5 Ingredient Caramelized Smores Cookie Bars
There’s something undeniably magical about the combination of graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallows. These classic ingredients come together to create a delightful treat that brings back memories of summer campfires and cozy evenings. Today, I’m excited to share an easy and utterly delicious recipe for 5 Ingredient Caramelized Smores Cookie Bars. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort, you can whip up these gooey, satisfying bars that everyone will adore. Perfect for sharing at gatherings or indulging in a sweet treat at home!
Reasons to Love 5 Ingredient Caramelized Smores Cookie Bars
First and foremost, who doesn’t love s’mores? These bars capture all the classic flavors in a convenient, easy-to-eat form. Here are a few more reasons why you’ll fall in love with this recipe:
- Quick and Easy: With only five ingredients and simple steps, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
- Versatile: You can easily swap ingredients to suit your preferences, such as using dark chocolate or adding nuts.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a summer barbecue, a birthday party, or a cozy night in, these bars are always a hit.
- Make Ahead: They store well, making them a great option for meal prep or last-minute dessert needs.
- Gooey Goodness: The combination of melted chocolate and caramelized marshmallows creates a rich, indulgent treat.
What Goes In
Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need to create these heavenly 5 Ingredient Caramelized Smores Cookie Bars:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs: About 1 ½ sleeves, pulsed in the blender until fine.
- 6 Tbsp butter, melted: This will help bind the crust together and add richness.
- 1 ½ cups mini marshmallows: These will become gooey and golden when baked, adding that classic s’mores flavor.
- 1 ¼ cups milk or semi-sweet chocolate, chopped into small chunks: Chocolate is the star of the show, so choose your favorite type!
- 14.5 oz can sweetened condensed milk: This adds moisture and sweetness to the bars, creating a deliciously chewy texture.
Prep & Cook Tools
Before diving into the baking process, gather the following tools to make your life easier:
- Mixing Bowl: For combining the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter.
- 9×9-inch Baking Pan: This size is perfect for the cookie bars. Line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Spatula: To spread the mixture evenly in the pan.
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) for baking your bars to perfection.
- Blender or Food Processor: To pulse graham crackers into fine crumbs.
The Method for 5 Ingredient Caramelized Smores Cookie Bars
Now that you have everything ready, let’s get baking! Follow these simple steps to create your 5 Ingredient Caramelized Smores Cookie Bars:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your bars bake evenly and perfectly.
Step 2: Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust
In a mixing bowl, combine 1 ½ cups of graham cracker crumbs with 6 tablespoons of melted butter. Mix until the crumbs are fully coated and resemble wet sand.
Step 3: Press the Crust into the Pan
Line your 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal. Press the graham cracker mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan to create an even layer. This will be the base of your cookie bars.
Step 4: Add the Chocolate and Marshmallows
Sprinkle 1 ¼ cups of chocolate chunks evenly over the crust. Then, add 1 ½ cups of mini marshmallows on top of the chocolate.
Step 5: Drizzle with Sweetened Condensed Milk
Pour the entire can of sweetened condensed milk over the chocolate and marshmallows. This will help bind everything together and create a deliciously gooey filling.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the marshmallows are golden brown and the edges are bubbly. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning!
Step 7: Cool and Cut
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 15-20 minutes. Then, lift the bars out using the parchment paper and let them cool completely on a wire rack before cutting into squares.
Health-Conscious Tweaks
Looking to make these bars a bit more health-conscious? Here are some tweaks you can consider:
- Whole Wheat Graham Crackers: Use whole wheat graham cracker crumbs for added fiber.
- Reduced-Fat Butter: Swap regular butter for a reduced-fat version to cut down on calories.
- Dark Chocolate: Opt for dark chocolate chunks, which are richer in antioxidants.
- Low-Fat Sweetened Condensed Milk: Use a low-fat version of sweetened condensed milk for a lighter treat.
Troubles You Can Avoid
No one wants baking disasters! Here are some common pitfalls and how to avoid them:
- Stickiness: Ensure your baking pan is lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Overbaking: Watch the bars closely in the last few minutes of baking to avoid burning the marshmallows.
- Uneven Layers: Press the graham cracker crust firmly and evenly into the pan to ensure balanced layers.
- Too Much Moisture: If you find them too gooey, try reducing the amount of sweetened condensed milk slightly next time.
Storing, Freezing & Reheating
These 5 Ingredient Caramelized Smores Cookie Bars are great for storing and sharing. Here’s how to keep them fresh:
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, place them in the refrigerator for up to a week. For freezing, cut the bars into squares, layer them with parchment paper in an airtight container, and keep them in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply let them thaw at room temperature or warm them in the microwave for a few seconds to restore that gooey goodness.
Ask & Learn
Can I use different types of chocolate?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with dark chocolate, white chocolate, or even flavored chocolates like caramel or peanut butter for a unique twist on these bars.
What can I substitute for sweetened condensed milk?
If you want to avoid sweetened condensed milk, you can use a mixture of evaporated milk and sugar, or try coconut cream for a dairy-free option.
How can I make these bars gluten-free?
To make these bars gluten-free, simply use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs and ensure that all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?
Yes! Chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, can add a nice crunch. You can also mix in other treats like toffee bits or peanut butter chips for additional flavor.
The Last Word
These 5 Ingredient Caramelized Smores Cookie Bars are an indulgent treat that combines simplicity with deliciousness. With their gooey marshmallow center and rich chocolate chunks, they’re sure to satisfy any sweet craving. The best part? You can whip them up in no time at all! So why not gather your ingredients and make a batch today? Your taste buds will thank you!
Whether you’re hosting a gathering, celebrating a special occasion, or just treating yourself, these bars are sure to impress. Enjoy the delightful flavors of s’mores in a convenient bar form, and don’t forget to share the love with family and friends. Happy baking!
5 Ingredient Caramelized Smores Cookie Bars
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs with melted butter.
- Step 3: Line your baking pan with parchment paper and press the graham cracker mixture into the bottom.
- Step 4: Sprinkle chocolate chunks over the crust, then add mini marshmallows on top.
- Step 5: Pour sweetened condensed milk over the chocolate and marshmallows.
- Step 6: Bake for 25-30 minutes until marshmallows are golden brown and edges are bubbly.
- Step 7: Allow to cool for 15-20 minutes before lifting out and cooling completely on a wire rack.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week.
- For freezing, cut into squares and layer with parchment paper in an airtight container.
