The Best Fudgy S’mores Bar Ever
The Ultimate Fudgy S’mores Bar: No Campfire Required
How many of you love campfire s'mores but dislike battling the heat and bugs? The Ultimate Fudgy S'mores Bar is the perfect solution! It’s a rich and indulgent dessert for family gatherings, neighborhood cookouts, or just to impress the kids. With this recipe, you get all the classic flavors of a s’more, from the fudgy crust to the gooey marshmallow topping. Plus, the meringue adds a touch of smokiness, giving it that campfire feel without the need for an open flame. And the best part? You can get creative with the ingredients. Whether you want to add extra chocolate or a sprinkle of crushed graham crackers, the possibilities are endless. When it comes to desserts and sweets, fudgy and ooey gooey is a special treat that is so satisfying. Gather your ingredients, and enjoy this irresistible treat in no time!
The Graham Cracker Crust
First, let’s talk about the crust. It’s your basic graham cracker crust, but instead of regular sugar, I use brown sugar. Light or dark both work, and either one gives the crust a little more depth than just sweet. If you’re feeling creative, you can throw in a pinch of cinnamon or some finely chopped nuts to give it a little personality.
Before you press anything into the pan, lay down a sheet of parchment or foil. That makes it easier to lift the whole thing out when you're ready to serve. This recipe makes a nice thick crust, which I like, but if you want it a little thinner, just cut the amount down. I use an 8x8 or 9x9 pan to get a good solid bar out of it.
The Brownie Center
Next up is the brownie center. I’ve given you a really good brownie base, but if you have a favorite of your own, whether it’s more cakey or fudgy, you can definitely use that. This one sits right in the middle, which I think is the sweet spot. You can also make it your own with add-ins like chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or whatever you love in a brownie.
The extra egg yolk makes it a little more rich and decadent. Honestly, this brownie is good enough to stand on its own. Add a scoop of ice cream and call it a day. But of course, I had to take it further. I always do.
One quick tip, don’t overbake it. You want the center to stay just a little soft. If you bake it until it looks fully done, it might end up hard once it cools. Trust me, I’ve made that mistake before.
Tools That You'll Love
If you’re baking these bars, having the right tools on hand makes everything easier. These are some kitchen basics that makes baking easier, whether making s’mores bars or just a batch of weeknight brownies.
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9x9 Heavy-Duty Baking Pan – Helps the crust bake evenly without hot spots.
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Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer – Either one works great for whipping the meringue topping.
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Sturdy Silicone Spatulas – A good spatula makes spreading batter and meringue way easier.
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Measuring Cups – For dry and liquid ingredients. I keep both styles in my kitchen.
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Measuring Spoons – Accurate, easy to clean, and great for keeping your brownie ratios just right.
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Ultimate S’mores Bar
Ingredients
Graham Crust:
- 3 cups crushed graham crackers
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ sticks melted butter
Brownie Layer:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ¼ cups sugar
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 stick unsalted butter melted
Marshmallow Meringue:
- 4 egg whites room temp
- 1 cup sugar
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon cream of tartar
- Optional: mini marshmallows to fold in
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8x8 or 9x9 pan with parchment or foil for easy removal.
- Mix graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, salt, and melted butter. Press into pan to form a thick crust. Bake for 8–10 minutes. Let cool slightly.
- In a bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, salt, sugar, and cocoa. In another bowl, whisk eggs, egg yolk, vanilla, and melted butter. Add wet to dry and stir just until combined.
- Pour brownie batter over cooled crust. Bake at 350°F for 20–25 minutes, or until the edges are set and center is slightly soft. Let cool completely.
- In a clean bowl, beat egg whites, cream of tartar, and salt until foamy. Slowly add sugar, 1 tsp at a time, until stiff peaks form. (Optional: fold in a handful of mini marshmallows.)
- Spread meringue on top of cooled brownie. Broil for a few seconds just until peaks are golden and slightly charred—watch closely!
- Let cool, then slice and serve. Store covered at room temp for 1–2 days, or refrigerate to keep longer.
Notes
FAQ for The Best Fudgy S’mores Bar Ever
What makes these s’mores bars fudgy?
Fudgy s’mores bars are all about the rich, dense brownie-like texture. The combination of melted chocolate, butter, and a bit of flour creates that gooey, chewy consistency. The meringue topping adds a light, crispy texture that complements the rich base.
Can I make these s’mores bars ahead of time?
Yes! These bars are perfect for making ahead of time. After baking, let them cool completely before storing them in an airtight container.
Can I skip the meringue topping?
You can definitely skip the meringue if you prefer. Instead, use mini marshmallows and broil them for that golden, toasted effect. However, the meringue gives a unique crispy-soft balance, so it’s worth trying!
What if I don’t have a broiler?
If you don’t have a broiler, you can use a kitchen torch to toast the meringue. Alternatively, you can bake them in the oven at a high temperature (around 450°F) for a few minutes, but be sure to watch them closely to prevent burning.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes! To make these bars gluten-free, simply substitute regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Be sure to check the labels on your chocolate and marshmallows to ensure they are gluten-free as well.
How do I store leftover s’mores bars?
Store leftover s’mores bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To keep them fresh longer, you can freeze them for up to 1 month. Be sure to wrap them tightly before freezing to preserve texture and flavor.
Can I add extra ingredients to these s’mores bars?
Absolutely! You can customize these bars by adding crushed graham crackers to the crust for extra crunch, or mix in chopped nuts, caramel bits, or even a drizzle of peanut butter for a fun twist on the classic recipe.
What’s the best chocolate for s’mores bars?
I recommend using high-quality chocolate for the best flavor. You can use milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or a combination of both depending on your preference. The richer the chocolate, the better the fudgy texture!
Why This One’s a Crowd Favorite
I love a good old-fashioned s’more, but this Ultimate S’mores Bar really takes it up a notch. You get all the things you love: the buttery graham base, the rich chocolate center, and that toasted marshmallow finish, all baked into one pan. No need to hover over a fire or serve one at a time.
It’s the kind of dessert that gets folks talking. Bring it to a potluck, a cookout, or any casual get-together when you want to show up with something a little special. It brings all the comfort of a campfire treat, without the fuss.
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