Imagine walking into your kitchen, the sweet scent of melted butter and gooey marshmallows filling the air. It feels like a warm hug, doesn’t it? That’s exactly the comfort you’ll get when making my Golden Graham S’mores. This recipe is a delightful twist on the traditional campfire treat, perfect for both cozy nights in and social gatherings.
What makes these bars truly special is how ridiculously easy they are to whip up. In just 12 minutes, you can transition from pantry raider to dessert magician, leaving behind the lukewarm fast-food drive-thru. With the crunch of Golden Grahams, the sweetness of chocolate chips, and the chewy goodness of marshmallows, every bite evokes nostalgia while delighting your taste buds.
Whether for a potluck or a quiet evening on the couch, these Golden Graham S’mores are not just a dessert; they’re an experience that sparks joy. So let’s dive into this simple yet irresistible recipe that will surely become a favorite in your home!
Why are Golden Graham S’mores a must-try?
Unbelievably quick: In just 12 minutes, you can create a mouthwatering dessert that feels indulgent without the hassle.
Nostalgic flavor: These bars evoke the classic s’mores experience with a modern twist, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings.
Crowd-pleaser: Ideal for gatherings, they’ll impress friends and family alike, making them the star of any event.
Versatile snack: Enjoy them as a dessert, a midday treat, or even a fun breakfast option!
Simple ingredients: Using pantry staples like Golden Grahams and mini marshmallows means less prep and more delicious moments.
For even more delicious quick desserts, check out my simple dessert ideas for more inspiration!
Golden Graham S’mores Ingredients
• You won’t believe how few ingredients are needed for these delightful bars!
For the Base
- 6 tablespoons butter – This adds richness and helps bind the ingredients together.
- 21 ounces mini marshmallows – Divided for melting into the base and adding gooey texture.
- 8 ¼ cups Golden Grahams cereal – The star of the show, bringing crunch and that nostalgic flavor to your Golden Graham S’mores!
For the Chocolate
- ¾ cup mini semisweet chocolate chips – These little morsels melt beautifully, adding sweet chocolatey goodness throughout.
As you gather these pantry staples, you’re just moments away from creating a treat that combines warmth, sweetness, and a crunch that will leave everyone wanting more!
How to Make Golden Graham S’mores
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Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. This will prevent your delicious bars from sticking and make clean-up a breeze.
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Melt butter in a large saucepan over low heat until it’s mostly dissolved, about 2-3 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure it doesn’t brown.
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Add 16 ounces of mini marshmallows, stirring until completely melted and smooth. This will create a gooey, marshmallowy base, which is essential for your Golden Graham S’mores.
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Remove from heat once the marshmallows are fully melted and combined with the butter. The mixture should look creamy and luscious!
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Stir in 8 cups of Golden Grahams cereal until everything is combined. The cereal should be evenly coated with the marshmallow mixture, giving that delightful crunch.
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Mix in the remaining 5 ounces of marshmallows and ½ cup of mini semisweet chocolate chips. This adds pockets of gooey chocolate and marshmallow, ensuring a perfect bite.
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Press the cereal mixture firmly into the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula or your hands (dampened slightly) to ensure an even layer for perfect slicing later.
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Sprinkle the top with the remaining ¼ cup of Golden Grahams and ¼ cup of mini chocolate chips. This adds an extra crunchy topping to delight your taste buds.
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Let cool at room temperature before cutting into squares and serving. Give them at least 15-20 minutes to set for better slicing.
Optional: Drizzle with melted chocolate for an extra indulgent treat!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Golden Graham S’mores
Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep them fresh and chewy.
Fridge: For longer storage, you can chill the bars in the fridge for up to a week. Just ensure they are sealed tightly to prevent drying out.
Freezer: Freeze the bars in a single layer wrapped in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container. They should last for up to 3 months.
Reheating: If you like them warm, simply microwave individual squares for about 10-15 seconds for a gooey treat that tastes freshly made!
Make Ahead Options
These Golden Graham S’mores are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to indulge without last-minute stress! You can prepare the base mixture (steps 1-7) up to 24 hours ahead; simply press it into the greased baking dish and cover it tightly with plastic wrap to prevent drying out. When you’re ready to serve, just uncover and sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips and Golden Grahams on top before cooling at room temperature. This way, you’ll enjoy the same delightful taste and texture, just as delicious as if made fresh! With these make-ahead tips, you can savor the sweet moments without the rush.
Golden Graham S’mores Variations
Feel free to add your creative touch to these delightful treats and make them your own!
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Nutty Delight: Add 1 cup of chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, to the mixture for added crunch and nutty flavor. They harmonize beautifully with the sweetness, giving an earthy balance.
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Chocolate Swap: Use dark chocolate chips instead of semisweet for a richer flavor profile. This simple switch transforms your bars into a more sophisticated treat that’s perfect for chocolate lovers.
