These S’mores Cheesecake Bars are the ultimate dessert, combining the flavors of classic s’mores with a rich and creamy cheesecake. Perfect for parties, potlucks, or a cozy night in, these bars bring the campfire experience right to your kitchen. The thick graham cracker crust holds a luscious chocolate cheesecake filling, all topped with decadent chocolate ganache and toasted marshmallows. You’ll find that every bite is a delightful mix of textures and flavors!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Delicious Layers: Enjoy a combination of creamy chocolate cheesecake and crunchy graham cracker crust that will tantalize your taste buds.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up these bars without any fuss.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday party or a family gathering, these bars are sure to impress your guests.
- Make Ahead Option: Prepare them in advance and store them in the fridge for an easy dessert ready to serve when you need it.
- Fun Twist on Classic S’mores: Experience the beloved flavors of s’mores in a convenient bar form, perfect for sharing.
Tools and Preparation
Gathering the right tools will make your baking experience smoother. Here’s what you’ll need to create these delicious S’mores Cheesecake Bars.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- 9×13 inch baking pan
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Rubber spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- 9×13 inch baking pan: This size is perfect for evenly baking your cheesecake bars, ensuring they hold their shape.
- Electric mixer: Makes blending the cream cheese and other ingredients quick and easy, resulting in a smooth filling.
- Rubber spatula: Ideal for scraping down sides of bowls, ensuring no ingredient is left behind during mixing.
Ingredients
These are the best s’mores cheesecake bars! They have a thick, buttery graham cracker crust and a silky smooth chocolate cheesecake layer topped with chocolate ganache and toasted marshmallows.
For the Crust
- 21 (315 g) graham crackers, full sheet
- 3/4 cup (168 g) unsalted butter, melted
- 3 tbsp (41 g) light brown sugar
For the Cheesecake Filling
- 24 oz (680 g) cream cheese, softened at room temperature
- 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated white sugar
- 1/2 tbsp (4 g) cornstarch
- 6 oz (170 g) milk chocolate bars, melted and slightly cooled (Endangered Species Chocolate)
- 1/4 cup (62 g) sour cream, at room temperature
- 2 tsp vanilla
- 3 eggs, at room temperature
For the Topping
- 3 oz (85 g) milk chocolate bar, chopped (Endangered Species Chocolate)
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) heavy cream
- 1 cup (60 g) marshmallows (for topping)
How to Make S’mores Cheesecake Bars
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). This temperature is ideal for baking your cheesecake bars evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Crust
- In a mixing bowl, combine crushed graham crackers with melted butter and brown sugar.
- Stir until well mixed and press into the bottom of a greased 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Bake for about 10 minutes until lightly golden. Remove from oven and let cool.
Step 3: Make the Cheesecake Filling
- In another mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth using an electric mixer.
- Gradually add granulated sugar while mixing until fully combined.
- Add cornstarch, melted chocolate, sour cream, vanilla extract, and eggs. Mix until smooth.
- Pour this mixture over the cooled crust in the baking pan.
Step 4: Bake the Cheesecake Bars
Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes or until set but slightly jiggly in the center. Remove from oven and allow to cool at room temperature before refrigerating for at least 4 hours.
Step 5: Prepare Chocolate Ganache Topping
- In a small saucepan over low heat, combine chopped milk chocolate bar with heavy cream.
- Stir continuously until melted and smooth.
- Once cheesecake is chilled, pour ganache over top evenly.
Step 6: Add Marshmallows
Top with mini marshmallows evenly across the surface. You can use a kitchen torch to toast them lightly if desired!
Step 7: Slice & Serve
Once everything has set properly in the fridge again after adding toppings, slice into bars and serve chilled or at room temperature! Enjoy your S’mores Cheesecake Bars!
How to Serve S’mores Cheesecake Bars
Serving S’mores Cheesecake Bars can elevate your dessert experience. These bars are rich and decadent, perfect for any occasion. Here are a few creative ways to serve them.
Classic Presentation
- Serve chilled on a dessert plate for a classic look.
- Garnish with a drizzle of chocolate sauce for added sweetness.
S’mores Style
- Top with extra mini marshmallows and lightly torch them for that authentic s’mores touch.
- Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream to balance the richness.
Picnic Ready
- Cut into smaller squares and pack them in individual containers.
- Include some fresh fruit like strawberries or raspberries for a refreshing contrast.
Party Platter
- Arrange the bars on a large platter with other desserts like brownies and cookies.
- Use decorative toothpicks for easy serving during parties.
How to Perfect S’mores Cheesecake Bars
To achieve the perfect S’mores Cheesecake Bars, keep these tips in mind:
- Use room temperature ingredients: This ensures a smoother mixture and avoids lumps in your cheesecake layer.
- Pre-bake the crust: A quick bake before adding the filling adds texture and flavor to the graham cracker crust.
