Naturally Sweetened Real Food S'mores Bars are a delicious summertime must! Honey sweetened real food marshmallows are layered on top of delicious chocolate ganache and a grain free honey cinnamon "graham cracker" cookie crust to form the most irresistible sweet treat.
This post is hybrid sponsored by Perfect Supplements, all opinions, recipe and photography are my own. Thank you for supporting companies I believe in, as it helps me to continue developing recipes and new content for you. This post may contain affiliate links,
Did you grow up eating old fashioned S'mores?
S'mores are such a fun, extra special summertime treat. This nostalgic dessert became a tradition for summer campfires and bonfires and remains the same all these years later.
I love s'mores, but I don't love the ingredients in mainstream marshmallows, chocolate bars and graham crackers. But I want my little ones to be able to grow up enjoying those special treats too.
What's a real food mommy to do?
Make some homemade naturally sweetened real food s'mores bars packed with protein-rich grass-fed gelatin!
What is Grass-fed Gelatin
If you follow a traditional, Paleo, Primal, real food or Weston A. Price diet, you probably know about nourishing, healthy bone broth. Bone broth is nutrient dense because of the gelatin that is produced when you cook the bones, but it's not always practical or easy to work it into your diet.
Enter grass-fed gelatin! Gelatin is basically cooked collagen and made up of collagen protein, just in slightly different form. The biggest difference between collagen and gelatin is that gelatin will gel or thicken when cooled. Perfect Bovine Gelatin allows you to easily get the nutrients of collagen via an all natural, Brazilian pasture raised and grass-fed source (source).
What are the Benefits of Gelatin
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body and plays a key role in numerous bodily functions (source).
- Improve Skin Health
- Promote Younger, Firmer Skin
- Support Joint Health
- Improve Gut Function and Digestion
- Keep Excess Inflammation in Check
- Build and Restore Muscle
- Support a Healthy Metabolism
- Keep Appetite in Check
- Promote Healthy Brain Function
- Promote Deeper Sleep
Why I LOVE Perfect Supplements Gelatin
Perfect Supplements recently released their BRAND NEW gelatin and I couldn't be more happy about it! I have been patiently awaiting this release because I LOVE their Perfect Collagen so much {my family has been using it daily for about a year now}.
When I support a product or company on my blog, it has to fit my standards for health, quality and sourcing. I only recommend using quality grass-fed gelatin. Knowing the source and where the gelatin comes from is very important to me.
I can't say enough good things about Perfect Supplements. They truly care about the quality of their natural supplements and products. Perfect Supplements Bovine Gelatin is 100% pesticide and hormone free, non-GMO, lab tested with proof of purity, and high protein {98%}. It's perfect for making homemade marshmallows, homemade gummies, custard, pies, "jello" and more.
Not All Gelatins Are Created Equal
Perfect Supplements Bovine Gelatin meets all of these requirements (source):
- 100% Beef Gelatin (Collagen Protein)
- Sourced exclusively from Brazilian Pasture Raised (Grass-fed) Cows
- 100% Natural, Pesticide & Hormone Free
- Non-GMO
- Lactose & Dairy Free
- 98% Protein and 0 Carbs and 0 Fat Per Serving
- Lab Tested with Proof of Purity
- Backed by Perfect Supplements 100% Money Back Guarantee
- Silver Level Green America Certified Business
- No Fillers of Flow Agents – Just Pure Collagen Protein
- 60 Servings Per Bottle, 660 gram container
A final note, quality is always my first priority, but Perfect Supplements also just happens to have an awesome price point. Compared to other brands, their cost per gram of gelatin is very reasonable.
BONUS: I want to share my Recipes to Nourish Perfect Supplements 10% OFF coupon code with you! Just follow the link here and enter NOURISH10 at checkout for 10% off your entire order.
Make sure to enjoy some grain-free Naturally Sweetened Real Food S'mores Bars before the summer ends!
This treat is so perfect with its gooey layer of delectable marshmallow, rich chocolatey goodness and thick honey cinnamon "graham cracker" cookie crust.
Naturally Sweetened Real Food S'mores Bars
Naturally Sweetened Real Food Smores Bars {Grain Free}
Naturally Sweetened Real Food S'mores Bars are a delicious summertime must! Honey sweetened real food marshmallows are layered on top of delicious chocolate ganache and a grain free honey cinnamon "graham cracker" cookie crust to form the most irresistible sweet treat.
