5 Ingredient Caramelized Smores Cookie Bars

If you’re craving a dessert that’s irresistibly gooey, sweet, and packed with nostalgia, these 5 Ingredient Caramelized Smores Cookie Bars are about to become your new favorite treat. Imagine the classic campfire s’mores experience — melted chocolate, toasted marshmallows, and crunchy graham crackers — all transformed into a luscious, caramelized cookie bar that’s easy to make and perfect for sharing. With just five simple ingredients, this recipe simplifies the magic of s’mores into a handheld dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Whether you’re planning a cozy night in or need a quick party snack, these bars deliver that perfect balance of chewy, crunchy, and sweet with minimal effort.

Reasons to Love 5 Ingredient Caramelized Smores Cookie Bars

• Simple Ingredients: Only five pantry staples needed — graham cracker crumbs, butter, mini marshmallows, chocolate, and sweetened condensed milk.
• Quick Prep: Ready in under 30 minutes with no complicated steps or fancy equipment.
• Ultimate Comfort Food: Combines classic s’mores flavors with a rich caramelized twist from the sweetened condensed milk.
• Versatile Snack: Perfect for dessert, afternoon treats, or party finger food.
• Great Texture: Crunchy crust, melty chocolate, and pillowy marshmallows all in one bite.

Your Shopping Guide

• Graham Cracker Crumbs (1 1/2 cups): You can pulse about 1 1/2 sleeves of graham crackers in a blender or food processor until finely ground. Opt for gluten-free if needed.
• Butter (6 tablespoons, melted): Use unsalted butter for better control over salt content, melted to incorporate easily.
• Mini Marshmallows (1 1/2 cups): Look for soft, fresh mini marshmallows for the best melting texture.
• Milk or Semi-Sweet Chocolate (1 1/4 cups, chopped): You can choose milk chocolate for a sweeter flavor or semi-sweet to balance the sweetness.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk (14.5 oz can): This is the secret to that caramelized, creamy finish. Ensure you pick a sweetened condensed milk without additives you don’t want.

Equipment at a Glance

• Blender or Food Processor: To pulse the graham crackers into crumbs quickly and evenly.
• Mixing Bowl: For combining your crust ingredients with melted butter.
• 9×13 Inch Baking Pan: The ideal size for layering and baking these cookie bars.
• Spoon or Spatula: To spread the crust and marshmallow layers smoothly.
• Oven: For baking and caramelizing the bars to golden perfection.

Stepwise Method: 5 Ingredient Caramelized Smores Cookie Bars

Step 1: Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust

Start by pulsing the graham cracker sleeves in a blender until you have about 1 1/2 cups of fine crumbs. Transfer the crumbs to a mixing bowl and pour in the melted butter. Stir until the crumbs are evenly coated and resemble wet sand. Press this crumb mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of your 9×13 inch baking pan to form the crust layer.

Step 2: Layer the Mini Marshmallows

Sprinkle the 1 1/2 cups of mini marshmallows evenly over the graham cracker crust. Make sure the marshmallows cover the entire surface to create that gooey, melty layer we’re craving.

Step 3: Add the Chocolate Chunks

Scatter the chopped milk or semi-sweet chocolate pieces evenly on top of the marshmallow layer. The chocolate will melt into a rich, decadent layer as the bars bake.

Step 4: Pour Sweetened Condensed Milk

Gently pour the entire 14.5 oz can of sweetened condensed milk over the chocolate and marshmallows. This step is key to the caramelization process, lending a luscious, sticky finish to the bars.

Step 5: Bake and Caramelize

Place the pan in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly. Keep an eye on the edges to prevent burning. Once done, remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely before slicing.

Warm & Cool Weather Spins

• Warm Weather: Serve chilled by refrigerating the bars for 1-2 hours to firm them up — perfect for a no-mess summer picnic treat.
• Cool Weather: Warm slightly in the oven before serving for that fresh-out-of-the-campfire vibe.
• Flavor Variations: Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking for a salted caramel twist.
• Nutty Upgrade: Toss in chopped roasted almonds or walnuts for added crunch and flavor, similar to the delightful texture in Almond Honey Squares.

Chef’s Rationale

When crafting these 5 Ingredient Caramelized Smores Cookie Bars, simplicity was the guiding principle. The goal was to capture the essence of classic s’mores with minimal fuss, relying on quality ingredients and straightforward steps. The sweetened condensed milk not only binds the bars but also adds a depth of caramel flavor that elevates the usual s’mores experience.

• Using graham cracker crumbs as a crust provides a sturdy yet crumbly base that holds everything together.
• Mini marshmallows melt just enough to create pockets of gooeyness without losing their shape entirely.
• Chopped chocolate ensures even melting throughout, preventing any overly thick chocolate sections.
• Melting the butter and mixing it with the crumbs ensures a crispy, buttery crust that contrasts the soft layers above.

Refrigerate, Freeze, Reheat

To store your 5 Ingredient Caramelized Smores Cookie Bars, cover and refrigerate them for up to 5 days. Chilling helps the bars firm up and makes slicing easier. For longer storage, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place in an airtight container before freezing for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm briefly in a low oven to revive that melty texture.

Handy Q&A

Can I substitute the mini marshmallows with regular-sized marshmallows?

Yes! If you only have regular marshmallows, you can chop them into smaller pieces so they melt evenly and distribute well across the bars.

What if I don’t have graham crackers?

You can substitute with digestive biscuits, vanilla wafers, or any similar sweet cookie crumbs to replicate the crust layer.

Is it possible to make these bars dairy-free?

Absolutely! Use a plant-based butter alternative and dairy-free chocolate to make this recipe suitable for dairy-free diets.

Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?

Definitely! Adding chopped nuts, like almonds or pecans, can add great texture and flavor. Just sprinkle them on top of the crust before layering the marshmallows.

Serve with These

• Caramel Drizzle Cheesecake Bars With Pretzel Crust – For an indulgent dessert spread that complements the rich caramel flavors.
• Almond Honey Squares – A nutty, sweet pairing that contrasts beautifully with the gooey smores bars.
• Fresh berries or sliced fruit to add a bright, refreshing note.
• A scoop of vanilla ice cream to serve on the side for an extra decadent treat.

Let’s Eat

Once completely cooled, slice your 5 Ingredient Caramelized Smores Cookie Bars into squares or rectangles. Each bite should deliver a perfect mix of crunchy crust, caramelized sweetness, melted chocolate, and gooey marshmallow. These bars are ideal for sharing at family gatherings, potlucks, or just as a decadent personal treat. Store leftovers in an airtight container to enjoy the next day — though these rarely last that long! Whether paired with a cold glass of milk or a cozy cup of hot chocolate, these bars bring back the magic of s’mores with a deliciously easy twist. Happy baking and even happier eating!

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