S’mores Brownies Recipe

It was a chilly evening, and the craving for something warm, gooey, and utterly comforting hit our household like a wave. We were debating between classic s’mores by the fireplace and fudgy brownies when my youngest piped up, “Why not both?” And that’s how our S’mores Brownies adventure began. Let me tell you, this recipe is a game-changer. It takes the best of both worlds – the rich, decadent chewiness of a brownie and the nostalgic, campfire-inspired flavors of s’mores – and melds them into one glorious dessert. The first bite was pure bliss – the fudgy brownie base, the melty chocolate chunks, the sweet, toasted marshmallows, and the subtle crunch of graham crackers. My family devoured them, and they’ve been a requested treat ever since. If you’re looking for a dessert that’s easy to make, incredibly satisfying, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser, look no further. These S’mores Brownies are your answer.

Ingredients

• All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of our brownies, providing structure and texture.
• Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: For that deep, rich chocolate flavor that is essential in brownies.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and moisture to the brownies.
• Brown Sugar: Contributes to the chewy texture and adds a molasses-like depth of flavor.
• Salt: Enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors in the recipe.
• Baking Powder: A leavening agent that gives the brownies a slight lift and tender crumb.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness, moisture, and flavor to the brownies.
• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Melted into the batter for extra chocolate intensity.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the brownie’s texture and richness.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the chocolate flavor and adds a touch of warmth.
• Graham Crackers: Brings the classic s’mores element, adding a delightful crunch and subtle honey flavor.
• Marshmallows: The quintessential s’mores ingredient, providing gooey sweetness and a toasted top.
• Milk Chocolate Bar: Adds extra chocolate chunks for a melty, indulgent experience.

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is a crucial first step as it ensures your oven is at the correct temperature when you place the brownies in to bake, which is essential for even cooking and the right texture. While the oven is preheating, prepare your baking pan. For this recipe, a 9×13 inch baking pan works perfectly. Line the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. This parchment paper sling is your best friend for easy brownie removal later on. Grease the parchment paper lightly with cooking spray or butter. This extra step prevents any sticking and ensures your brownies come out cleanly, without tearing or crumbling. Setting up your pan properly at the beginning makes the whole process smoother and ensures a beautiful presentation of your final brownies.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients. This includes 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, ¾ cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 ½ cups of granulated sugar, ½ cup of brown sugar, ½ teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of baking powder. Whisking is important here, not just stirring. Whisking helps to aerate the flour and evenly distribute the cocoa powder, sugar, salt, and baking powder throughout the mixture. This ensures that there are no pockets of cocoa or baking powder in your batter, leading to a more consistent texture and flavor in the finished brownies. Set this bowl of dry ingredients aside for later.
3. Melt Butter and Chocolate: In a separate, microwave-safe bowl, or a heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water (double boiler method), combine 1 cup (2 sticks) of unsalted butter and 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips. If using the microwave, heat in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until the butter and chocolate are completely melted and smooth. Be very careful not to overheat the chocolate, as it can seize and become grainy. If using the double boiler method, ensure the bottom of the bowl doesn’t touch the water. Stir constantly until melted and smooth. Once melted, remove from heat and let it cool slightly for a few minutes. This slight cooling is important because you don’t want to add hot melted chocolate to the eggs in the next step, as it could cook them prematurely.
4. Incorporate Wet Ingredients: To the slightly cooled melted chocolate mixture, add 3 large eggs, one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Make sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. This step is crucial for emulsifying the mixture and creating a smooth batter. After the eggs, stir in 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Vanilla extract enhances the chocolate flavor and adds a warm, aromatic note to the brownies. Whisk until all wet ingredients are thoroughly combined with the chocolate mixture and the batter is glossy and smooth.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. It’s important not to overmix at this stage. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, leading to tough brownies. Mix until the flour is just incorporated and no streaks of dry flour remain. The batter should be thick and fudgy. A few lumps are okay, but avoid excessive mixing.
6. Prepare Graham Cracker Layer: Take about 6-8 full sheets of graham crackers (depending on the size and how densely you want the layer). Break them into smaller pieces, roughly 1-2 inch squares. You don’t need to crush them into crumbs, just break them into manageable pieces. Spread about half of these graham cracker pieces evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking pan. This forms the base layer of graham cracker goodness that will be nestled within the brownie.
7. Pour Brownie Batter and Add Marshmallows & Chocolate: Pour the brownie batter evenly over the graham cracker layer in the pan. Smooth the top with a spatula if needed. Now comes the fun part – adding the s’mores elements! Take about 2 cups of marshmallows (mini or regular size, cut in half if using large marshmallows). Scatter half of these marshmallows evenly over the brownie batter. Then, take a milk chocolate bar (about 4-5 ounces) and break it into chunks. Distribute half of these chocolate chunks over the marshmallows. These layers are what give the brownies their signature s’mores flavor and texture.
8. Repeat Layers and Bake: Layer the remaining graham cracker pieces over the marshmallows and chocolate chunks. Then, gently press them down slightly into the batter. Scatter the remaining marshmallows and chocolate chunks over the top. This double layering of s’mores components ensures that you get that delicious s’mores flavor throughout the brownies, not just on top.
9. Bake the Brownies: Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. The baking time can vary slightly depending on your oven, so it’s important to check for doneness. Brownies are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached, but not wet batter. You want them to be fudgy, not cakey, so slightly underbaked is better than overbaked. The marshmallows on top should be lightly golden brown and puffy.
10. Cool and Cut: Once baked, remove the brownies from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This is crucial for two reasons: first, it allows the brownies to set properly, making them easier to cut. Second, it prevents the marshmallows from becoming too sticky and messy when you cut them warm. Cooling completely can take a couple of hours, or you can speed it up by placing them in the refrigerator for about an hour. Once completely cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the brownies out of the pan. Place them on a cutting board and cut them into squares. A warm, damp knife can help in cutting cleanly, especially through the marshmallow layer.
11. Toast Marshmallows (Optional but Recommended): For an extra touch of s’mores authenticity and a beautiful presentation, you can toast the marshmallows on top after the brownies have cooled and are cut. You can use a kitchen torch to lightly toast the marshmallows until they are golden brown and slightly melted. Be careful not to burn them, keep the torch moving and watch closely. Alternatively, you can briefly broil them in the oven. If broiling, place the cut brownies on a baking sheet and broil for just 1-2 minutes, watching constantly, until the marshmallows are toasted to your liking. Toasted marshmallows add a wonderful smoky flavor and gooey texture that truly elevates these brownies to s’mores perfection.