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Coconut Crunch: Stir in 1 cup of unsweetened shredded coconut for a tropical twist that complements the marshmallows and chocolate perfectly. The coconut adds a delightful chewiness that enhances each bite.
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Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle melted caramel over the top before cooling for an extra layer of sweetness. This indulgent addition elevates the bars to a whole new level of deliciousness.
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Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the melted marshmallow mixture for a delightful heat that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness. This variation will surprise and delight your taste buds!
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Berry Blast: Incorporate 1 cup of dried berries, like cranberries or cherries, into the mix. They provide a tart contrast that balances the sweetness and adds a burst of flavor in every bite.
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S’more or Less: Reduce the amount of marshmallows and chocolate chips by half for a less decadent version that still satisfies those sweet cravings—perfect if you’re looking for a lighter treat!
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Peanut Butter Bliss: Stir in ½ cup of creamy peanut butter with the melted marshmallows for a rich, nutty flavor that complements the chocolate wonderfully. This is a must-try for peanut butter fans!
Expert Tips for Golden Graham S’mores
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Avoid Sticking: Grease your baking dish thoroughly to ensure the bars come out easily. This prevents the delicious Golden Graham S’mores from sticking!
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Low Heat Only: Always melt the butter over low heat. Cooking it too quickly can lead to burnt flavors, ruining your sweet treat.
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Mix Gently: When stirring in the cereal, do so gently to keep the cereal intact. Aggressive mixing can crush the Golden Grahams and alter the texture.
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Cool Properly: Allow enough cooling time before cutting. If they are too warm, they may fall apart instead of forming neat squares.
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Customize Toppings: Feel free to experiment with different mix-ins, like nuts or different types of chocolate chips. Just keep the basic proportions for the Golden Graham S’mores!
What to Serve with Golden Graham S’mores?
Create a delightful feast that pairs perfectly with your sweet treats and brings everyone together!
- Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy, cold contrast to warm, chewy s’mores adds a refreshing element that’s utterly indulgent.
- Fresh Berries: Sweet strawberries or tart raspberries provide a burst of freshness, balancing the rich flavors of your dessert.
- Chocolate Sauce: Drizzling warm chocolate adds an extra layer of decadence, enhancing the already delightful chocolate chips throughout.
- Milkshakes: A classic vanilla or chocolate milkshake complements the sweetness perfectly, making this a delightful nostalgic pairing.
- Popcorn: Light, buttery popcorn provides a contrasting texture and an unexpected crunch, perfect for a cozy evening snack.
- Sparkling Water: Crisp and refreshing, a splash of lemon or lime in sparkling water cuts through the sweetness and cleanses the palate between bites.
These pairings not only elevate your Golden Graham S’mores experience, but they also create a delicious table full of tempting flavors and textures!
Golden Graham S’mores Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right marshmallows for my Golden Graham S’mores?
Absolutely! When selecting marshmallows, opt for mini marshmallows as they melt more evenly than larger ones, creating a gooey texture throughout the bars. Look for fluffy marshmallows without any hard or crystallized pieces.
How should I store leftover Golden Graham S’mores?
Store your delicious Golden Graham S’mores in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you prefer a softer texture, you can also refrigerate them for up to a week, but make sure they’re well sealed to prevent them from drying out.
Can I freeze Golden Graham S’mores?
Definitely! To freeze your Golden Graham S’mores, first wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or a resealable plastic bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just take them out and let them thaw at room temperature, or pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds for that gooey charm!
What if my Golden Graham S’mores turn out too sticky?
Very! If your bars are excessively sticky, it might be due to too much marshmallow melted into the mixture. To avoid this, ensure you’re using the correct amounts of ingredients as per the recipe. You may also want to let them cool longer before cutting; they tend to firm up as they set.
Are Golden Graham S’mores suitable for people with allergies?
Yes, this recipe can be adjusted for some dietary considerations. If someone has a gluten allergy, check to ensure the Golden Grahams you use are gluten-free, as some brands have gluten in their cereal. Additionally, if there’s a nut allergy, be sure to keep mix-ins nut-free if you decide to customize your bars!
What should I do if I want to make these bars more chocolatey?
Absolutely, the more the merrier! You can amp up the chocolatey flavor by adding more mini semisweet chocolate chips or experimenting with other types of chips like dark chocolate or peanut butter chips. Just adjust the amount to keep a good balance with the marshmallow and cereal mixture!
Delicious Golden Graham S’mores Recipe for Easy Home Indulgence
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
- Melt butter in a large saucepan over low heat until mostly dissolved, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add 16 ounces of mini marshmallows, stirring until completely melted and smooth.
- Remove from heat once marshmallows are fully melted and combined with butter.
- Stir in 8 cups of Golden Grahams cereal until evenly coated.
- Mix in remaining 5 ounces of marshmallows and ½ cup of mini semisweet chocolate chips.
- Press the mixture firmly into the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle the top with remaining ¼ cup of Golden Grahams and ¼ cup of mini chocolate chips.
- Let cool at room temperature for at least 15-20 minutes before cutting into squares.