Gooey S’mores Cake Bars are a mouthwatering twist on the classic campfire favorite. These bars bring together the nostalgic flavors of graham crackers, melted chocolate, and toasted marshmallows in a rich and fudgy dessert bar form. Whether you’re planning a cozy evening, a potluck party, or just want to indulge your sweet tooth, these bars are easy to make and incredibly satisfying.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 egg
1 box super moist devil’s food cake mix
1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
2 cups coarsely crushed graham crackers (about 18 squares)
18 large marshmallows, halved crosswise
2 milk chocolate candy bars (1.55 oz each), broken into individual rectangles

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9-inch square baking pan with nonstick foil, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese and butter with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth. Add the egg and beat well.
Stir in the cake mix by hand until combined. The dough will be thick.
Press about 2 1/4 cups of the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan using greased hands.
Pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the top.
Sprinkle the crushed graham crackers over the milk, then top with halved marshmallows and half the chocolate bar pieces.
Drop spoonfuls of the remaining dough over the top, slightly flattening each spoonful.
Bake for 32 to 35 minutes or until marshmallows are golden and the dough is set.
Let cool for 15 minutes, then top with remaining chocolate bar pieces.
Cool completely (about 2 1/2 hours), then cut into bars and serve.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 320
Total Fat: 17g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 35mg
Sodium: 240mg
Carbohydrates: 41g
Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 27g
Protein: 3g
Calcium: 50mg
Iron: 1.8mg
Potassium: 160mg

The Origins of S’mores and Their Popularity

Before we dive into the specifics of making Gooey S’mores Cake Bars, it’s important to understand the origins of s’mores and why they’ve become such a beloved treat. S’mores are believed to have been first created in the early 1920s by a Girl Scout leader named Loretta Scott Crew. The recipe for “Some More” (as it was originally called) was published in a Girl Scouts handbook, and it quickly became a popular campfire snack. The treat consists of roasted marshmallows sandwiched between two graham crackers with a layer of chocolate.

S’mores are often associated with outdoor camping, but their versatility and deliciousness have made them popular at all kinds of social gatherings. Whether it’s a summer cookout, a cozy night by the fireplace, or even a simple treat for the kids, s’mores have become a year-round favorite. Over the years, people have experimented with various variations of the classic s’mores recipe, including using different types of chocolate or adding peanut butter or caramel to the mix.

The Inspiration for Gooey S’mores Cake Bars

Gooey S’mores Cake Bars are an inventive twist on the traditional s’mores. They take the fundamental elements of s’mores—graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallows—and incorporate them into a rich, moist cake-like dessert. The idea for these cake bars arose from the desire to enjoy s’mores without needing a campfire. This makes the treat more accessible and convenient, allowing it to be enjoyed any time of the year, no matter the weather.

The process of baking the bars transforms the familiar texture of a traditional s’more. The cake base provides a rich, soft foundation, while the sweetened condensed milk adds a creamy, gooey layer that mimics the melted chocolate and marshmallows found in the original s’mores treat. The topping of graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallows adds both texture and flavor, making these bars a wonderful balance of crunchy, chewy, and smooth elements.

Why Gooey S’mores Cake Bars Are Perfect for Any Occasion

These cake bars offer the perfect blend of nostalgia and innovation, making them an ideal dessert for a wide range of occasions. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, throwing a birthday party, or simply craving something sweet, Gooey S’mores Cake Bars are a crowd-pleasing option. Here are some reasons why these bars are perfect for any occasion:

