Peanut Butter Cup Golden Grahams S’mores Bars Recipe
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Cooling Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 16 bars
Ingredients
For the Bars
- 8 cups Golden Grahams cereal
- 5 cups mini marshmallows, divided
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Chocolate Layer
- 2 cups milk chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil or butter
Peanut Butter Cup Mix-Ins
- 2 cups mini peanut butter cups, chopped
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips
Optional Toppings
- Extra mini marshmallows
- Crushed graham crackers
- Melted peanut butter drizzle
- Melted chocolate drizzle
- Chopped peanut butter cups
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pan
Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the sides for easy removal.
Lightly grease the parchment paper with nonstick spray.
Set aside.
Step 2: Melt the Marshmallow Mixture
In a large saucepan over low heat, combine:
- Butter
- Peanut butter
Stir until completely melted and smooth.
Add 4 cups of the mini marshmallows and continue stirring until melted.
Remove from heat.
Stir in:
- Vanilla extract
- Salt
The mixture should be smooth, creamy, and glossy.
Step 3: Add the Cereal
Immediately add the Golden Grahams cereal.
Gently fold until every piece is coated with the marshmallow mixture.
Work quickly before the mixture begins to set.
Step 4: Add Marshmallows and Peanut Butter Cups
Allow the mixture to cool for 2–3 minutes.
Fold in:
- Remaining 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1½ cups chopped peanut butter cups
The residual heat will soften them slightly without completely melting them.
Step 5: Press into the Pan
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.
Using lightly greased hands or a spatula, gently press into an even layer.
Avoid pressing too firmly to keep the bars soft and chewy.
Step 6: Make the Chocolate Layer
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine:
- Chocolate chips
- Coconut oil
Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth.
Spread the melted chocolate evenly over the cereal layer.
Step 7: Add Toppings
While the chocolate is still soft, sprinkle over:
- Remaining peanut butter cups
- Mini chocolate chips
- Extra marshmallows
- Crushed graham crackers
For extra decadence, drizzle melted peanut butter and additional chocolate over the top.
Step 8: Chill
Place the pan in the refrigerator for 45–60 minutes until fully set.
The chocolate layer should be firm before slicing.
Step 9: Slice and Serve
Lift the bars from the pan using the parchment overhang.
Cut into 16 squares or rectangles.
Serve and enjoy.
Tips for Perfect S’mores Bars
Use Fresh Marshmallows
Fresh marshmallows create the softest and chewiest texture.
Don’t Overheat
Excessive heat can make marshmallow treats hard instead of soft.
Fold in Some Mix-Ins Later
Adding some peanut butter cups after cooling slightly helps them keep their shape.
Line the Pan
Parchment paper makes removal and slicing much easier.
For Cleaner Slices
Use a sharp knife lightly coated with cooking spray.
Variations
Double Peanut Butter Version
Add ½ cup peanut butter chips to the mixture.
Dark Chocolate S’mores Bars
Replace milk chocolate with dark chocolate chips.
Salted Peanut Butter Cup Bars
Finish with flaky sea salt for a sweet-and-salty flavor.
Cookies and Cream S’mores Bars
Mix in crushed chocolate sandwich cookies.
Campfire Deluxe Bars
Toast the marshmallow topping with a kitchen torch before serving.
Make-Ahead Instructions
These bars can be made 1–2 days ahead and stored covered until ready to serve.
Storage
Room Temperature
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Refrigerator
Store for up to 1 week.
Freezer
Freeze individually wrapped bars for up to 2 months.
Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Nutrition Information (Approximate Per Bar)
- Calories: 340
- Protein: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 180mg
