow: When melting the chocolate and marshmallows for this easy no bake dessert, always use low heat. Stir constantly to avoid scorching. Burnt chocolate or marshmallows can ruin the flavor and texture of your Golden Grahams treats, and sadly, there's no saving a burnt batch-you'll have to start fresh.
- For extra flair, press a few extra mini marshmallows or chocolate chips on top before they set. It makes them look bakery-fancy but still homemade.
- Need a smaller batch? Halve the ingredients and use an 8×8 baking dish. It's the perfect size for a weeknight sweet treat or a small family dessert-same gooey goodness in a cozier size!
Frequently Asked Questions
These cereal bars are the perfect snack or dessert and can be enjoyed just about anytime. We love serving them at BBQ’s, picnics, hosting, or even school events. During the summer months, they are always included as a dessert when we grill burgers, chicken, or steak bites.
The classic s’more is made with three ingredients: graham crackers, marshmallows, and chocolate. The marshmallow is typically roasted over an open flame, placed between a graham cracker and a piece of chocolate to create a warm, gooey, and delicious treat.
Yes! While Golden Grahams make these bars taste like a classic s'more, you can swap in Chex, Honeycomb, or even Cinnamon Toast Crunch for a twist.
Absolutely! About 1 ¾ cups of fluff will work in a pinch, making this an easy pantry-friendly option.
Yes! These kid-friendly no bake treats are a hit at school functions, bake sales, and backyard BBQs. No ovens, no sharp tools-just easy, tasty fun!
More No-Bake Dessert Recipes You’ll Love
If you're craving that nostalgic campfire flavor without lighting a single match, these no bake s'mores bars with Golden Grahams are a must-try! Quick, simple, and full of melty marshmallow and chocolate goodness, they're the ultimate easy summer dessert. Don't forget to pin this recipe, leave a comment, rate it, and share it with your fellow s'mores lovers!
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No Bake Smores Bars with Golden Grahams
Equipment
Ingredients
- 8 cups Golden Grahams cereal
- 10 oz mini marshmallows 5 ½ cups
- 1 ½ cups milk chocolate chips
- 5 tablespoon butter salted is preferred, but unsalted or margarine works
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Grease a 9×13 baking dish and measure cereal into a large mixing bowl. Set 1 cup mini marshmallows aside.
- In a saucepan, heat the remaining 4 ½ cups marshmallows, chocolate chips, butter, sugar, and water over low heat. Stir occasionally to prevent burning. Once melted, remove from heat.
- Stir in the vanilla extract
- Pour marshmallow mixture evenly over cereal in large mixing bowl and carefully toss to coat cereal thoroughly.
- Stir in the remaining one cup marshmallows.
- Press cereal mixture firmly into prepared pan and allow bars to set for at least one hour. Cut into bars and serve!
Notes
- Make Ahead: You can make these golden grahams treats up to 5 days in advance and simply store in an airtight container.
- Room Temperature: Store the sliced bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. This keeps them chewy, fresh, and ready to grab when a sweet craving hits. They're an ideal easy no bake dessert for after-school snacks or casual get-together's.
- Refrigeration (Hot Weather Tip): If you're making these bars during warmer months, store them in the refrigerator to prevent the chocolate from getting too soft. They'll still stay chewy and delicious, just with a little chill.
- Freezer-Friendly Option:: You can freeze these bars up to 3 months in a freezer safe container, however the chocolate may dull a bit upon thawing.
- Prep your pan for easy serving: Make sure to thoroughly grease your 13×9 baking dish before adding the cereal mixture. This helps your no bake s'mores bars with Golden Grahams lift out cleanly. For even easier removal, line the pan with parchment paper-you'll be able to lift the entire batch out and slice neatly.
- Melt low and slow: When melting the chocolate and marshmallows for this easy no bake dessert, always use low heat. Stir constantly to avoid scorching. Burnt chocolate or marshmallows can ruin the flavor and texture of your Golden Grahams treats, and sadly, there's no saving a burnt batch-you'll have to start fresh.
- For extra flair, press a few extra mini marshmallows or chocolate chips on top before they set. It makes them look bakery-fancy but still homemade.
- Need a smaller batch? Halve the ingredients and use an 8×8 baking dish. It's the perfect size for a weeknight sweet treat or a small family dessert-same gooey goodness in a cozier size!
Mimi says
These No Bake Smores Bars were perfect for my kids’ party! I also added dark chocolate!
Kristin says
Great idea on the dark chocolate, yum! Glad you all enjoyed!!
Paula says
These no bake s’mores were incredible! So easy to make, my daughter pulled them off on her own, and we were all impressed.
Kristin says
Yay!! Love hearing that! Glad you all enjoyed and great job to your daughter!
Janie says
OMG! I never thought of using golden graham cereal to make smores. Made it and loved it. Gotta run to the store again to make more.
Kristin says
Such a new favorite in my house! Glad you enjoyed too!!
Maria says
This is such a great idea. They have all the S’mores flavor without all the mess. We loved these.
Kristin says
Yay! Glad to hear!!
Beth says
All the flavor without all the gooey mess? I am sold!
Kristin says
Right?! A win-win!!
Kristin H. says
My kids love these! The perfect summer treat that keeps heat out of my kitchen and our sweet tooth satisfied!