If you are looking for a nostalgic treat that hits all the right notes, this Peanut Butter S’mores Bars Recipe is an absolute must-try. Imagine the gooey marshmallow goodness of s’mores combined with rich peanut butter and a buttery, crumbly base—baked together into irresistible bars that everyone will love. These bars perfectly balance sweet, salty, and nutty flavors, making them a wonderful dessert to share at any gathering or simply to satisfy a craving for something comforting and indulgent.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Peanut Butter S’mores Bars Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient serves an essential purpose, whether it’s the buttery richness of the base, the melty marshmallow’s gooey texture, or the salty-sweet peanut butter cups to add bursts of flavor. Here’s what you’ll gather to create these luscious bars:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Forms the sturdy yet tender foundation of the bars.
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs: Adds that quintessential s’mores crunch and flavor.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the dough rise and become delightfully soft.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all flavor notes.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature: Provides moisture and delicate richness.
- 1 1/2 cups packed light brown sugar: Gives a warm, caramel undertone and tender crumb.
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract: Brightens and rounds out the flavors beautifully.
- 2 large eggs: Binds everything together with a silky texture.
- 7 ounces Marshmallow Creme PLUS 1/2 cup: The sticky, gooey layer that makes these bars truly s’mores-worthy (requires two containers total).
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter: Adds creamy, nutty richness that complements the marshmallow sweetness.
- 24 peanut butter cups (snack size): Bursts of peanut butter and chocolate throughout the bars.
- Flaked sea salt, for sprinkling: A final sprinkle that highlights and contrasts the sweetness.
How to Make Peanut Butter S’mores Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, which ensures a perfectly golden bake. Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper, allowing a generous 2-inch overhang on the sides to easily lift the bars out after baking. Don’t forget to grease the parchment lightly with nonstick spray—that little step makes cutting and serving a breeze!
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, graham cracker crumbs, baking powder, and salt. This combination creates the essential structure and brings in that nostalgic s’mores flavor you love, setting the stage for a deliciously textured bar.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
Using a stand mixer, beat the room temperature butter with the light brown sugar until the mixture turns light and fluffy—about 2 minutes. This step is crucial for that melt-in-your-mouth softness. Then, add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is fully combined and smooth.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Slowly add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients while mixing on low speed. Stir just until everything comes together; overmixing can lead to denser bars, and we want a tender, buttery crumb.
Step 5: Press the Bottom Layer
Divide the dough in half. Press half of it firmly and evenly into the prepared pan. This base will become the crunchy yet tender foundation to hold all the gooey layers above, so take your time to get it smooth and even.
Step 6: Add Marshmallow Creme
Dollop the marshmallow creme over that cookie dough base. Spread it gently but evenly with a spatula for a luscious layer of melty sweetness that captures the essence of classic s’mores.
Step 7: Drizzle Peanut Butter and Arrange Peanut Butter Cups
Warm the peanut butter in the microwave for about 30 seconds to make it easier to drizzle. Swirl it over the marshmallow layer, creating rich ribbons of nutty flavor. Then, arrange the peanut butter cups in neat rows on top—these little pockets of peanut butter and chocolate make every bite superbly indulgent.
Step 8: Top with Remaining Dough
Carefully flatten the remaining half of the dough and gently press it over the peanut butter cups. You don’t need perfect coverage—letting a few peanut butter cups peek through adds to the rustic charm and texture contrast.
Step 9: Bake Until Golden
Bake your bars for 32 to 37 minutes or until the top is golden brown. It’s normal if some marshmallow puffs out here and there—it will settle once cooled. Let the bars cool completely before using the parchment overhang to lift them out and slice into squares.
How to Serve Peanut Butter S’mores Bars Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a pinch of flaked sea salt over the bars just before serving to elevate that sweet-and-salty balance. If you want to add a touch of elegance, a light dusting of cocoa powder or a drizzle of melted chocolate complements the flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
Serve these bars alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a decadent dessert experience. A cold glass of milk or a warm cup of coffee also pairs wonderfully, helping to mellow the richness while enhancing the peanut butter and marshmallow flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re hosting a party, cut the bars into bite-sized squares and serve them on a decorative platter with some fresh berries or sliced bananas nearby for a colorful touch. You can also sandwich two bars together with extra marshmallow fluff for a fun twist that doubles the gooey delight!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps them soft and chewy, perfect for grabbing a quick snack or dessert anytime.
Freezing
You can freeze these Peanut Butter S’mores Bars Recipe treats by wrapping individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep beautifully for up to two months and thaw quickly at room temperature.
Reheating
To enjoy bars warm, pop them in the microwave for about 15 seconds or place them in a 300-degree oven for 5–7 minutes. The marshmallow layer will become irresistibly molten again, making each bite even more heavenly.
FAQs
Can I substitute peanut butter with another nut butter?
Absolutely! While peanut butter brings a classic flavor that pairs wonderfully with marshmallow and chocolate, creamy almond or cashew butter can work as tasty alternatives. Just be mindful of any allergy concerns when sharing.
Do I have to use marshmallow creme or can I use marshmallows?
Marshmallow creme is best because it spreads evenly and melts smoothly during baking. Using mini marshmallows could work but might result in a differently textured, less uniform layer.
Is there a gluten-free option?
You can make these bars gluten-free by swapping the all-purpose flour and graham cracker crumbs for gluten-free versions. Just be sure your baking powder is gluten-free as well. The flavor remains amazing!
Can these bars be made vegan?
To make a vegan version, substitute butter with vegan margarine or coconut oil, use a flax egg in place of regular eggs, and pick vegan marshmallow creme and peanut butter cups. It might take some experimentation, but it’s doable.
How long do these bars stay fresh?
Stored in an airtight container, these bars remain fresh and delicious for about three days at room temperature. Beyond that, their texture can begin to change, but freezing is a great way to extend their life.
Final Thoughts
This Peanut Butter S’mores Bars Recipe is a delightful way to enjoy the classic campfire treat in a fun, easy-to-share form. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just craving something sweet and comforting, these bars bring a perfect balance of gooey marshmallow, rich peanut butter, and buttery crumb that is simply irresistible. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll want to keep these bars in your recipe arsenal forever!
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Peanut Butter S’mores Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
Description
These Peanut Butter S’mores Bars combine the classic flavors of peanut butter, marshmallow, and chocolate in a delicious baked treat. Featuring a graham cracker and flour base layered with marshmallow creme, creamy peanut butter, and peanut butter cups, these bars are perfect for sharing at any gathering or enjoying as a sweet snack at home.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 1/2 cups packed light brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
Toppings and Fillings
- 7 ounce container of Marshmallow Creme PLUS 1/2 cup (you will need to buy two 7-ounce containers)
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 24 peanut butter cups (Reese’s snack size recommended)
- Flaked sea salt, for sprinkling on bars
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring there is a 2-inch overhang on the sides for easy removal later. Grease the parchment paper lightly with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, graham cracker crumbs, baking powder, and salt to evenly combine the dry ingredients.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the softened unsalted butter and light brown sugar on medium speed until light, fluffy, and well combined, about 2 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the pure vanilla extract, making sure everything is well incorporated.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients while mixing on low speed to prevent overmixing. Mix just until combined into a cohesive dough.
- Create Base Layer: Divide the dough in half. Press half of the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan, flattening it with your hands or a spatula to create the base layer.
- Spread Marshmallow Creme: Dollop the marshmallow creme evenly over the cookie dough base. Use a spatula to spread it into a smooth, even layer.
- Add Peanut Butter Drizzle and Cups: Place the peanut butter in a microwave-safe bowl and heat for 30 seconds or until easily stirrable. Stir well, then drizzle the peanut butter evenly over the marshmallow layer. Arrange the 24 peanut butter cups in rows on top of the marshmallow and peanut butter.
- Top with Remaining Dough: Gently flatten and press the remaining half of the dough over the peanut butter cups, trying to cover most of the peanut butter cups while keeping the dough intact.
- Bake the Bars: Bake in the preheated oven for 32 to 37 minutes or until the top is golden brown. It’s normal if some marshmallow puffs out; it will settle during cooling.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Cut into 24 squares, sprinkle lightly with flaked sea salt, and enjoy!
Notes
- For easy removal, be sure to grease the parchment paper well, not just the pan.
- You need two 7-ounce containers of marshmallow creme: one for the base layer and an additional 1/2 cup for topping.
- Microwaving peanut butter makes it easier to drizzle and spread.
- If peanut butter cups are unavailable, you can use chopped peanut butter candy or chocolate chips as a substitute.
- Allow bars to cool fully before slicing to prevent melting and sticking.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
