Vegan S’mores Bars

Introduction

There’s something magical about s’mores. The combination of gooey marshmallows, melty chocolate, and crispy graham crackers is nostalgic, comforting, and irresistibly delicious. Now imagine all of that magic transformed into a portable, shareable dessert bar that’s 100% plant-based. That’s exactly what Vegan S’mores Bars deliver—a layered dessert that captures the best parts of classic campfire s’mores, but without the need for a fire, and without any animal products.

These bars are rich, chocolatey, and satisfyingly chewy. They’re perfect for parties, bake sales, road trips, or cozy nights at home. And the best part? They’re surprisingly easy to make with a few smart ingredient swaps and a bit of layering. In this guide, we’ll cover everything from the essential components and variations to tips for getting the texture just right and storing them for later.

What Makes These S’mores Bars Vegan?

Traditional s’mores contain dairy chocolate, honey-laced graham crackers, and marshmallows made with gelatin. In our vegan version, we carefully replace those with delicious plant-based alternatives:

• Vegan marshmallows (gelatin-free)
• Dairy-free chocolate (dark or vegan milk chocolate)
• Vegan graham-style crackers (honey-free or homemade)

These swaps don’t compromise on flavor—in fact, they enhance it. Vegan chocolate tends to be richer, and plant-based marshmallows toast and melt beautifully. The end result is a dessert that’s not only cruelty-free but just as indulgent.

Ingredients Breakdown

Here’s what you’ll need to make these crowd-pleasing bars:

For the Graham Cracker Crust:

• 1½ cups crushed vegan graham-style crackers
• ¼ cup coconut sugar or brown sugar
• 6 tablespoons melted coconut oil or vegan butter
• Pinch of salt

For the Chocolate Layer:

• 1½ cups dairy-free chocolate chips or chopped vegan chocolate
• 2 tablespoons non-dairy milk (almond, oat, or soy)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Marshmallow Layer:

• 1½ cups vegan mini marshmallows (brands like Dandies work great)

Optional additions:

• Chopped nuts (pecans or almonds)
• Shredded coconut
• Crushed pretzels
• Sea salt flakes on top

You can make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free graham crackers and ensuring your chocolate and marshmallows are certified GF.

How to Make Vegan S’mores Bars

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a mixing bowl, combine the crushed graham crackers, coconut sugar, and melted coconut oil. Stir until the crumbs are evenly coated and hold together when pressed.
Press the mixture into the bottom of a parchment-lined 8×8-inch baking dish. Use the bottom of a cup or your hands to press it down firmly.
Bake the crust for 8–10 minutes or until slightly golden. Set aside to cool slightly.

Step 2: Melt the Chocolate

In a microwave-safe bowl or using a double boiler, melt the vegan chocolate chips with non-dairy milk. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth and glossy. Stir in vanilla extract.

Step 3: Assemble the Layers

Once the crust has cooled slightly, pour the melted chocolate over it and spread it evenly using a spatula. Let it sit for a couple of minutes so it slightly thickens.

Sprinkle the vegan mini marshmallows over the chocolate layer. Make sure they’re evenly distributed for gooey goodness in every bite.

Step 4: Bake to Toast the Marshmallows

Place the assembled bars back in the oven and bake for 5–7 minutes—just long enough for the marshmallows to puff and turn slightly golden. Keep a close eye on them; marshmallows can burn quickly.

If you want extra toasted tops, switch your oven to broil for 30–60 seconds, watching carefully the whole time.

Step 5: Cool and Slice

Let the bars cool at room temperature for 30 minutes, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up the chocolate and marshmallows.

Once set, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper. Slice into squares using a sharp knife. Wipe the knife clean between cuts for cleaner edges.

Flavor Variations and Twists

One of the best things about this recipe is how adaptable it is. Here are a few creative spins you can try:

Peanut Butter S’mores Bars

Drizzle peanut butter over the chocolate layer before adding the marshmallows. You can also mix crushed peanuts into the crust for extra crunch.

