Name: Caramel S'mores Bars
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 2 h 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Graham cracker crumbs; Unsalted butter; Sugar; Heavy cream; Salted butter; Fine sea salt; Pure vanilla extract; Powdered gelatin; Cool water; Vanilla bean; Honey; Brown sugar; Dark chocolate

Craving something utterly indulgent? Look no further than these heavenly Caramel S’mores Bars! Imagine the perfect blend of crunchy graham cracker crust, luscious caramel, fluffy marshmallow, and rich dark chocolate, all in one delightful treat. Get ready to embark on a journey of irresistible flavors and textures that will leave your taste buds begging for more.

Ingredients:

Graham Layer:

1 ½ cups (190g) graham cracker crumbs

⅓ cup (80g) unsalted butter

Caramel Layer:

1 cup (200g) sugar

¼ cup heavy cream

½ cup (113g) salted butter (reduce fine sea salt to 1/4 tsp if using unsalted)

½ teaspoon fine sea salt

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Marshmallow Layer:

2 envelopes (17g) powdered gelatin

⅓ cup (85g) cool water (for gelatin)

1 vanilla bean or 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

⅓ cup (88g) water (for sugar)

¼ cup plus 1 tablespoon (95g) honey

1 cup (226g) heaped brown sugar

¾ teaspoon fine sea salt

100g dark chocolate, finely chopped

Directions:

Preparation:
- Line a greased 8 or 9” square pan with overlapping parchment paper.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Graham Layer:
- Mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter until it resembles wet sand.
- Press the mixture into the prepared pan and bake for 10 minutes.
- Allow it to cool completely.
Caramel Layer:
- Dissolve sugar in heavy cream over medium heat; add warmed heavy cream slowly, then butter, salt, and vanilla.
- Pour the caramel mixture over the cooled graham layer and let it firm up.
Marshmallow Layer:
- Mix gelatin with water and vanilla.
- Cook sugar, water, salt, honey, and vanilla bean until it reaches 245-250°F.
- Whip the gelatin mixture and then swirl in the melted chocolate.
- Pour the marshmallow mixture over the caramel layer and chill for at least 4 hours.

Serving Tips:

Presentation: For a beautiful presentation, dust the top of the bars with powdered sugar or cocoa powder just before serving.
Garnish: Add a sprinkle of crushed graham crackers or a drizzle of melted chocolate on top of each bar for an extra touch of indulgence.

Accompaniments: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra special treat.
Individual Portions: Cut the bars into smaller, bite-sized pieces for a perfect addition to dessert platters or party trays.
Warmth: For an extra gooey experience, briefly microwave individual bars before serving to melt the caramel and chocolate slightly.

Storage Tips:

Refrigeration: Store the Caramel S’mores Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Freezing: These bars can also be frozen for longer storage. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil before placing them in a freezer-safe container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months.
Thawing: When ready to enjoy, allow the bars to thaw in the refrigerator overnight. For a quicker thaw, you can let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes.

Refreshing: To restore the crispness of the graham cracker crust, reheat individual bars in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes before serving.
Layer Separation: To prevent the layers from sticking together during storage, place parchment paper between the layers when stacking them in the container.

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FAQs:

Can I use store-bought marshmallows instead of making the marshmallow layer from scratch?

While you can certainly use store-bought marshmallows, the homemade marshmallow layer adds a unique texture and flavor to the bars. If you choose to use store-bought marshmallows, consider melting them with a bit of butter to achieve a similar consistency before spreading them over the caramel layer.

Can I substitute the dark chocolate with milk or white chocolate?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate to suit your preferences. Milk chocolate will lend a sweeter, creamier flavor, while white chocolate will add a deliciously decadent touch. Adjust the quantity according to your taste, keeping in mind that white chocolate tends to be sweeter than dark chocolate.

How can I prevent the caramel layer from becoming too hard?

To ensure a softer caramel layer, be sure to cook the sugar mixture until it reaches the correct temperature (around 245-250°F) and avoid overcooking it. Additionally, adding the heavy cream slowly and stirring continuously helps to create a smooth and creamy caramel texture. Once poured over the graham layer, allow the bars to set at room temperature for a softer consistency.

Can I make these bars in advance for a special occasion?

Absolutely! In fact, these bars are perfect for making ahead of time. Simply prepare and assemble the bars as directed, then cover and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve. They actually taste even better after chilling for a few hours, allowing the flavors to meld together. Just remember to allow them to come to room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Conclusion:

There you have it – the ultimate indulgence in the form of Caramel S’mores Bars! Whether you’re treating yourself or impressing guests, these bars are guaranteed to be a hit. So why wait? Whip up a batch today and savor the deliciousness of every bite. Your taste buds will thank you!

📖 Recipe: