If you’re on the hunt for a snack that’s irresistibly crunchy, sweet, and packed with nostalgic campfire vibes, the Golden Graham S’mores Recipe is an absolute must-try. This treat takes the classic marshmallow-and-chocolate combo you love and elevates it with the buttery, honeyed crunch of Golden Grahams cereal for a playful twist that’s perfect for sharing with a crowd or satisfying your sweet tooth anytime. It’s quick to whip up, wonderfully gooey, and delivers that perfect balance of flavors and textures that will have you reaching for seconds in no time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Golden Graham S’mores Recipe shines because of its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, from the rich butter that binds everything together to the light and crunchy Golden Grahams cereal that infuses each bite with sweet maltiness, while the marshmallows and chocolate create that quintessential s’mores gooeyness and chocolatey pops that are just divine.
- Butter (6 tablespoons): Provides a rich, savory base that helps melt the marshmallows and adds a silky texture to the final treat.
- Mini marshmallows (21 ounces, divided): The superstar ingredient that melts into a gooey, chewy cloud binding every crunchy piece together.
- Golden Grahams cereal (8 ¼ cups, divided): Adds a honey-kissed crunch and a nostalgic flavor reminiscent of childhood breakfast bowls.
- Mini semisweet chocolate chips (¾ cup, divided): Embeds bursts of chocolatey richness throughout, perfectly complementing the sweet marshmallows and crispy cereal.
How to Make Golden Graham S’mores Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish
Start by greasing a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. This step ensures your s’mores bars will slide out effortlessly once set, saving you from any sticky situations and keeping your squares perfectly intact.
Step 2: Melt the Butter
Place the butter in a large saucepan over low heat and allow it to melt gently. Melting most of the butter first creates a smooth base that will bind all your ingredients together beautifully.
Step 3: Incorporate Most of the Marshmallows
Add 16 ounces of the mini marshmallows to the melted butter, stirring frequently until they’re fully melted. This luscious mixture will become the glue that holds your Golden Grahams and chocolate chips together in a deliciously chewy canvas.
Step 4: Remove from Heat
After the marshmallows have melted to a perfect goo, take your saucepan off the heat. This prevents any burning and keeps the mixture silky for the next steps.
Step 5: Stir in the Golden Grahams
Pour in 8 cups of your Golden Grahams cereal and stir until everything is evenly coated. This distributes that wonderful honey-cereal crunch everywhere, marrying the textures perfectly.
Step 6: Fold in Remaining Marshmallows and Chocolate Chips
Next, add the leftover 5 ounces of mini marshmallows along with ½ cup of the mini semisweet chocolate chips. Gently stir so that these extra mix-ins are folded through without melting completely, which will create lovely pockets of texture once baked.
Step 7: Press into Baking Dish
Firmly press the cereal mixture into your prepared baking dish. This step is key for compact bars that hold together well and reveal that enticing layered look upon slicing.
Step 8: Add Final Touches
Sprinkle the top evenly with the remaining ¼ cup of Golden Grahams and ¼ cup of mini chocolate chips. This finishing touch adds a little extra crunch and chocolate richness right on the surface, making your bars look as amazing as they taste.
Step 9: Cool and Cut
Allow the s’mores to cool to room temperature. This resting period lets everything set perfectly, so when you cut them into 20 servings, each bar holds its shape while still being soft and chewy in the best way.
How to Serve Golden Graham S’mores Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a light dusting of powdered sugar on top for a snowy effect that adds a subtle sweetness and extra charm. You can also drizzle melted chocolate or a bit of caramel sauce for an indulgent, decorative flair that ups the wow factor.
Side Dishes
While these s’mores bars shine on their own, pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of freshly brewed coffee balances the rich sweetness beautifully. Fresh berries or a fruit salad can also provide a refreshing contrast to the rich, chocolaty flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
Transform these bars into delightful mini “dessert sandwiches” by sandwiching a scoop of ice cream between two squares. Or, serve broken-up pieces in small dessert cups layered with whipped cream and chocolate drizzle for a quick and fun parfait variation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Golden Graham S’mores Recipe fresh by storing leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay delightfully chewy and crisp for up to 3 days, making them perfect for quick snacking anytime.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, these bars freeze wonderfully. Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag; they can be frozen for up to a month without losing their texture or flavor.