Salted Caramel S’mores

Add a layer of vegan caramel sauce between the crust and chocolate, and top with a pinch of sea salt before serving.

Mocha S’mores Bars

Add 1 teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the melted chocolate for a mocha kick.

Raspberry S’mores

Place a layer of fresh or jammed raspberries between the crust and chocolate. The tartness pairs beautifully with the sweetness of marshmallows.

Campfire Inspired

For a smoky edge, use smoked sea salt or a few drops of liquid smoke in the chocolate.

Tips for Success

• Use parchment paper to line your baking pan. It makes it much easier to remove and cut the bars later.
• Don’t overbake the marshmallows. They just need to puff and lightly brown.
• Chill the bars long enough to firm them up for slicing. If you try to cut them too soon, they’ll be messy and sticky.
• Store leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container. They stay good for up to 5 days.
• For best texture, let refrigerated bars sit at room temp for 10 minutes before serving.

Where to Find Vegan Ingredients

If you’re new to plant-based baking, here’s where to find the key ingredients:

• Vegan Marshmallows: Dandies, Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods 365 brand
• Vegan Graham Crackers: Nabisco Original Graham Crackers (some batches are vegan), Kinnikinnick GF Graham Style, or homemade
• Vegan Chocolate: Enjoy Life, Hu Kitchen, Theo, or Trader Joe’s dairy-free chocolate chips

Shopping at health food stores or ordering online makes it easy to find high-quality vegan baking staples.

Kid-Friendly and Crowd-Pleaser

Kids absolutely love these bars because they’re gooey, sweet, and chocolatey—everything a dessert should be. Plus, they’re fun to help make. Let kids press the crust or sprinkle marshmallows. It’s a great way to introduce plant-based treats that don’t feel “healthy” in a boring way.

Bring these bars to a cookout, potluck, or holiday party and they’ll disappear fast. No one ever guesses they’re vegan unless you tell them—and even then, they’ll ask for the recipe.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

These bars store well and are perfect for making ahead of time. After chilling and slicing, place them in a container with parchment between layers to prevent sticking.

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Freezer: Freeze individual slices for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge before serving.

This make-ahead option makes them ideal for party prep, especially around the holidays when your kitchen is already busy.

Nutritional Highlights

Depending on the ingredients you choose, here’s an approximate breakdown per bar (assuming 12 bars total):

• Calories: 230
• Carbs: 28g
• Sugar: 14g
• Fat: 12g
• Protein: 3g
• Fiber: 2g

While these aren’t a “health food,” they are far better than many packaged desserts because you control the quality of ingredients and can skip artificial preservatives and refined sugar if desired.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Just use gluten-free graham crackers. Everything else in the recipe can be naturally gluten-free.

Do the marshmallows melt like regular ones?
Vegan marshmallows behave similarly but don’t always get as stretchy. They toast beautifully though, especially when broiled briefly.

Can I use a different oil instead of coconut oil?
Yes. Vegan butter or neutral oils like avocado oil work well in the crust.

Can I make this nut-free?
Absolutely. Use sunflower seed butter instead of peanut/almond butter, and skip any nut toppings.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Use a 9×13-inch pan and bake a couple of minutes longer. Perfect for serving a crowd.

Final Thoughts

Vegan S’mores Bars are the ultimate upgrade to a nostalgic favorite. They take everything you love about the original campfire treat and make it easier, more portable, and 100% plant-based. Whether you’re serving them at a family gathering, bringing them to a picnic, or just treating yourself after dinner, they offer that perfect sweet balance of soft, melty, crispy, and chocolatey.

What makes them even better is how versatile they are. You can change up the flavors, toppings, and textures to suit your mood or pantry. And with how easy they are to prepare ahead, they might just become your go-to dessert for every occasion.

So the next time you crave a s’more but don’t want to build a fire, make a pan of these bars instead. They’re proof that going vegan doesn’t mean giving up the indulgent joys of childhood treats—it means enjoying them in an even more delicious and compassionate way.