Gooey S’mores Chocolate Bars

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). For the crust, crush about 10 graham crackers into fine crumbs (you can do this in a food processor or simply place them in a Ziploc bag and crush them with a rolling pin). In a medium-sized bowl, combine the crushed graham crackers with melted butter. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated and the mixture holds together when pressed.

Press this graham cracker mixture into the bottom of a greased 9×9-inch baking pan, making sure it’s evenly spread out. Bake this crust for about 8-10 minutes, or until it turns golden and crisp. Once it’s done, set it aside to cool slightly.

#### 2. Layer the Chocolate

Next, sprinkle an even layer of chocolate chips over the graham cracker crust. You can mix up the types of chocolate here, combining milk chocolate and semi-sweet for a balanced sweetness.

#### 3. Add the Marshmallows

Once the chocolate is evenly spread, layer a generous amount of mini marshmallows on top. The more marshmallows, the gooier the bars will be!

#### 4. Pour the Condensed Milk

In a separate bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk and a splash of vanilla extract. Slowly pour this creamy mixture over the marshmallows and chocolate, making sure it covers everything evenly.

#### 5. Bake to Perfection

Pop the pan back into the oven and bake for about 15-18 minutes, or until the marshmallows are golden brown and the chocolate has melted into a luscious, gooey layer. Keep an eye on them toward the end to avoid burning the marshmallows.

#### 6. Cool and Slice

Once done, remove the bars from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan. This will help them set and make them easier to slice. If you’re too impatient to wait, you can dig in while they’re still warm, but just be aware that the bars might be a little messier!

Cut them into squares, and you’re ready to enjoy these decadent, gooey s’mores-inspired treats!

### Tips for Perfect Gooey S’mores Bars

– **Use good quality chocolate**: For the best flavor, choose high-quality chocolate chips or even chop up your favorite chocolate bars.
– **Don’t overbake**: The marshmallows should be golden brown, not burnt, so keep an eye on them toward the end.
– **For an extra touch**: Sprinkle a little sea salt on top before baking for a sweet-and-salty finish that’ll elevate the flavor profile.
– **Store properly**: These bars will stay fresh for about 3-4 days in an airtight container at room temperature. If you need to keep them longer, refrigerate them for up to a week.

### Variations You Can Try

– **Nutty S’mores Bars**: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the crust for a nutty crunch that complements the gooey sweetness.
– **Peanut Butter Twist**: Spread a thin layer of peanut butter on top of the graham cracker crust before adding the chocolate and marshmallows. The peanut butter pairs wonderfully with the chocolate and gives the bars a richer, savory note.
– **S’mores with a Fruit Twist**: Add a layer of sliced bananas or strawberries under the marshmallows for a fruity twist on the classic s’mores.

### Conclusion

These **Gooey S’mores Chocolate Bars** are a must-try for any s’mores lover. They’re simple to make, fun to eat, and packed with that nostalgic campfire flavor we all crave. Whether you’re serving them at a family get-together, a casual dinner party, or simply enjoying them at home, they’re bound to become a new favorite dessert. So go ahead and indulge in this sweet, gooey goodness – you’ve earned it!