Golden Grahams S'mores Bars Recipe

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Cook Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

This recipe makes 15 servings. Ingredients are listed for the original yield and will scale automatically, though cooking times and techniques remain the same.

• 1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, divided
• 1 (11-ounce) bag milk chocolate or semisweet chocolate chips
• 1 (10-ounce) bag mini marshmallows, divided
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 (11-ounce) box Golden Grahams cereal
• 1 pinch flaky salt, such as Maldon

Directions

1. Preheat your workspace by gathering all ingredients. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with 1 tablespoon of butter.
2. In a heavy-bottomed pot or double boiler, melt the remaining 1/2 cup butter over low heat.
3. Remove the pot from heat and add chocolate chips along with three-quarters of the marshmallows. Stir constantly and gently return to low heat until fully melted and smooth, approximately 5-10 minutes.
4. Blend in the vanilla extract and salt until evenly distributed.
5. Place Golden Grahams in a large mixing bowl. Pour in the chocolate-marshmallow mixture and fold until all cereal pieces are coated.
6. Reserve a small portion of marshmallows for topping, then stir the remaining marshmallows into the mixture.
7. Press the mixture firmly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the reserved marshmallows on top and finish with a pinch of flaky salt.
8. Chill in the refrigerator until fully set, at least 1 hour. Slice with a sharp knife to serve.

Tips & Notes

• If using salted butter, reduce added salt in the chocolate mixture by half.
• For a less sweet version, substitute semisweet chocolate chips.
• These treats can be prepared a day or two in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
• The recipe can easily be doubled. For a balanced sweetness, use half milk and half semisweet chocolate when doubling.
• Store finished treats in an airtight in the refrigerator or at room temperature for up to one week.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 318
• Total Fat: 16g (20% DV)
• Saturated Fat: 8g (42% DV)
• Cholesterol: 18mg (6% DV)
• Sodium: 232mg (10% DV)
• Total Carbohydrate: 46g (17% DV)
• Dietary Fiber: 2g (8% DV)
• Total Sugars: 27g
• Protein: 3g (6% DV)
• Vitamin C: 0mg (0% DV)
• Calcium: 33mg (3% DV)
• Iron: 2mg (12% DV)
• Potassium: 127mg (3% DV)

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Nutrient content may vary depending on specific ingredients used. Consult a nutritionist if you have dietary restrictions.

The Story Behind Golden Grahams Smores Bars

Golden Grahams Smores Bars are a modern twist on a classic American treat, combining the nostalgic flavors of smores with the convenience of an indoor dessert. The concept of smores dates back to the early 20th century, popularized by Girl Scouts and campers who enjoyed roasting marshmallows over open flames and sandwiching them with chocolate between graham crackers. The adaptation using Golden Grahams cereal emerged as a kitchen-friendly version, allowing families to recreate the campfire experience without leaving home.

Regional Variations and Influences

While traditional smores are widely associated with camping culture in the United States, Golden Grahams Smores Bars highlight the versatility of this treat in American households across different regions. In the Midwest, they are often served at school bake sales and community gatherings. On the West Coast, they sometimes incorporate unique ingredients like sea salt or caramel drizzle to complement the chocolate-marshmallow mixture. Southern versions may include a touch of peanut butter for added richness, showcasing how regional tastes influence this dessert.

Distinctive Features Compared to Similar Desserts

Unlike classic smores or Rice Krispies treats, Golden Grahams Smores Bars use cereal as the base, which creates a slightly sweet, crunchy texture that contrasts with the gooey marshmallows and smooth chocolate. This sets them apart from other bar cookies that rely solely on crispy rice or cookie dough. The combination of toasted marshmallows folded into the cereal-chocolate mixture provides a more uniform sweetness and chewiness, giving each bite a balanced flavor profile and a unique mouthfeel.

Where Youll Typically Find Them

These bars are most commonly served at casual gatherings, from backyard picnics to potluck dinners, and are especially popular at holiday parties and school events. Cafes and dessert shops occasionally feature them as part of seasonal menus, offering a convenient, handheld version of the classic smore. Their no-bake preparation makes them particularly attractive for family-friendly environments, where quick and simple desserts are highly favored.

Fun and Surprising Facts

Golden Grahams Smores Bars are not just delicioustheyre also full of interesting trivia. For instance, the original Golden Grahams cereal was introduced in 1976 and has maintained its sweet, honey-toasted flavor for decades. The bars also demonstrate a clever twist on food nostalgia, allowing adults to relive childhood treats in a new form. Additionally, the recipes flexibility means it can easily be doubled, adapted with different types of chocolate, or even customized with nuts and dried fruits, making it a versatile and crowd-pleasing dessert for any occasion.

FAQ about Golden Grahams S'mores Bars Recipe