Indulge in Guilt-Free Bliss: Easy Vegan & Gluten-Free Dark Chocolate S’mores Bars Recipe

Discover the ultimate summer dessert! These Dark Chocolate S’mores Bars feature a wholesome date-almond crust, a rich, dairy-free chocolate ganache, and a perfectly toasted marshmallow topping. They are perfect for bringing that campfire magic right into your kitchen!

In life, it often feels like we’re navigating through tumultuous times, where every significant decision seems to pave the way for yet another. The ebb and flow of work, relationships, and even our living situations can leave us feeling a bit upended and messy. Planning anything for the distant future can feel daunting when the state of the world in six or twelve months is anyone’s guess.

But amidst the uncertainty, there’s always room for simple pleasures and comforting treats. Lately, I’ve found myself embracing impulse, letting my cravings guide me, and more often than not, they lead me straight to chocolate. And not just a little chocolate – I’m talking about a generous, soul-satisfying amount. This deep dive into all things cocoa has culminated in these incredible Dark Chocolate S’mores Bars, a testament to how simple ingredients can create something truly spectacular.

Crafted with just eight wholesome ingredients, these bars offer a sweet escape and a taste of summer that’s both indulgent and surprisingly wholesome. They embody the spirit of those classic campfire treats but in a convenient, mess-free, and utterly delicious bar form. So, if you’re looking for a delightful dessert that promises comfort without compromise, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s make some magic!

Transforming Classic S’mores into Irresistible Bars

The timeless s’mores ritual – melting marshmallows, rich chocolate, and crispy graham crackers, all toasted over a flickering campfire – holds a special place in our hearts. However, the reality of gathering around a fire isn’t always feasible, and let’s be honest, the gooey mess can sometimes be a challenge! That’s where these Dark Chocolate S’mores Bars come in, offering all the beloved flavors and textures of a traditional s’mores, but in a much more convenient, kitchen-friendly format.

Even if you haven’t had the chance to experience a “real” campfire s’mores, I can assure you that these bars capture the essence of the classic in every bite. They are meticulously designed with three distinct, delicious layers that come together to form an epic s’mores sandwich, reimagined as a perfectly portable bar. No campfire? No problem! You can easily whip up a batch of these beauties this summer and bring the joy and sweetness of camping traditions right into your home. They’re perfect for backyard BBQs, potlucks, or simply as an anytime treat when a craving for s’mores strikes, offering a delightful twist on a cherished dessert without the fuss.

Crafting the Wholesome Date-Almond Crust Layer

The foundation of these incredible s’mores bars is a robust, flavorful, and naturally sweet crust. Unlike traditional graham cracker crusts that often rely on butter and sugar, our version is crafted from simple, wholesome ingredients, making it entirely vegan and gluten-free. To create this irresistible base, you’ll need just four key components:

• Superfine Almond Flour: This provides a delicate texture and acts as the primary structural component, offering a wonderful nutty flavor without any gluten.
• Medjool Dates: These natural powerhouses bring rich, caramel-like sweetness and act as a fantastic binder, creating a sticky, chewy dough without the need for refined sugars.
• Coconut Oil: When melted, coconut oil helps to bring the ingredients together, adding a subtle richness and ensuring the crust bakes up perfectly crisp.
• Raw Pecans: These add a delightful depth of flavor and a satisfying crunch, complementing the sweetness of the dates and the earthiness of the almond flour.

That’s truly all it takes! The process is incredibly straightforward: simply combine all these ingredients in a high-speed blender or food processor. Pulse and blend until a sticky, uniform dough forms. The key is to scrape down the sides as needed to ensure everything is thoroughly incorporated. Once your dough is ready, press it firmly and evenly into a parchment-lined baking pan. This parchment paper is crucial for easy removal later. A quick trip to the oven transforms this mixture into a sturdy, golden-brown base layer, perfectly prepared to hold its own against the layers of chocolate and marshmallow to come. This nutrient-dense crust is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile and ready for anything you throw its way. Now, let’s get ready to load it up with some seriously good dark chocolate!

