How to Make Thanksgiving S’mores Bars with Pumpkin and Chocolate: A Festive Treat

What’s better than classic s’mores? Thanksgiving-inspired s’mores bars with pumpkin and chocolate! These gooey, spiced, and chocolatey bars take traditional s’mores to the next level with a pumpkin-infused filling, a buttery graham cracker crust, and melty chocolate topped with toasted marshmallows.

These bars are perfect for Thanksgiving dessert, blending the flavors of pumpkin pie, rich chocolate, and toasted marshmallow into a single, irresistible treat. Let’s dive into this fun, easy-to-make Thanksgiving s’mores bars recipe!

Looking for a fun and festive twist on a classic treat? These Thanksgiving s’mores bars with pumpkin and chocolate combine gooey toasted marshmallows, spiced pumpkin filling, and rich melted chocolate on a buttery graham cracker crust. It’s the perfect seasonal dessert that blends the flavors of fall with a touch of nostalgia.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to make s’mores bars step by step, including layering techniques, baking tips, and serving ideas. Whether you’re enjoying them by the fire, at a family gathering, or as a post-Thanksgiving treat, these bars will be a hit. Let’s get baking!

1. Why You’ll Love These Thanksgiving S’mores Bars

✔ Pumpkin + Chocolate + Marshmallows – The ultimate flavor combo!
✔ Gooey, Crunchy & Delicious – A mix of textures in every bite.
✔ Easy to Make Ahead – Perfect for prepping before the holiday feast.
✔ No Campfire Needed – Enjoy s’mores indoors, no firepit required!
✔ Perfect for Thanksgiving Desserts – A fun twist on traditional pumpkin treats.

The Secret to the Best Thanksgiving S’mores Bars

1. Use a buttery graham cracker crust – This creates a crunchy base.
2. Make a creamy pumpkin filling – Infused with warm spices.
3. Use high-quality chocolate – Melts perfectly and adds richness.
4. Broil the marshmallows at the end – Creates that classic toasted s’mores look.

2. Ingredients for Thanksgiving S’mores Bars

For the Graham Cracker Crust:

• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 14 crackers)
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon

For the Pumpkin Filling:

• 1 cup canned pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling) 🎃
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ginger
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 large egg

For the Chocolate & Marshmallow Topping:

• 6 oz semisweet chocolate bars, chopped (or 1 cup chocolate chips) 🍫
• 2 cups mini marshmallows 🔥

3. How to Make Thanksgiving S’mores Bars

Step 1: Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
3. Press the mixture into a 9×9-inch baking pan, making an even layer.
4. Bake for 10 minutes, then let cool slightly.

Step 2: Make the Pumpkin Filling

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together pumpkin purée, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, salt, and egg.
2. Pour the pumpkin filling over the baked graham crust and spread evenly.
3. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.

Step 3: Add Chocolate Layer

1. While the bars are still warm, sprinkle chopped chocolate or chocolate chips over the pumpkin filling.
2. Let sit for 5 minutes to melt, then spread evenly with a spatula.

Step 4: Toast the Marshmallow Topping

1. Sprinkle mini marshmallows evenly over the melted chocolate.
2. Broil on high for 1-2 minutes, watching closely, until marshmallows are golden brown and toasted.

Step 5: Cool, Slice & Serve

1. Let the bars cool completely before slicing for clean cuts.
2. Slice into squares and serve warm or at room temperature!

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4. Pro Tips for the Best S’mores Bars

🔥 Use fresh marshmallows – Older marshmallows don’t toast as well.
🔥 Watch the broiler closely – Marshmallows can burn in seconds!
🔥 Let the bars cool before slicing – This helps the layers set.
🔥 Use high-quality chocolate – Melts better and tastes richer.
🔥 Grease your knife when cutting – Prevents marshmallows from sticking.

5. Variations & Customizations

Make It Extra Chocolatey

🍫 Add an extra layer of chocolate chips between the pumpkin and graham cracker crust.

Make It Nutty

🥜 Sprinkle chopped pecans or almonds on top of the chocolate.

Make It Spicier

🌶️ Add a pinch of cayenne or extra cinnamon for warmth.

Make It Vegan

🌱 Use dairy-free chocolate, vegan marshmallows, and coconut oil instead of butter.

Make It Gluten-Free

🌾 Use gluten-free graham crackers for the crust.

6. How to Make These Bars Ahead of Time

✔ Bake the crust and pumpkin layer 1-2 days in advance, then add the chocolate and marshmallows just before serving.
✔ Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
✔ Reheat for 5 minutes in a 300°F oven to make the marshmallows gooey again.

7. Best Thanksgiving Pairings for S’mores Bars

☕ Pumpkin Spice Latte – The perfect cozy drink with your s’mores bars.
🍷 Sweet Dessert Wine – Pairs beautifully with chocolate and marshmallow flavors.
🍂 Cinnamon Apple Cider – A warm, spiced drink for a fall dessert pairing.
🍦 Vanilla Ice Cream – Serve a warm bar with a scoop of ice cream for a delicious contrast.

8. Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

❌ Crust is too crumbly? – Add an extra tablespoon of melted butter to help it hold together.
❌ Marshmallows burned too fast? – Use a lower broiler setting and keep an eye on them.
❌ Pumpkin layer is too runny? – Make sure the bars are completely cool before slicing.
❌ Chocolate didn’t melt properly? – Let it sit on the warm pumpkin filling for a few minutes before spreading.
❌ Bars are too soft? – Chill them in the fridge for 30 minutes before slicing.

9. Leftover Ideas for Thanksgiving S’mores Bars

🍪 S’mores Bar Sundae – Serve bars crumbled over ice cream.
🍞 S’mores French Toast – Use leftovers as a filling between French toast slices.
🍫 S’mores Shake – Blend with milk and ice cream for a rich chocolate shake.
🥧 Thanksgiving S’mores Trifle – Layer bars with whipped cream and graham crumbs.

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FAQs

1. Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin purée?

No! Pumpkin pie filling has added sugar and spices, which will make the bars too sweet.

2. Can I make these without an oven?

Yes! Use a store-bought graham cracker crust and set the bars in the fridge instead of baking.

3. Can I use large marshmallows instead of mini?

Yes! Just cut them into smaller pieces before adding them to the bars.

4. How do I store these bars?

Store in an airtight container at room temp for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days.

5. Can I freeze these bars?

Yes! Freeze before adding marshmallows and toast them after reheating.

6. Can I add graham cracker crumbs on top?

Yes! Sprinkle extra crumbs before broiling for added crunch.

7. What’s the best way to serve these?

Warm or at room temp, with a scoop of ice cream!

8. Can I make these with dark chocolate?

Absolutely! Dark chocolate adds a richer taste.

9. Can I add peanut butter?

Yes! Drizzle melted peanut butter over the bars before serving.

10. Can I make these in muffin tins?

Yes! Use muffin cups for individual mini s’mores bars.