Pumpkin Campfire Bars

Total Time

Prep: 1 hour + chilling

Makes

2 dozen

Updated: Aug. 02, 2024
Camping is my favorite activity, and s'mores are my favorite camping treat! I had an abundance of pumpkin puree, so I created this rich and chocolatey version for a holiday dinner. This recipe captures all the fun of s'mores without any of the fuss. —Julie Merriman, Seattle, Washington
Pumpkin Campfire Bars Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Ingredients

  • 3-1/2 cups chocolate wafer crumbs (about 12 ounces), divided
  • 3/4 cup butter, melted
  • 2/3 cup packed brown sugar, divided
  • 3 cups miniature marshmallows
  • 2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 can (15 ounces) pumpkin or 2 cups mashed sweet potatoes
  • 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
  • 1/4 teaspoon liquid smoke, optional
  • 1 carton (8 ounces) frozen whipped topping, thawed
  • 3 cups miniature semisweet chocolate chips
  • 1 cup marshmallow creme
  • 1/2 cup 2% milk
  • 1 cup crushed miniature meringue cookies

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°. In a small bowl, mix 3 cups cracker crumbs, butter and 1/3 cup brown sugar. Press onto bottom of a greased 13x9-in. baking pan. Bake until set, 12-15 minutes. Cool on a wire rack.
  2. Preheat broiler. Place marshmallows on a rimmed baking sheet. Broil 3-4 in. from heat just until golden brown, 30-60 seconds, rotating pan as needed. Transfer to a large bowl. Beat in cream cheese, pumpkin, pie spice, remaining 1/3 cup brown sugar and if desired, liquid smoke. Gently fold in whipped topping. Spread over cooled crust. Refrigerate at least 2 hours.
  3. Meanwhile, in a small heavy saucepan, heat chocolate chips, marshmallow creme and milk over very low heat until melted and smooth, stirring constantly. Remove from heat. Pour over pumpkin filling. Sprinkle with meringue cookies and remaining 1/2 cup cracker crumbs. Refrigerate, covered, at least 4 hours. Cut into bars. Refrigerate leftovers.

Nutrition Facts

1 bar: 370 calories, 22g fat (13g saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 193mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (33g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein.