Introduction to Ooey-Gooey S’mores Bars (Indoor Campfire Treat)
As a busy mom, I know how precious time can be, especially when it comes to whipping up something delicious for my family. That’s why I absolutely adore these Ooey-Gooey S’mores Bars! They bring the nostalgic campfire experience right into our cozy kitchen, without the hassle of outdoor cooking. Imagine sinking your teeth into a warm, gooey treat that combines the flavors of chocolate, marshmallows, and graham crackers—all in just 30 minutes! This recipe is perfect for those hectic days when you want to impress your loved ones with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Ooey-Gooey S’mores Bars (Indoor Campfire Treat)
These Ooey-Gooey S’mores Bars are a delightful blend of simplicity and flavor. They come together in just 30 minutes, making them a perfect solution for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings. The rich, melty chocolate and fluffy marshmallows create a taste sensation that will have everyone asking for seconds. Plus, they’re a fun way to bring the family together, sparking joy and sweet memories without the need for a campfire!
Ingredients for Ooey-Gooey S’mores Bars (Indoor Campfire Treat)
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating these delightful Ooey-Gooey S’mores Bars. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Graham cracker crumbs: These provide the classic base for your bars, giving that signature crunch and flavor.
- Unsalted butter: Melted butter binds the crust together, adding richness and moisture.
- Brown sugar: This sweetener adds a hint of caramel flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the bars.
- Mini marshmallows: These fluffy treats create that gooey texture we all love, reminiscent of campfire s’mores.
- Chocolate chips: Choose your favorite type—milk, dark, or even white chocolate—for a melty, indulgent layer.
- Sweetened condensed milk: This creamy ingredient drizzles over the top, ensuring every bite is decadently sweet and moist.
For those looking to mix things up, consider adding a pinch of salt to the graham cracker mixture for a flavor boost. You can also substitute regular chocolate chips with dark or white chocolate for a different twist. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding nuts or peanut butter chips for an extra layer of flavor!
Exact measurements for these ingredients can be found at the bottom of the article, ready for you to print and take to the kitchen.
How to Make Ooey-Gooey S’mores Bars (Indoor Campfire Treat)
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the fun part—making these Ooey-Gooey S’mores Bars! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious treat in no time.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is crucial because it ensures even baking. If you skip this step, your bars might end up unevenly cooked, and nobody wants that!
Step 2: Prepare the Crust
In a mixing bowl, combine your graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and brown sugar. Stir until everything is well mixed. The mixture should resemble wet sand. This crust is the foundation of your Ooey-Gooey S’mores Bars, so make sure it’s nicely blended!
Step 3: Press the Mixture
Next, take your crust mixture and press it firmly into the bottom of a greased baking dish. Use your fingers or the back of a measuring cup to create an even layer. This step is important because a well-pressed crust will hold the toppings together beautifully.
Step 4: Add Toppings
Now comes the fun part! Evenly layer the mini marshmallows and chocolate chips over the crust. Feel free to get creative here—add as many marshmallows and chocolate chips as your heart desires. This is where the magic happens, turning your bars into a gooey delight!
Step 5: Drizzle with Sweetened Condensed Milk
Grab your sweetened condensed milk and drizzle it generously over the top of the marshmallows and chocolate. This creamy goodness adds a rich sweetness and helps bind everything together. It’s like the glue that holds your indoor campfire treat in place!
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pop your baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on it! You’ll know your bars are done when the marshmallows turn a lovely golden brown. This is the moment when your kitchen will start to smell like a cozy campfire!
Step 7: Cool and Cut
Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a bit. This step is crucial! If you cut into the bars too soon, they might fall apart. Allow them to cool completely before slicing into squares. Trust me, the wait will be worth it!
Tips for Success
- Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor—especially the marshmallows and chocolate chips.
- Don’t skip the greasing step; it helps prevent sticking and makes cutting easier.
- For a fun twist, try adding crushed nuts or a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking.
- Let the bars cool completely for cleaner cuts and a better texture.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container to keep them fresh and gooey!
Equipment Needed for Ooey-Gooey S’mores Bars (Indoor Campfire Treat)
- Baking dish: A 9×9 inch dish works perfectly, but any similar size will do.
- Mixing bowl: Use a large bowl for easy mixing; a stand mixer can save time.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Essential for accurate ingredient measurements.
- Spatula: Great for pressing the crust and spreading toppings evenly.
- Cooling rack: Helps cool the bars evenly, but a plate works too!
Variations of Ooey-Gooey S’mores Bars (Indoor Campfire Treat)
- Nutty Delight: Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture that complements the gooeyness.
- Peanut Butter Swirl: Drizzle some creamy peanut butter over the chocolate layer before baking for a rich, nutty flavor.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free alternatives, like almond flour or gluten-free cookies.
- Fruit Infusion: Toss in some sliced strawberries or bananas for a fruity twist that brightens up the bars.
- Minty Fresh: Add a few drops of peppermint extract to the chocolate layer for a refreshing minty flavor.
Serving Suggestions for Ooey-Gooey S’mores Bars (Indoor Campfire Treat)
- Pair with Ice Cream: Serve warm bars with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream for a delightful contrast.
- Hot Chocolate: A steaming cup of hot chocolate makes the perfect drink to complement these sweet treats.
- Presentation: Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with chocolate sauce for an elegant touch.
- Fresh Berries: Add a side of fresh strawberries or raspberries for a refreshing balance.
FAQs about Ooey-Gooey S’mores Bars (Indoor Campfire Treat)
Can I make these Ooey-Gooey S’mores Bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the bars a day in advance. Just store them in an airtight container after they cool completely. They’ll stay delicious and gooey, ready for your family to enjoy!
What can I substitute for graham cracker crumbs?
If you don’t have graham cracker crumbs, you can use crushed cookies like digestive biscuits or vanilla wafers. They’ll still give you that sweet, crunchy base!
How do I store leftovers?
To keep your Ooey-Gooey S’mores Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay good for up to three days, but I doubt they’ll last that long!
Can I freeze these bars?
Yes, you can freeze them! Just wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll be good for up to three months. Thaw them in the fridge before enjoying!
What’s the best way to reheat them?
To reheat, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This will make them warm and gooey again, just like fresh out of the oven!
Final Thoughts on Ooey-Gooey S’mores Bars (Indoor Campfire Treat)
Making these Ooey-Gooey S’mores Bars is more than just baking; it’s about creating sweet memories with your loved ones. The joy of pulling a warm, gooey treat from the oven fills the kitchen with laughter and nostalgia. Each bite transports you back to carefree campfire nights, even if you’re cozied up at home. Whether it’s a family movie night or a simple dessert after dinner, these bars are sure to bring smiles all around. So, gather your ingredients, and let the magic of these indoor campfire treats brighten your day!
Print
Ooey-Gooey S’mores Bars: A Must-Try Indoor Treat!
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and gooey s’mores bars that bring the campfire experience indoors.
Ingredients
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and brown sugar until well combined.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of a greased baking dish.
- Layer mini marshmallows and chocolate chips evenly over the crust.
- Drizzle sweetened condensed milk over the top.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the marshmallows are golden brown.
- Allow to cool before cutting into bars.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of salt to the graham cracker mixture.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Feel free to substitute regular chocolate chips with dark or white chocolate for a different taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg