Have you ever found yourself craving a sweet treat that’s easy to whip up and brings everyone together? That’s how I felt one rainy afternoon when I stumbled upon a nostalgic dessert idea that combines my childhood favorites—Golden Grahams, gooey marshmallows, and chocolate. These Golden Graham S’mores are not just a delicious twist on a campfire classic; they’re a delightful no-bake dessert that brings warm, cozy memories right to your kitchen.
With minimal effort and just a handful of ingredients, you can create a crunchy, chewy, and utterly satisfying treat that’s perfect for gatherings or even just a cozy movie night at home. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility; it’s crowd-pleasing without the fuss of baking and can be easily adapted to suit your taste. Imagine the smiles on your loved ones’ faces as they take that first bite!
So, gather your ingredients, and let’s dive into making this simple yet irresistible dessert that’s sure to be a hit, whether you’re entertaining guests or simply indulging in a sweet moment.
Why will you love Golden Graham S’mores?
Quick and Easy: These s’mores come together in just 12 minutes, making them perfect for last-minute cravings or surprise gatherings.
Nostalgic Flavor: The rich combination of marshmallows, chocolate, and Golden Grahams evokes childhood memories and brings joy to everyone who tastes them.
No-Bake Delight: Forget about turning on the oven! This recipe is as simple as melting and mixing, making it a great choice for hot days or busy schedules.
Crowd-Pleasing Treat: With 20 servings, this dessert is perfect for parties, potlucks, or family gatherings, ensuring everyone gets a satisfying slice.
Versatile Twist: Feel free to get creative! Add peanut butter, sprinkle on nuts, or try different chocolates for a personal touch.
Indulge in this recipe and perhaps explore more delightful creations like easy no-bake desserts that can quickly satisfy your sweet tooth!
Golden Graham S’mores Ingredients
For the Base
• 6 tablespoons butter – this rich ingredient helps bind everything together, adding a delightful flavor.
• 8 ¼ cups Golden Grahams cereal – the star of our dessert, providing that perfect crunch and sweetness.
For the Marshmallow Mixture
• 21 ounces mini marshmallows – adding gooeyness; use 16 ounces for melting and 5 ounces for the chewy texture!
For the Chocolate
• ¾ cup mini semisweet chocolate chips – these delicious morsels add a touch of richness; feel free to swap for dark chocolate if desired!
Make sure to have these tasty ingredients ready, and let the magic of your Golden Graham S’mores unfold!
How to Make Golden Graham S’mores
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Grease the baking dish by coating a 9×13-inch baking dish with a light layer of butter or cooking spray. This ensures easy release once your s’mores are set.
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Melt the butter by placing it in a large saucepan over low heat. Stir occasionally until it’s mostly melted, creating a buttery base for the marshmallow mixture.
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Add 16 ounces of mini marshmallows to the melted butter. Stir continuously until the marshmallows completely melt and the mixture is smooth and glossy.
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Remove the saucepan from heat. This step is crucial to avoid overcooking the marshmallows, which can become tough.
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Stir in 8 cups of Golden Grahams cereal until everything is well combined. You’ll want to coat every piece with that delicious, gooey marshmallow mixture.
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Incorporate the remaining 5 ounces of mini marshmallows and ½ cup of mini semisweet chocolate chips by folding them into the mixture. This will add delightful pockets of chewiness and rich chocolate flavor.
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Press the mixture into the greased baking dish, using a spatula or your hands to evenly distribute it. Ensure it’s packed tightly for better slicing later.
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Sprinkle the rest of the ¼ cup of Golden Grahams and ¼ cup of mini chocolate chips on top for a finishing touch. This adds an extra layer of texture and sweetness.
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Let cool at room temperature until fully set, typically about 30 minutes. Once cooled, cut into squares and enjoy your decadent treat!
Optional: Drizzle with melted chocolate for an extra indulgent touch!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Golden Graham S’mores
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Room Temperature: Keep your Golden Graham S’mores in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their chewy texture and flavor.
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Fridge: If you prefer, store them in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just be sure to wrap them tightly to prevent them from drying out!
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Freezer: For longer storage, freeze individual portions wrapped in plastic wrap and stored in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw before enjoying!
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Reheating: If they become a bit hard after cooling, simply pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to soften. Enjoy the gooey goodness once again!
Make Ahead Options
These Golden Graham S’mores are a fantastic choice for busy cooks looking for easy meal prep solutions! You can prepare the marshmallow mixture and press it into the baking dish up to 24 hours in advance. Simply follow the initial steps, allow the mixture to cool, and then cover it tightly with plastic wrap to prevent any drying out. When you’re ready to serve, just sprinkle the last of the cereal and chocolate chips on top, let it set at room temperature for about 30 minutes, and slice into delightful squares. This way, you’ll have a delicious dessert ready to satisfy those sweet cravings with minimal effort!
What to Serve with Golden Graham S’mores?
Indulging in these sweet, crunchy treats sets the perfect stage for a delightful gathering or cozy night in.
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Creamy Chocolate Mousse: Rich and velvety, this dessert offers a luscious contrast to the chewy texture of your s’mores. Each spoonful brings a delightful, chocolatey punch.
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Fresh Berries Medley: A vibrant mix of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries adds a refreshing burst of flavor, balancing the sweetness of the Golden Graham S’mores beautifully.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: Serves as a classic pairing, providing a cool and creamy element that perfectly complements the rich flavors of chocolate and marshmallow.
