Golden Graham Bars: Easy No-Bake Recipe for Perfect Sweet Treats

Introduction

Golden graham bars are delicious no-bake treats that combine the crunchy texture of Golden Grahams cereal with sweet marshmallows and butter. These simple dessert bars have been a favorite in American households for decades. They require only a few basic ingredients and take less than 15 minutes to prepare, making them perfect for busy families, quick snacks, or last-minute party menu.

The best part about golden graham bars is that you do not need an oven. You can make them on the stovetop or even in the microwave. Children and adults both love these sweet, crispy bars that taste similar to Rice Krispies treats but with a unique graham cracker flavor.

Recipe Overview

Preparation Time	5 minutes
Cooking Time	5 minutes
Total Time	10 minutes (plus 1 hour cooling time)
Servings	16 bars
Difficulty Level	Easy

Ingredients

For Golden Graham Bars Recipe Easy:

• 6 cups Golden Grahams cereal – The main ingredient that gives these bars their signature taste
• 3 tablespoons butter – Adds richness and helps bind ingredients
• 4 cups mini marshmallows (or 40 regular marshmallows) – Creates the sweet, sticky base
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional) – Enhances overall flavor

For Golden Graham Bars with Corn Syrup:

If you prefer the original golden grahams s’mores recipe variation:

• 6 cups Golden Grahams cereal
• 1/4 cup light corn syrup
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 cups mini marshmallows
• 1 cup milk chocolate chips (optional, for s’mores version)

Method

Stovetop Method (Traditional):

1. Prepare your pan: Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it with butter. This prevents sticking and makes removal easier.
2. Measure the cereal: Pour 6 cups of Golden Grahams cereal into a large mixing bowl. Set aside.
3. Melt butter and marshmallows: In a large saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over low heat. Add 4 cups of mini marshmallows to the melted butter.
4. Stir constantly: Keep stirring the mixture until marshmallows completely melt and blend with the butter. This takes about 3-4 minutes. The mixture should be smooth and creamy.
5. Add vanilla: Remove the pan from heat and stir in vanilla extract if using.
6. Combine with cereal: Pour the melted marshmallow mixture over the Golden Grahams cereal in your bowl. Using a rubber spatula or wooden spoon coated with cooking spray, quickly mix until all cereal is evenly coated.
7. Press into pan: Transfer the mixture to your prepared pan. Using the back of your spatula or wax paper, press the mixture firmly and evenly into the pan. Press hard enough to compact the bars but not so hard that you crush the cereal.
8. Cool completely: Let the bars cool at room temperature for at least 1 hour until firm. Then cut into 16 equal squares.

Golden Graham Bars Microwave Method:

1. Prepare your pan the same way as above.
2. Microwave method: In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine butter and marshmallows. Microwave on high for 1 minute.
3. Stir and repeat: Remove and stir well. Microwave for another 30-60 seconds until marshmallows are completely melted.
4. Follow steps 5-8 from the stovetop method above.

Golden Graham Bars with Corn Syrup Variation:

1. Follow the same preparation steps, but in step 3, add corn syrup along with the butter before adding marshmallows.
2. The corn syrup makes the bars slightly softer and gives them a different texture. Some people prefer this method because it keeps bars fresher longer.

Serving Tips and Tricks

Tips for Perfect Golden Graham Bars:

• Do not overheat marshmallows: High heat can make marshmallows tough and hard to mix. Always use low to medium heat.
• Work quickly: The marshmallow mixture starts to set as it cools. Mix and press into the pan as fast as possible after removing from heat.
• Coat your utensils: Spray your spatula, spoon, or hands with cooking spray to prevent sticking when mixing and pressing.
• Press firmly but gently: You want compact bars that hold together, but pressing too hard crushes the cereal and makes dense, hard bars.
• Cut with a greased knife: Spray your knife with cooking spray before cutting for clean edges.
• Make them fancy: Add chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, or mini M&Ms to the mixture before pressing into the pan.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve golden graham bars as an after-school snack with cold milk
• Pack them in lunchboxes for a sweet treat
• Cut into smaller squares for party dessert tables
• Drizzle melted chocolate on top for extra sweetness
• Serve alongside ice cream for a special dessert

Storage and Temperature Guide

Room Temperature Storage:

• Store golden graham bars in an airtight container at room temperature
• They stay fresh for 5-7 days when properly stored
• Place wax paper or parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking
• Keep away from direct sunlight and heat sources

Refrigerator Storage:

• You can refrigerate golden graham bars to extend their life
• Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks
• Let them come to room temperature before serving for best texture
• Cold bars are firmer and less chewy

Freezer Storage:

• Golden graham bars freeze very well
• Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag
• Freeze for up to 2 months
• Thaw at room temperature for 20-30 minutes before eating
• Frozen bars make a fun cold treat in summer

Temperature Tips:

• These bars taste best at room temperature when they are slightly soft and chewy
• Avoid making them in very hot weather unless you have air conditioning, as heat can make them too soft
• If bars become too hard, microwave for 5-10 seconds to soften

Nutritional Value

Per Serving (1 bar, based on 16 servings):

• Calories: 120-140
• Total Fat: 2-3g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Cholesterol: 5mg
• Sodium: 100-120mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 26-28g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 14-16g
• Protein: 1-2g

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and vary based on specific brands and optional ingredients used.

