S’mores Cereal Bars

S’mores Cereal Bars are one of my favorite no-bake desserts because they pack all the flavors of a classic campfire s’more into an easy-to-make bar. They’re chewy, chocolatey, and loaded with gooey marshmallows and crunchy graham cracker cereal. I love how they come together quickly and make the perfect treat for both kids and adults.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it only takes a handful of ingredients and about 15 minutes to prepare. It’s a fun twist on traditional s’mores without the need for a fire, and the graham cereal gives the bars a perfectly crunchy texture. Plus, they hold up well when I want to take them to parties, picnics, or just keep them at home for a sweet snack.

Ingredients

(Note: All ingredient amounts are listed in the recipe card below.)

▢5 Tablespoons salted butter plus additional for greasing pan
▢2 cups (340 g) milk chocolate chips
▢⅓ cup (80 ml) light corn syrup
▢1 teaspoon vanilla extract
▢7 cups (300 g) graham cracker cereal
▢15 oz (425 g) mini marshmallows This is 1 ½ 10 oz bags, you’ll need one full bag, then about 2 cups from the second bag

Directions

1. I start by greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish with a little butter.
2. In a large pot, I melt the butter over low heat. Once melted, I add in the light corn syrup and stir until smooth.
3. I add the milk chocolate chips and stir constantly until fully melted and glossy.
4. I remove the pot from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
5. I pour in the graham cracker cereal and gently fold until it’s evenly coated in the chocolate mixture.
6. I set aside about 2 cups of mini marshmallows, then fold the remaining marshmallows into the cereal mixture while it’s still warm.
7. I transfer the mixture into the prepared pan, pressing it down gently with a buttered spatula.
8. I sprinkle the reserved marshmallows on top and lightly press them in so they stick.
9. I let the bars cool at room temperature for about an hour before cutting into squares.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 20–24 bars, depending on how large I cut them. It takes me around 15 minutes to prepare and about 1 hour to set before they’re ready to serve.

Variations

Sometimes I use semisweet or dark chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate for a richer flavor. I’ve also added peanut butter chips or white chocolate chips for a fun twist. If I want a stronger marshmallow flavor, I stir in extra mini marshmallows just before pressing the mixture into the pan. For a salty-sweet variation, I sprinkle a little flaky sea salt on top.

Storage/Reheating

I store these bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If I want them to last longer, I refrigerate them for up to a week, though they get a little firmer when chilled. They don’t need reheating, but if I want them softer, I let refrigerated bars sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving.

FAQs

Can I use different cereal for this recipe?

Yes, I sometimes use Golden Grahams or even Rice Krispies for a different texture.

Do I need to refrigerate these bars?

No, I usually keep them at room temperature, but refrigeration makes them firmer.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, I like to make them a day in advance since they store well in an airtight container.

How do I keep the bars from sticking to the pan?

I grease the pan with butter or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Can I use large marshmallows instead of mini?

Yes, I just chop them into smaller pieces so they melt and mix more evenly.

What’s the best way to cut the bars?

I use a sharp knife greased with butter or sprayed with nonstick spray to keep it from sticking.

Can I add extra toppings?

Yes, I sometimes drizzle melted chocolate on top or sprinkle crushed graham crackers for extra crunch.

How do I keep the chocolate mixture from seizing?

I melt it slowly over low heat and stir constantly to prevent overheating.

Can I freeze S’mores Cereal Bars?

Yes, I freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a container with parchment between layers. They last up to 2 months.

Are these bars chewy or crunchy?

They’re chewy from the marshmallows with a nice crunch from the graham cereal.

Conclusion

S’mores Cereal Bars are one of the easiest and most delicious no-bake desserts I make. I love how they capture the flavors of a campfire s’more in a portable, shareable form. Whether I serve them at a party or keep a batch at home, they always disappear quickly.

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