Pumpkin S’mores

Quick Answer

Pumpkin S’mores are a cozy fall twist on the classic campfire treat, combining buttery graham crackers, rich chocolate, toasted marshmallows, and a creamy pumpkin filling flavored with warm pumpkin pie spice. This easy baked version comes together in about 35 minutes, making it perfect for fall gatherings, holiday dessert tables, or whenever you’re craving a chocolatey autumn treat without needing a campfire.

❤️ Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin S’mores Recipe

• Perfect for fall gatherings. Creamy pumpkin, warm pumpkin pie spice, gooey marshmallows, and melted chocolate come together in one irresistible seasonal dessert.
• No campfire required. Bake these pumpkin s’mores right in your oven and finish them under the broiler for beautifully toasted marshmallows.
• Easy to make with simple ingredients. Everything you need can be found at most grocery stores, making this a great last-minute dessert for parties or holidays.
• Rich, gooey, and easy to slice. The buttery graham cracker crust and creamy pumpkin filling create bars that are perfect for sharing once they’ve cooled.
• Easy to customize. Try white chocolate, chopped pecans, caramel drizzle, or even a gingersnap crust to make this recipe your own.

I love making these Pumpkin S’mores when fall arrives because they combine everything I enjoy about classic s’mores with the cozy flavors of pumpkin and warm spices. They’re rich, gooey, and incredibly easy to make right in the oven—no campfire required.

Whether I’m baking for a holiday gathering or simply satisfying a sweet craving, these layered bars of buttery graham crackers, creamy pumpkin filling, melty chocolate, and toasted marshmallows are always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These simple ingredients come together to create the perfect balance of crunchy, creamy, chocolatey, and gooey in every bite. Be sure to use 100% pure pumpkin purée for the best flavor and texture.

• Graham cracker crumbs – Form the buttery, crunchy crust.
• Unsalted butter – Helps bind the crust together while adding rich flavor.
• Granulated sugar – Adds a touch of sweetness to the crust.
• 100% pure pumpkin purée – The star ingredient that gives these bars their creamy texture and classic fall flavor.
• Sweetened condensed milk – Makes the pumpkin filling smooth, rich, and perfectly creamy.
• Pumpkin pie spice – Adds warm notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves.
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips – Melt into the filling for rich chocolate flavor in every bite.
• Mini marshmallows – Toast to a golden brown topping that’s irresistibly gooey.

Equipment You’ll Need

You don’t need any special equipment to make these Pumpkin S’mores—just a few basic baking tools.

• 8×8-inch baking pan – Perfect for thick, easy-to-slice dessert bars.
• Parchment paper – Makes lifting the bars out of the pan simple.
• Mixing bowls – One for the crust and one for the pumpkin filling.
• Whisk – Blends the filling until smooth.
• Rubber spatula – Helps spread the pumpkin filling evenly.
• Measuring cups and spoons – For accurate ingredient measurements.
• Wire cooling rack – Allows the bars to cool completely before slicing.

How to Make Pumpkin S’mores

These baked Pumpkin S’mores come together in just a few simple steps and are perfect for sharing. Let the bars cool completely before slicing for the cleanest cuts.

1. Preheat the oven. Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. Make the crust. Mix the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until the mixture resembles wet sand.
3. Bake the crust. Press the crumb mixture firmly into the prepared pan and bake for about 8 minutes, until lightly golden around the edges.
4. Prepare the pumpkin filling. Whisk together the pumpkin purée, sweetened condensed milk, and pumpkin pie spice until smooth.
5. Assemble the bars. Spread the pumpkin filling evenly over the warm crust, then sprinkle the chocolate chips across the top.
6. Bake again. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the filling is mostly set.
7. Toast the marshmallows. Switch the oven to broil, cover the top with mini marshmallows, and broil for 1–2 minutes until golden brown, watching carefully to prevent burning.
8. Cool and serve. Let the bars cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving for the best texture.

Tips for the Best Pumpkin S’mores

Enjoy them slightly warm. While they slice best after cooling, a gently warmed bar has irresistibly gooey chocolate and marshmallows.

Use 100% pure pumpkin purée. Avoid pumpkin pie filling, which already contains added sugar and spices that can affect the flavor and texture.

Press the crust firmly into the pan. A compact crust holds together better and makes the bars easier to slice without crumbling.

Watch the marshmallows carefully. They toast very quickly under the broiler, so don’t walk away—they can burn in seconds.

Let the bars cool completely. Cooling allows the pumpkin filling to set, making it much easier to cut clean, neat squares.

Line the pan with parchment paper. It makes removing the bars simple and helps keep them intact.

Use good-quality chocolate. Semi-sweet or dark chocolate melts beautifully and balances the sweetness of the marshmallows.

