Paleo Smores Bars are absolutely dreamy-think gooey marshmallow, luscious dark chocolate, and a golden, grain-free cookie crust that will make your inner kid swoon! Each bite delivers those signature campfire flavors in a much healthier, wholesome way.

This recipe is a must-try because it recreates the iconic s'mores flavor combo with Paleo-friendly, real-food ingredients. No gluten, no dairy, and no refined sugar, but all the classic nostalgia and fun.

Best of all, they're easy to throw together for family gatherings, picnics, or whenever your sweet tooth calls. These bars are a personal favorite for summer BBQs-who says you need a campfire to enjoy s'mores magic?

A gooey, chocolatey slice of Paleo Smores Bars with golden marshmallow topping

Why You'll Love This Recipe

All the classic s'mores flavors, made Paleo!
No campfire needed-ready in under an hour
Kid-friendly and perfect for sharing at parties or potlucks
Naturally gluten-free, grain-free, and dairy-free
Made with real, wholesome ingredients you can feel good about

Key Ingredients for Paleo Smores Bars

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Almond Flour

Almond flour forms the hearty, nutty base for these bars. It gives the crust its signature chewy texture and keeps everything gluten and grain free. Opt for super-fine blanched almond flour for the best results. If you only have almond meal, the bars will work but be a little denser.

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil brings healthy moisture and subtle tropical flavor to the crust. Melt it gently before mixing for easy incorporation. You can substitute grass-fed butter or ghee if dairy is not an issue for you, but coconut oil is classic for Paleo treats.

Maple Syrup

Maple syrup sweetens both the crust and the marshmallow layer naturally, skipping the need for refined sugar. Use pure, grade A or B maple syrup for the richest flavor. Raw honey can also be used for a different flavor profile.

Homemade Marshmallow

Homemade Paleo marshmallows use gelatin for texture and maple syrup for sweetness-no corn syrup or processed ingredients here. Look for high-quality, grass-fed gelatin powder for the bounciest marshmallow layer, and make sure to bloom it properly for the best texture.

Dark Chocolate

A generous dark chocolate layer is what makes these bars super decadent. Choose Paleo-friendly chocolate that's at least 70% cacao and naturally sweetened, or use unsweetened chocolate chips and add a little extra maple syrup if you like things sweeter.

Instructions for Paleo Smores Bars

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Make the Grain-Free Cookie Crust

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, mix almond flour, coconut flour, melted coconut oil, maple syrup, and sea salt until a crumbly dough forms. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly golden. Allow to cool for about 10 minutes.

Melt the Chocolate Layer

In a small saucepan set over low heat, combine the Paleo chocolate chips and 2 tablespoons coconut oil. Stir constantly until the chocolate is smooth and glossy. Pour the melted chocolate over the cooled cookie base and spread it evenly with a spatula. Place the pan in the freezer for 10-15 minutes to let the chocolate set.

Prepare the Marshmallow Layer

While the chocolate sets, make the marshmallow layer. Pour half of the water (¼ cup) into a large mixing bowl and sprinkle the gelatin evenly over the surface to bloom. Let it sit for several minutes. In a small saucepan, combine the remaining ¼ cup water and maple syrup. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.

Whip Up the Marshmallow

Carefully pour the hot maple syrup mixture into the bloomed gelatin. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the mixture on high for about 6-8 minutes, until white, glossy, and tripled in volume. Add vanilla extract and a pinch of salt during the last minute of mixing.

Assemble and Set the Bars

Spread the marshmallow layer evenly over the chilled chocolate. Use a lightly greased spatula to prevent sticking. Let the bars set at room temperature for at least 45 minutes to an hour, or until the marshmallow is firm. For a fun campfire vibe, use a kitchen torch to gently toast the top!

Slice and Serve

Once fully set, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment edges. Slice into 9 squares using a sharp knife (lightly greased for clean edges). Serve and enjoy these gooey, chocolatey Paleo Smores Bars!

Recipe Variations

Nut-Free Option

Replace the almond flour with sunflower seed flour to make these bars completely nut-free. The flavor will be a tad more earthy, but still delicious and allergy-friendly!

Extra Chocolatey

Double the amount of chocolate chips and create a thicker, more decadent chocolate layer. Or top the bars with mini Paleo-friendly chocolate chips before the marshmallow layer sets for extra texture.

Vegan-Friendly Marshmallow

Substitute the gelatin with agar powder for a plant-based marshmallow layer. The texture won't be identical (a bit firmer and less stretchy), but still tasty and fully vegan.

Swap the Sweetener

Try using raw honey in place of maple syrup for a more floral, robust sweetness that pairs beautifully with the nutty crust.

Add a Crunchy Topper

Sprinkle unsweetened, shredded coconut or chopped nuts on top of the marshmallow before it sets for some extra crunch.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Paleo Smores Bars with a big glass of homemade almond milk or a steaming cup of coffee for the perfect nostalgic treat. For parties, slice them into mini squares and garnish with a sprinkle of flaked sea salt or torched marshmallow bits for a playful, gourmet touch.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days for extra freshness. If you prefer a gooier bite, let refrigerated bars come to room temperature before serving. These bars freeze well for up to 2 months-just separate layers with parchment so they don't stick. No need to reheat, but if you like your marshmallow extra melty, give sliced bars a quick 5-10 second zap in the microwave.

Frequently Asked Questions About Paleo Smores Bars (FAQ)

Q: Can I make these Paleo Smores Bars ahead of time?

A: Absolutely! Prepare them a day in advance and store in the fridge. The layers will set perfectly and the flavor only gets better.

Q: How do I get clean slices without sticking?

A: For neat squares, use a sharp knife lightly greased with coconut oil and wipe between cuts. Chilling the bars thoroughly also helps!

Q: Can I use store-bought marshmallows?

A: Traditional marshmallows aren't Paleo, but you can use a clean Paleo-friendly brand if you want to save time. Homemade always tastes the best!

These Paleo Smores Bars are everything you love about classic s'mores, made healthier and easier to enjoy any time, anywhere. I hope you give these a try-if you do, let me know what you think in the comments below and don't forget to leave a rating!