Campfire-Inspired Maple Pecan S'mores Bars
A nostalgic dessert combining toasted marshmallows, rich chocolate, and crunchy pecans with a hint of maple syrup, inspired by classic campfire s'mores. This american-inspired desserts ready in about 30 minutes layers graham cracker crumbs, unsalted butter, melted, mini marshmallows into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 9, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
- 1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 3/4 cup pecans, chopped
- 2 tbsp pure maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F. In a medium bowl, mix 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs with 6 tbsp melted unsalted butter and 1/4 tsp salt until the mixture resembles wet sand.
- Step 2: Press the crumb mixture evenly into a greased 9x9-inch baking pan to form a firm crust.
- Step 3: Sprinkle 1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips evenly over the crust, then layer 2 cups mini marshmallows on top.
- Step 4: In a small bowl, combine 2 tbsp pure maple syrup and 1 tsp vanilla extract, then drizzle evenly over the marshmallows.
- Step 5: Sprinkle 3/4 cup chopped pecans over the top.
- Step 6: Bake for 12-15 minutes until marshmallows are golden and puffed.
- Step 7: Remove from oven and let cool completely before cutting into bars.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Campfire-Inspired Maple Pecan S'mores Bars take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover Campfire-Inspired Maple Pecan S'mores Bars?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in Campfire-Inspired Maple Pecan S'mores Bars?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Campfire-Inspired Maple Pecan S'mores Bars for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 9 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 9). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Campfire-Inspired Maple Pecan S'mores Bars?
American desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
