Are you craving a delicious dessert that's easy to make and satisfies that sweet tooth perfectly? Look no further! These Golden Grahams S'mores Bars are the ultimate no-bake treat, combining the nostalgic flavors of s'mores with a crunchy, golden graham cracker crust. Perfect for a quick dessert, a potluck contribution, or simply a satisfying end to a busy day, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Let's dive into this easy recipe for a homemade dessert that's both delicious and impressive!
Ingredients:
- 1 box (15.25 ounces) Golden Grahams cereal
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup milk chocolate chips
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup marshmallows, mini or large, cut in half
Instructions:
Prepare the Crust:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is only for slightly softening the marshmallows later, not baking the bars.
- Crush the Golden Grahams: Place the Golden Grahams cereal in a large zip-top bag and crush them into smaller pieces using a rolling pin. You want a mix of coarse crumbs and finer crumbs for texture.
- Combine with melted butter: Add the melted butter to the crushed cereal and stir until evenly moistened.
- Press into a pan: Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal. Press the cereal mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
Make the S'mores Filling:
- Combine ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract. Stir until well combined.
- Add chocolate chips: Stir in the milk chocolate chips and semi-sweet chocolate chips until they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Spread over crust: Spread the chocolate mixture evenly over the pressed graham cracker crust.
Top with Marshmallows and Bake Briefly:
- Arrange marshmallows: Arrange the halved marshmallows over the chocolate layer.
- Brief bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven for 2-3 minutes, or until the marshmallows are slightly softened and gooey. This step adds a lovely melt to the marshmallows without completely baking them.
- Cool completely: Remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool completely at room temperature. This allows the chocolate to set and the bars to firm up.
Serve and Enjoy:
- Remove from pan: Once the bars are completely cool, use the parchment paper overhang to lift them out of the pan.
- Cut and serve: Cut into squares and serve. These are best served at room temperature but can also be stored in the refrigerator.
Tips and Variations:
- For extra crunch: Add a layer of crushed pretzels or nuts to the crust.
- Chocolate lovers delight: Use all milk chocolate chips or all dark chocolate chips. Feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate!
- Nutty s'mores: Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the chocolate layer for added flavor and texture.
- Salted caramel twist: Drizzle some caramel sauce over the top before adding the marshmallows for a decadent twist.
Nutritional Information (per serving - approximate, will vary based on ingredients used):
- Calories: Approximately 300
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Sugar: 30g
- Protein: 3g
This recipe for Golden Grahams S'mores bars offers a delicious and convenient dessert option that fits perfectly into busy weeknights or special occasions. It's a great way to enjoy the classic s'mores flavor with a delightful twist, and the no-bake aspect makes it even easier to prepare. The combination of the crunchy graham cracker crust, creamy chocolate, and gooey marshmallows creates an unforgettable taste experience. Enjoy!