S’mores conjure up summer evenings, campfires and sticky, sweet memories. The classic combination of graham crackers, melted marshmallow and chocolate is a timeless favorite — and it’s endlessly adaptable. One of my favorite riffs is turning that flavor trio into a no-bake cereal bar that captures everything you love about s’mores in an easy, handheld treat.
These S’mores Cereal Bars are chewy, crunchy and chocolatey, with that marshmallow pull that makes them irresistible. They come together in minutes and require only a few pantry staples: marshmallows, butter, cinnamon graham cereal (like Golden Grahams) and chocolate chips. They’re a perfect summer treat for picnics, potlucks, school lunches or whenever you want a quick, nostalgic dessert.
Why these bars work: the marshmallows act as the binder and give the bars a soft, slightly gooey texture. Cinnamon grahams bring the classic graham-cracker flavor and a pleasant crunch. Chocolate chips add the finishing touch of richness. The whole process is straightforward — no baking required — and you can easily customize the bars by stirring in nuts, pretzels or a drizzle of extra melted chocolate on top.
A few simple tips for best results: butter the baking dish so the bars release easily; melt marshmallows gently over low heat to avoid scorching; and press the mixture evenly into the pan using a buttered spoon or spatula so the bars hold together. If you prefer firmer bars, chill them briefly in the refrigerator before cutting.
Below is the full recipe with ingredients and step-by-step instructions. It’s written clearly so you can follow along easily, and it includes a couple of small variations if you want to make the bars your own.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup butter, plus more for buttering the baking dish
- 1 (10 ounce) package marshmallows
- 6 cups cinnamon graham cereal (for example, Golden Grahams)
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Butter a 13 x 9-inch baking dish and set it aside.
- In a large saucepan over low heat, melt the butter and marshmallows, stirring frequently until smooth and fully combined.
- Remove the pan from heat and quickly stir in the cinnamon graham cereal until all pieces are well coated with the marshmallow mixture.
- Add the chocolate chips and gently fold them in so the mixture is evenly combined.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and press evenly with the back of a buttered spoon or a piece of parchment paper. Press firmly but avoid compressing it too much if you want a chewier texture.
- Refrigerate for 15–20 minutes to set. Cut into squares and serve.
Serving and storage: These bars are best the day they’re made, while the marshmallows are still soft and the chocolate is slightly melty. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. If chilled, bring them back to room temperature for a few minutes before serving so they regain their chewiness.
Variations and tips: Try stirring in mini marshmallows or toasting the top of the bars quickly with a kitchen torch for an extra-s’mores finish. Swap in white or peanut butter chips for a different flavor profile, or add a handful of chopped nuts for crunch. These bars are flexible, forgiving and a fun spin on two beloved classics: s’mores and rice cereal treats.
If you love easy, nostalgic desserts that bring a crowd together, these S’mores Cereal Bars are a must-try. Enjoy!