If you love sweet treats that combine creamy peanut butter with gooey marshmallows and rich chocolate, you’re in for a real treat! My Peanut Butter S’mores Bars are an easy way to indulge your cravings. With simple ingredients and step-by-step instructions, you’ll whip these up in no time. Whether for a family gathering or a cozy night at home, these bars will impress everyone. Let’s dive into the delicious details!
Ingredients
To make the best Peanut Butter S’mores Bars, gather these simple ingredients:
– 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup creamy peanut butter
– 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 large egg
– 1 cup mini marshmallows
– 1/2 cup chocolate chips (dark or milk chocolate)
– Extra graham cracker crumbs for topping
These ingredients blend to create a rich, gooey treat. You’ll love how they come together. The graham cracker crumbs add a sweet crunch. The cocoa powder brings in deep chocolate notes. Creamy peanut butter makes everything smooth and rich.
Using mini marshmallows gives that classic s’mores feel. The chocolate chips add extra sweetness and meltiness. When you bake these bars, the flavors mix beautifully. Each bite will remind you of cozy campfire nights.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepping the Oven and Baking Dish
First, set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This helps the bars bake evenly. Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish. You can also line it with parchment paper. This makes it easy to lift out the bars later.
Mixing Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, combine the dry items. Add 1 cup of graham cracker crumbs, 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour, and 1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder. Next, mix in 1 teaspoon of baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Stir well and put it aside.
Creating the Peanut Butter Mixture
In another large bowl, melt 1/2 cup of unsalted butter. Whisk in 1 cup of creamy peanut butter. Then, add 3/4 cup of packed brown sugar and 1/4 cup of granulated sugar. Mix in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth.
Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients
Now, crack in 1 large egg. Mix until fully blended. Gradually fold the dry mix into the wet mix. Stir gently until combined. The batter will be thick, which is just right.
Adding Marshmallows and Chocolate Chips
Next, fold in 1 cup of mini marshmallows and 1/2 cup of chocolate chips. Save some chocolate chips for later. Stir until everything is mixed well.
Baking Instructions
Spread the batter evenly into your prepared dish. Sprinkle the saved chocolate chips and extra graham cracker crumbs on top. Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out mostly clean.
Cooling and Serving Suggestions
Once baked, let the bars cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes. Use the parchment paper to lift them out. Cut into squares and serve. They taste great warm or at room temperature. For a fun twist, drizzle melted chocolate on top or add crushed graham crackers. Enjoy with a cold glass of milk!
Tips & Tricks
Tips for Perfect Texture
To get the best texture, use creamy peanut butter. It blends smoothly and keeps the bars moist. Make sure to mix the dry and wet ingredients well, but don’t overmix. Overmixing can make the bars tough. The batter should be thick, which helps hold everything together.
How to Know When Bars Are Done
You can tell the bars are done when they look set. Insert a toothpick in the center. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs, they are ready. If it’s wet with batter, they need more time. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes for the perfect chewy bars.
Serving Tips for Peanut Butter S’mores Bars
These bars taste best warm. Serve them on a decorative plate for a fun touch. You can drizzle melted chocolate on top for extra sweetness. A sprinkle of crushed graham crackers adds a nice crunch. Pair them with a glass of cold milk for a tasty treat.
Enhancing Flavor with Toppings
You can get creative with toppings! Try adding mini chocolate chips or extra marshmallows on top before baking. For a twist, add a pinch of sea salt. A scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side makes it even better. Each bite will be an irresistible treat!
Variations
Gluten-Free Option
You can make these bars gluten-free. Just swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. Use a mix designed for baking. Make sure your graham crackers are also gluten-free. This way, everyone can enjoy them!
Vegan Peanut Butter S’mores Bars
To make these bars vegan, you need to make a few changes. First, use a plant-based butter instead of regular butter. Replace the egg with a flax egg. To make a flax egg, mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with three tablespoons of water. Let it sit for five minutes to thicken. Choose dairy-free chocolate chips, too. Your bars will still taste amazing!
Additional Mix-Ins Ideas
Feel free to get creative with mix-ins. Try adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for crunch. You can also use dried fruit like cranberries or cherries for a sweet twist. Want extra chocolate? Add more chocolate chips or chunks. Each mix-in can give your Peanut Butter S’mores Bars a fun new flavor. Enjoy experimenting!
Storage Info
Best Practices for Storing Bars
To keep your Peanut Butter S’mores Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps maintain their chewy texture. Place a piece of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Keep them at room temperature for up to five days. If your kitchen is warm, refrigerate them to avoid melting.
How to Freeze Peanut Butter S’mores Bars
Freezing these bars is a great option. Start by cooling them completely. Once cool, cut them into squares. Wrap each square in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you crave a sweet treat, just thaw a piece at room temperature.
Reheating Instructions
For a warm treat, reheat your bars in the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the bars on a baking sheet. Cover them with foil to keep them soft. Heat for about 10 minutes. You can also use a microwave. Heat one square for 15 to 20 seconds. Enjoy the gooey marshmallows and melted chocolate!
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Yes, you can use crunchy peanut butter. It will give your bars a nice texture. The bits of peanuts add some fun crunch. Just make sure you measure the same amount.
How long do Peanut Butter S’mores Bars last?
These bars can last up to five days at room temperature. Store them in an airtight container. For longer storage, keep them in the fridge for up to a week.
What can I substitute for graham crackers?
You can use crushed cookies like digestive biscuits or vanilla wafers. They will give a different flavor but still taste great. If you need a gluten-free option, try gluten-free graham crackers or almond flour.
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make them a day or two ahead. Just store them in an airtight container. They taste even better after resting for a while.
Are Peanut Butter S’mores Bars suitable for special diets?
These bars are not vegan or gluten-free as written. However, you can make them vegan with egg replacers. For gluten-free, use gluten-free flour and graham crackers. Always check labels for allergens.
This blog shared a simple recipe for Peanut Butter S’mores Bars. We covered all the ingredients and each step. I offered tips for good texture and serving ideas. You learned about gluten-free and vegan options too.
These bars are fun to make and perfect for sharing. Try different mix-ins for more flavor. Enjoy creating a delicious treat that your friends and family will love.
