If you adore the nostalgic campfire treat but crave a richer, more indulgent twist, then this Peanut Butter S’mores Bars Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine all the gooey marshmallow goodness, melty chocolate, and that unmistakable crunch from graham crackers, all beautifully fused with the creamy, nutty warmth of peanut butter. This dessert takes the classic s’more experience and elevates it into a handheld bar that’s perfect for sharing or savoring solo. Once you dive into these bars, you’ll understand why this Peanut Butter S’mores Bars Recipe deserves a spot in your regular dessert rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The first image shows a clear glass measuring cup filled with about 1 cup of light brown, finely crushed graham cracker crumbs. The glass cup has red measurement marks and is set against a white marbled background. The second image is a close-up of a mixing bowl filled with a mix of creamy, light brown batter on one side and a pile of white flour and the same light brown graham cracker crumbs on the other side, creating a clear split between the ingredients. The mixing bowl is shiny metal, and the surface around it is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering these simple ingredients is the first joyful step toward dessert nirvana. Each component plays an important role—from the smooth peanut butter that brings a luscious depth to the flavor, to the crunchy graham cracker crumbs that add that essential texture and golden color.

Butter (1/2 cup, room temperature): Provides richness and a tender crumb to the bars.
Peanut butter (1/4 cup + 1/3 cup): Offers creamy nuttiness, with the two amounts used for mixing in and swirling on top.
Brown sugar (1/4 cup): Adds moistness and a subtle caramel flavor.
White sugar (1/2 cup): Balances the sweetness and helps with the structure.
Large egg (1): Binds the ingredients and gives lift.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Delivers a fragrant warmth that enhances all the flavors.
All-purpose flour (1 1/3 cups): The base that forms the sturdy yet tender foundation.
Graham cracker crumbs (3/4 cup, from about 6 full sheets): Crucial for authentic s’mores texture and flavor.
Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Ensures the bars rise just enough for a perfect softness.
Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Intensifies all the sweet flavors.
Milk, semi-sweet, or dark chocolate chips (1 1/2 cups): Melts into gooey, chocolatey pockets throughout the bars.
Marshmallow crème (7 ounces, 1 jar): The star that makes these bars irresistibly gooey and marshmallowy.

How to Make Peanut Butter S’mores Bars Recipe

Step 1: Cream Butter, Peanut Butter, and Sugars

Begin by beating the room temperature butter, 1/4 cup peanut butter, brown sugar, and white sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it incorporates air into the dough, making your bars wonderfully soft and tender with just the right amount of peanut butter punch.

Step 2: Add Egg and Vanilla

Next, beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined. The egg acts as a binding agent, holding everything together, while the vanilla amps up the sweet, comforting aroma that makes this bar so inviting.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, graham cracker crumbs, baking powder, and salt. This dry mixture is key to achieving the perfect crumb with a touch of that classic s’mores crunch.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet

Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, being careful not to overmix. The result should be a dough that’s thick and slightly sticky, ready to be spread in your baking pan.

Step 5: Spread Dough and Add Peanut Butter Dollops

Transfer about two-thirds of the dough into a parchment-lined 9×9-inch pan, pressing it down evenly. Drop spoonfuls of the remaining 1/3 cup peanut butter over the dough and gently swirl it in with a butter knife to create beautiful ribbons of flavor.

Step 6: Sprinkle Chocolate Chips and Dollop Marshmallow Crème

Sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the peanut butter-swirled dough. Then, drop spoonfuls of marshmallow crème on top and swirl it gently to distribute the marshmallowy magic throughout the bars.

Step 7: Bake Until Golden and Gooey

Bake the bars in a preheated 350°F oven for about 30-35 minutes or until the edges turn golden and the marshmallow topping is set but still gooey. Resist the urge to overbake because that gooey marshmallow center is what truly makes this Peanut Butter S’mores Bars Recipe shine.

Step 8: Cool, Slice, and Enjoy

Once taken out of the oven, let the bars cool completely in the pan. This cooling time allows the bars to firm up enough to slice neatly while keeping their chewy, gooey texture intact.

How to Serve Peanut Butter S’mores Bars Recipe

A woman's hand holds a folded piece of light brown dough that has a soft, slightly rough texture, filled with dark chocolate chips inside. Next, the dough pieces are placed unevenly on a layer of dark chocolate chips in a square white bowl lined with parchment paper. Finally, the dough is pressed down smoothly to cover the chocolate chips completely, forming a flat, light brown layer with a slightly cracked surface inside the white bowl. The setting is on a white marbled texture background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A dusting of cocoa powder or a sprinkle of crushed peanuts adds a little extra flair and texture when serving. For extra indulgence, drizzle with melted chocolate or a touch of caramel sauce to make these bars feel even more like a homemade treasure.

Side Dishes

Pair these bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic combo or a dollop of whipped cream to balance the richness. Fresh berries or sliced bananas bring brightness and a hint of natural sweetness that beautifully complements the bars’ flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Try cutting the bars into smaller bite-sized pieces and serving them on a rustic wooden board alongside toasted marshmallows and chunks of chocolate to let everyone customize their own s’mores-inspired bites. These Peanut Butter S’mores Bars Recipe bars also make fantastic picnic treats or sweet additions to a brunch spread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep them soft and delicious. For longer storage, refrigeration is a good option, but be sure to bring them back to room temperature or warm slightly before enjoying to revive that gooey texture.

Freezing

These bars freeze wonderfully. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months, perfect for when you want a quick sweet surprise ready to go.

Reheating

To reheat, simply microwave a bar for about 15-20 seconds or warm it in a low oven (about 300°F) for 5-7 minutes. This brings back the melty chocolate and soft marshmallow goodness that defines the Peanut Butter S’mores Bars Recipe experience.

FAQs

Can I use chunky peanut butter instead of creamy?

Absolutely! Chunky peanut butter will add a lovely extra crunch that pairs surprisingly well with the graham cracker crumbs and gooey marshmallow, giving the bars more texture and personality.

Is it necessary to use graham cracker crumbs, or can I substitute?

Graham cracker crumbs are traditional and give the bars their signature s’mores flavor, but you can substitute crushed digestive biscuits or even finely crushed graham cereal if needed for a similar effect.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes! Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and make sure your graham crackers are gluten-free to keep these bars safe and scrumptious for those avoiding gluten.

Why do we swirl peanut butter and marshmallow crème instead of mixing them in?

Swirling keeps those distinct pockets of creamy peanut butter and fluffy marshmallow intact so that each bite delivers layers of flavor and texture, rather than a uniform batter.

How do I store bars if I want to bring them to a party?

Place the bars in a single layer in a sturdy container and keep them at room temperature for a few hours. If traveling far, keep them chilled in a cooler and bring them out right before serving for perfect presentation and flavor.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like the comforting, nostalgic flavors of this Peanut Butter S’mores Bars Recipe combined with the convenience and ease of a bar dessert. Whether you’re making them for a weeknight treat or a special occasion, these bars are guaranteed to wow everyone lucky enough to take a bite. Don’t hesitate—grab your ingredients, start baking, and share this delightful homemade treasure with your friends and family. It might just become your go-to dessert for years to come!