Crafting the Luxurious Dark Chocolate Ganache Layer

No s’mores is complete without a generous layer of rich, melted chocolate, and these bars are no exception. Our dairy-free chocolate ganache layer is not only incredibly easy to make but also intensely flavorful, providing that deep, satisfying chocolatey core that makes s’mores so irresistible. You’ll only need a few simple ingredients to create this velvety smooth layer:

• Hu Kitchen Gems: These paleo and vegan dark chocolate chunks are a game-changer for melting. Their high-quality ingredients and smooth consistency make them ideal for creating a luxurious ganache. They offer a deep, robust chocolate flavor that perfectly balances the sweetness of the marshmallows and crust.
• Unsweetened Almond Milk: This dairy-free milk alternative is essential for achieving the perfect ganache consistency, adding creaminess without any animal products.
• A Pinch of Sea Salt: A touch of sea salt is crucial for enhancing the chocolate’s flavor, bringing out its natural notes and adding a subtle contrast that makes the ganache even more complex and delicious.

That’s truly it! The beauty of this ganache lies in its simplicity. Begin by placing your Hu Kitchen Gems in a medium mixing bowl. In a separate small bowl or measuring cup, gently warm the unsweetened almond milk in the microwave for about 30 seconds, or until it’s steaming but not boiling. Pour the warm almond milk over the chocolate gems and let it sit undisturbed for 5 minutes. This resting period allows the heat from the milk to slowly melt the chocolate, ensuring a smooth, lump-free ganache.

After 5 minutes, gently stir the mixture with a wooden spoon or a spatula until all the chocolate has fully melted and you have a beautifully smooth, glossy ganache. Once this luscious chocolate layer is ready, spread it evenly over your slightly cooled date-almond crust. Allow the ganache to set partially at room temperature or in the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes. This setting time is important to ensure a clean layer before adding the final topping. The rich, intense flavor of the dark chocolate ganache is truly the heart of these s’mores bars, making them an unforgettable treat for any chocolate lover!

The Final Touch: Perfectly Toasted Marshmallow Layer

The crowning glory of any s’mores, whether traditional or in bar form, is undoubtedly the fluffy, gooey, and perfectly toasted marshmallow layer. This final component brings that quintessential “campfire” experience to your Dark Chocolate S’mores Bars. To keep these bars completely vegan and gluten-free, it’s essential to source marshmallows that adhere to these dietary requirements. Fortunately, there are many excellent brands available today that offer delicious plant-based and gluten-free marshmallows, often made with ingredients like tapioca syrup or carrageenan instead of gelatin.

Once you’ve layered your chocolate ganache over the crust and allowed it to set slightly, it’s time to arrange your marshmallows. Cover the entire surface of the chocolate layer with a single, even layer of marshmallows. You can use standard-sized marshmallows, or for a more classic look, mini marshmallows work wonderfully as well.

Now, for the “toasted” part, which truly elevates these bars. The secret to achieving that coveted golden-brown, slightly charred, and beautifully melted marshmallow topping – reminiscent of marshmallows roasted over an open flame – is your oven’s broiler. Carefully place the baking dish back into the oven, ensuring it’s on a rack that’s not too close to the broiler element (typically the middle or upper-middle rack works best). Broil the bars for a short period, generally 5-10 minutes, keeping a very close eye on them. Marshmallows can go from perfectly golden to burnt in a matter of seconds, so do not walk away from the oven during this step!

If you prefer a less intense toast or don’t have a broiler, you can skip this step entirely. The bars will still be incredibly delicious with soft, un-broiled marshmallows, offering a different, yet equally enjoyable, texture. Once broiled to your desired level of golden perfection, remove the bars from the oven. It’s crucial to allow them to cool completely before attempting to cut them. This cooling time allows the chocolate ganache to fully set, ensuring clean, neat squares. However, if you’re feeling impatient and can’t wait, serving them warm and gooey is an equally delightful (and deliciously messy) experience. Embrace the warm, melting chocolate and soft marshmallows for an immediate indulgence!

Serving and Enjoying Your Dark Chocolate S’mores Bars

These Dark Chocolate S’mores Bars are truly a marvel: wonderfully chewy, deeply satiating, and perfectly sweet, striking a delightful balance that appeals to all palates. They are designed to be an effortlessly delicious treat, whether you’re planning a backyard gathering, a cozy night in, or simply need a quick pick-me-up. The versatility of these bars means they’re ideal to have on hand for any occasion, ready to be enjoyed with or without the traditional campfire setting.

