There’s a certain magic to summer that can’t be bottled—warm nights, the crackle of a campfire, the laughter of friends, and of course, the gooey perfection of s’mores. But not everyone has a campfire handy. That’s exactly why I created these S’mores Crumble Bars—a no-fuss, oven-baked version of the classic American treat that brings the nostalgic flavors of chocolate, graham cracker, and toasted marshmallow into a convenient and oh-so-satisfying dessert bar.
This recipe is a tribute to the flavors of my childhood summers, those nights under the stars with sticky fingers and sweet memories. And best of all? You don’t need to light a single match to enjoy them.
What Are S’mores Crumble Bars?
Think of them as the laid-back, party-ready cousin of the traditional campfire s’more. Instead of stacking graham crackers and roasting marshmallows, you’re pressing a buttery graham crust into a pan, layering it with melty chocolate and pillowy marshmallows, then topping it with a golden crumble. It’s like the essence of summer, in bar form.
Why You’ll Love These Bars
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Campfire flavor, no fire pit needed
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Ready in 30 minutes and easy to prep ahead
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Perfect for summer BBQs, birthday parties, or afternoon snacks
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12 satisfying servings—but you might want to double it!
These bars are one of our favorite summer bakes, right up there with Salted Brown Butter Rice Krispie Treats and Raspberry Cheesecake Bars.
Ingredients (Makes 12 Bars)
For the Crust and Crumble:
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1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 12 sheets)
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1 cup all-purpose flour
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1/2 teaspoon baking soda
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
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1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
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1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
For the Filling:
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1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
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1 cup mini marshmallows
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1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang so you can lift the bars out easily after baking.
Step 2: Make the Crumble Mixture
In a large bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, flour, baking soda, and salt. Add the melted butter, brown sugar, and vanilla. Mix until you get a crumbly, sandy dough.
Step 3: Press the Crust
Press two-thirds of the mixture into the bottom of your prepared baking dish to create a solid crust layer.
Step 4: Add the Gooey Filling
Sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the crust. Scatter the marshmallows on top. Drizzle sweetened condensed milk over everything for a rich, sweet glue that ties it all together.
Step 5: Crumble and Bake
Sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture on top and bake for 22–25 minutes, or until the top is golden and marshmallows are puffed and lightly toasted.
Step 6: Cool and Slice
Let the bars cool completely in the pan (about 1 hour) before lifting and slicing into squares. Don’t rush this step—the cooler they are, the cleaner your cuts will be!
Tips for Success
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Line your pan well: This helps with easy removal and prevents sticking.
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Don’t overbake: Pull them out when the top is golden but not too dark—the gooey center firms up as it cools.
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Use high-quality chocolate: It makes a difference! Dark, milk, or even a mix adds depth.
Recipe Variations
Looking to switch things up? Try one of these tasty spins:
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Nutty Crunch: Add 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans to the crumble.
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Peanut Butter Swirl: Drizzle 1/4 cup melted peanut butter over the chocolate before adding marshmallows.
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S’mores Cookie Dough: Try this S’mores Edible Cookie Dough for a raw version of your favorite campfire treat.
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Cookies and Cream: Mix crushed Oreos into the crumble for a fun twist.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
S’mores Crumble Bars are even better the next day. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to a week. Want to freeze them? Wrap bars individually and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or microwave for 10–15 seconds.
Serving Suggestions
You don’t need much to enjoy these bars, but here are some fun pairings:
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With a glass of cold milk (classic!)
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Next to a scoop of Vanilla Raspberry Pancake Layer Cake
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Crumbled over yogurt for a dessert-for-breakfast twist
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Served warm with whipped cream or a drizzle of Salted Caramel Crumble
Create a Summer Dessert Board
Hosting friends? Build a dessert board around these bars with options like:
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Sliced fruit and mini marshmallows for dipping
Final Thoughts
S’mores are more than just a dessert. They’re a shared experience, a celebration of summer, and a symbol of joy. These S’mores Crumble Bars are my little ode to that feeling—no campfire required. Whether you’re baking with the kids, bringing dessert to a picnic, or just craving something sweet and nostalgic, this recipe will never let you down.
