Peanut Butter S’mores Bars are a fun and delicious twist on the classic campfire treat. These bars combine the rich flavor of peanut butter with crunchy graham crackers, sweet chocolate chips, and gooey marshmallows. Perfect for parties, snacks, or a cozy night in, this recipe is sure to please both kids and adults alike.
Why Make This Recipe
Making Peanut Butter S’mores Bars is a great idea for several reasons. First, they are easy to prepare, requiring basic ingredients that you might already have in your pantry. Second, these bars are versatile and can be enjoyed at any time—whether it’s a picnic, a birthday party, or just a sweet treat after dinner. Finally, the combination of flavors creates a delightful experience that is hard to resist.
How to Make Peanut Butter S’mores Bars
Ingredients:
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1 egg
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, mix together the peanut butter, melted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Stir in the graham cracker crumbs until well combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips and mini marshmallows.
- Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
- Allow to cool completely in the pan before cutting into bars. Enjoy!
How to Serve Peanut Butter S’mores Bars
Serve these Peanut Butter S’mores Bars as a dessert after a meal or as a snack during the day. You can cut them into squares and place them on a platter for easy sharing. They pair well with a glass of milk or a cup of hot chocolate. For a fun presentation, try adding a scoop of ice cream on top!
How to Store Peanut Butter S’mores Bars
To store your Peanut Butter S’mores Bars, place them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay fresh for about 3-5 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. For longer storage, consider freezing the bars. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can last for about 1-2 months in the freezer.
Tips to Make Peanut Butter S’mores Bars
- Make sure to use smooth peanut butter for a creamier texture.
- For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of salt or a dash of cinnamon into the mixture.
- Don’t overbake! Keep an eye on the bars and take them out when the edges are just golden brown.
- Allow them to cool completely before cutting; this helps them hold their shape better.
Variation
You can customize these bars by adding nuts, like chopped pecans or walnuts, for an extra crunch. If you don’t have graham cracker crumbs, you can substitute them with crushed digestive biscuits or vanilla wafer cookies for a different twist.
FAQs
1. Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of smooth?
Yes, crunchy peanut butter can be used for added texture, though the bars may be less smooth.
2. What if I don’t have mini marshmallows?
You can use regular marshmallows, but you might want to cut them into smaller pieces so they mix well.
3. Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs to make this recipe gluten-free.
Peanut Butter S'mores Bars
Ingredients
For the Bars
- 1 cup peanut butter Smooth peanut butter recommended for creaminess.
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs Can substitute with crushed digestive biscuits.
- 1 cup brown sugar Packed tightly for best results.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup mini marshmallows Can use regular marshmallows cut into smaller pieces.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, mix together the peanut butter, melted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Stir in the graham cracker crumbs until well combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips and mini marshmallows.
- Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan.
Baking
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
Cooling
- Allow to cool completely in the pan before cutting into bars.