Imagine grabbing one of these bars for a truly decadent dessert experience, or perhaps as a satisfyingly sweet, plant-based snack to curb those afternoon cravings. Their rich flavor profile makes them feel indulgent, yet their wholesome, refined sugar-free, and oil-free ingredients ensure you feel good about every bite. They’re also perfect for sharing! Hand them out to friends, family, coworkers, or anyone you wish to treat. You’ll find that people are often surprised to learn just how many boxes these bars tick:

• Vegan: Absolutely no animal products are used.
• Oil-Free (in the ganache): The chocolate layer is light and rich.
• Gluten-Free: Made with almond flour, suitable for those avoiding gluten.
• Grain-Free: Beyond gluten-free, they avoid all grains.
• Refined Sugar-Free: Sweetened naturally with Medjool dates.
• Made with Just 8 Ingredients: Simple, accessible components.

It’s this impressive combination of deliciousness and dietary friendliness that makes them truly stand out. Your guests might not even believe they’re so wholesome! So, go ahead and enjoy these bars to the fullest. They’re a celebration of simple ingredients, thoughtful preparation, and pure, unadulterated enjoyment. Happy indulging!

Tips for Achieving S’mores Bar Perfection

To ensure your Dark Chocolate S’mores Bars turn out absolutely perfect every time, consider these helpful tips:

• Parchment Paper is Your Best Friend: Always line your baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. This creates “handles” that make lifting the fully cooled and set bars out of the pan incredibly easy, ensuring clean cuts.
• Don’t Rush the Cooling Process: It’s tempting to cut into these bars immediately, but for the cleanest slices, patience is key. Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature, and then for even firmer results, chill them in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to an hour. This allows the chocolate ganache to fully firm up.
• Broiler Watch: When toasting the marshmallows, never leave the oven unattended. Marshmallows can burn very quickly under the broiler. Keep the oven door slightly ajar and watch them continuously until they reach your desired level of golden-brown perfection.
• Even Marshmallow Layer: Arrange your marshmallows in a single, even layer over the chocolate ganache. This ensures even toasting and prevents some from burning while others remain untoasted.
• Quality Ingredients Matter: Since these bars use a limited number of ingredients, the quality of each component really shines through. Opt for high-quality dark chocolate gems and fresh Medjool dates for the best flavor.
• Storage: Store any leftover s’mores bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. They can also be frozen for longer storage; just thaw them at room temperature before serving.

Customization Ideas for Your S’mores Bars

While these Dark Chocolate S’mores Bars are incredible as is, feel free to get creative with some variations:

• Nut Variations: Instead of pecans, try walnuts, cashews, or even a mix of nuts in the crust for a different flavor profile.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom to the crust mixture for a warm, aromatic twist.
• Chocolate Drizzle: After the marshmallows are toasted and the bars have cooled, drizzle extra melted dark chocolate over the top for an even richer finish.
• Crunch Factor: Sprinkle some crushed pretzels or gluten-free graham cracker crumbs over the chocolate layer before adding marshmallows for an extra layer of texture.
• Mini Bars: For smaller portions or a party, you can cut these into mini squares or rectangles.

More S’mores-Inspired Recipes to Love

If you’re a true s’mores enthusiast, you’ll love exploring these other creative takes on the classic treat:

Cookie S’mores: Perfect for those who love their cookies just as much as their s’mores, combining two beloved desserts into one delightful bite.

Vegan S’mores Dip: An incredibly easy and shareable dessert that brings all the gooey, chocolatey, marshmallowy goodness of s’mores to your next gathering, served warm with dippers.

I Want to Hear From You!

If you embark on the delicious journey of making this Dark Chocolate S’mores Bars recipe, I would absolutely love to hear about your experience! Your feedback helps me to continually create more delicious and exciting recipes for you to enjoy.

Please be sure to leave me a comment, a rating, and a review right here on the blog. Your insights are invaluable and help shape future content.

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XO Lauren

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This post is proudly brought to you by Hu Kitchen, whose commitment to wholesome ingredients perfectly aligns with our philosophy. All words and delicious eats, however, remain entirely my own. Thank you for supporting the sponsors that keep me hungry for creating more!

Beautiful photography by Hot Pan Kitchen, capturing the essence of these delightful s’mores bars.