S’mores Krispie Treats – Easy No-Bake Dessert Bars Recipe

There’s something undeniably nostalgic about s’mores. The gooey marshmallows, melty chocolate, and crunchy graham crackers bring back memories of bonfires, late-night laughter, and sticky fingers. But sometimes, you want all that s’mores goodness without the smoke, firewood, or cleanup. Enter these S’mores Krispie Treats—the ultimate no-bake dessert that takes everything you love about the classic treat and turns it into an easy, indoor snack bar you can whip up in less than 20 minutes.

This S’mores Krispie Treats recipe is one of those magic little finds that came together out of equal parts nostalgia and snack-time necessity. I remember the first time I made these on a rainy weekend when a campfire was definitely off the table. I had Golden Grahams cereal, a half-used bag of mini marshmallows, and a couple of Hershey’s bars hanging around, so I threw them together with a little bit of butter. The result? Instant s’mores flavor in a crunchy, chewy, chocolatey bar that disappeared faster than I could cut them into squares.

What makes this recipe really stand out is the way we layer in texture. Some of the mini marshmallows and chocolate chips stay whole, which gives each bite a soft pop and melty richness without turning into one uniform mix. Then, while the mixture is still warm, we gently press Hershey’s bars on top to give that signature s’mores look and just a touch of that classic melt. It’s cozy, familiar, and so incredibly simple.

If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing treat that feels like a warm summer night—but takes no fire to create—these No-Bake Mock S’mores Bars are about to become your new favorite dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are so many reasons to adore these S’mores Krispie Treats, whether you’re whipping them up for a weekday sweet tooth or making a big batch for a picnic, school bake sale, or movie night with friends. Here’s what makes them special:

Super Easy to Make: No oven, no stove, no hassle. With just a microwave and one mixing bowl, these treats come together in minutes.

Family-Friendly Fun: This recipe is great for little helpers. Kids can easily mix and press the ingredients with adult supervision, and they’ll love layering the chocolate bars on top.

Delivers Classic S’mores Flavor: The use of Golden Grahams gives you that graham cracker crunch, while melted marshmallows and pockets of chocolate bring the signature gooey sweetness.

Perfect for Any Season: S’mores aren’t just for summer anymore. Since these are made indoors, you can enjoy them all year round—no campfire required.

Make-Ahead Friendly: These bars hold up beautifully in the fridge or at room temperature, so they’re ideal for parties, lunchboxes, or late-night cravings.

Balanced Texture: By adding in unmelted marshmallows and chocolate chips to the mix, you get varied textures in every bite—chewy, crunchy, soft, and melty.

Trust me, once you make these just once, you’ll be asked to bring them to every event. They’re the kind of dessert that disappears from the table long before anything else.

Health Benefits

Okay, so we’re not going to claim that these S’mores Krispie Treats are a health food. But there are a few redeeming qualities worth mentioning if you’re thinking about balance:

Portion Control: Since the bars are rich and sweet, smaller portions can still feel satisfying. Cutting them into bite-sized squares is a great way to enjoy the flavor without going overboard.

No Artificial Preservatives: When made at home, you can control the ingredients—meaning no unnecessary additives or extra preservatives that come with packaged snacks.

Lower Fat Than Traditional S’mores: Since we skip the butter-laden graham cracker crust and don’t roast anything over oil or flames, the fat content is slightly reduced compared to traditional s’mores.

Energy Boost: Thanks to the carbs from cereal and sugar, these bars can offer a quick energy lift during a busy afternoon or after-school snack time.

Kid-Friendly Ingredients: You know exactly what’s going into these—no surprises, no difficult-to-pronounce additives.

While this is definitely a treat, enjoying something sweet in moderation can be part of a well-balanced lifestyle—and when it tastes this good, it’s worth every bite.

Preparation Time, Servings, and Nutritional Information

Total Time: 15–20 minutes (including cooling time)
Active Prep Time: 10 minutes
Servings: Makes 16 squares
Calories per serving: Approximately 180
Protein: 1g
Carbohydrates: 29g
Fat: 6g

Ingredients List

Here’s everything you’ll need to make these no-bake S’mores Krispie Treats. Most of these are pantry staples, which makes this a perfect last-minute dessert:

• 6 cups Golden Grahams cereal – This gives that classic graham cracker crunch and flavor.
• 4 cups mini marshmallows, divided – Half will be melted, and half will stay whole for texture.
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter – Helps bind the melted marshmallows and cereal together.
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, divided – Some melted in the mix, some left whole for chocolate bursts.
• 2 regular Hershey’s milk chocolate bars, broken into squares – Pressed on top for that signature look.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Optional, but adds a nice depth of flavor.
• Pinch of salt – Balances the sweetness just a touch.

