S’mores Brownies Recipe
These s’mores brownies are the ultimate indulgent dessert that combines the nostalgia of campfire s’mores with the rich decadence of brownies. Perfect for summer gatherings, birthday parties, or just a cozy night in, this recipe delivers a crispy graham cracker crust topped with fudgy brownie and roasted marshmallows. Each bite is a delightful explosion of flavors and textures, making it an irresistible treat for all ages.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Decadent Flavor: The combination of rich chocolate, sweet marshmallows, and crunchy graham crackers creates a mouthwatering experience.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even beginner bakers can master this delicious dessert.
- Versatile Occasion: Whether it’s a family gathering or a picnic, these brownies are perfect for any occasion.
- Impressive Presentation: The toasted marshmallow topping offers an impressive look that will wow your guests.
- Fun to Customize: Feel free to add nuts, caramel drizzle, or swap chocolate chips for white chocolate for a twist on the classic.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the baking process, gather your tools to ensure a smooth experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- 8×8 inch baking pan
- Food processor or blender
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Spatula or knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Food processor: Quickly blends graham crackers into fine crumbs, saving time and effort.
- Whisk: Ensures even mixing of ingredients for a perfectly combined brownie batter.
- Spatula: Helps spread brownie batter evenly over the crust for consistent baking.
Ingredients
These s’mores brownies are the ultimate indulgent dessert – a crispy graham cracker crust, fudgy brownie and a roasted marshmallow top!
For the Crust
- 12 full-size graham crackers
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
For the Brownie Batter
- ½ cup vegetable oil (such as grapeseed)
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ cup bittersweet chocolate chips
For Topping
- 2 heaping cups mini marshmallows (about 3.5 ounces)
How to Make S’mores Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Prepare an 8×8 inch baking pan by spraying it with nonstick spray or lightly greasing it with oil. Line the pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on two sides. Set aside.
Step 2: Make the Graham Cracker Crust
In a food processor, blend up the graham crackers and granulated sugar until they reach a fine crumb consistency.
Pulse in the melted butter until all crumbs are evenly coated.
Press this mixture into the prepared pan using a spatula or the bottom of a cup to make it compact and even.
Step 3: Bake the Crust
Bake the crust in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes. Look for golden brown edges and slightly puffed-up appearance. Set aside to cool slightly.
Step 4: Prepare Brownie Batter
In a medium bowl, combine vegetable oil, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract.
Whisk until just combined.
Add cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. Mix until there are no streaks of cocoa powder.
Fold in bittersweet chocolate chips; expect thick and fudgy batter.
Step 5: Layer Brownie Batter on Crust
Gently pour brownie batter over the cooled crust in your pan.
Use a knife or small offset spatula to spread it evenly across.
Step 6: Bake Brownies
Bake in your oven for 30-40 minutes. Check if everything looks set; ensure that there is no jiggle in the middle.
Step 7: Toast Mini Marshmallows
Remove brownies from oven and switch oven settings to broil.
Sprinkle mini marshmallows evenly over brownies and place them under broiler for about 2 minutes—keep an eye on them!
Step 8: Cool Before Serving
Let brownies rest at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before cutting and serving.
For clean slices, run your knife under hot water before cutting and wipe between each slice.
How to Serve S’mores Brownies Recipe
These s’mores brownies are not just delicious; they are also versatile! You can serve them in various ways to elevate your dessert experience. Here are some fun serving suggestions to enjoy these decadent treats.
Serve with Ice Cream
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing that balances the rich flavors of the brownies.
- Chocolate Ice Cream: For chocolate lovers, this adds an extra layer of indulgence.
Drizzle with Sauce
- Chocolate Sauce: A warm drizzle enhances the fudginess and adds sweetness.
- Caramel Sauce: The salty-sweet combination complements the s’mores flavors perfectly.
Add Fresh Fruits
- Strawberries: Fresh strawberries provide a refreshing contrast to the rich brownies.
- Bananas: Sliced bananas add natural sweetness and creaminess to each bite.
Pair with Beverages
- Coffee: A nice cup of coffee brings out the chocolate flavor in the brownies.
- Milkshake: A thick milkshake offers a fun and nostalgic treat alongside your brownies.
Create a Dessert Platter
- Mini Cupcakes: Include mini cupcakes for a variety of flavors and textures.
- Fruit Skewers: Colorful fruit skewers add freshness and vibrancy to your dessert spread.
