Smores Brownies: The Ultimate Gooey Chocolate Dessert Recipe

Smores Brownies: Prepare to embark on a decadent journey where the nostalgic campfire treat meets the fudgy, chocolatey goodness of a classic brownie! Imagine sinking your teeth into a rich, dense brownie, swirled with gooey marshmallow and studded with crunchy graham cracker pieces. Is your mouth watering yet? Mine certainly is!

The beauty of S’mores lies in its simplicity – a perfect trifecta of chocolate, marshmallow, and graham cracker, traditionally roasted over an open fire. While its exact origins are debated, the first published recipe for something resembling a S’more appeared in a 1920s Girl Scout handbook. Since then, it has become a beloved American tradition, synonymous with summer nights and outdoor adventures. But what if you could enjoy that same comforting flavor without the campfire?

That’s where these Smores Brownies come in. They capture the essence of the classic treat in a convenient and utterly irresistible form. People adore this dessert because it offers the best of both worlds: the intense chocolate satisfaction of a brownie combined with the playful textures and flavors of a S’more. The fudgy brownie base provides a rich counterpoint to the sweet, melted marshmallow, while the graham crackers add a delightful crunch. Whether you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing dessert for a party or a comforting treat to enjoy on a cozy night in, these brownies are guaranteed to be a hit. Get ready to experience a taste of summer, any time of year!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Brownie Base:
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• For the Graham Cracker Layer:
• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 12 full graham crackers)
• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• For the Marshmallow Topping:
• 7 ounces marshmallow fluff (about 1 jar)
• 1 cup mini marshmallows
• Optional:
• Chocolate chunks or chips for extra chocolate flavor
• Sea salt for sprinkling on top

Preparing the Graham Cracker Crust:

1. Crush the Graham Crackers: The first thing we need to do is turn those graham crackers into crumbs. You can do this in a food processor for a super-fine texture, or you can put them in a large zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin. I prefer the rolling pin method – it’s a little more therapeutic! Just make sure you get them nice and fine.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Mix everything together until the crumbs are evenly moistened. It should resemble wet sand.
3. Press into Pan: Press the graham cracker mixture into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking pan. I like to use the bottom of a measuring cup to really pack it down and create a firm, even crust. This will prevent it from crumbling too much later.
4. Pre-bake the Crust (Optional): For a sturdier crust, you can pre-bake it in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5-7 minutes. This step is optional, but it helps the crust hold its shape better. Let it cool slightly while you prepare the brownie batter.

Making the Brownie Batter:

1. Melt the Butter: In a large, microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter. You can also do this in a saucepan over low heat. Just be careful not to burn it!
2. Add Sugar and Cocoa: Stir in the granulated sugar, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder into the melted butter. Mix well until everything is combined and you have a smooth, chocolatey mixture.
3. Incorporate Vanilla and Eggs: Add the vanilla extract and eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. It’s important to mix well after each egg to ensure they are fully incorporated and the batter is smooth.
4. Add Flour: Gradually add the flour, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can lead to tough brownies. A few streaks of flour are okay.
5. Optional Chocolate Chunks: If you’re feeling extra chocolatey (and who isn’t?), fold in chocolate chunks or chips at this point. I like to use a mix of milk and dark chocolate for a richer flavor.

Assembling and Baking the Brownies:

1. Pour Batter over Crust: Pour the brownie batter evenly over the prepared graham cracker crust. Use a spatula to spread it out and make sure it reaches all the edges of the pan.
2. Bake: Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached. Be careful not to overbake, as you want the brownies to be fudgy.
3. Cool Slightly: Let the brownies cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes before adding the marshmallow topping. This will prevent the marshmallows from melting too much.

Adding the Marshmallow Topping:

1. Spread Marshmallow Fluff: Spread the marshmallow fluff evenly over the warm brownies. You can use a spatula or the back of a spoon to do this.
2. Add Mini Marshmallows: Sprinkle the mini marshmallows over the marshmallow fluff.
3. Broil (Optional): For a toasted marshmallow topping, place the brownies under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, watching very carefully to prevent burning. The marshmallows should be golden brown and slightly melted. If you don’t have a broiler, you can skip this step. The brownies will still be delicious!
4. Cool Completely: Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before cutting and serving. This will allow the marshmallow topping to set and prevent the brownies from being too messy.
5. Optional Sea Salt: Sprinkle with sea salt for a sweet and salty flavor.