Storage & Make-Ahead

Room Temperature

Store leftover Pumpkin S’mores in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Keep them in a cool, dry place to help the marshmallows stay soft and the crust crisp.

Refrigerator

For longer storage, refrigerate the bars in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Let them sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving for the best texture.

Freezing

These bars freeze well for up to 3 months.

1. Allow the bars to cool completely.
2. Wrap individual bars or the whole pan tightly in plastic wrap.
3. Place in a freezer-safe container or zip-top freezer bag.
4. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Make-Ahead Tips

1. Bake the graham cracker crust ahead of time and let it cool before adding the pumpkin filling.
2. Prepare the pumpkin filling in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before assembling the bars.
3. Toast the marshmallows just before serving for the freshest flavor and gooey texture.
4. Cool completely before slicing to get clean, bakery-style bars that hold their shape.

Easy Variations

Dark Chocolate Version
Use dark chocolate chunks or c

White Chocolate Pumpkin S’mores
Swap the semi-sweet chocolate chips for white chocolate chips for a sweeter, creamier flavor that pairs beautifully with pumpkin.

Pecan Pumpkin S’mores
Sprinkle ½ cup chopped pecans over the pumpkin filling before baking for a delicious nutty crunch.

Gingersnap Crust
Replace the graham cracker crumbs with crushed gingersnap cookies to give the bars a deeper, spicier fall flavor.

Caramel Pumpkin S’mores
Drizzle caramel sauce over the pumpkin filling before adding the marshmallows, or finish the bars with caramel after baking for extra richness.

For another spiced dessert option, you might enjoy our cinnamon sugar blondies.

What to Serve With Pumpkin S’mores

1. Vanilla Ice Cream
   A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream is the perfect contrast to the warm, gooey marshmallows and rich chocolate.
2. Hot Chocolate
   Pair these bars with a mug of hot chocolate topped with whipped cream for the ultimate cozy fall treat.
3. Pumpkin Spice Latte
   The warm spices in a pumpkin spice latte complement the pumpkin filling beautifully, making this an ideal autumn pairing.
4. Fresh Apple Slices
   Crisp apple slices add a refreshing contrast to the rich sweetness of the dessert.
5. Salted Caramel Sauce
   Drizzle warm salted caramel over each bar for an extra layer of buttery sweetness.
6. Whipped Cream
   A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream adds a light, creamy finish without overpowering the pumpkin flavor.
7. Coffee or Espresso
   A cup of freshly brewed coffee or espresso balances the sweetness and pairs perfectly with the chocolate notes.
8. Fall Dessert Board
   Serve Pumpkin S’mores alongside pumpkin bread, cinnamon blondies, cookies, and seasonal fruit for a festive dessert platter that’s perfect for parties and holiday gatherings.

Common Mistakes Making Pumpkin S’mores

The most common mistakes making pumpkin s’mores are using pumpkin pie filling instead of puree, over-baking the marshmallows, and not pressing the crust firmly enough into the pan.

If the crust is loose, the bars will fall apart when you cut them. Press the crumb mixture down firmly with the bottom of a measuring cup.

Also, let the bars cool completely before slicing so the pumpkin filling can set. Cutting them while warm will result in a messy, runny texture.

FAQ

Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree? No, you should not use pumpkin pie filling if the recipe already calls for sugar and spices. Pumpkin pie filling is pre-sweetened and pre-spiced, which will make your dessert too sweet and overly spiced.

How do I store leftover pumpkin s’mores bars? Store leftover pumpkin s’mores bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to five days.

Can I freeze pumpkin s’mores? Yes, you can freeze pumpkin s’mores bars. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Why are my marshmallows burning so fast? Marshmallows burn very quickly under direct heat. If using the broiler, place the pan on a lower rack and keep the oven door slightly open to monitor them constantly.

Can I make pumpkin s’mores in a skillet? Yes, you can make a skillet version by layering graham crackers, pumpkin puree, chocolate, and marshmallows in a cast-iron skillet. Bake it at 350°F (175°C) until the marshmallows are toasted.

Do pumpkin s’mores taste like pumpkin pie? They have similar flavor notes, but pumpkin s’mores are less dense than pumpkin pie. The addition of toasted marshmallows and melted chocolate gives them a distinctly different, sweeter profile.

Conclusion

These Pumpkin S’mores are the perfect way to bring cozy fall flavors to a classic favorite. With a buttery graham cracker crust, creamy pumpkin filling, rich chocolate, and gooey toasted marshmallows, every bite is warm, comforting, and incredibly delicious.

I love how easy these bars are to make in the oven, making them perfect for everything from family movie nights to holiday gatherings. Try your favorite variations, share them with friends and family, and don’t forget to save this recipe for your next autumn baking session!