Golden Grahams S’Mores Bars With Salted Caramel Swirl

Craving the classic campfire treat but without the campfire? Look no further! These Golden Grahams S’mores Bars with Salted Caramel Swirl are a decadent, no-bake dessert that captures all the cozy flavors of s’mores, elevated with a rich, buttery salted caramel. The combination of crunchy Golden Grahams, gooey marshmallow, smooth dark chocolate, and that irresistible salty-sweet caramel swirl is simply divine. This recipe is perfect for potlucks, parties, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth. Plus, we’ve used halal-friendly and vegan-option ingredients, so everyone can enjoy!

What You’ll Need – The Ingredient Lineup

• 200g (7oz) Golden Grahams Cereal: The star of the show! Golden Grahams provide that signature honey-cinnamon flavor and a delightful crunch. Ensure they are fresh for the best texture.
• 90g (6 Tbsp) Unsalted Butter, divided (60g for base, 30g for caramel): Using unsalted butter allows you to control the overall saltiness of the bars, especially important with the salted caramel. We’ll be dividing it – 60g will bind the cereal base, and 30g will contribute to the luscious caramel.
• 150g (5oz) Halal-Friendly Marshmallow Fluff (vegan, agar-based): We’re opting for a halal-friendly and vegan marshmallow fluff made with agar-based ingredients to ensure inclusivity. This provides the classic s’mores gooiness without compromising dietary needs. Traditional marshmallow fluff can be substituted if preferred.
• 100g (3½oz) Dark Chocolate Chips: Dark chocolate adds a sophisticated bitterness that balances the sweetness of the marshmallow and caramel. Feel free to use semi-sweet or milk chocolate if you prefer a milder flavor.
• 80g (½ cup) Light Brown Sugar: Light brown sugar lends a subtle molasses flavor and moisture to the salted caramel, creating a depth of flavor.
• 60ml (¼ cup) Halal-Certified Heavy Cream: The heavy cream is essential for creating a smooth and creamy caramel sauce. Using a halal-certified option ensures it meets specific dietary requirements.
• ¼ tsp Fine Sea Salt, plus extra pinch for garnish: Sea salt enhances the sweetness of the caramel and provides a delightful contrast. A flaky sea salt for garnish adds a beautiful visual element and a burst of flavor.
• 30g (¼ cup) Toasted Coconut Flakes: Toasted coconut flakes add a tropical aroma and a pleasant textural contrast to the bars. Toasting them brings out their natural sweetness and enhances their flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions

Don’t have everything on hand? Here are a few simple substitutions:

• Golden Grahams: You can substitute with another similar graham-style cereal, like Honey Maid Graham Crackers (crushed).
• Dark Chocolate Chips: Milk chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate chips work just as well.
• Halal-Friendly Marshmallow Fluff: Traditional marshmallow fluff can be used if dietary restrictions allow.
• Heavy Cream: Full-fat coconut milk can be used as a vegan alternative, though it will impart a slight coconut flavor.

Let’s Build These Dreamy S’mores Bars: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Prepare the Pan: Begin by lining your 23 x 33 cm (9 x 13 in) baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. This is crucial for easy removal of the bars later – trust me, you’ll thank yourself!
2. Create the Golden Grahams Base: In a medium saucepan, melt 60g (4 tbsp) of butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the Golden Grahams cereal. Stir continuously until every piece is beautifully coated in buttery goodness. This ensures a cohesive and flavorful base.
3. Press the Base: Transfer the cereal mixture to the prepared pan. Using a spatula, gently but firmly press the cereal into an even layer. Don’t overpack it, but make sure it’s compact enough to hold its shape.
4. Melt the Marshmallow Mixture: In a separate saucepan, combine the marshmallow fluff and the remaining 30g (2 tbsp) of butter. Melt over low heat, stirring constantly. This is where patience is key! You want a smooth, glossy mixture, which takes about 2-3 minutes. Avoid high heat to prevent burning.
5. Layer the Marshmallow: Pour the melted marshmallow-butter mixture over the Golden Grahams base. Spread it evenly with your spatula, and gently press down to help the layers fuse together.
6. Craft the Salted Caramel: In a small saucepan, whisk together the light brown sugar, 30g (2 tbsp) of butter, heavy cream, and a pinch of sea salt. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly. The caramel should thicken and turn a beautiful amber color.
7. Swirl the Caramel Magic: Drizzle the warm salted caramel over the marshmallow layer. Now comes the fun part! Use the back of a spoon or a thin knife to swirl the caramel through the marshmallow, creating those gorgeous, visible ribbons. Don’t overmix – you want distinct swirls.
8. Chocolate Drizzle: Melt the dark chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, or use a double boiler. Once smooth, drizzle the melted chocolate over the top of the bars in a thin, random pattern.
9. Coconut & Salt Finish: Sprinkle the toasted coconut flakes evenly over the surface. Finish with a few extra flakes of sea salt for that perfect sweet-and-salty contrast.
10. Chill & Set: Allow the bars to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, until firm. This allows all the flavors to meld together and the bars to set properly.
11. Cut & Serve: Lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Cut into squares or rectangles. Serve on a rustic wooden board for a charming presentation.

The Science Behind the S’mores: Why This Recipe Works

The magic of s’mores lies in the interplay of textures and flavors: the crisp graham cracker, the gooey marshmallow, and the rich chocolate. This recipe captures that essence in bar form. The Golden Grahams provide a similar crunch to graham crackers, while the marshmallow fluff, combined with butter, creates that signature gooeyness. The salted caramel adds a sophisticated depth of flavor, balancing the sweetness and enhancing the overall experience. The chilling period is vital; it allows the marshmallow to set, creating a firm yet chewy texture.

Tips for the Perfect Salted Caramel Swirl

Salted caramel can be a bit tricky! The key is to maintain a gentle simmer and stir constantly. Watch the color closely – you want a deep amber, but avoid letting it burn. If your caramel seizes up (becomes grainy), try adding a tablespoon of warm water and stirring vigorously. A little extra salt enhances the caramel’s flavor, but be mindful not to overdo it.

Variations & Add-Ins

Feel free to get creative with this recipe! Here are a few ideas:

• Different Chocolate: Use milk chocolate, white chocolate, or even a combination for a different flavor profile.
• Nutty Delight: Add chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds to the Golden Grahams base or sprinkle them on top with the coconut.
• Cookie Butter Swirl: Substitute some of the salted caramel with a swirl of cookie butter for a unique twist.
• Espresso Boost: Add a teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the caramel for a mocha-flavored s’mores bar.

Storing Your S’mores Bars

These bars are best stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They can also be frozen for longer storage (up to 2 months). Wrap them individually in plastic wrap before freezing to prevent sticking. Let them thaw in the refrigerator before enjoying.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Can I use regular marshmallows instead of fluff? While you can, marshmallow fluff provides a smoother, gooier texture. If using regular marshmallows, you’ll need to melt them with a little milk or cream.
• Can I make this recipe vegan? Yes! Use vegan marshmallow fluff and vegan butter.
• What if I don’t have heavy cream? You can substitute it with half-and-half, but the caramel won’t be as rich.

These Golden Grahams S’mores Bars with Salted Caramel Swirl are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! They’re the perfect treat for parties, potlucks, or simply a cozy night in. Don’t forget to save this recipe to Pinterest for later inspiration!

Golden Grahams S’Mores Bars With Salted Caramel Swirl

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• Author: Nicole Martinez
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 16 bars 1x
• Diet: General

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Description

These no-bake Golden Grahams S’mores Bars combine the classic campfire flavors with a rich salted caramel swirl. They’re a decadent treat perfect for any occasion and can be made vegan or halal-friendly.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 200g (7oz) Golden Grahams Cereal: Provides a honey-cinnamon flavor and crunch.
• 90g (6 Tbsp) Unsalted Butter, divided (60g base, 30g caramel): Binds the base and adds richness to the caramel.
• 150g (5oz) Vegan Marshmallow Fluff: Creates a gooey s’mores texture.
• 100g (3½oz) Dark Chocolate Chips: Adds a balanced bitterness.
• 80g (½ cup) Light Brown Sugar: Lends a molasses flavor to the caramel.
• 60ml (¼ cup) Halal Heavy Cream: Creates a smooth caramel sauce.
• ¼ tsp Fine Sea Salt, plus extra: Enhances sweetness and adds contrast.
• 30g (¼ cup) Toasted Coconut Flakes: Adds aroma and texture.

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Instructions

1. Prepare Pan: Line a 23x33cm (9x13in) pan with parchment paper.
2. Make Base: Melt 60g butter, coat Golden Grahams, and press into the pan.
3. Melt Marshmallow: Combine fluff and 30g butter, melt slowly, and spread over base.
4. Make Caramel: Simmer sugar, butter, cream, and salt until thickened.
5. Swirl Caramel: Drizzle and swirl caramel over marshmallow.
6. Drizzle Chocolate: Melt chocolate and drizzle over bars.
7. Add Toppings: Sprinkle with coconut flakes and sea salt.
8. Chill & Set: Refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
9. Cut & Serve: Lift with parchment and cut into squares.

Notes

For easy removal, ensure parchment paper overhangs the pan sides. Toasting coconut flakes enhances their flavor.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: No-bake
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bar
• Calories: 350 kcal
• Sugar: 25 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg

Keywords: smores,bars,no-bake,caramel,golden grahams,dessert,halal,vegan,party,chocolate