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Coffee or Latte: The warm, robust notes of coffee elevate your dessert experience, enhancing the sweetness and richness of every bite. It’s the ideal finishing touch!
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Nutty Granola Bars: These chewy or crunchy bars add a wholesome texture and nutty flavor, making for an enjoyable, satisfying contrast to the sweetness from the s’mores.
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Sparkling Lemonade: Light and effervescent, this refreshing drink offers a zesty counterpoint to the rich dessert, keeping your palate bright and energized!
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Chocolate-Dipped Fruit: Think strawberries or banana slices dipped in chocolate; they provide a luscious indulgence while still being fresh, perfectly balancing the entire dessert spread.
Whichever combination you choose, these pairings will elevate your experience and make your gathering even more memorable!
Golden Graham S’mores Variations
Get ready to unleash your culinary creativity with these fun ideas to customize your s’mores treat!
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Peanut Butter: Stir in ½ cup of creamy peanut butter with the melted marshmallows for a nutty twist. It adds a rich flavor that pairs beautifully with chocolate.
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Nutty Crunch: Fold in 1 cup of chopped nuts like almonds or pecans for extra texture and a healthy crunch. The nuts create a delightful contrast to the gooey marshmallows.
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Flavoring: Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract or almond extract to the marshmallow mixture for a burst of flavor that will elevate your s’mores to new heights!
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Dairy-Free: Substitute the butter with coconut oil and use dairy-free chocolate chips for a vegan-friendly version that doesn’t skimp on taste. Enjoy a tropical twist with the coconut!
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Candy Bar Remix: Chop up your favorite chocolate bar, like Snickers or Reese’s, and mix it in with the other ingredients for an indulgent treat. It adds layers of sweetness and surprise!
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Spicy Kick: Sprinkle a dash of cayenne pepper in the chocolate layer for a surprising heat that contrasts perfectly with the sweetness. The warmth comes as a delightful shock!
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Fruit Fusion: Incorporate dried fruit such as cranberries or apricots into the mix for a chewy, fruity addition that brightens the flavor profile beautifully.
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S’mores Pops: After slicing, dip each square in melted chocolate and coat with crushed graham crackers for fun, handheld s’mores pops that are perfect for parties. Enjoy a new way to savor each bite!
Let your imagination soar with these variations, and create a version of Golden Graham S’mores that’s uniquely yours!
Expert Tips for Golden Graham S’mores
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Use Fresh Ingredients: Always check that your marshmallows and chocolate chips are fresh. Stale ingredients can affect the texture and taste of your Golden Graham S’mores.
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Watch the Heat: When melting the marshmallows, keep the heat low and stir constantly. High heat can cause them to scorch, ruining that creamy consistency.
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Pack Tightly: Make sure to press the mixture firmly into the baking dish. A well-packed dessert will hold shape better when you cut it, making for beautiful, clean squares.
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Customize Your Chocolate: Feel free to swap out the mini semisweet chocolate chips for dark, milk, or even white chocolate. This little change can create a whole new flavor profile!
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Storage Tips: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for several days—if they last that long!
Embrace these tips to make your Golden Graham S’mores a delightful success!
Golden Graham S’mores Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right marshmallows for my Golden Graham S’mores?
Absolutely! Always go for fresh mini marshmallows, as they melt easily and create that gooey texture you crave. If they have dark spots or feel hard, it’s best to avoid them. Fresh marshmallows should be soft and bouncy!
What’s the best way to store leftover Golden Graham S’mores?
Very good question! Keep your Golden Graham S’mores in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also store them in the fridge for about a week, just make sure to wrap them tightly to prevent them from drying out.
Can I freeze my Golden Graham S’mores? If so, how?
Yes, you absolutely can! For freezing, cut them into squares and wrap each piece in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds before enjoying!
What should I do if my marshmallows didn’t melt completely?
If you find your marshmallows aren’t melting nicely, just return the saucepan to low heat and stir patiently. It might help to add a teaspoon of water to steam the mixture slightly. Always keep stirring to avoid scorching!
Are there any allergy considerations for these Golden Graham S’mores?
Definitely something to be aware of! These s’mores contain gluten from the Golden Grahams and dairy from the butter. For gluten-free options, you can try using gluten-free cereal. Always check your chocolate chips as well for any potential allergens.
How can I customize my Golden Graham S’mores?
The more the merrier! You can add different ingredients like nut butter, nuts, or a variety of chocolate types for a unique twist. Trying flavored marshmallows can also elevate the taste! Enjoy experimenting with your treats!
Decadent Golden Graham S’mores You Can’t Resist Making
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Grease the baking dish by coating a 9×13-inch baking dish with a light layer of butter or cooking spray.
- Melt the butter by placing it in a large saucepan over low heat, stirring until mostly melted.
- Add 16 ounces of mini marshmallows to the melted butter and stir until completely melted and smooth.
- Remove the saucepan from heat to avoid overcooking the marshmallows.
- Stir in 8 cups of Golden Grahams cereal until combined, coating each piece with the marshmallow mixture.
- Incorporate the remaining 5 ounces of mini marshmallows and ½ cup of chocolate chips into the mixture.
- Press the mixture into the greased baking dish, packing it tightly for better slicing later.
- Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of Golden Grahams and ¼ cup of mini chocolate chips on top.
- Let cool at room temperature until fully set, about 30 minutes, then cut into squares and enjoy.