Nutrition Facts

(Per Serving – Servings: Approximately 16)

• Calories: 350 kcal
• Total Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 11g

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and brands used.

Preparation Time

Get ready to indulge in s’mores brownie bliss in just about an hour! The active preparation time for this recipe is around 20-25 minutes, which includes gathering your ingredients, mixing the batter, and assembling the s’mores layers. The baking time in the oven is approximately 30-35 minutes. Factor in some cooling time, ideally at least an hour for easier cutting and handling, although the anticipation might make it feel longer! All in all, from start to finish, you’re looking at roughly an hour to create these decadent treats. The minimal hands-on time makes this recipe perfect for both weeknight baking and weekend gatherings when you want a delicious dessert without spending all day in the kitchen.

How to Serve

S’mores Brownies are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in numerous ways. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your brownie experience:

• Warm with Vanilla Ice Cream: The classic pairing of warm brownies and cold ice cream is always a winner. The melting ice cream complements the gooey brownies perfectly, creating a delightful contrast in temperature and texture. Vanilla ice cream is a traditional choice, but you can also experiment with chocolate, marshmallow, or even graham cracker flavored ice cream.
• Drizzled with Chocolate Sauce: Amplify the chocolate richness by drizzling warm chocolate sauce over your s’mores brownies. A simple homemade chocolate sauce or store-bought hot fudge will work wonders. The extra chocolate intensity is perfect for true chocoholics.
• Sprinkled with Graham Cracker Crumbs: Enhance the s’mores flavor profile and add a textural element by sprinkling crushed graham cracker crumbs on top of the brownies before serving. This adds a subtle crunch and reinforces the graham cracker component of the dessert.
• With a Dollop of Whipped Cream: Light and airy whipped cream provides a beautiful contrast to the rich, dense brownies. A dollop of freshly made whipped cream adds a touch of elegance and cuts through the sweetness, creating a balanced and delightful bite.
• Alongside a Hot Beverage: Pair your s’mores brownies with a warm beverage for the ultimate cozy treat. A cup of hot coffee, a mug of rich hot chocolate, or a comforting glass of milk are all excellent choices. The warmth of the drink complements the gooey brownies and enhances the overall indulgence.
• At Room Temperature for Lunchboxes or Picnics: S’mores Brownies are delicious warm, but they are equally enjoyable at room temperature, making them perfect for packing in lunchboxes, taking on picnics, or bringing to potlucks. They hold their shape well and remain fudgy and flavorful even after cooling completely.
• As a Campfire Dessert (for a twist!): While already s’mores inspired, you can take it a step further! If you’re having a campfire, gently warm the brownies near the embers (being careful not to burn them) to slightly melt the marshmallows again and add a touch of smoky campfire flavor. It’s a fun and thematic way to enjoy s’mores brownies in their natural habitat!
• Served in Dessert Bars or Party Platters: Cut into smaller squares or rectangles, S’mores Brownies are ideal for dessert bars, party platters, or any gathering where you need to serve a crowd-pleasing treat. Their visually appealing layers and irresistible flavor make them a standout dessert option.