- Don’t overmix: Stir until just combined to prevent air bubbles, ensuring a dense, creamy cheesecake.
- Cool gradually: After baking, let the bars cool slowly in the oven with the door ajar; this helps prevent cracking.
- Storage matters: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days to maintain freshness.
Best Side Dishes for S’mores Cheesecake Bars
Complementing your S’mores Cheesecake Bars with side dishes can create a delightful spread. Here are some excellent choices:
- Fresh Berries: Strawberries or raspberries add a fresh, tart contrast to the rich bars.
- Ice Cream: Vanilla or chocolate ice cream provides a creamy accompaniment that balances sweetness.
- Whipped Cream: Light and airy whipped cream enhances the texture and adds extra sweetness.
- Chocolate Sauce: Drizzle warm chocolate sauce over each bar for an indulgent treat.
- Fruit Salad: A medley of seasonal fruits can refresh the palate after enjoying rich desserts.
- Coffee or Tea: A hot beverage pairs nicely with desserts, enhancing flavors while providing warmth.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making S’mores Cheesecake Bars, it’s easy to run into a few pitfalls. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.
- Skipping the room temperature ingredients: Using cold cream cheese or eggs can lead to a lumpy batter. Always allow these ingredients to come to room temperature for a smooth texture.
- Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can incorporate air and cause cracks in your cheesecake bars. Mix just until combined for a creamy consistency.
- Not chilling properly: Rushing the cooling process can result in a soggy crust. Allow your bars to chill completely before cutting for the best texture.
- Using low-quality chocolate: The chocolate flavor is key in S’mores Cheesecake Bars. Opt for high-quality chocolate for the ganache and filling to enhance the overall taste.
- Ignoring storage recommendations: Storing incorrectly can affect freshness. Follow proper storage methods to keep your cheesecake bars delicious for longer.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store S’mores Cheesecake Bars in an airtight container.
- They will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freezing S’mores Cheesecake Bars
- Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container.
- They can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing flavor or texture.
Reheating S’mores Cheesecake Bars
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm bars on a baking sheet for about 10 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat one bar at a time on medium power for 15-20 seconds until warmed through.
- Stovetop: Place in a non-stick skillet over low heat, cover, and warm gently for 5-7 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make S’mores Cheesecake Bars gluten-free?
You can substitute traditional graham crackers with gluten-free versions. Ensure all other ingredients are also gluten-free certified.
Can I use different types of chocolate?
Absolutely! You can mix dark chocolate or white chocolate instead of milk chocolate for different flavor profiles in your S’mores Cheesecake Bars.
How long does it take to make S’mores Cheesecake Bars?
The total time is about 445 minutes, which includes prep, cooking, and cooling times. Make sure you allow enough time for chilling before serving!
Can I customize the toppings on my S’mores Cheesecake Bars?
Yes! Feel free to add nuts, fruit, or even flavored whipped cream as toppings based on your preferences.
Final Thoughts
These S’mores Cheesecake Bars are a delightful blend of flavors that will please any dessert lover. Their creamy texture combined with the crunchy crust makes them irresistible. Plus, they offer plenty of customization options—try adding your favorite toppings or experimenting with different chocolates! Dive into this recipe and enjoy every bite!
S’mores Cheesecake Bars
Indulge in the ultimate dessert experience with these S’mores Cheesecake Bars. Combining the nostalgic flavors of classic s’mores with a creamy cheesecake twist, these bars are perfect for any occasion—be it a festive gathering or a cozy night in. The decadent layers include a buttery graham cracker crust, a rich chocolate cheesecake filling, and a luscious chocolate ganache topped with toasted marshmallows. Each bite offers a delightful mix of creamy and crunchy textures that will leave everyone craving more. Easy to make and even easier to love, these S’mores Cheesecake Bars bring the campfire vibes right to your kitchen!
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Makes approximately 12 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 21 graham crackers (full sheet)
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 3 tbsp light brown sugar
- 24 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 tbsp cornstarch
- 6 oz milk chocolate (melted)
- 1/4 cup sour cream (at room temperature)
- 2 tsp vanilla
- 3 eggs (at room temperature)
- 3 oz milk chocolate bar (chopped)
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup mini marshmallows (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Mix crushed graham crackers, melted butter, and brown sugar; press into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan. Bake for 10 minutes and let cool.
- Beat cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add sugar, then mix in cornstarch, melted chocolate, sour cream, vanilla, and eggs until combined.
- Pour filling over cooled crust and bake for about 30 minutes until slightly jiggly in the center. Cool at room temperature before refrigerating for at least 4 hours.
- For ganache, heat chopped chocolate and heavy cream until melted; pour over chilled cheesecake. Top with marshmallows and toast if desired.
- Slice into bars and serve.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Use room temperature ingredients for a smoother batter. Don’t skip chilling—this helps set the bars perfectly. Customize toppings with nuts or different chocolates based on preference.
