The Joy of Summer Gatherings

There’s an abundance of joy that comes with the summer season; it invites us to step outside, feel the warmth of the sun, and savor the flavors of delicious food shared with friends and family. The clear skies and gentle breezes create the perfect backdrop for cookouts, barbecues, and potlucks. Indeed, the spirit of summer is amplified by the communal joy of eating together.

As someone who has lived in Utah for nearly a lifetime, I’ve learned to cherish those heavenly sunny days. There may be countless reasons to celebrate summer, but after braving Utah’s winters full of snow and icy roads, my excitement when summer arrives is palpable. Throughout these beautiful months, I find my inner child comes alive—reveling in the feeling of grass underfoot and basking in the warmth of the pavement.

Attending gatherings throughout the summer brings with it a cultural norm, one that my mother instilled in me from a young age—never arrive empty-handed! It’s vital to contribute to the joy and flavor of each event. This reminder has inspired me to whip up one of my favorite indulgences: S’mores Crumble Bars, which are not only easy to prepare but also taste like the classic s’mores everyone loves.

Introducing S’mores Crumble Bars

If you’ve ever enjoyed s’mores around a campfire, you know that sweet combination of melted chocolate, gooey marshmallows, and crispy graham crackers. S’mores Crumble Bars are a delightful twist on this classic treat, providing all those flavors in a convenient, shareable form. This recipe makes one 8×8 pan, yielding approximately 16 medium servings, making it perfect for any summer gathering.

Ingredients

• 1 stick of butter, softened
• 3/4 cup of sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 1 and 1/3 cups of all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup of graham cracker crumbs
• 1 teaspoon of baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon of salt
• 1 and 1/2 cups of dark chocolate or milk chocolate chips
• 3 cups of small marshmallows

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Grease an 8×8-inch glass baking pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, and beat until well combined.
3. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, graham cracker crumbs, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the butter mixture in the stand mixer, beating until fully incorporated and crumbly. If the dough appears too wet, add a little more flour until the desired consistency is achieved.
4. Press half of the dough mixture into the bottom of your prepared baking pan, creating an even layer. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.
5. Once removed from the oven, immediately sprinkle the chocolate chips over the hot surface. Allow them to sit for a minute to melt slightly, then add a layer of small marshmallows on top. Crumble the remaining dough mixture over the marshmallows, ensuring an even distribution. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
6. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares and serving. Enjoy your delectable S’mores Crumble Bars at your next summer gathering!

Tips for Perfect S’mores Crumble Bars

To achieve the best results with your S’mores Crumble Bars, consider these helpful tips:

• Quality Chocolate: Choose high-quality chocolate chips for the best flavor. Dark chocolate adds a rich taste that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of marshmallows.
• Customize Your Flavors: You can experiment by adding different toppings such as peanut butter chips, caramel swirls, or even chopped nuts for added texture and flavor.
• Storage: Store any leftover bars in an airtight container to maintain their freshness. They can be enjoyed for several days, making them a great make-ahead treat.
• Serving Suggestions: Serve your S’mores Crumble Bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzle with chocolate sauce for an extra special touch.
• Chill Before Serving: For an alternative treat, consider refrigerating these bars for a while before serving, allowing them to become a bit firmer and making them easier to cut into neat squares.