The irresistible nostalgia of a campfire favorite meets the luxurious creaminess of a rich cheesecake in these S’mores Cheesecake Bars. With every bite, you’re treated to a perfect medley of textures—from the buttery graham cracker crust to the soft marshmallow layer, rich cream cheese filling, and golden toasted top.
Ideal for celebrations, potlucks, or just a cozy night in, these bars are as impressive to look at as they are to eat. They combine the comforting charm of childhood treats with the indulgence of a classic dessert, creating a unique and unforgettable experience. Whether you’re a s’mores devotee or cheesecake lover, this recipe delivers the best of both worlds in every decadent square.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
Graham Cracker Base
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10 full sheets honey graham crackers
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1/2 cup (120g) butter
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1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
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2 cups (360g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
Marshmallow Layer
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5 cups (275g) mini marshmallows, divided (4 cups melted, 1 cup added after)
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1/3 cup (80g) butter
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1 tbsp pure vanilla extract
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3 full sheets honey graham crackers, broken into pieces
Cheesecake Filling
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2 packages (8oz each) full-fat cream cheese
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3/4 cup (170g) sour cream
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1/2 cup (120g) granulated sugar
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2 large eggs
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1½ cups (85g) mini marshmallows
Top Garnish
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4 full sheets honey graham crackers, broken into pieces
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1 cup (180g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
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1½ cups (85g) mini marshmallows
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13” pan with parchment paper.
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Arrange graham crackers in a tight single layer on the bottom of the pan. Trim if needed.
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Melt butter and sugar in a saucepan, then pour evenly over crackers. Spread gently.
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Sprinkle chocolate chips over crackers and bake for 8 minutes.
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Remove from oven and spread melted chocolate chips over the crust with an offset spatula.
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For the marshmallow layer, melt 4 cups of marshmallows with butter and vanilla in a saucepan, stirring constantly.
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Remove from heat, add the remaining 1 cup of mini marshmallows, and stir just until combined.
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Drop marshmallow mixture by spoonfuls over the crust. Sprinkle with broken graham crackers. Set aside.
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Beat cream cheese, sour cream, and sugar until smooth (about 2 minutes).
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Add eggs, beat for another 2 minutes until fluffy. Fold in mini marshmallows.
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Spread cheesecake filling evenly over marshmallow layer. Bake for 25 minutes.
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While baking, combine garnish ingredients in a bowl.
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After 25 minutes, remove bars, sprinkle garnish on top, and return to oven for 8–10 minutes until marshmallows puff and brown.
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Let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight.
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Lift out using parchment and slice with a serrated knife. Store in fridge up to 1 week.
Prep Time: 25 minutes | Cooking Time: 43 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 8 minutes
Kcal: 410 kcal | Servings: 24 bars
The Perfect Combination of Flavors and Textures
At the heart of these S’mores Cheesecake Bars lies the perfect combination of textures and flavors. The crunchy, buttery graham cracker base provides a satisfying contrast to the smooth and velvety cheesecake filling. As if that weren’t enough, there’s the marshmallow layer, which offers a fluffy sweetness that is both chewy and soft. Topped off with a layer of melted chocolate and toasted marshmallows, these bars embody the essence of s’mores in every bite.
What sets these cheesecake bars apart from regular s’mores is the addition of cream cheese and sour cream in the filling, which adds a tangy richness that balances out the sweetness. The cheesecake layer gives each bar a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth quality that takes this traditional treat to a whole new level.
A Dessert for Any Occasion
These S’mores Cheesecake Bars are perfect for a wide variety of occasions. They are a great choice for potlucks, family gatherings, or backyard barbecues. Their sweet, indulgent flavor profile appeals to both kids and adults alike, making them a crowd-pleaser no matter the setting. If you’re looking for a dessert to impress your friends or family, this one will certainly do the trick.
Their versatility also makes them an excellent choice for holidays, especially summer celebrations like the 4th of July or Memorial Day. The nostalgia of s’mores combined with the creamy richness of cheesecake makes them a treat that everyone can enjoy. Imagine serving these bars at a summer picnic or a cozy indoor movie night—they’re the perfect sweet bite to complement any activity.