Ingredients
For the Homemade Marshmallows:
- 1 cup filtered water, divided
- 3 tablespoons Perfect Supplements Bovine Gelatin
- 1 cup light colored pure, real honey
- ¼ teaspoon Celtic sea salt <-- use
- 2 ½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- ⅓ cup arrowroot starch, powdered erythritol, or organic powdered sugar
For the "Graham Cracker" Crust:
- 1 cup cassava flour <-- use
- 7 tablespoons grass-fed butter, cut into tablespoons
- ¼ cup light colored pure, real honey
- 1 tablespoon Perfect Supplements Bovine Gelatin
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (<-- cinnamon)
- ¼ teaspoon Celtic sea salt
For the Chocolate Ganache:
- 10 ounces allergy-free chocolate chips, fair trade chocolate bar or stevia-sweetened
- chocolate chips <-- favorite
- 4 tablespoons grass-fed butter
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon Celtic sea salt
Instructions
To Make the Homemade Marshmallows:
- Line an 8x8 {or larger} pan with unbleached parchment paper in both directions {so you can easily lift up the marshmallows when they are set}. In a small bowl, add arrowroot starch. Use half of the mixture to evenly distribute over the bottom of the parchment paper lined pan. Set aside.
- Assemble your standing mixer with the mixing bowl and whisk attachment or use a large mixing bowl and hand held mixer. Add ½ cup filtered water to the mixing bowl then sprinkle the gelatin over the water. Let the gelatin sit as you make the honey mixture.
- In a medium-size sauce pan {with high edges} add ½ cup filtered water, honey and sea salt. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium high heat {if using a candy thermometer, place in the honey mixture}. Stir constantly as the mixture will start to bubble and get foamy the hotter it gets - stirring keeps it from overflowing. Simmer until it reaches 240 degrees. If you don't have a candy thermometer, this will take about 8 minutes. Remove from heat and add vanilla extract.
- With the mixer on low, SLOWLY and carefully drizzle the hot honey mixture in a thin continuous stream down the side of the bowl, this should take about 1 minute. ***Remember the honey mixture is extremely hot, so use caution.*** Turn the mixer to high and continue beating until the mixture becomes thick, glossy and has increased in volume, about 13 to 15 minutes. Turn off the mixer and transfer marshmallow fluff to the parchment paper lined pan. Use a spatula to evenly distribute and smooth the top.
- Dust the top of the marshmallow fluff with the remaining arrowroot powder.
- Let the marshmallows sit at room temperature to set for at least 8 hours, best overnight.
- When marshmallows are set, remove by lifting the parchment paper flaps. Set on a flat surface or large cutting board {the marshmallows should still be on the parchment paper}. Carefully remove the parchment paper from the sides of the marshmallows {it should release easily, just do it slowly}. Use a large chef's knife, dusted with arrowroot powder, to cut the marshmallows into desired size. *** See NOTES below for cutting ideas. ***
To Make the "Graham Cracker" Crust:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line an 8x8 baking pan with unbleached parchment paper. Set aside.
- Add all ingredients to a large mixing bowl. Use clean hands to form into dough, breaking up the butter as you go. Finished dough will be semi-damp and sticky. Transfer dough to parchment paper lined baking pan. Use hands to press dough into the bottom of the pan, evenly distributing it across the whole pan. Bake for 15-20 minutes, until edges are light golden brown. Cool completely.
To Make the Chocolate Ganache:
- Add all ingredients to a small saucepan or double boiler. Over medium-low heat, gently melt the chocolate and butter, stirring frequently until chocolate and butter and melted and glossy. Remove from heat immediately and pour chocolate over cooled "graham cracker" crust. Spread evenly over the top of the "graham cracker" crust. Place in freezer for 15 minutes for the chocolate to set, then remove from freezer. Cut into desired squares.
How to Assemble Smores Bars:
Option 1: Place marshmallows on parchment paper lined baking sheet, leaving 2" between each marshmallow. Place under low broiler, with door cracked until tops of marshmallows are lightly toasted. DO NOT WALK AWAY FROM THE MARSHMALLOWS or they will melt quickly and burn. Place each toasted marshmallow on tops of smores squares.
- Option 2: Place non-toasted marshmallows on the tops of the smores squares.
Notes
ADVANCE PREPARATION REQUIRED
Marshmallow Yield: Makes about 25 1" marshmallows.
I cut the the rustic edges off first of the marshmallows and cut those strips into mini marshmallows, making about 30-40 mini marshmallows.
Recommended Products
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Silicone Spatula - 6 Spatulas Silicone Heat Resistant - Mini Rubber Spatula Set - Cooking Spatulas for Nonstick Cookware - Colorful Baking Kitchen Spatula Set - One Piece Design Spoon (Multicolor) -
KitchenAid KSM150PSER Artisan Tilt-Head Stand Mixer with Pouring Shield, 5-Quart, Empire Red
-
Beyond Gourmet 042 Unbleached Non-Stick Parchment Paper Made in Sweden, 71-Square-Feet, 15 x 1.75 x 1.75 Off-White
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 25 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 245Total Fat: 10gSaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 14mgSodium: 114mgCarbohydrates: 42gFiber: 1gSugar: 36gProtein: 2g
This nutritional information was auto-generated based on serving size, number of servings, and typical information for the ingredients listed. To obtain the most accurate representation of the nutritional information in a given recipe, please calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients and amounts used, using your preferred nutrition calculator. Under no circumstances shall the this website and the author be responsible for any loss or damage resulting for your reliance on the given nutritional information. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.