Convenient and Easy to Make
Gooey S’mores Cake Bars are incredibly easy to prepare. Unlike traditional s’mores, which require a campfire or grill to melt the marshmallows and chocolate, these bars can be baked in the oven. The process is straightforward and doesn’t require any special skills. This makes it an accessible recipe for both beginner bakers and experienced cooks. All you need are a few ingredients, and you’ll be ready to enjoy these delicious bars in no time.
No Campfire Required
While traditional s’mores are typically enjoyed outdoors around a campfire, Gooey S’mores Cake Bars can be made year-round, indoors or outdoors. Whether it’s a chilly fall evening or a warm summer day, you can make these cake bars in the comfort of your kitchen, no campfire or outdoor setup needed. This makes them a versatile dessert that can be enjoyed in any season.
Kid-Friendly and Fun to Make
Gooey S’mores Cake Bars are a fun dessert to make with kids. They can help press the cake mixture into the pan, sprinkle the graham crackers, and arrange the marshmallows and chocolate. It’s an engaging activity that allows them to get involved in the kitchen and get excited about baking. Plus, the end result is a delicious dessert they can proudly say they helped create.
Perfect for Parties and Gatherings
These cake bars are a fantastic addition to any party or gathering. They’re easy to transport, cut into perfect individual servings, and don’t require any fancy serving dishes or utensils. Whether you’re attending a potluck, hosting a birthday party, or having a family get-together, Gooey S’mores Cake Bars will be a hit with guests of all ages.
A Crowd-Pleaser
S’mores are a beloved treat, and most people are familiar with their irresistible combination of flavors. By turning s’mores into a cake bar, you’re offering everyone a chance to enjoy this classic dessert in a new, more accessible form. Whether you’re serving them to children or adults, these cake bars are sure to please a crowd. They’re also customizable, so you can add your own spin by experimenting with different types of chocolate or incorporating other flavors.

Health Considerations: A Sweet Treat to Enjoy in Moderation

While Gooey S’mores Cake Bars are undeniably delicious, they are a dessert and should be enjoyed in moderation. Like most indulgent treats, these cake bars are rich in sugar and fat, making them best as an occasional indulgence rather than an everyday snack. However, if you’re looking to make the recipe a little lighter, there are a few simple swaps you can make.

For example, you could use a lighter version of cream cheese or opt for a reduced-fat butter to cut down on the overall fat content. Using dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate can also offer a slightly healthier alternative, as dark chocolate contains antioxidants and less sugar. If you want to reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe, you could experiment with using a sugar substitute or reducing the amount of sweetened condensed milk. However, keep in mind that these modifications may alter the texture and flavor of the cake bars.

How to Customize Gooey S’mores Cake Bars

One of the best aspects of Gooey S’mores Cake Bars is their versatility. There are plenty of ways you can customize the recipe to suit your preferences or make it fit a specific occasion. Here are a few ideas for how you can add your personal touch to these cake bars:

Add Fruit
If you love adding fruit to your desserts, consider incorporating some berries into the bars. Fresh raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries would add a burst of color and a tangy contrast to the sweetness of the marshmallows and chocolate. You could even layer the fruit in between the graham cracker crust and the cake mixture for added texture and flavor.
Experiment with Different Types of Chocolate
While the recipe calls for milk chocolate, you can swap it out for dark chocolate, white chocolate, or even peanut butter chocolate for a unique twist. Each type of chocolate will offer its own distinct flavor profile, and mixing different kinds of chocolate can create a more complex, layered taste.
Add Nutty Crunch
For some added crunch and flavor, consider incorporating nuts into the bars. Crushed walnuts, almonds, or pecans would pair beautifully with the graham cracker crust and the rich chocolate. Sprinkle the nuts over the top of the bars before baking, or mix them into the cake batter for a subtle nutty flavor throughout.
Make It S’mores-Inspired with Toasted Coconut
If you love the idea of adding a tropical twist to your s’mores, consider using toasted coconut flakes. These can be sprinkled on top of the bars along with the marshmallows and chocolate to add both texture and a hint of coconut flavor.
Try a Gluten-Free Version
For those with gluten sensitivities, you can easily make Gooey S’mores Cake Bars gluten-free by substituting the cake mix for a gluten-free variety. Many brands offer gluten-free cake mixes, and the rest of the ingredients, like graham crackers and chocolate, are naturally gluten-free.

Conclusion

Gooey S’mores Cake Bars are an inventive and delicious way to enjoy the classic flavors of s’mores without needing a campfire. With their rich, moist cake base, gooey layers of sweetened condensed milk, and the perfect balance of chocolate, marshmallows, and graham crackers, these bars are sure to become a favorite dessert for any occasion.

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