Bonfire Bars
Bonfire Bars are the perfect treat for any occasion, combining a graham cracker base, a soft chocolate caramel middle, and a fluffy marshmallow top. These delightful bars capture the essence of s’mores, making them an excellent dessert for summer gatherings, picnics, or cozy nights by the fire. With their rich flavors and satisfying textures, Bonfire Bars will surely impress friends and family alike.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: The process is straightforward and requires no special skills.
- Delicious Layers: Each bite offers a perfect mix of chocolate, caramel, and marshmallow.
- Versatile Treat: Perfect for parties, BBQs, or just a sweet snack at home.
- Satisfying Texture: The combination of crunchy graham crackers with creamy fillings is irresistible.
- Fun to Share: Great for sharing with friends or as a unique gift.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the deliciousness of Bonfire Bars, gather your tools. The right equipment ensures smooth preparation and helps achieve the best results.
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Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Saucepan
- Rubber spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking dish: A sturdy pan ensures even baking and easy removal of your bars.
- Mixing bowls: Multiple sizes accommodate all your ingredients without mess.
- Whisk: Essential for achieving smooth mixtures, especially when combining chocolate and cream.
Ingredients
A graham cracker base, soft chocolate caramel middle, and marshmallow top.
For the Caramel Filling
- 680 grams evaporated milk
- 120 grams heavy cream
- 380 grams sugar
- 285 grams corn syrup
- 113 grams butter
- 2 grams salt
- 8 ounces bakers chocolate, unsweetened
For the Graham Cracker Base
- 300 grams chocolate or candy melts
- 340 grams graham cracker crumbs
- 300 grams flour
- 150 grams brown sugar
- 3 grams salt
- 170 grams butter, cold, cut into small cubes
For the Marshmallow Topping
- 30 grams unflavored gelatin
- 120 grams cold water
- 380 grams sugar
- 285 grams corn syrup
- 180 grams honey
- 150 grams water
- 10 grams vanilla
For Coating
- 3 lbs dark chocolate, tempered
How to Make Bonfire Bars
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish
Grease a baking dish with butter or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. This step helps ensure your Bonfire Bars come out perfectly shaped.
Step 2: Make the Graham Cracker Base
- In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, flour, brown sugar, and salt.
- Add cold butter cubes to the mixture.
- Use your hands or a pastry cutter to form a crumbly texture.
- Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish.
Step 3: Prepare the Chocolate Caramel Filling
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine evaporated milk, heavy cream, sugar, corn syrup, butter, and salt.
- Stir continuously until everything melts together smoothly.
- Add in baker’s chocolate until fully integrated.
Step 4: Pour Filling Over Crust
Carefully pour the chocolate caramel mixture over the graham cracker base. Spread it evenly using a rubber spatula for uniform thickness.
Step 5: Create Marshmallow Topping
- In another bowl, hydrate gelatin in cold water for about five minutes.
- Combine sugar, corn syrup, honey, water in a saucepan; bring to boil while stirring until dissolved.
- Remove from heat; add in gelatin mixture and vanilla extract.
- Beat with a mixer until fluffy peaks form.
Step 6: Assemble Bars
Spread the marshmallow topping over the cooled caramel layer evenly before letting it set completely.
Step 7: Coat with Dark Chocolate
Melt dark chocolate until smooth; pour over the top layer of marshmallow. Allow it to set before cutting into squares.
Enjoy your homemade Bonfire Bars!
How to Serve Bonfire Bars
Bonfire Bars are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering or just indulging at home, serving these bars creatively can enhance the experience.
Classic Serving
- Serve them chilled for a refreshing dessert on hot days.
- Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious contrast.
S’mores Style
- Drizzle melted chocolate over the top for an extra chocolatey bite.
- Add crushed graham crackers as a garnish to enhance the s’mores theme.
With Fresh Fruit
- Serve alongside fresh strawberries or raspberries for a fruity touch.
- Top with banana slices for added sweetness and texture.
As Party Favors
- Cut into bite-sized pieces and package them in clear bags.
- Tie with twine for a rustic look, perfect for party favors.
How to Perfect Bonfire Bars
To ensure your Bonfire Bars turn out perfectly every time, follow these simple tips. A few adjustments can make all the difference in flavor and texture.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow ingredients like butter and eggs to reach room temperature before mixing. This helps achieve better consistency in the batter.
- Chill Before Cutting: Let the bars cool completely before cutting them into squares. This will help them hold their shape and prevent crumbling.
- Experiment with Toppings: Don’t hesitate to try different toppings, such as nuts or flavored chocolate, to add your personal touch.