Reheating
To enjoy frozen s’mores bars, thaw them at room temperature for about 30 minutes. For a warm treat, microwave a bar for 10 to 15 seconds to soften the marshmallow and chocolate centers, just be careful not to overdo it to avoid melting the chocolate into a mess.
FAQs
Can I use regular marshmallows instead of mini marshmallows?
Absolutely! If you don’t have mini marshmallows on hand, chopping regular-sized marshmallows into smaller pieces works well and ensures they melt evenly throughout the bars.
Is Golden Grahams cereal essential, or can I substitute it?
Golden Grahams cereal is key to this recipe’s signature flavor and texture, but you can try substitutes like honey nut Cheerios or cinnamon squares for a different twist, though the taste will vary slightly.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
If you use gluten-free certified Golden Grahams or a similar gluten-free cereal, this recipe can be adapted for gluten-free diets. Just be sure to check all other ingredients like marshmallows and chocolate chips for gluten content.
What’s the best way to cut the s’mores bars?
Use a sharp, greased knife to cut these bars for clean edges. Letting them cool completely before slicing helps keep the bars from becoming sticky or crumbly during cutting.
How can I make the s’mores less sweet?
To balance the sweetness, reduce the amount of marshmallows slightly or use dark chocolate chips instead of semisweet for a richer, less sugary bite.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely can’t recommend trying this Golden Graham S’mores Recipe enough. It’s one of those feel-good recipes that bring fun, flavor, and the comforting warmth of s’mores to your kitchen without any fuss. Whether you’re making these for a party, a quick dessert, or just because, they’re bound to become one of your go-to treats that you’ll want to share again and again.
Print
Golden Graham S’mores Recipe
- Total Time: 12 minutes
- Yield: 20 servings
Description
Golden Graham S’mores are a delightful no-bake treat combining the classic flavors of marshmallows, butter, chocolate, and Golden Grahams cereal. Perfectly gooey and crunchy, these squares are quick to prepare and ideal for sharing at parties or as a sweet snack.
Ingredients
Base Mixture
- 6 tablespoons butter
- 16 ounces mini marshmallows
- 8 cups Golden Grahams cereal
Add-ins and Toppings
- 5 ounces mini marshmallows
- ¾ cup mini semisweet chocolate chips (divided: ½ cup + ¼ cup)
- ¼ cup Golden Grahams cereal (for sprinkling on top)
Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly and set it aside to ensure that the mixture won’t stick during cooling.
- Melt the Butter: Place a large saucepan over low heat and melt 6 tablespoons of butter almost completely, ensuring it doesn’t burn.
- Add Marshmallows: Add 16 ounces of mini marshmallows to the melted butter and stir continuously until they are fully melted and smooth.
- Remove from Heat: Take the saucepan off the heat to prevent burning and allow safer mixing.
- Mix in Cereal: Stir in 8 cups of Golden Grahams cereal until everything is thoroughly combined and coated with the marshmallow mixture.
- Add Remaining Marshmallows and Chocolate Chips: Fold in the remaining 5 ounces of mini marshmallows and ½ cup of mini semisweet chocolate chips evenly through the mixture.
- Press into Pan: Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish and press it down firmly and evenly using a spatula or your hands.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of Golden Grahams cereal and ¼ cup of mini semisweet chocolate chips on top to add crunch and extra flavor.
- Cool and Serve: Let the bars cool to room temperature to set before cutting into 20 squares and serving.
Notes
- Use low heat when melting butter and marshmallows to prevent burning and clumping.
- Press the mixture firmly into the pan to ensure bars hold together when cut.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing to avoid messy squares.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Mini marshmallows melt better than larger ones and provide a better texture.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