Step-By-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare Your Pan
   Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper. This makes it easier to lift and cut the bars once they’re cooled.
2. Melt the Marshmallows and Butter
   In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine 3 tablespoons of butter and 2 cups of mini marshmallows. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring in between, until fully melted and smooth. It should take about 1 to 1.5 minutes total.
3. Cool Slightly to Avoid Melting the Chocolate
   Let the melted mixture cool for 1–2 minutes. This prevents the chocolate chips from melting completely when added, which keeps the texture varied.
4. Add Cereal and Mix-Ins
   Pour in the 6 cups of Golden Grahams cereal and gently fold it into the melted mixture. Then, stir in the remaining 2 cups of mini marshmallows and ½ cup of chocolate chips. Mix until evenly distributed but try not to crush the cereal.
5. Press Into Pan
   Transfer the mixture into your prepared pan. Use a spatula or wax paper to gently press it down into an even layer. Don’t compact it too much—just enough to hold together.
6. Top with Chocolate
   While the mixture is still warm, press the Hershey’s bar squares and the remaining ½ cup of chocolate chips into the top. They’ll melt just slightly, giving that gooey s’mores feel.
7. Cool and Cut
   Let the bars sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes or refrigerate for 10 minutes until set. Once firm, cut into squares and serve.

These treats are best enjoyed fresh, but they’ll keep beautifully for a few days if stored properly.

How to Serve

Here are a few fun and creative ways to serve these bars:

• Slice them into bite-sized squares for party platters or bake sales.
• Wrap individual squares in parchment or wax paper and tie with string for lunchbox treats.
• Serve warm by microwaving a square for 10 seconds—it’ll taste just like a freshly roasted s’more.
• Crumble over vanilla ice cream for an indulgent sundae topping.

Pairing Suggestions

These bars are rich and sweet, so pairing them with something that balances or complements that flavor is a great idea:

• Beverages: Serve with a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of hot chocolate for a cozy combo.
• Fruits: Offer with a side of fresh strawberries or sliced bananas to cut through the sweetness.
• Other Desserts: Pair with a scoop of vanilla yogurt or a fruit smoothie for a snack tray with a mix of flavors.

Storage, Freezing & Reheating Instructions

Storage:
Place the bars in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for up to 4 days. If your kitchen is especially warm, you can refrigerate them to help keep the chocolate firm.

Freezing:
Yes, you can freeze them! Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap, then store them in a zip-top bag or container. They’ll last up to 2 months in the freezer. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Reheating:
If you want that just-made gooeyness, pop a bar in the microwave for about 10 seconds. Just enough to soften the marshmallows and slightly melt the chocolate again.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overheating the Marshmallows: This can make the texture rubbery instead of soft and gooey. Always microwave in short bursts.
2. Adding Chocolate Too Soon: Mixing chocolate into the hot marshmallow mix can cause it to melt too much. Let the mixture cool slightly first.
3. Pressing Too Hard: Compacting the bars too tightly can make them dense and hard to bite.
4. Skipping the Butter: It might be tempting to reduce fat, but the butter helps everything stick together and adds flavor.
5. Using Stale Cereal: Always check that your Golden Grahams are fresh and crisp. Stale cereal will lead to soggy bars.

Pro Tips

• Lightly grease your spatula or hands with oil before pressing the mix into the pan. It’ll help prevent sticking.
• Chop up the Hershey’s bars in advance and keep them cool until you’re ready to use them.
• Use mini chocolate chips for better distribution and melting control.
• Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top after the bars are set for a sweet-and-salty contrast.
• For a twist, mix in a handful of crushed pretzels or drizzle with caramel for an extra layer of flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use a different cereal instead of Golden Grahams?
Yes, but Golden Grahams provide that classic graham cracker flavor. You could try Cinnamon Toast Crunch or a mix of plain and honey-flavored cereals as alternatives.

What if I don’t have mini marshmallows?
You can use large marshmallows chopped into pieces, though they won’t distribute as evenly.

Can I use white chocolate instead of milk or semi-sweet?
Absolutely! White chocolate chips or bars add a different but delicious sweetness.

How long do these bars last?
They’re best within the first 3–4 days, but you can freeze them for longer storage.

Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, just substitute the Golden Grahams with a gluten-free cereal and double-check that your marshmallows and chocolate are gluten-free.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Just use a 9×13-inch pan and adjust your ingredient quantities accordingly.

Why didn’t my bars hold together?
It could be due to too little marshmallow or not enough pressure when pressing into the pan. Make sure everything is evenly mixed and gently compacted.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Make a day ahead and store in an airtight container for freshness.

What’s the best way to cut these?
Use a sharp knife lightly greased or run under hot water, then dried, for clean slices.

Do I have to use Hershey’s brand chocolate?
Not at all. Any milk chocolate bar will work, though Hershey’s adds that classic s’mores touch.

Conclusion & Call to Action

These No-Bake S’mores Krispie Treats are everything you love about the campfire favorite, made easier, quicker, and cleaner for any day of the week. With just a few ingredients and a simple process, you’ll be enjoying gooey, chocolatey bars in no time.

Whether you’re hosting friends, packing a lunchbox, or just treating yourself after a long day, this recipe is a guaranteed win. I’d love to know how yours turn out—feel free to leave a comment, share your own twist, or tag me on social media with your batch. Let’s bring a little more marshmallow magic into the everyday!

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