The S’mores Brownies Recipe is the ultimate dessert that combines two iconic treats—gooey s’mores and rich, fudgy brownies. With layers of chocolate, marshmallows, and a graham cracker base, these brownies bring campfire nostalgia straight to your kitchen. Perfect for parties, family gatherings, or satisfying your sweet tooth, s’mores brownies are an irresistible dessert everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love S’mores Brownies
S’mores brownies bring together the best of two beloved desserts—s’mores and brownies—creating a treat that’s indulgent, nostalgic, and irresistibly delicious. Here’s an in-depth look at why this dessert is a favorite for bakers and dessert lovers alike:
1. Two Desserts in One
- The Best of Both Worlds: Imagine the gooey, toasted marshmallow goodness and crunchy graham crackers of campfire s’mores layered with the fudgy, chocolatey decadence of brownies. Every bite is a delightful combination of textures and flavors.
- Multi-Layered Magic: The graham cracker base offers a subtle crunch, the brownie layer brings a rich and chewy middle, and the marshmallows on top provide a sweet, caramelized finish.
- Perfect for S’mores Lovers: If you love the nostalgia of s’mores but don’t have a campfire handy, these brownies offer a convenient and satisfying alternative.
2. Easy to Make
- Simple Ingredients: Most of the ingredients, like graham crackers, butter, chocolate, and marshmallows, are pantry staples or easily accessible at any store.
- Beginner-Friendly: You don’t need advanced baking skills to make s’mores brownies. The recipe involves straightforward steps, from making the crust to layering the toppings.
- Minimal Equipment: All you need is a mixing bowl, a saucepan, and a baking pan—no fancy tools required.
- Quick Preparation: The entire process, from prepping to baking, takes less time than making traditional layered desserts, making it perfect for when you need a quick treat.
3. Crowd-Pleaser
- Loved by All Ages: The familiar flavors of chocolate, marshmallow, and graham crackers make these brownies a hit with kids and adults alike.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday party, potluck, picnic, or holiday gathering, s’mores brownies fit every occasion. They’re portable, easy to serve, and always disappear quickly.
- A Great Conversation Starter: Their unique combination of two classic desserts often sparks compliments and recipe requests.
4. Customizable
- Different Chocolate Options: Swap milk chocolate for dark chocolate, white chocolate, or even flavored chocolates like mint or caramel to suit your taste.
- Flavored Marshmallows: Use marshmallows infused with flavors like vanilla, caramel, or even strawberry for a unique twist.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle crushed candy bars, nuts, coconut flakes, or pretzels on top for added flavor and texture.
- Personalize the Crust: Experiment with flavored graham crackers (like chocolate or cinnamon) or substitute with cookie crumbs, such as Oreos or digestive biscuits.
5. Versatile and Fun to Make
- Great for Family Baking: This recipe is a fun, hands-on activity that kids can help with, from spreading the brownie batter to layering marshmallows.
- Flexible Portions: Make them in a large pan for traditional squares or use a muffin tin for individual servings.
- Adaptable to Different Diets: Easily tweak the recipe to accommodate gluten-free or vegan diets by using alternative ingredients.
6. Visually Stunning
- Golden-Brown Marshmallows: The toasted marshmallow topping adds a beautiful, golden-brown color that makes the brownies look as good as they taste.
- Layered Perfection: The contrast between the graham cracker crust, chocolate brownie, and marshmallow topping creates an eye-catching dessert that’s sure to impress.
The Takeaway
These s’mores brownies are the ultimate indulgence, blending the comforting flavors of a campfire treat with the decadence of a rich dessert. Their simplicity, versatility, and universal appeal make them a must-try recipe for any occasion. Once you bake a batch, you’ll see why s’mores brownies are loved by everyone who takes a bite!
Ingredients for S’mores Brownies
the Graham Cracker Base:
- 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
the Brownie Layer:
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¾ cup cocoa powder
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
the S’mores Topping:
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
- 1 cup milk chocolate chunks or chips
- Optional: Extra graham crackers, crushed
Instructions: How to Make S’mores Brownies
1: Prepare the Graham Cracker Base
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper.
- Mix the Base: In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Mix until the texture resembles wet sand.
- Form the Crust: Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 8–10 minutes until lightly golden. Let it cool while you prepare the brownie batter.
2: Make the Brownie Layer
- Melt the Butter: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Remove from heat and stir in both sugars until dissolved.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: Whisk in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Sift in cocoa powder, flour, and salt. Gently fold the ingredients together until combined—avoid overmixing.
- Pour Over the Crust: Spread the brownie batter evenly over the cooled graham cracker base.
3: Bake the Brownies
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool: Allow the brownies to cool slightly before adding the s’mores topping.
4: Add the S’mores Topping
- Top with Marshmallows and Chocolate: Sprinkle marshmallows and chocolate chunks evenly over the baked brownies.
