Hey there, my friend 👋. If you love s’mores but don’t want to deal with the hassle of a campfire, this peanut butter s’mores bars recipe is for you. It’s got all the good stuff—graham crackers, melty chocolate, gooey marshmallows, and a rich peanut butter twist. The best part? It’s super easy to make, and you can whip it up in your kitchen.
Let me show you how.
Utensils You Need
These are the utensils and equipment you need to make this recipe:
- 8×8-inch baking dish
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls
- Microwave-safe bowl
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Butter knife or offset spatula
- Knife for cutting the bars
Important Info
- Servings: 9 bars
- Estimated Cost to make this recipe: About $6 for the whole batch
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 15 minutes
- Total time: 25 minutes
- Calories per serving: About 250 calories per bar
- Cook method: Baking
- Season: Perfect all year round
- Courses: Dessert, Snack
- Cuisine: American
- Diets: Vegetarian
How to Make Peanut Butter S’mores Bars
Now I am going to tell you what ingredients you need to make this delicacy and how to make it.
Ingredients You Need
- 1 ½ cups crushed graham crackers
- ¼ cup melted butter
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup milk chocolate chips
- 1 ½ cups mini marshmallows
Alternative Ingredients
If you do not have the ingredients I listed above, do not worry. You can swap them out for the alternatives below.
| Ingredient | Alternative |
|---|---|
| Graham crackers | Crushed digestive biscuits or vanilla wafers |
| Brown sugar | White sugar or coconut sugar |
| Creamy peanut butter | Almond butter or sunflower seed butter |
| Milk chocolate chips | Dark chocolate or white chocolate chips |
| Mini marshmallows | Regular marshmallows cut into small pieces |
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix crushed graham crackers, melted butter, and brown sugar until combined. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the baking dish to form the crust.
- Bake the crust for 8 minutes, then remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly.
- Spread the peanut butter evenly over the crust using a butter knife or offset spatula.
- Sprinkle the chocolate chips over the peanut butter layer.
- Scatter the mini marshmallows evenly on top.
- Bake for another 7 minutes, or until the marshmallows are golden and slightly toasted.
- Let the bars cool completely before cutting them into squares.
Helpful Tips
- If your peanut butter is too thick to spread, warm it slightly in the microwave for 10 seconds.
- Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts for neat slices.
- For extra crunch, add crushed peanuts on top before baking.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
- If you want a stronger peanut butter taste, swirl some extra peanut butter on top before baking.
What to Serve with Peanut Butter S’mores Bars
These bars are great on their own, but if you want to go all out, serve them with a cold glass of milk, hot cocoa, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
How Do You Serve the Recipe?
I love serving these bars on a small plate with a fork, but you can also serve them straight from the baking dish. If you’re feeling fancy, drizzle some melted chocolate or caramel on top.
Where Do You Serve This Recipe the Most?
These bars are perfect for parties, picnics, and movie nights. They travel well, so you can take them to potlucks or school events. And if you need a quick dessert for the holidays, these bars will be a hit on any dessert table.
Storage
Short-Term Storage (Room Temperature)
- Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Refrigeration
- If you want them to last longer, store them in an airtight container in the fridge.
- They’ll stay fresh for up to a week. Let them come to room temperature before eating for the best texture.
Freezing
- For long-term storage, place the bars in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container. If stacking, separate layers with parchment paper.
- Freeze for up to 3 months. Let them thaw at room temperature before eating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Yes, you can use crunchy peanut butter if you want more texture in your bars. Just make sure to spread it evenly.
Can I make this recipe without an oven?
If you don’t have an oven, you can use the stovetop. Prepare the crust in a pan, then layer everything on top and cover until the chocolate and marshmallows melt.
How do I prevent the marshmallows from burning?
If your marshmallows brown too quickly, cover the bars loosely with foil while baking.
Can I use white chocolate instead of milk chocolate?
Yes, white chocolate will work, but it will make the bars much sweeter. You might want to reduce the sugar in the crust.
Are these bars good for kids?
Absolutely! Kids love them, and they can even help press the crust and sprinkle the toppings. Just be careful with the hot oven.