How to Perfect S’mores Brownies Recipe
To ensure your s’mores brownies come out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh eggs and high-quality chocolate will enhance the overall flavor.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter until just combined for a fudgy texture; overmixing can lead to dry brownies.
- Watch the Broiler: Marshmallows can burn quickly under the broiler. Keep a close eye on them while toasting.
- Let Them Cool: Allowing brownies to cool before cutting helps achieve clean, neat slices.
- Experiment with Toppings: Feel free to add crushed nuts or other candies for added texture and flavor.
- Store Properly: Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.
Best Side Dishes for S’mores Brownies Recipe
S’mores brownies make an excellent centerpiece for any dessert table. To complement their richness, here are some delightful side dish options that pair wonderfully with them.
- Whipped Cream: Light and airy whipped cream provides a lovely contrast to the dense brownies.
- Fruit Salad: A mix of fresh fruits adds brightness and balances out the sweetness of the brownies.
- Cheesecake Bites: Mini cheesecake bites introduce a tangy element that pairs well with chocolaty desserts.
- Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: These sweet treats enhance the s’mores theme while adding flair to your plate.
- Peanut Butter Dip: A creamy peanut butter dip offers a delicious twist when paired with brownie bites.
- Pecan Pie Bars: For those who love nutty desserts, pecan pie bars bring richness and depth alongside your s’mores brownies.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making s’mores brownies can be a fun experience, but it’s easy to make mistakes. Here are some common pitfalls and how you can avoid them:
- Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can incorporate air into the brownie batter, resulting in a less fudgy texture. Mix until just combined for the best results.
- Not cooling the crust: If you pour the brownie batter over a warm crust, it can create a soggy bottom. Let the crust cool slightly before adding the brownie layer.
- Skipping the broiler step: Don’t skip broiling the marshmallows! This is what gives them that delightful roasted flavor and texture. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
- Using cold ingredients: Using eggs or butter straight from the fridge can affect how well they incorporate into the batter. Let them come to room temperature for optimal mixing.
- Cutting too soon: Cutting brownies while they’re still warm can lead to messy pieces. Allow them to cool completely for cleaner slices.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Keep brownies at room temperature if you plan to eat them within a couple of days.
Freezing S’mores Brownies Recipe
- Wrap brownies tightly in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer-safe bag.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating S’mores Brownies Recipe
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat individual pieces for about 15-20 seconds for a quick treat.
- Stovetop: Place on a skillet over low heat with a lid, warming gently until desired temperature.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about the S’mores Brownies Recipe that might help you perfect your baking experience.
How do I know when my s’mores brownies are done?
The brownies should look set with no jiggly center. A toothpick inserted in the middle should come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter.
Can I use different types of chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix it up with milk chocolate or even white chocolate chips for a unique twist on this s’mores brownies recipe.
What if I don’t have graham crackers?
You can substitute graham crackers with crushed digestive biscuits or any other sweet cracker that has a similar texture.
Can I add nuts to my s’mores brownies?
Yes! Chopped walnuts or pecans can add an extra layer of flavor and texture. Just fold them into the brownie batter before baking.
Final Thoughts
These s’mores brownies are not only indulgent but also incredibly versatile. You can customize them by adding your favorite ingredients or toppings, making them perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them at a party or enjoying them as a cozy dessert at home, they are sure to satisfy your sweet cravings. Give this delicious recipe a try!
S’mores Brownies
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: About 16 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in a delightful twist on the classic campfire treat! These S’mores Brownies combine a crispy graham cracker crust with rich, fudgy brownie layers and toasted marshmallows on top. Perfect for summer gatherings, birthday parties, or cozy evenings at home, this recipe delivers a burst of flavors and textures that will please everyone. With easy-to-follow steps and simple ingredients, you can whip up these decadent brownies in no time. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature, and consider serving them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent experience.
Ingredients
- 12 full-size graham crackers
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ cup bittersweet chocolate chips
- 2 heaping cups mini marshmallows (about 3.5 ounces)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare an 8×8 inch baking pan.
- Blend graham crackers and sugar in a food processor until fine crumbs form. Mix in melted butter and press into the prepared pan.
- Bake the crust for 15-20 minutes until golden. Let cool slightly.
- In a bowl, mix vegetable oil, sugar, eggs, and vanilla until combined. Stir in cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder until smooth.
- Pour brownie batter over the cooled crust and bake for 30-40 minutes until set.
- Switch to broil, sprinkle marshmallows on top, and toast until golden (about 2 minutes).
- Cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie (45g)
- Calories: 225
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 37mg
