These no-bake Golden Graham bars are ready in 15 minutes and taste exactly like the classic s’mores without the need for a campfire!
Golden Graham S’mores
Move over rice krispie treats, these Golden Graham s’mores bars will be your new favorite no-bake dessert.
S’mores are such a classic summer treat but gone are the days when we need to build a campfire to enjoy them. Or at least some version of them, which is why we love these s’mores bars too!
I serve these at my kids’ birthday parties and sleepovers and they’re always the first to go. I always manage to set a few aside for them to take in their school lunches the next day or save for an after-school snack!
Why We Love S’mores with Golden Grahams
- Quick and easy. Sometimes you just want a treat without having to make a big production. These bars are the fastest way to curb your s’mores cravings any day of the week!
- A tasty treat. They’re just so good. They’re probably aimed at kids, but I’m not sorry at how much I love that sweet, gooey, chocolatey crunch.
- No-bake. In the summer especially, it’s nice not to have to turn on the oven and heat the kitchen!
- Portable. Each square is the perfect handheld size for individual portions. Pack them in school lunches, for movie night, or a potluck dessert!
What’s In Golden Graham Cereal Bars?
Golden Graham bars come together easily with just a handful of ingredients which makes them a great choice for late-night sweet cravings!
- Golden Grahams: You’ll find these in the “sugary cereal” section of the grocery store. They’re toasted, crispy squares that have a signature flavor of honey and brown sugar. Very similar to graham crackers!
- Salted butter: I like to use salted butter to balance out the sweetness. Use unsalted if you have it, it won’t make or break the recipe. You may want to think about adding in some flaked sea salt instead!
- Mini marshmallows: If you have jumbo marshmallows, they can work for the melted marshmallow and butter portion only. Otherwise, any additional marshmallows for texture will need to be mini marshmallows!
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: I usually buy a big bag so I always have some on hand for other recipes too.
Optional Add-Ins
Depending on how much “chunk” you like in your bars, you might want to think about adding even more to them! A few extra marshmallows or chocolate chips would be great for adding extra bite. Sometimes I like to add 1/2 teaspoon vanilla or flaked sea salt for a little extra flavor.
How to Make Golden Graham Bars
The hardest part about this Golden Graham bars recipe is resisting the urge to eat it before it sets!
- Prep. If you’ve ever made cereal bars or rice krispies before, you’ll know how sticky they are! The first thing you’ll want to do is make sure to spray a 9×9″ pan with non stick cooking spray or line it with parchment paper. Combine Golden Grahams and 2 cups of marshmallows into a large bowl. Set that aside for now.
- Melt butter and remaining marshmallows in a large pan over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally until everything has melted. At a certain point, you will see the shape of all the marshmallows disappear and there will be no lumps.
- Combine the entire mixture. Pour the melted marshmallow and butter over the Golden Grahams and marshmallows you set aside. Then, immediately add the chocolate chips and stir. The chocolate will start to melt from the hot marshmallows but don’t let the marshmallows and chocolate melt completely. Leave some chunks!
- Allow it to set. This next part depends on how chunky you like your bars. You can leave it as is or sprinkle in more chocolate chips or cereal until your desired texture is reached. Transfer ingredients to the prepared baking dish and press everything into the pan. Allow it to cool then slice into 12 squares.
Recipe Tips
- Non-stick. Using wet hands or a piece of wax paper to press the mixture down into the pan helps to keep it from sticking to your hands.
- Size of bars. Cut into as big or as little squares as you like. The instructions say 12, but that’s just a guideline!
- Easy removal. If you line your baking dish with parchment paper, leave a little extra up the sides to help lift the entire batch out, if need be.
FAQs
I prefer semi-sweet Guittard chocolate because I’m already getting enough sweetness from the cereal and the marshmallows, but it’s totally up to you. You can use milk chocolate chips if you prefer.
Golden Grahams remind us of the graham crackers we use for traditional s’mores, so if you step outside of this box, you may lose the essence of what we’re going for here.
However, if you’re ok with it then so am I! Go ahead and use whatever crispy crunchy cereal you have on hand. Cinnamon toast crunch, corn flakes, cheerios, or rice krispies could work.
No, they are not. If you can get your hands on a gluten-free version of Golden Grahams, go ahead and use it.
Storage Suggestions
Store any remaining Golden Graham bars in an airtight container or Ziplock bag. No need to refrigerate them, otherwise they’ll get hard. Best served fresh, or within the next 2-3 days.
More No-Bake Cereal Treats
- Fruity Pebbles Bars: A fun and colorful twist on rice krispie treats.
- Brown Butter Rice Krispies: Learn how brown butter can make everything better!
- Honey Nut Cheerios Peanut Butter Bars: Sweet, nutty, crunchy, and so good!
- Scotcheroos: A peanut butter rice krispie base with a chocolate and caramel ganache!
- Cornflake Cookies: Made with just 4 ingredients they’re sweet, crunchy, and nutty!
Golden Graham Bars
Ingredients
- 5-7 cups golden grahams
- 4 Tablespoons salted butter
- 10 ounces mini marshmallows , reserve 2 cups
- 1/2-1 cup semi sweet chocolate chips , more if desired
Optional: 1/2 tsp vanilla, flake sea salt, extra marshmallows or chocolate chips
Instructions
- Spray a 9×9" pan with cooking spray or line with parchment paper.
- Pour Golden Grahams and 2 cups marshmallows into a large bowl.
- In a medium sized pot, melt butter and marshmallows over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally until melted.
- Pour mixture over the bowl of Golden Grahams. Then add in 1/2 cup chocolate chips while the sauce is hot. Stir until completely coated and the chocolate has started to melt. However, don't let the marshmallows and chocolate melt completely, you want some chunks. Add more chocolate chips or Golden Grahams until desired taste and texture is desired.
- Press mixture into the pan and allow to cool.
- Slice into 12 squares.
Notes
Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.
Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!
Wow – so yummy! Everyone went crazy for them!
Golden grahams cereal is my favorite! And so are these bars! So fun to make and eat.
My kids absolutely loved these – THANKS!
So glad they were a hit! :)
The most addictive bars in the world! I grew up eating them and they are still my favourite 🥰 I definitely need to double the recipe every time for my family of 7 🤣
I’m so glad your family loves them, Jade!