Gooey S’mores Cake Bars – A Campfire Classic, Reimagined

By: Rabia

Recipe Card

Servings & Timing

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes

  • Bake Time: 20–22 minutes

  • Total Time: 30 minutes

  • Yield: 24 bars

  • Calories: ~283 kcal per bar

Dietary Badges:
✔ Family-Friendly
✔ Easy Dessert
✔ Crowd-Pleaser

🛒 Ingredients

  • Yellow cake mix (just the dry mix)

  • Egg

  • Butter (melted)

  • Graham cracker crumbs

  • Marshmallow crème

  • Milk chocolate chips

  • Mini marshmallows

👩‍🍳 Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13″ pan with parchment or grease lightly.

  2. In a bowl, mix cake mix, egg, melted butter, and graham crumbs until crumbly but sticky. Reserve 2 cups of mixture.

  3. Press remaining mixture firmly into pan for crust.

  4. Sprinkle chocolate chips evenly, pressing lightly into crust.

  5. Drop spoonfuls of marshmallow crème, then spread gently into a layer (wet spoon helps).

  6. Sprinkle with mini marshmallows, then crumble reserved crust mixture on top.

  7. Bake 20–22 minutes. Optional: Broil 1–2 minutes for golden marshmallow tops.

  8. Cool completely before slicing into bars.

Notes:

  • Bars set best when fully cooled.

  • For gooier texture, slightly underbake.

Introduction

These Gooey S’mores Cake Bars bring the campfire indoors—layers of graham cracker, melty chocolate, and marshmallow baked into a golden bar. They’re nostalgic, rich, and ridiculously easy to make with just one bowl and pantry staples. Perfect for bake sales, family gatherings, or anytime that s’mores craving hits.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1 – Build the crust
Mix cake mix, butter, egg, and graham crumbs until crumbly. Press firmly to create a solid base.

Step 2 – Chocolate + marshmallow layers
Spread chocolate chips and marshmallow crème evenly over crust. Mini marshmallows add that gooey, toasty finish.

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Step 3 – Crumb topping & bake
Sprinkle remaining crust mixture on top and bake until golden and bubbling.

Step 4 – Cool & cut
Let the bars cool completely for clean slices and a chewy texture.

Ingredient Details & Substitutions

  • Cake mix: Yellow cake mix is classic, but chocolate cake mix makes it even more indulgent.

  • Butter: Salted or unsalted both work; salted gives a slight flavor boost.

  • Chocolate: Use milk chocolate chips for authentic s’mores flavor; dark or semi-sweet works too.

  • Marshmallows: Marshmallow crème spreads smoothly; mini marshmallows add texture.

  • Gluten-Free: Swap cake mix and graham crumbs for certified GF versions.

Variations & Serving Suggestions

  • Peanut Butter Twist: Add ½ cup peanut butter chips with the chocolate layer.

  • Cookies & Cream: Swap graham crumbs for crushed Oreos.

  • Nutty Version: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top before baking.

  • Serving Ideas:

    • Warm bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

    • Chilled straight from the fridge for a chewy bite.

    • Packed in lunchboxes or picnic baskets for an easy treat.

Storage & Make-Ahead

  • Room Temp: Store in airtight container up to 3 days.

  • Refrigeration: Keeps up to 5 days, slightly firmer texture.

  • Freezing: Freeze in layers with parchment between bars up to 2 months. Thaw at room temp.

FAQs

Q: Can I use homemade cake mix instead of a box?
A: Yes—use about 2 cups homemade yellow cake mix.

Q: Do these cut cleanly when warm?
A: They’re gooey when warm; for neat slices, let them cool completely.

Q: Can I make these in advance?
A: Absolutely—they hold up well and are even chewier the next day.

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Personal Note

I love these bars because they capture all the flavors of s’mores without the campfire hassle. My favorite part? That golden marshmallow layer with just the right amount of goo. They’re always the first dessert to disappear at parties.

Rabia
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