Introduction:
Prepare to embark on a delightful journey down memory lane with our irresistible Golden Grahams S’mores Bars recipe! Combining the classic flavors of toasted marshmallows, rich chocolate, and crunchy graham cereal, these bars are a nostalgic treat that will transport you back to summer campfires and cozy evenings by the fireplace. In this article, we’ll share the magic of making Golden Grahams S’mores Bars, providing step-by-step directions and tips for creating the perfect batch of gooey, chocolatey goodness.
Ingredients:
– 7 cups Golden Graham’s cereal (gv works too)
– 16 oz mini marshmallows
– 1/2 cup butter
– 6 Hershey bars
Directions:
– Unwrap Hershey bars. Break 4 of them into individual pieces and set aside. Break the other 2 bars into individual pieces, and then break those in half like squares. Set aside.
– In a large pot, melt the butter with 6 cups of mini marshmallows over medium heat, stirring constantly.
– When marshmallows and butter are completely melted, remove from heat and stir in Golden Grahams cereal. Allow to cool for 1 minute.
– Stir in 3 more cups of mini marshmallows (there should be a few marshmallows left over). These marshmallows should not melt completely. Also stir in the 4 Hershey bars that were broken into squares.
– Pour mixture into a greased 9×13 pan. Gently press the mixture into the pan. Sprinkle mixture with remaining mini marshmallows and pieces of Hershey Bar.
– Allow bars to cool and set up before cutting and serving.
Serving Tips:
- Portioning: When serving Golden Grahams S’mores Bars, consider cutting them into smaller squares or bars for easy handling and portion control. This allows guests to enjoy a taste of nostalgia without feeling overwhelmed by a large portion.
- Room Temperature: For the best texture and flavor, serve the bars at room temperature. Allowing them to sit out for a few minutes before serving will soften the marshmallow and chocolate layers, making them easier to bite into and enhancing the overall eating experience.
- Accompaniments: Enhance the presentation and flavor of the bars by serving them with additional toppings or accompaniments. Consider offering a side of whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for a decadent touch.
- Serve with Beverages: Golden Grahams S’mores Bars pair well with a variety of beverages, including milk, hot cocoa, coffee, or even a glass of red wine for adults. Encourage guests to enjoy their bars with their favorite drink for a complete s’mores-inspired experience.
Storage Tips:
- Airtight Container: To keep Golden Grahams S’mores Bars fresh and prevent them from drying out, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This helps maintain the chewy texture of the marshmallows and prevents the cereal from becoming stale.
- Layering: If stacking the bars in the container, consider placing parchment paper or wax paper between each layer to prevent them from sticking together and to maintain their appearance.
- Refrigeration: While not necessary, you can store the bars in the refrigerator if you prefer them to have a firmer texture or if you live in a warm climate. However, be aware that refrigeration can cause the marshmallows to harden slightly, so allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture.
- Freezing: Golden Grahams S’mores Bars can be frozen for longer storage. Wrap individual bars or the entire batch tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. Label with the date and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw the bars in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
FAQs:
- Can I use a different type of cereal instead of Golden Grahams for these S’mores bars? Absolutely! While Golden Grahams cereal adds a classic graham cracker flavor to the bars, you can experiment with other similar cereals such as crushed graham crackers, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, or Honey Graham O’s to achieve a similar taste and texture.
- Can I make these S’mores bars without butter? While butter adds richness and helps bind the ingredients together, you can try using alternative fats such as coconut oil or margarine as a substitute for butter. Keep in mind that using different fats may alter the flavor and texture of the bars slightly.
- Can I use large marshmallows instead of mini marshmallows? Yes, you can use large marshmallows instead of mini marshmallows, but you’ll need to cut them into smaller pieces to ensure even distribution throughout the bars. Alternatively, you can melt the large marshmallows with the butter in a pot before adding the cereal, similar to how you would melt mini marshmallows.
- Can I add other ingredients to customize these S’mores bars? Absolutely! Feel free to get creative and add your favorite mix-ins to the bars to customize them to your taste. Mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or even dried fruit like cranberries or cherries can all be delicious additions to these S’mores bars.
- Can I make these S’mores bars ahead of time for a party or event? Yes, these S’mores bars can be made ahead of time for convenience. Prepare them according to the recipe instructions, allow them to cool completely, and then store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can be made up to 2-3 days in advance and will still taste delicious when served.
Conclusion:
Golden Grahams S’mores Bars are a delightful twist on a classic treat, offering all the flavors of traditional s’mores in a convenient and portable form. Whether enjoyed as a snack, dessert, or indulgent treat, these bars are sure to bring smiles to faces and joy to taste buds. So, gather your ingredients, channel your inner campfire enthusiast, and get ready to savor the irresistible nostalgia of Golden Grahams S’mores Bars!