S’mores Bake

This S’mores Bake is a delightful twist on the classic campfire treat, transforming the beloved flavors of s’mores into a decadent, shareable dessert. With layers of buttery graham cracker dough, gooey marshmallows, and rich chocolate, this bake brings the nostalgic taste of s’mores to your kitchen in a convenient and delicious form. Perfect for parties, family gatherings, or just a cozy night in, this dessert is sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 2 eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 2/3 cups flour
• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3 cups miniature marshmallows
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 3 (1 5/8 ounce) Hershey’s milk chocolate candy bars

Instructions:

1. Preheat and Prep:

• Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure easy removal of the bars after baking.

2. Make the Dough:

• In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
• Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, graham cracker crumbs, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the butter mixture, beating until well combined.

3. Incorporate Marshmallows and Chocolate:

• Gently fold in 2 cups of the miniature marshmallows and the semi-sweet chocolate chips into the dough. Make sure the marshmallows and chocolate are evenly distributed.

4. Assemble the Layers:

• Press half of the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
• Unwrap the Hershey’s milk chocolate bars and break them into pieces. Arrange two of the bars’ pieces over the dough in an even layer.
• Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of marshmallows over the chocolate pieces.
• Crumble the remaining dough over the marshmallow layer, pressing gently to form a somewhat even top layer. It’s okay if some marshmallows and chocolate peek through.

5. Bake and Add Chocolate:

• Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges start to pull away from the sides of the pan.
• Immediately after removing the dish from the oven, gently press the remaining Hershey’s chocolate bar pieces onto the top of the bake. They will slightly melt from the residual heat, creating an extra layer of chocolatey goodness.

6. Cool and Serve:

• Allow the S’mores Bake to cool completely in the baking dish before cutting it into squares. This will help the bars set properly and make them easier to slice.

Tips:

• For Extra Gooeyness: If you prefer a gooier center, slightly underbake the dessert by a couple of minutes. The bars will be more delicate, but oh-so delicious!
• Chocolate Options: While Hershey’s milk chocolate gives an authentic s’mores taste, feel free to experiment with other types of chocolate like dark or white chocolate for a different flavor profile.
• Serving Suggestion: Serve these bars warm for a melty, gooey experience. They pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also reheat them briefly in the microwave for that fresh-out-of-the-oven warmth.

This S’mores Bake brings all the fun of a campfire treat into your kitchen, making it an easy and irresistible dessert that everyone will love!