Easy Homemade S’mores Rice Crispy Treat Bark: A Chewy, Toasted Delight Recipe

Who can resist the classic campfire charm of S’mores? That perfect symphony of gooey, toasted marshmallow, rich, melted chocolate, and crunchy graham cracker. And who doesn’t love the nostalgic simplicity of a chewy rice crispy treat? Imagine combining these two beloved desserts into one utterly irresistible creation. That’s precisely what we’ve done with this incredible **S’mores Rice Crispy Treat Bark**. It’s not just a treat; it’s an experience – a thick, chewy, and profoundly satisfying dessert that brings the joy of S’mores indoors, no campfire required!

Whether you call it “(Really Thick) S’mores Rice Crispy Treat Bark” or simply “S’mores Rice Crispy Treats,” one thing is for sure: these treats are destined to become an instant favorite. They deliver all the iconic flavors of a S’more, elevated with the satisfying crunch and chewiness of a classic rice crispy base. Forget the thin, delicate barks; this version is designed for a truly substantial and indulgent bite.

The Sweet Genesis: An Idea Born and Shared

Every great recipe often starts with a spark, a fleeting thought scribbled down in a notebook amidst a dozen other culinary aspirations. For me, the idea of a rice crispy treat bark had been lingering since December, patiently waiting its turn on a ever-growing list of “must-try” experiments. It’s a common dilemma for any passionate home cook or baker – so many delicious ideas, so little time!

Then, a serendipitous moment arrived. My friend and fellow food blogger, Miriam of Tales of an Overtime Cook, tweeted about her own venture into rice crispy treat bark. What a fantastic coincidence! With a shared vision and mutual excitement, we decided to team up and share our unique bark creations with the world. Miriam crafted a decadent Chocolate Peanut Butter Crispy Treat Bark, while I embarked on developing this delightful S’mores rendition. Collaborations like these are not only fun but also a wonderful way to inspire new ideas and bring diverse flavors to life!

Embracing the “Thick”: Why This Bark Stands Out

Traditionally, “bark” implies a very thin layer of chocolate, broken into irregular pieces. When I initially conceived this recipe, I envisioned a delicate, crisp version of a rice crispy treat. However, as often happens in the kitchen, things took a delightful turn. My “thin” layer of rice crispy base, coupled with generous toppings of toasted marshmallows and a luxurious layer of chocolate, evolved into something far more substantial – a glorious, inch-thick slab of pure joy. At around 11×8 inches, it was anything but thin!

Initially, I wondered if I could still call it “bark.” A quick consultation with Miriam, and her humorous promise not to call the “bark police,” reassured me. And honestly, this accidental thickness is what makes this recipe truly special. Instead of a delicate snap, you get a satisfying, chewy bite that holds all the layers together beautifully. It’s less about a brittle chocolate shard and more about a hearty, indulgent square that truly delivers on flavor and texture. This thick format ensures that every mouthful is packed with the chewy rice crispy base, the smoky sweetness of toasted marshmallows, and the rich depth of chocolate, creating a more cohesive and gratifying experience than a thinner version ever could.

The Anatomy of Authentic S’mores Flavor: Toasted Marshmallows & Cookie Butter Magic

When I say S’mores, I truly mean it. Many recipes claim to be S’mores-inspired, but without the crucial step of toasting marshmallows, they fall short of capturing that iconic, irresistible flavor. The act of toasting marshmallows isn’t just for aesthetics; it transforms their texture and taste. The heat caramelizes the sugars, creating a slightly crisp exterior and a beautifully gooey, molten interior, imbued with a delicate, smoky char that is the hallmark of a true S’more. While the photos might not fully convey every perfectly browned speck, I assure you, the distinguishable taste of genuinely toasted marshmallows makes all the difference in this bark. It’s the secret ingredient that elevates this treat from good to extraordinary.

To mimic the essential graham cracker component, I turned to a delightful ingredient: cookie butter. For those unfamiliar, cookie butter is a spread made from crushed spiced shortbread cookies (like Biscoff), offering a unique flavor profile that is sweet, slightly spiced, and incredibly addictive. Its rich, caramel-like notes perfectly complement the marshmallow and chocolate, providing that beloved graham cracker essence without needing actual crumbs. It creates a smoother, more integrated flavor throughout the crispy treat base. If you’re intrigued by cookie butter, you can learn more about its versatility in my no-bake Biscoff cheesecake recipe.

Of course, if cookie butter isn’t readily available or you prefer a more traditional approach, you have options! Peanut butter can be an excellent substitute, adding a nutty dimension that pairs wonderfully with S’mores flavors. Alternatively, you can omit the cookie butter entirely and simply stir in a generous amount of graham cracker crumbs directly into the melted marshmallow mixture. This will give you a more textured base and a straightforward graham cracker taste. The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability, allowing you to tailor it to your preferences or pantry staples.

Looking for a more traditional Rice Krispie Treat experience? Check out my Small Batch Rice Krispie Treats, perfectly made in a loaf pan for smaller cravings.

