If you have a sweet tooth and a craving for that nostalgic campfire treat, you are going to love this Nutella S’mores Bars Recipe. It combines the rich, creamy goodness of Nutella, the gooey delight of marshmallow crème, and the crunch of graham crackers all baked into decadent bars that are simple to make and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re sharing with friends or keeping them all to yourself, these bars bring the cozy flavors of s’mores indoors in the most irresistible way.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Nutella S’mores Bars Recipe shines because of its straightforward, easy-to-find ingredients that play a crucial role in delivering that perfect balance of textures and flavors. Each ingredient, from the crunchy graham cracker crumbs to the creamy marshmallow fluff, works together to create a dessert that’s both nostalgic and delightfully modern.
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour: Provides the structure and tender crumb for the bars.
- ½ cup graham cracker crumbs: Adds classic s’mores flavor and a subtle crunch.
- ½ teaspoon baking powder: Helps the bars rise slightly for a perfect texture.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted: Brings richness and moistness to the batter.
- ¾ cup firmly packed light brown sugar: Adds deep caramel notes and chewiness.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar: Lightens the sweetness and improves texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Gives a warm, inviting aroma and flavor.
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature: Binds ingredients and creates a soft, fudgy texture.
- ½ cup plus 4 tablespoons semisweet chocolate chips: Offers bursts of rich chocolate gooeyness.
- ⅓ cup Nutella or any chocolate-hazelnut spread: The star ingredient that intensifies chocolate-hazelnut flavor.
- ¾ cup marshmallow crème (such as Fluff): Delivers that signature gooey, marshmallow sweetness.
- 1 cup broken graham cracker pieces: For extra crunch and classic s’mores authenticity on top.
How to Make Nutella S’mores Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Preheat the Oven
Start by heating your oven to 350°F and preparing an 8-inch square baking pan. Greasing it with nonstick spray or lining it with parchment paper will make removing the bars a breeze later on. Using a pan with a removable bottom is a bonus if you want clean edges and fuss-free slicing.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, graham cracker crumbs, baking powder, and salt. These dry ingredients will provide the perfect balance between structure and that nostalgic s’mores crunch.
Step 3: Whisk Butter, Sugars, and Eggs
Melt the butter and combine it with your light brown and granulated sugars. Whisk in the vanilla extract and then beat in the eggs vigorously until everything is well blended. This mixture creates the rich, sweet base that ties the bars together.
Step 4: Combine and Fold in Chocolate Chips
Gently stir the dry flour mixture into the wet butter and sugar mix until just combined—overmixing can make the bars tough. Then fold in ½ cup of semisweet chocolate chips, which melt into luscious pockets of chocolate throughout.
Step 5: Layer the Batter and Spreads
Spread about three-quarters of the batter evenly into your prepared pan. Then dollop Nutella over the top and gently spread it to ensure each bar will have that signature nutty chocolate taste. Follow by spreading marshmallow crème across the Nutella, and top with spoonfuls of the remaining batter.
Step 6: Swirl, Top, and Bake
Using an offset spatula or a knife, gently swirl the Nutella and marshmallow crème through the batter for that beautiful marbled effect. Scatter the remaining chocolate chips and broken graham cracker pieces over the top. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes for a fudgier texture or up to 40 minutes if you prefer your bars firmer and more set. Remember, the bars will continue to cook as they cool in the pan.
Step 7: Cool Completely and Slice
Allow your bars to cool entirely on a wire rack. Cooling is key for clean, neat slices. Once cooled, cut into 16 bars and get ready to enjoy every amazing bite of your homemade Nutella S’mores Bars Recipe!
How to Serve Nutella S’mores Bars Recipe
Garnishes
Add a touch of luxury by sprinkling some crushed toasted nuts or an extra drizzle of melted Nutella over each bar. A light dusting of powdered sugar can also add an elegant touch and a sweet finish that elevates presentation.
Side Dishes
These bars are rich enough to be a star dessert on their own but pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a glass of cold milk. For a fancy twist, serve alongside fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream to balance the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or gift-giving, try wrapping individual bars in parchment paper tied with rustic twine for a charming, homemade look. Layer them in a decorative tin with parchment liners for easy transport and sharing. You can even use cookie cutters to turn these bars into fun shapes for themed celebrations.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, though I personally love them chilled in the fridge for a firmer bite and enhanced flavor. Just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking.
Freezing
Nutella S’mores Bars Recipe freezes wonderfully for up to 3 months. Wrap bars tightly in foil or plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying, so they maintain their gooey, soft texture.
Reheating
To bring back their fresh-baked feel, microwave individual bars for 10 to 15 seconds or warm them briefly in a low oven. This melts the chocolate chips and Nutella slightly, reviving that warm, melty s’mores magic.
FAQs
Can I use regular chocolate spread instead of Nutella?
Absolutely! Any chocolate-hazelnut spread will work just fine, though Nutella has that signature flavor that really makes these bars special.
Is it necessary to use marshmallow crème? Can I use mini marshmallows?
The marshmallow crème creates a smooth gooey layer that swirls beautifully. Mini marshmallows can be used but may melt unevenly, so add them on top toward the end of baking for best results.
Can I double this Nutella S’mores Bars Recipe?
Yes, you can double it and bake in a 9×13-inch pan, but baking time will increase and the bars might be less gooey, so keep an eye on the texture as they bake.
Why do the bars need to cool completely before cutting?
Cooling allows the bars to set properly, which prevents them from falling apart or sticking to your knife. Patience here will reward you with perfectly neat squares.
Can I substitute butter with oil or margarine?
Butter provides flavor and structure, so it’s best not to substitute it if you want the classic taste and texture. Margarine or oil might make the bars too greasy or affect the overall flavor.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing treat that captures the magic of s’mores with a rich Nutella twist, this Nutella S’mores Bars Recipe is an absolute winner. It’s simple to prepare, irresistibly delicious, and perfect for sharing (or not). Don’t wait for a special occasion — make these bars your new everyday indulgence and watch everyone ask for the recipe!
PrintNutella S’mores Bars Recipe
Delight in these luscious Nutella S’mores Bars, a perfect blend of rich chocolate, creamy Nutella, marshmallow crème, and crunchy graham crackers, baked to fudgy perfection. Ideal for satisfying sweet cravings with a nostalgic s’mores twist in an easy-to-cut bar form.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Total Time: 40 mins plus cooling time
- Yield: 16 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup graham cracker crumbs
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- ¾ cup firmly packed light brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
Chocolate and S’mores Toppings
- ½ cup plus 4 tablespoons semisweet chocolate chips/morsels
- ⅓ cup Nutella or any brand chocolate-hazelnut spread
- ¾ cup marshmallow crème such as Fluff
- 1 cup broken graham cracker pieces
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Coat an 8-inch square baking pan with nonstick spray or line it with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the bars after baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, graham cracker crumbs, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside for later use.
- Melt Butter and Combine Sugars: Melt the unsalted butter either in a small saucepan over medium heat or in a microwave-safe bowl. Once melted, remove from heat and vigorously whisk in the light brown sugar and granulated sugar until well combined.
- Add Vanilla and Eggs: To the butter-sugar mixture, whisk in the vanilla extract. Then add the eggs one at a time, whisking vigorously after each addition until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually stir the flour mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing just until fully combined without overmixing. Gently fold in ½ cup of the semisweet chocolate chips.
- Layer Batter in Pan: Spread about three-quarters of the cookie batter evenly into the prepared baking pan, creating a smooth base layer.
- Add Nutella Layer: Dollop the Nutella evenly over the batter layer. Carefully spread it so that it covers most of the surface, ensuring each bar will contain some Nutella when cut.
- Top with Marshmallow Crème and Remaining Batter: Dollop the marshmallow crème evenly over the Nutella layer. Then spoon or drizzle the remaining batter over the entire pan.
- Swirl Toppings: Using an offset spatula or knife, gently swirl the Nutella and marshmallow crème into the batter to create a marbled effect throughout the bars.
- Add Final Chocolate and Graham Cracker Pieces: Scatter the remaining 4 tablespoons of semisweet chocolate chips along with the broken graham cracker pieces evenly over the top of the batter for added texture and sweetness.
- Bake the Bars: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes if you desire fudgier, slightly under-done bars. For firmer bars, bake for 35-40 minutes. The bars are done when the center no longer jiggles and is set to the touch. Remember, they will continue to cook and firm up after being removed from the oven.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan set on a wire rack. Once cooled, cut into 16 squares (4×4). Store at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness. Bars can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Notes
- You can double the recipe and bake it in a 9×13-inch pan. Keep in mind that baking time may be longer and the bars might be less gooey.
- Store bars at room temperature for up to 3 days, refrigerated for up to 5 days, or frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw frozen bars overnight in the refrigerator and serve at room temperature or warmed in the microwave.
- Using a metal baking pan yields higher, fluffier bars, while glass or ceramic pans produce thinner or flatter bars.
- To get clean-cut bars, use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts.
