Hey there, my fellow food lovers! If you’re looking for a snack that combines the best of both worlds, indulgence and health, then you’re in for a treat. Today, I’m excited to share with you a recipe that’s sure to become a favorite in your home: S’mores Granola Bars. These delightfully chewy bars are packed with the classic flavors of s’mores, featuring oats, gooey marshmallows, chocolate, and crunchy graham crackers. Perfect for a quick breakfast, midday pick-me-up, or after-dinner dessert, these granola bars are simple to make and oh-so-delicious. Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love These S’mores Granola Bars
What makes this S’mores Granola Bar recipe special is its fantastic fusion of flavors and textures. You get that satisfying crunch from the oats and graham crackers, plus the indulgent gooeyness from the marshmallows and chocolate chips. It’s like having your favorite campfire treat in the form of a wholesome granola bar! Here are some fantastic reasons to try this recipe:
- Easy to Make: With just a handful of ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip these up in no time.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re hosting a gathering, going on a road trip, or simply need a sweet treat at home, these bars fit the bill.
- Customizable: Feel free to play around with the ingredients and make these bars your own. Add nuts, dried fruits, or even different flavored chocolate chips to suit your taste!
- Healthier Option: By making your own granola bars, you control the ingredients, which allows you to avoid the preservatives and excess sugars found in store-bought versions.
Now that you’re excited, let’s jump into how to make these delicious bars!
How to Prepare S’mores Granola Bars
Ingredients:
To make these S’mores Granola Bars, you will need:
- 2 cups rolled oats
- ½ cup mini marshmallows (plus 2 tbsp for topping)
- ½ cup crushed graham crackers
- ⅓ cup chocolate chips
- ⅓ cup honey
- ¼ cup butter or coconut oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of sea salt
Directions:
Prep the Pan: Start by lining an 8 x 8-inch pan with parchment paper. Leave some overhang for easy removal later. Give it a light spray with oil to prevent sticking.
Melt & Mix: In a saucepan over low heat, melt the honey and butter together, stirring until the mixture is smooth. Remove from heat, then stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of sea salt.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, crushed graham crackers, mini marshmallows, and chocolate chips.
Stir It Up: Pour the warm honey and butter mixture over the dry ingredients. Fold the mixture quickly until everything is coated evenly.
Pack & Top: Press the mixture firmly into the prepared pan, making sure it’s compact. Top with the reserved mini marshmallows, pressing them in gently for a gooey finish.
Chill: Place the pan in the fridge for about one hour, or in the freezer for 20 minutes, until set.
Slice & Serve: Once chilled, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment overhang. Cut into 10 bars and enjoy! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Best Ways to Serve S’mores Granola Bars
These S’mores Granola Bars are incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. Here are some delightful ideas:
- On Their Own: Simply grab a bar for an on-the-go snack. They make a perfect companion for busy mornings or quick breaks throughout the day.
- With a Cup of Milk: Pairing these bars with a glass of cold milk enhances that iconic s’mores experience. Chocolate milk would be a fun twist!
- Top with Yogurt: Crumble a bar over a bowl of yogurt along with fresh fruits for a satisfying breakfast or a snack.
- Dessert Delight: Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for an easy yet impressive dessert.
Storing and Reheating S’mores Granola Bars
To keep your S’mores Granola Bars fresh, follow these storage tips:
- Refrigerate: Store the bars in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay fresh for up to a week.
- Freeze: For longer storage, you can freeze the bars. Just wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They should be good for up to three months.
- Thawing: When ready to enjoy, simply remove them from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for about 15-30 minutes.
Expert Tips for Perfect S’mores Granola Bars
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, ensure your oats, marshmallows, and chocolate chips are fresh.
- Don’t Skimp on Pressing: Make sure you pack the mixture tightly in the pan for firm bars that hold their shape.
- Experiment with Flavors: Want a richer chocolate taste? Add more chocolate chips! Prefer nutty flavors? Toss in some chopped nuts for added crunch.
- Be Patient: Allow the bars to chill for the recommended time. This helps them set properly, making them easier to cut.
Delicious Variations of S’mores Granola Bars
Feeling adventurous? Here are some fun ways to mix things up with your S’mores Granola Bars:
- Peanut Butter Swirl: Add a few tablespoons of peanut butter to the warm honey and butter mixture for extra creaminess and flavor.
- Fruit Additions: Incorporate dried fruits like cranberries or cherries for a sweet and tart balance.
- Coconut Touch: Replace some of the graham crackers with shredded coconut for a tropical twist on these s’mores.
- Nutty Bars: Incorporate chopped almonds or pecans for added texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I make these granola bars vegan?
Yes! Substitute the butter with coconut oil and the honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.Can I use gluten-free oats for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just ensure that the oats you choose are certified gluten-free.How can I make these more chocolatey?
You can add more chocolate chips or use chocolate chunks for a richer chocolate experience.
In conclusion, S’mores Granola Bars are a deliciously fun way to enjoy the classic campfire treat without dealing with the mess of an actual fire. Whether you serve them at a picnic, as an after-school snack, or just for yourself at home, these bars are a homemade glimpse of nostalgia that everyone will love. So, gather your ingredients, and let the sweet adventure of baking begin!
Print
S’mores Granola Bars
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightfully chewy granola bars packed with classic flavors of s’mores, featuring oats, marshmallows, chocolate, and graham crackers.
Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- ½ cup mini marshmallows (plus 2 tbsp for topping)
- ½ cup crushed graham crackers
- ⅓ cup chocolate chips
- ⅓ cup honey
- ¼ cup butter or coconut oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of sea salt
Instructions
- Prep the Pan: Start by lining an 8 x 8-inch pan with parchment paper and spray it lightly with oil.
- Melt & Mix: In a saucepan over low heat, melt the honey and butter together. Stir until smooth, then remove from heat, and stir in vanilla extract and salt.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix rolled oats, crushed graham crackers, mini marshmallows, and chocolate chips.
- Stir It Up: Pour the warm honey mixture over the dry ingredients and fold until coated.
- Pack & Top: Press the mixture into the prepared pan, compacting it well. Top with reserved mini marshmallows.
- Chill: Refrigerate for about one hour or freeze for 20 minutes until set.
- Slice & Serve: Once chilled, lift the bars out and cut into 10 bars. Enjoy!
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. These bars can also be frozen for up to three months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg