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These delicious dessert bars are a delightful merging of two all-time favorite sweet treats; blondies and good old-fashioned s'mores!
These Blondie S'mores Bars take about 15 minutes of hands-on time and will be the first thing to disappear on the dessert table. You'll probably hear little murmurs of "Yum, s'mores!" as well as noticing lots of second helpings, after all, who wouldn't love a fusion of two favorite sweet treats, blondies and good old-fashioned s'mores? Just a head's up - you probably won't be bringing any home, so you might want to stash one or two away before you arrange them on the dessert platter!
The basic blondie recipe is from Cook's Illustrated, and comes highly rated. I've adapted their method a bit to make it come together super easy, one pot, no mixer, no fuss. I love that these blondies aren't loaded with butter. Now, don't get me wrong, I'm not saying this is a low calorie, low fat recipe! It's just that the amount of butter is significantly lower than other blondies I've made.
I decided to give CI's tried and true recipe a new twist for summer and make a s'mores variation with miniature marshmallows, milk chocolate chips and Hershey bars. The results are finally what I'd hoped for; an easy, super delicious, no-fail, s'more-inspired sweet treat that's perfect for summer gatherings. Actually, these Blondie S'mores Bars would be wonderful any time during the year when you have a craving for a taste of summer!
Although the bars come together quickly, be sure to allow enough time for them to cool completely. That way you'll be able to cut them into nice neat squares. I like to make them the evening before; then in the morning they're good to go. Oh, and don't skip lining the pan with foil and spraying or greasing the foil with a bit of oil. It makes removing the bars and clean-up super easy.
Are you invited to or having a summer get together? Want to surprise your family with something fun, nostalgic and sure to please? Whip up a batch of these Blondie S'mores Bars. Suddenly, you'll find yourself very popular; and we both know why, don't we?
Café Tips for making these Blondie S'mores Bars
- Be sure to grease your pan well and follow instructions for lining pan with foil. This will make the bars super easy to remove from the pan.
- Blondies are cousins to brownies, just like brownies, they don't like to be over mixed!
- Watch these guys carefully once you put them under the broiler for the marshmallow topping. It's easy to go from golden brown to burned in the blink of an eye. Believe me, I know this from experience!
- Don't wait till the marshmallow topping is cool to insert the Hershey Bars. Give them 10 minutes to cool and they'll be perfect for the finishing touch!
What I used to make and serve these Blondie S'mores Bars
A few other delicious blondie recipes
Brown Butter Candied Pecan Blondies
- 6 tablespoons butter
- ¾ cup light brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ¾ cup all purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 ½ cups milk chocolate chips or 4-5 Hershey 1.55-ounce candy bars
- 3 cups miniature marshmallows
- 1-2 1.55- ounce bar Hershey milk chocolate candy bars I cut the bars into individual squares, then cut each one in irregular halves.
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Adjust oven rack to middle position; heat oven to 350° F. Spray an 8-inch pan with cooking spray or grease lightly with oil. Cut an 8 x14-inch wide strip of foil and line pan foil with the 2 long sides extending over the top of pan. (You will use this later to easily remove bars from pan.) Spray or rub with oil to coat foil.
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Heat butter in a medium large saucepan till just melted. Remove from heat and allow cool slightly for a few minutes. Whisk in sugar, mixing until well combined. Add egg and vanilla, stir to incorporate.
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Add flour, baking powder, and salt together to mixture in pot. Using a rubber spatula stir just until combined; do not overmix.
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Bake until top is shiny, cracked, and light golden brown, 18 to 22 minutes; do not overbake. Set aside to cool for 10 minutes. Set broiler to high with rack set 6-8inches from broiler.
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Top blondies with chocolate chips (or lay candy bars across top to cover), then sprinkle with marshmallows. Place under the broiler for approximately 30 seconds to one minute or until marshmallows start to brown. Watch very carefully as marshmallow will quickly go from golden brown to burned.
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Remove from oven and cool for 10 minutes then add Hershey bar pieces, randomly inserting them across top. I like to make it look like they’re “peeking” out from the marshmallows.
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Set aside to cool completely. When ready to serve, lightly oil a sharp knife and cut into 2-inch squares.