Are you on Pinterest? I pin lots of yummy real food recipes + more there. I have a board just for Snacks & Small Bites, Sides and Gluten Free Treats too. Come follow along.
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Logan
These look amazing! I am a huge fan of s'mores!
Chrystal @ Gluten-Free Palate
These are so cute! And those Marshmallows looks amazing on top!
Megan Stevens
I love how these are so gently toasted. SO much love in these. So sweet for a tea party or just a pleasure-feast!! They're so pretty, Emily!
Megan
Those are the perfect, bite-sized pieces!
Michelle Marie
This looks really interesting. I have never heard of it being done this way! YUM!
Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
Certainly not authentic, but they're really fun in this form and much healthier too 🙂
Renee Kohley
Oh what fun! I love PS gelatin too! This is a super fun summer treat!
Diana Johnson
I love how these smores bars look!
Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
Thanks Diana! 🙂
Leah
These look and sound amazing! I love homemade marshmallow, and can't wait to try these!
Raia
I love this idea, Emily! Anything with homemade marshmallows and chocolate ganache has to be a winner. 😉 I think I might just have enough Otto's left to make those crackers, too. 😉
Mariah
I love anything S'more related! These look so tasty and the perfect bit size!
Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
Thanks! They're so fun and delicious 🙂
alison
Wow! I'm so impressed - I struggle in the kitchen, but this looks easy and I'm sure, delicious. Thanks!
Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
They're really easy to make. I hope you get to try some. 🙂
Lauren
These look really good! I love that they are gluten free and I really want to make my own marshmallows some day!
Chloe
This looks so tasty! Safe to say that any s'mores recipe is an instant win in my book. 🙂
Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
Thanks so much Chloe! 🙂
Rachel
What an adorable, decadent way to eat gelatin!
Ashley
Yum!! These look amazing! What a perfect summer treat!
xo Ashley
Julie
I love the idea of a healthier s'more. These look amazing!
bella
OK these look so good!!! If I made them I would eat the whole pan. Thanks for sharing
Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
LOL thanks, I know what you mean 🙂
Angie
Those look absolutely delicious! YUM!
Bethany @ athletic avocado
I've always wanted to make my own marshmallows, but never found a good recipe. This recipe for both the marshmallows and the smores bars look amazing! Love me some smores!
Amanda
I've never tried making marshmallos , but I love s'mores. I may try my hand at it.
Cara
These look yummy! Beautiful photos too! 🙂
Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
Thank you so much Cara xo
The Food Hunter
I love that they are bite size!
Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
🙂 they're so fun, you get a few good bites out of these
Amanda
Yum! I would love to try these out. As someone who has to be gluten free, many of my favorite desserts have gone to the wayside. This would be a great alternative.
Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
I hear you Amanda, I'm right there with you. These are fun for sure. 🙂
Adaleta
These seriously look amazing & it's making me crave smores ;)! xx
Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
Thank you! Hope you get to have some 🙂
Marie
A perfect summer treat! I can't wait to try these. Yum! 🙂
Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
Thanks! I hope you get to Marie 🙂
linda
I want these stat! So good!
Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
Wish I could send you some 🙂 xo
Mama Munchkin (@globalmunchkins)
What a delicious way to get in some of that great gelatin. Love these. Perfect way to treat the kids too!
Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
Thanks! I think so too, such a fun treat for the kiddos 🙂
Carol
MEMORIES of childhood summertime fun.
These look delicious and a wonderful healthy option for sure!!
Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
I love that it brings back childhood memories.
Portia Smith
Holy smokes - this looks incredible! I've never cooked with Gelatin - but this recipe is swaying me to try it! Thanks for sharing!
Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
Thanks so much Portia 🙂 I hope you get to try using some, grass-fed gelatin is awesome stuff.
Alix
Thanks so much for your fantastic recipes!
I've been reading recently about the dangers of heating honey as brought to my attention by Sarah Pope who I'm sure you are familiar with due to your Weston A Price influence. With that in mind, would this recipe work with any other sweetener or without heating the honey?
Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
Hi Alix, yes I know who Sarah is and I'm familiar with that particular post that she wrote. I am aware of that line of thinking but I have not seen any sound evidence or much to back it up. When it comes to corn syrup or refined sugar, cooked honey is still a better option for me and a much safer sweetener in my opinion. Yes, the honey does have to be cooked because you're creating a candy stage with the boil. I'm sure you could use maple syrup instead but I have not tried it for this particular recipe, but I know others who have used maple syrup. You could try other syrups like date syrup, but again, I have never used date syrup so I'm not sure what the results will be.
Maya | Wholesome Yum
Wow, I totally thought that marshmallows were off the table if you want food that's natural and refined-sugar-free. Thank you for this recipe. It looks so good, and I love that you get the benefits of gelatin in it.
Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
Thanks Maya! 🙂 Yes you can still enjoy them, they're so much fun.