- Broil or Torch: Place the pan under the broiler for 1–2 minutes, watching carefully as the marshmallows toast to a golden brown. Alternatively, use a kitchen torch for more control.
- Optional Topping: Sprinkle crushed graham crackers on top for extra crunch.
5: Serve and Enjoy
- Cool Completely: Let the brownies cool to room temperature before slicing to ensure clean cuts.
- Slice and Serve: Cut into squares and serve as a dessert, snack, or treat.
Tips for Perfect S’mores Brownies
- Use High-Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality cocoa powder, butter, and chocolate for the richest flavor.
- Don’t Overbake: Slightly underbaking the brownies ensures they remain fudgy.
- Toast Marshmallows Carefully: Broil or torch the marshmallows with close attention to avoid burning.
- Customize the Chocolate: Swap milk chocolate for dark, white, or flavored chocolate to suit your taste.
- Cool Before Slicing: Allow the brownies to cool completely to avoid messy slices.
Creative Variations
Take your classic S’mores Brownies to the next level with these fun and delicious twists. Each variation offers a unique flavor profile, ensuring there’s something for every taste!
1. Caramel S’mores Brownies
- How to Make: Drizzle caramel sauce over the marshmallows right after toasting them.
- Why You’ll Love It: Adds a luscious, sweet-salty layer that perfectly complements the gooey marshmallows and rich brownie base.
- Pro Tip: Use salted caramel for a more complex flavor, or swirl caramel into the brownie batter before baking.
2. Peanut Butter S’mores Brownies
- How to Make: Spread a thick layer of creamy or crunchy peanut butter over the graham cracker crust before pouring the brownie batter.
- Why You’ll Love It: Peanut butter lovers will adore the nutty richness it adds, creating a sweet and salty contrast.
- Pro Tip: For an extra indulgent touch, use peanut butter chips in the brownie layer.
3. Nutty S’mores Brownies
- How to Make: Sprinkle chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds on top of the marshmallows after toasting.
- Why You’ll Love It: The nuts add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor, balancing the soft, gooey textures.
- Pro Tip: Lightly toast the nuts before adding them to enhance their flavor.
4. Minty S’mores Brownies
- How to Make: Add crushed peppermint candies or mint chocolate chips to the brownie batter before baking.
- Why You’ll Love It: The refreshing hint of mint cuts through the richness of the dessert, creating a unique and festive treat.
- Pro Tip: Top with a drizzle of melted dark chocolate mixed with a drop of peppermint extract for extra flair.
5. S’mores Blondies
- How to Make: Replace the brownie batter with blondie batter made from brown sugar and vanilla for a lighter flavor profile.
- Why You’ll Love It: Blondies offer a buttery, caramel-like taste that pairs beautifully with the marshmallow and graham cracker base.
- Pro Tip: Add white chocolate chips or butterscotch chips to the blondie batter for added sweetness.
More Ideas to Inspire:
- Triple Chocolate S’mores Brownies: Use a mix of milk, dark, and white chocolate for a decadent twist.
- Espresso S’mores Brownies: Add a teaspoon of espresso powder to the brownie batter for a coffee-infused dessert.
- Berry S’mores Brownies: Top with freeze-dried raspberries or strawberries for a fruity, tart contrast.
- S’mores Cheesecake Brownies: Add a layer of cheesecake batter on top of the brownie batter before baking for a creamy, tangy addition.
With these creative variations, your S’mores Brownies will become a customizable dessert masterpiece!
FAQs
Can I use a boxed brownie mix for S’mores Brownies Recipe?
Yes! Use a boxed mix for the brownie layer to save time. Simply prepare and pour it over the graham cracker base to complete your S’mores Brownies Recipe.
How do I store S’mores Brownies?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week to keep your S’mores Brownies Recipe fresh.
Can I freeze S’mores Brownies?
Absolutely! Wrap individual squares from your S’mores Brownies Recipe in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
What’s the best way to reheat S’mores Brownies?
Reheat brownies in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to restore the gooey texture of your S’mores Brownies Recipe.
Can I make a gluten-free version of the S’mores Brownies Recipe?
Yes! Use gluten-free graham crackers and all-purpose gluten-free flour to create a gluten-free S’mores Brownies Recipe.
Conclusion
This S’mores Brownies Recipe is the perfect blend of campfire nostalgia and decadent dessert indulgence. With its graham cracker crust, fudgy brownie layer, and toasted marshmallow topping, every bite is a delicious combination of textures and flavors. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just to treat yourself, these brownies are sure to become a favorite.
For more creative dessert ideas, check out our Apple Hand Pies or try the irresistible Brownie Cheesecake. Fire up your oven and enjoy the magic of homemade s’mores brownies today!