Additional Tips for Perfect S’mores Brownies

1. Use Good Quality Chocolate: The quality of your chocolate directly impacts the flavor of your brownies. Opt for good quality semi-sweet chocolate chips and a decent milk chocolate bar. Using high-quality cocoa powder will also enhance the richness of the brownie base. Better chocolate equals better brownies!
2. Don’t Overbake: The key to fudgy brownies is to avoid overbaking them. Overbaked brownies become dry and cakey. Bake just until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached, but not wet batter. Slightly underbaked brownies are preferable to overbaked ones for a truly fudgy texture.
3. Toast Marshmallows for Extra Flavor (Even Before Baking): For a deeper, more pronounced s’mores flavor, consider lightly toasting the marshmallows before you add them to the brownie batter. You can do this quickly under a broiler or with a kitchen torch. Toasting the marshmallows beforehand adds a subtle caramelized flavor that complements the chocolate and graham crackers beautifully. Be careful not to fully melt them, just lightly brown the surface.
4. Add a Pinch of Salt to Enhance Sweetness: Salt is a flavor enhancer, and a pinch of salt in your brownie batter will actually enhance the sweetness and balance the overall flavor profile. Don’t skip the salt – it makes a noticeable difference in the final taste.
5. Line the Pan for Easy Removal (Parchment Paper Sling is Key!): Lining your baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang to create a sling, is essential for easy brownie removal. This prevents the brownies from sticking to the pan and allows you to lift them out cleanly and easily once they are cooled. No more struggling to get brownies out of the pan!
6. Let Brownies Cool Completely Before Cutting: Patience is key! Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before attempting to cut them. Warm brownies are soft and gooey (which is delicious to eat!), but they are difficult to cut cleanly. Cooling allows them to firm up, making them much easier to slice into neat squares.
7. Store Brownies Properly to Maintain Freshness: To keep your s’mores brownies fresh and fudgy, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.
8. Experiment with Different Marshmallow Types: While regular marshmallows are classic, don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of marshmallows! Try using mini marshmallows for a more even distribution, or flavored marshmallows like vanilla bean or even toasted coconut marshmallows for a unique twist. You can also use large marshmallows, cut in half, for a more dramatic marshmallow layer.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I use a different type of chocolate in these brownies?

A: Absolutely! While semi-sweet chocolate chips and a milk chocolate bar are recommended for classic s’mores flavor, you can definitely experiment. Dark chocolate chips or a dark chocolate bar will create a richer, less sweet brownie. You could also use white chocolate chips for a contrasting sweetness, or even peanut butter chips for a peanut butter s’mores twist. Feel free to get creative and use your favorite types of chocolate!

Q2: Can I make these brownies ahead of time?

A: Yes, S’mores Brownies are perfect for making ahead of time. In fact, some people find that brownies are even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld. Bake them as directed, let them cool completely, and then store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage (see storage tips above).

Q3: How do I store leftover S’mores Brownies?

A: To store leftover brownies and keep them fresh and fudgy, place them in an airtight container at room temperature. Make sure they are fully cooled before storing. Avoid storing them in the refrigerator unless you live in a very humid climate, as refrigeration can sometimes dry out brownies. They will stay delicious for 3-4 days at room temperature.

Q4: Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?

A: Yes, you can easily double this recipe. If doubling, use a 9×13 inch pan for a single batch, so for a doubled batch, you would need to use a larger pan, such as a 13×18 inch baking pan, or bake in two 9×13 inch pans. Adjust the baking time slightly; doubled batches may require a few extra minutes in the oven.

Q5: Can I make these brownies gluten-free?

A: Yes, you can make these brownies gluten-free with a simple substitution. Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Make sure the blend is designed for baking and contains xanthan gum or guar gum to help with structure. Also, ensure that your graham crackers are gluten-free (many brands offer gluten-free versions). All other ingredients in the recipe are naturally gluten-free.

Q6: Can I use mini marshmallows instead of regular marshmallows?

A: Yes, mini marshmallows work perfectly in this recipe and can actually be easier to distribute evenly. You can use the same total volume of mini marshmallows as regular marshmallows (about 2 cups). Mini marshmallows might melt a bit more readily, so keep an eye on them while baking.

Q7: What if I don’t have graham crackers? Can I use something else?

A: While graham crackers are essential for the classic s’mores flavor, if you absolutely don’t have them, you can consider using other crispy cookies or biscuits as a substitute. Digestive biscuits, vanilla wafers, or even crushed pretzels could provide a similar textural element. However, keep in mind that the flavor will be slightly different without the graham cracker component.

Q8: Can I add nuts to these S’mores Brownies?

A: Definitely! If you enjoy nuts in your brownies, feel free to add about ½ cup to 1 cup of chopped nuts to the batter. Walnuts, pecans, or almonds would all pair well with the chocolate and s’mores flavors. Stir the chopped nuts into the batter along with the dry ingredients. Nuts will add extra texture and a nutty flavor dimension to your brownies.

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