Health Considerations:

Golden graham bars are a sweet treat and should be enjoyed in moderation. They contain sugar and carbohydrates but also provide some whole grains from the cereal. They make a better snack choice than many processed cookies or candies because they contain real grain and less artificial ingredients.

Frequently Asked Questions

What flavor is golden graham?

Golden Grahams cereal has a sweet honey and graham cracker flavor. The cereal is made from whole grain wheat and corn with a honey coating, which gives it a taste similar to graham crackers but with added sweetness. This unique flavor makes golden graham bars taste different from regular marshmallow cereal bars.

Why was Golden Grahams discontinued?

Golden Grahams has not been discontinued. This cereal is still produced by General Mills and is available in stores across the United States. Some people think it was discontinued because it may be harder to find in certain stores or regions. However, General Mills continues to manufacture Golden Grahams. You can purchase it at most major grocery stores, online retailers, or directly from the General Mills website.

What countries sell Golden Grahams?

Golden Grahams cereal is primarily sold in the United States and Canada. It is manufactured by General Mills in North America. The cereal has been available in the UK in the past but availability there has been limited in recent years. Some international stores or specialty import shops in other countries may carry Golden Grahams, but it is mainly a North American product.

Is Golden Grahams healthy?

Golden Grahams is a sweetened breakfast cereal that provides some nutritional benefits but also contains added sugars. Each serving provides whole grains, vitamins, and minerals that General Mills adds during production. However, Golden Grahams contains 9-12 grams of sugar per serving, which is relatively high for a breakfast cereal.

The cereal is not considered a health food, but it is not the least healthy option either. It provides some fiber and whole grains. For a healthier approach, you can mix Golden Grahams with unsweetened cereal or eat smaller portions. Golden graham bars are a dessert or treat, not a health food, and should be enjoyed occasionally rather than daily.

Can I use regular marshmallows instead of mini marshmallows?

Yes, you can use regular marshmallows. You will need about 40 regular marshmallows to equal 4 cups of mini marshmallows. Regular marshmallows take slightly longer to melt, so add an extra minute to your melting time.

Can I make these bars without corn syrup?

Yes, the basic golden graham bars recipe does not require corn syrup at all. The simple version uses only butter, marshmallows, and cereal. Corn syrup is an optional ingredient that some people add to make bars softer and prevent them from getting too hard.

Why are my golden graham bars hard?

Bars become hard when the marshmallow mixture is overheated or overcooked. High heat changes the marshmallow structure and makes it tough when cooled. Always use low heat and remove from heat as soon as marshmallows melt. Old marshmallows can also make harder bars.

Can I add chocolate to golden graham bars?

Yes, you can add 1 cup of chocolate chips to the mixture for a chocolate variation. You can also melt chocolate and drizzle it on top of cooled bars. Some people make s’mores golden graham bars by adding chocolate chips and extra marshmallows.

How do I prevent golden graham bars from sticking to the pan?

Always line your pan with parchment paper or grease it well with butter before adding the mixture. You can also spray the pan with cooking spray. When pressing the mixture into the pan, use wax paper or a greased spatula to prevent sticking to your hands or tools.

Conclusion

Golden graham bars are a simple, delicious treat that anyone can make at home. This golden graham bars recipe easy method requires no baking and only basic ingredients that most people already have in their kitchen. Whether you make them using the traditional stovetop method, the quick golden graham bars microwave technique, or try the golden graham bars with corn syrup variation, you will end up with sweet, crunchy bars that everyone loves.

The golden graham bars general mills recipe has been bringing families together for years. These bars are perfect for teaching children how to cook because they are safe, simple, and fun to make. The golden graham bars ingredients are minimal, and the original golden grahams s’mores recipe variations let you customize these treats to your taste.

Next time you need a quick dessert or snack, try making golden graham bars. They are budget-friendly, take only minutes to prepare, and taste amazing. Whether you enjoy them plain or dressed up with chocolate and extras, golden graham bars never disappoint.