Tips for Crafting the Perfect S’mores Rice Crispy Treat Bark

• Fresh Marshmallows are Key: Always use fresh, soft mini marshmallows for the best melting consistency. Stale marshmallows can be harder to melt smoothly, leading to a lumpy base.
• Gentle Melting: When melting butter and marshmallows, use medium-low heat. Overheating can make your marshmallows tough and chewy, instead of soft and pliable. Stir constantly to prevent sticking and burning.
• Don’t Over-Press: When spreading the rice crispy mixture onto the parchment paper, press it down gently and evenly. Over-compressing the mixture will result in a hard, dense bark rather than a delightfully chewy one.
• Broiler Vigilance: Toasting marshmallows under the broiler requires undivided attention! Marshmallows can go from perfectly golden to burnt in a matter of seconds. Keep a close eye, and rotate the pan as needed for even toasting.
• Quality Chocolate Matters: Using good quality semisweet chocolate baking squares will make a noticeable difference in the flavor and texture of your top layer. Melting chocolate over a double boiler (or bain-marie) ensures a smooth, glossy finish without burning.
• Patience is a Virtue: Allow each layer to cool completely before adding the next. This ensures clean layers and prevents melting or mixing prematurely. Refrigerating briefly can speed up the hardening process for the chocolate.

Now, let’s get to the recipe that will bring this S’mores magic to your kitchen!

S’mores Rice Crispy Treat Bark

Yield:
1 dozen

This “really thick” S’mores Rice Crispy Treat Bark combines chewy rice crispy goodness with toasted marshmallows and rich chocolate, delivering all the classic S’mores flavor in an easy, no-bake (mostly!) dessert.

Ingredients

• 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 1/2 cups mini marshmallows (divided)
• 1/4 cup cookie butter (or peanut butter, or 1/4 cup graham cracker crumbs)
• 3 cups rice crispy cereal
• 12 ounces semisweet chocolate baking squares, chopped into pieces

Instructions

1. Line a cookie sheet (approx. 13×9 inches or larger) with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal. Set aside.
2. In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, melt the unsalted butter over medium-low heat. Once completely melted, add 2 cups of the mini marshmallows. Stir continuously until the marshmallows are fully melted and smooth. Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the cookie butter (or your chosen substitute) until everything is well combined and smooth.
3. Quickly add the 3 cups of rice crispy cereal to the marshmallow mixture. Stir gently but thoroughly with a spatula until all the cereal is completely coated.
4. Immediately transfer the cereal mixture onto the prepared cookie sheet. Using a spatula or your hands (lightly buttered to prevent sticking), press the mixture into a rectangle, aiming for an even layer as thin as possible without overly compacting it (my thick layer was about 11×8 inches). Let it cool completely at room temperature, which helps it set firmly.
5. Once the cereal layer is cool and firm, evenly top it with the remaining 1 1/2 cups of mini marshmallows. Place the cookie sheet under a preheated broiler. Watch *very carefully* as marshmallows toast quickly – usually within 1-3 minutes. Broil until all of the marshmallows are beautifully golden brown and slightly gooey (you may need to turn your pan for even toasting). Remove from the broiler and let this layer cool completely.
6. While the marshmallows cool, prepare your chocolate. Place the chopped semisweet chocolate into a heatproof bowl. Set this bowl over a pot of barely simmering water (ensure the bottom of the bowl does not touch the water). Stir occasionally until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. Alternatively, you can microwave the chocolate in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until melted.
7. Pour the melted chocolate evenly over the toasted marshmallow layer. Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to spread it to the edges.
8. Let the chocolate cool and harden completely before serving. This can be done at room temperature (takes a few hours) or in the refrigerator (about 30-60 minutes). If refrigerating, allow the bark to sit at room temperature for a few minutes before cutting for easier, cleaner slices. Once firm, lift the bark using the parchment paper and cut into squares or irregular “bark” pieces.

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Serving, Storage, and Enjoyment

Once your S’mores Rice Crispy Treat Bark has fully set and the chocolate is firm, it’s time to enjoy! For the cleanest cuts, use a sharp knife that has been run under hot water and dried, slicing through the layers. You can cut it into neat squares, or break it into rustic, irregular “bark” pieces for a more authentic look. This bark is perfect for sharing at parties, packing into lunchboxes (if it’s not too warm outside!), or simply enjoying as a delightful homemade snack.

Store any leftover bark in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If your kitchen is particularly warm, you can store it in the refrigerator, but let it come to room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before serving to ensure the chocolate and crispy layers are at their optimal texture. Pair it with a cold glass of milk, a cup of coffee, or even a mug of hot cocoa for the ultimate cozy treat experience!

This S’mores Rice Crispy Treat Bark is more than just a recipe; it’s a celebration of classic flavors and comforting textures. It’s the perfect easy dessert to make when you’re craving something sweet, chewy, and nostalgic. Give it a try and prepare to fall in love with its thick, delicious layers!

If you liked these S’mores Rice Crispy Treat Bark, you may also like these recipes:

From my kitchen:

• S’mores Blossom Cookies
• S’mores Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
• S’mores Hot Cocoa

From other talented bloggers:

• S’mores Brownies from That Skinny Chick Can Bake
• S’mores Popcorn from Cravings of a Lunatic
• Pretzel S’mores from Love From The Oven