How to Make These Bars Even Better
While the S’mores Cheesecake Bars are already a showstopper on their own, there are a few ways you can elevate them even further.
One great way to add more flavor is by using flavored graham crackers. Cinnamon graham crackers, for example, add an extra layer of spice that pairs perfectly with the chocolate and marshmallow. You can also swap out the semi-sweet chocolate chips for milk chocolate or even dark chocolate, depending on your personal preference. This simple change can drastically alter the flavor profile of your bars, giving them a new twist every time you make them.
Another idea is to experiment with different types of marshmallows. While mini marshmallows are the traditional choice, you could use gourmet marshmallows or flavored marshmallows for a unique take on the classic recipe. Coconut marshmallows or caramel-flavored ones could add a delicious twist to the final result.
Tips for Perfect S’mores Cheesecake Bars
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Use Room Temperature Ingredients
For a smooth and lump-free cheesecake filling, it’s essential to use room temperature cream cheese and sour cream. Cold ingredients can cause the filling to become clumpy and difficult to mix. -
Don’t Skip the Refrigeration
After baking, let the bars cool to room temperature, then refrigerate them for at least six hours or preferably overnight. Chilling the bars helps them set properly, making them easier to slice and ensuring that each bite has the perfect texture. -
Add a Crunchy Topping
For an extra layer of crunch, you can sprinkle some crushed graham crackers or nuts over the top before serving. The crunch complements the soft marshmallows and creamy filling, providing a satisfying contrast in each bite. -
Serve with a Scoop of Ice Cream
These bars are delicious on their own, but why not take them to the next level by pairing them with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream? The cold, creamy ice cream pairs wonderfully with the warm, gooey marshmallows and rich cheesecake filling. -
Cut the Bars Neatly
To get clean, neat slices, use a long serrated knife. Wipe the knife clean between cuts to ensure that your bars stay perfectly shaped and don’t end up with a messy presentation.
Variations to Try
While the classic S’mores Cheesecake Bars are amazing on their own, there are plenty of variations you can try to mix things up.
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S’mores Cheesecake Cups
For a fun twist, make individual servings of these bars by preparing the recipe in muffin tins. This is a great option for parties or when you want to serve smaller portions. -
No-Bake S’mores Cheesecake Bars
If you don’t feel like turning on the oven, you can make a no-bake version of these bars. For the crust, use crushed graham crackers, melted butter, and sugar, and let the mixture set in the fridge. The filling can be made with cream cheese, marshmallow fluff, and whipped cream. This variation is just as delicious and perfect for hot summer days when you don’t want to heat up your kitchen. -
S’mores Cheesecake with Peanut Butter
If you’re a peanut butter lover, consider adding a layer of peanut butter cheesecake filling on top of the classic cheesecake layer. The combination of peanut butter, chocolate, and marshmallow adds a delicious new flavor that’s sure to impress. -
S’mores Cheesecake with Fruit
For a lighter take, consider adding fresh fruit to the bars. Strawberries or raspberries pair wonderfully with the chocolate and marshmallow flavors, adding a touch of tartness to balance the sweetness of the dessert.
Why You Should Try S’mores Cheesecake Bars
There’s no doubt about it—S’mores Cheesecake Bars are an absolute indulgence. Combining the best parts of a classic campfire treat with the creamy, velvety texture of cheesecake results in a dessert that’s simply irresistible. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or as a sweet treat for yourself, these bars are sure to become a new favorite in your dessert repertoire.
The beauty of this dessert lies in its ability to transport you to the nostalgia of campfires while still offering the richness of a cheesecake. The bars are a perfect blend of textures, from the crunchy graham cracker base to the smooth, tangy cheesecake filling and the gooey, marshmallow topping. They’re an all-around crowd-pleaser, sure to be enjoyed by anyone who takes a bite.
Conclusion
In conclusion, S’mores Cheesecake Bars are the ultimate dessert fusion that combines the best elements of two beloved treats: s’mores and cheesecake. With their irresistible layers of graham crackers, chocolate, marshmallows, and creamy cheesecake filling, these bars are sure to be a hit at any gathering. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try one of the variations, these bars will quickly become a go-to dessert that everyone will love. So, grab your ingredients, get baking, and enjoy the sweet, gooey goodness of these unforgettable bars!