- Store Properly: Keep leftover Bonfire Bars in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them to maintain freshness.
Best Side Dishes for Bonfire Bars
When serving Bonfire Bars, complement them with delicious side dishes that enhance their flavors. Here are some great options:
- Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the richness of the bars.
- Ice Cream Sundae: Offer various toppings like sprinkles and syrups for guests to customize their sundaes alongside Bonfire Bars.
- Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses pairs well with the sweet bars, providing a savory contrast.
- Chocolate Dipped Pretzels: These salty snacks add crunch and complement the sweetness of the bars beautifully.
- Mini Cupcakes: Offer an assortment of mini cupcakes as an additional sweet treat that guests can enjoy alongside Bonfire Bars.
- Popcorn Mix: Create a fun popcorn mix with caramel and chocolate drizzles for a crunchy snack option that kids will love.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Bonfire Bars can be a delightful experience, but there are common mistakes that can affect your results.
- overmixing: Mixing the batter too much can lead to tough bars. Mix just until combined for a soft texture.
- ignoring temperatures: Not measuring ingredients at the right temperature can alter the consistency. Ensure butter and other ingredients are at room temperature.
- skipping the chilling step: Allowing the bars to cool completely is crucial. Skipping this step can result in a messy serving.
- using the wrong chocolate: Using sweetened chocolate instead of unsweetened can make the bars overly sweet. Stick with unsweetened baker’s chocolate for balance.
- neglecting to prepare your pan: Not greasing or lining your baking pan can cause sticking. Always line with parchment paper for easy removal.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Bonfire Bars in an airtight container.
- They will stay fresh for up to one week in the fridge.
Freezing Bonfire Bars
- Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
- They can be frozen for up to three months.
Reheating Bonfire Bars
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for 15-20 seconds at a time until warm.
- Stovetop: Place bars in a skillet over low heat, cover with a lid, and warm gently for about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Bonfire Bars?
Bonfire Bars are delightful treats featuring a graham cracker base, a rich chocolate caramel middle, and a fluffy marshmallow topping.
How do I customize Bonfire Bars?
You can customize Bonfire Bars by adding different types of chocolate or nuts to the caramel layer. Experiment with flavors like peanut butter or mint!
How long do Bonfire Bars last?
When stored properly, Bonfire Bars last up to one week in the refrigerator and three months in the freezer.
Can I use different types of chocolate in Bonfire Bars?
Yes! Feel free to use milk chocolate or dark chocolate according to your preference. Each will give the bars a unique taste.
Final Thoughts
Bonfire Bars are an irresistible treat perfect for any occasion. Their combination of textures and flavors makes them truly special. Feel free to customize them with your favorite ingredients, making them even more delightful!
Bonfire Bars
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 16 servings 1x
Description
Bonfire Bars are a delightful fusion of flavors and textures, reminiscent of the classic s’mores but with a unique twist. These luscious treats feature a crunchy graham cracker base, a rich chocolate caramel filling, and a fluffy marshmallow topping that melts in your mouth.
Ingredients
- Graham cracker crumbs
- Unsweetened baker's chocolate
- Heavy cream
- Marshmallows
- Corn syrup
- Butter
- Sugar
- 680 grams evaporated milk
- 120 grams heavy cream
- 380 grams sugar
- 285 grams corn syrup
- 113 grams butter
- 2 grams salt
- 8 ounces bakers chocolate, unsweetened
- 300 grams chocolate or candy melts
- 340 grams graham cracker crumbs
- 300 grams flour
- 150 grams brown sugar
- 3 grams salt
- 170 grams butter, cold, cut into small cubes
- 30 grams unflavored gelatin
- 120 grams cold water
- 380 grams sugar
- 285 grams corn syrup
- 180 grams honey
- 150 grams water
- 10 grams vanilla
- 3 lbs dark chocolate, tempered
Instructions
- Preheat your oven and prepare a baking dish by greasing or lining it with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, flour, brown sugar, and salt. Combine with cold butter until crumbly, then press into the baking dish.
- Melt evaporated milk, heavy cream, sugar, corn syrup, butter, and salt in a saucepan over medium heat until smooth. Stir in baker's chocolate.
- Pour the chocolate caramel filling over the graham cracker crust.
- For the marshmallow topping, hydrate gelatin in cold water; boil sugar, corn syrup, honey, and water until dissolved. Mix in gelatin and beat until fluffy.
- Spread the marshmallow topping over the cooled caramel layer.
- Coat with melted dark chocolate and let set before cutting into squares.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 23g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