Blondie recipe adapted from Cook's Illustrated.
Beverley Press says
give me s'mores any which way you can and you have, thank you xoxo
Katherine | Omnivore's Cookbook says
So cute and irresistible! Hope you had a fantastic holiday weekend!
Anne@ASaladForAllSeasons says
These look so awesome, Chris.....I love that layer of soft, creamy chocolate just beneath the marshmallows! And I especially love the chocolate bars on top! A perfect picnic recipe! Happy 4th! 🙂
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks Anne! They are just plain fun, aren't they?
Laura | Tutti Dolci says
Gorgeous bars, Chris! I love that perfectly toasted topping!
Abbe@This is How I Cook says
To me S'mores are the 4th! Hope you have a great one and I'll be thinking fo you as I much away on these!
N.C. says
In the ingredient list, you say baking soda, but in the directions you say baking powder. I'm guessing it is baking soda, but just wanting to check. They look wonderful and festive. Want to try them tonight or tomorrow.
Debra Eliotseats says
Hmm....I was just getting ready to head to the kitchen to make a whiskey cake for our Fourth, but I think I may have everything for these. 🙂 Have a great holiday, Chris!
Chris Scheuer says
You too Debra - and thanks for stopping by!
sue|theviewfromgreatisland says
I can't think of a better way to celebrate this weekend, Happy 4th Chris!
Chris Scheuer says
Such an "American" treat for the 4th, right Sue?
Robyn @ Simply Fresh Dinners says
How fun are these, Chris! So much deliciousness in every bite! Perfect for holiday entertaining and will take some camping this year!
Chris Scheuer says
They would be great to take camping Robyn!
Susan says
We made s'mores with our grandsons last weekend - what a mess! LOL! I will gladly switch to this recipe next time they are over for the weekend. Love the cute little Hershey pieces sticking out.
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks Susan! And yes, they are a total mess to eat! Today we enjoyed them "sans" forks - what fun!
Sandra says
The list of goodies I want to bake just got a little longer. I love your take on this classic and hope you have a fun and relaxing holiday!
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks Sandra! And the best 4th to you and yours!
Tricia @ Saving room for dessert says
How adorable! These would be great for any weekend picnic or BBQ! I bet they are so delicious too - thanks Chris - sharing and pinning
Chris Scheuer says
There's something so good about chocolate, toasted marshmallows and the blondies take it over the top!
Chris Scheuer says
There's something so good about chocolate and toasted marshmallows, and the blondies take it over the top!
anne stancil says
Not only am I going to make these for the gang - maybe doubled - but then I'm going to go buy all the cute flags and decorative display stars and stripes you two used in your pictures - for my table display! Not only will we love the dessert but we'll also enjoy the presentation!!! Thanks for sharing your many gifts and talents! Happy July 4!
Chris Scheuer says
I love you Annie Stancil, you're such a wonderful encourager 🙂 Hope everyone loves them and have a wonderful holiday weekend!
Monique says
I know 4 Littles who will love these:) happy 4th to you and yours:)
Chris Scheuer says
And you too Monique! Definitely "kid treat" food!
Cheri says
I can see why these would be the first to go at any gathering. Love this delicious and fun combination. Happy 4th Chris.
Chris Scheuer says
You too Cheri! We ate them for lunch dessert today (the 4th) and our guests couldn't get enough of them!
Angie@Angie's Recipes says
It must have been a decade or so since I last had a marshmallow...this smore bar looks so very tempting that I want to go get some marshmallows and bake myself one too. Have a great weekend, Chris!
Chris Scheuer says
You too Angie! They are such an iconic, fun treat - especially around the fourth!
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks Liz, I'm the same way with s'mores. Hope you have a great holiday weekend too!
Liz says
Oh, boy, these are perfect for the 4th! I'm not a big fan of the traditional s'mores, but s'mores desserts are a whole other story!!! Yours look fabulous! Have a wonderful weekend!!!
Ginny Hartzler says
These look absolutely divine! And not too hard or time consuming at all! I may even have t make them!!
Chris Scheuer says
You definitely do Ginny! Happy Fourth to you!