For me, this is an all-time top-five Christmas treat. The No Bake Smores Bar. It is really unexplainable why these treats taste so delicious. These particular flavors, together, mixed with nostalgia, hit the spot every time. Glossy, semi-sweet chocolate harnessing layers of flakey Golden Graham cereal and spongey little pops of marshmallow goodness.
These are a perfect addition to a cookie platter. Besides being so easy to make, they are great for gifting because you can cut them down relatively small, and they're still just as satisfying. Christmas cookie platter, anyone? These are also fun treats to bring along to cookouts or family game nights.
And if you enjoy classically flavored sweet treats, check out this peanut butter and jelly themed crunch mix!
Read on for all the loving details to make No Bake Smores Bars, or skip down to the recipe card!
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Featured Ingredients
Read below about a few of the ingredients used to make no bake smores bars.
Golden Grahams Cereal - This iconic cereal is difficult to replace! There are few alternatives available, even in generic versions. But, they're necessary for a graham cracker replacement in this cookie bar version of Smores. Cascadian Farms and Mom's Best also make versions of graham cereal, though I've never tried them.
Light corn syrup - This is a sticky, sweet corn syrup flavored with vanilla and salt. It is often found in candy recipes and will help harden treats when cooked long enough. Karo syrup is a name brand. Golden Syrup works just as well.
Chocolate chips - I really believe the quality of the chocolate matters. While this recipe has supporting ingredients, the cereal, marshmallows, and chocolate are definitely the main acts! Do not use melting chocolate or generic chocolate if you can help it. I prefer Toll House, but Ghiradelli and Guittard are also good options. Hershey's would be a classic choice, but it would make a much sweeter treat if you used the milk chocolate version.
See recipe card for quantities.
Tools for the job
- Measuring cups and spoons
- 9x13 dish
- 3+ quart sauce pot
- Large stirring spoon
- Large bowl
How to make No Bake Smores Bars
- Empty an entire 11.7-ounce box (or 8 cups) of Golden Grahams into a large bowl.
- Next, pour an entire 12-ounce bag of semi-sweet chocolate chips into a 3-quart pot, along with ⅔ cups of light corn syrup and two tablespoons of butter.
- Set the pot to medium-low heat and stir. As the chocolate melts, stir frequently until the mixture boils, and let it boil for 1-2 minutes.
- Remove from the heat and stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
- Now, pour the melted chocolate mixture over the Golden Grahams and stir to coat the cereal in the chocolate mixture.
- Then, fold in 3 cups of marshmallows, one cup at a time. This will ensure that some melt to bind the treats together and some stay whole.
- I support you adding a 4th cup of marshmallows if you desire!
- Turn the mixture into a greased 13x9 casserole dish, pressing it into place with the back of a spatula or spoon. Using your hands instead (greased with butter or cooking spray) will create a tighter pack for a more solid bar.
- Let set for one hour before cutting into 1 ½ - 2" bars.
Substitutions for No Bake Smores Bars
- Gluten free - Make gluten-free smores bars with Catalina Crunch honey graham cereal.
- Vegan - Replace the butter, chocolate chips, and marshmallows with vegan versions.
Variations
- Make it a drop cookie or pull-apart - You can drop small piles of Smore onto parchment for single drop-style cookies. Or, spread the entire batch out on a lined sheet pan to cool without compressing the treat. Then, you can pull or pinch off portions as you like! This is fun for a family gathering when some folks want a little, and some want a lot!
- Spice it up! - Add a teaspoon of cinnamon to the chocolate mixture to give it a little boost of seasonal spice.
- Festive sprinkles - Toss in a small handful of holiday-themed sprinkles or jimmies into the bowl after combining all the ingredients.
Storing leftover smores bars
Store these no bake treats in a zip top bag or sealed container. They will be good for up to 5 days.
Hot Tip!
Grease your hands with butter or cooking spray and press the Smores bars into the dish to create a tightly packed bar.
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No Bake Smores Bars
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 36 pieces
Description
No Bake Smores Bars are a simple, shareable treat filled with the classic flavors of chocolate, graham, and marshmallow!
Ingredients
- 1 (12 oz) bag of semi-sweet chocolate morsels
- ⅔ cup light corn syrup
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 8 cups Golden Grahams cereal
- 3 cups mini marshmallows
Instructions
- Grease a 13x9 dish with butter, oil, or cooking spray and set aside. Add 8 cups of Golden Grahams to a large bowl and set aside.
- Add the chocolate chips, corn syrup, and unsalted butter to a sauce pot and bring to a boil stirring constantly. Remove from the heat and stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
- Pour the chocolate mixture over the cereal and toss quickly to coat all the cereal with chocolate. Add the marshmallows in 1 cup at a time, stirring to combine.
- Press the mixture into the greased dish. It helps to butter or grease your hands before doing this.
- Let the smores sit for an hour to firm up then cut into the desired size of cubes you prefer.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: dessert
- Method: Stove-top
- Cuisine: American
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