Tips and Variations:

• For Extra Fudgy Brownies: Use dark chocolate cocoa powder for a richer, more intense chocolate flavor. You can also add a tablespoon of instant espresso powder to the batter to enhance the chocolate flavor.
• For Chewier Brownies: Use brown sugar in place of some of the granulated sugar. Brown sugar adds moisture and chewiness to the brownies.
• For a Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of the regular all-purpose flour. Make sure to choose a blend that is designed for baking.
• Add-Ins: Feel free to add other mix-ins to the brownie batter, such as chopped nuts, peanut butter chips, or caramel bits.
• Marshmallow Swirl: Instead of spreading the marshmallow fluff on top, you can swirl it into the brownie batter before baking. This will create a beautiful marbled effect.
• Different Graham Cracker Flavors: Experiment with different flavors of graham crackers, such as chocolate or cinnamon.
• Storage: Store the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They can also be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
• Freezing: These brownies freeze well. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Troubleshooting:

• Brownies are too dry: Make sure you are not overbaking the brownies. Check them a few minutes before the recommended baking time. Also, make sure you are using the correct amount of flour.
• Brownies are too gooey: This could be due to underbaking. Bake them for a few more minutes, or let them cool completely before cutting.
• Marshmallow topping is too sticky: Make sure the brownies are completely cool before adding the marshmallow topping. You can also dust the topping with powdered sugar to reduce stickiness.
• Graham cracker crust is too crumbly: Make sure you are using enough melted butter to moisten the crumbs. You can also pre-bake the crust for a sturdier base.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve the brownies warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• Drizzle with chocolate sauce or caramel sauce.
• Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder.
• Cut into squares and serve as part of a dessert platter.
• Enjoy with a glass of cold milk or a cup of hot coffee.

Enjoy!

I hope you enjoy making and eating these delicious S’mores Brownies! They’re perfect for parties, potlucks, or just a special treat for yourself. Let me know in the comments if you try them and how they turn out! Happy baking!

Conclusion:

Okay, friends, let’s be honest: you’ve scrolled this far because you know, deep down, that these S’mores Brownies are calling your name. And trust me, you absolutely need to answer that call! This isn’t just another brownie recipe; it’s a decadent, gooey, chocolatey explosion of campfire memories, all baked into one irresistible treat. The fudgy brownie base, the melty chocolate chunks, the toasted marshmallow topping – it’s a symphony of textures and flavors that will have everyone begging for more.

Why are these S’mores Brownies a must-try? Because they’re easy to make, require minimal ingredients (most of which you probably already have!), and deliver maximum satisfaction. They’re the perfect dessert for a weeknight treat, a weekend gathering, or any occasion that calls for a little bit of chocolatey happiness. Forget complicated recipes and hours in the kitchen; these brownies are all about simple indulgence. Plus, who can resist the allure of s’mores, especially when they’re conveniently baked into a brownie?

But the fun doesn’t stop there! Feel free to get creative with your S’mores Brownies. Want to kick things up a notch? Try adding a layer of graham cracker crumbs to the bottom of the pan before pouring in the brownie batter for an extra dose of that classic s’mores flavor. Or, swirl in some peanut butter for a Reese’s-inspired twist. For a truly decadent experience, drizzle melted chocolate over the toasted marshmallows and sprinkle with sea salt.

Serving Suggestions: These brownies are delicious served warm, straight from the oven, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. They’re also fantastic at room temperature, making them perfect for packing in lunchboxes or taking to potlucks. For a truly impressive presentation, cut them into squares and arrange them on a platter, garnished with fresh berries and a dusting of powdered sugar. And if you happen to have any leftover (though I highly doubt you will!), they’re even delicious cold, straight from the fridge!

Variations to Explore: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of chocolate. Milk chocolate, dark chocolate, even white chocolate – they all work beautifully in this recipe. You can also add chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, for a bit of crunch. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try using different flavored marshmallows, like strawberry or vanilla bean. The possibilities are endless!

I truly believe that these S’mores Brownies will become a new favorite in your household. They’re the perfect combination of comfort food and indulgence, and they’re guaranteed to put a smile on everyone’s face. So, what are you waiting for? Preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to bake up a batch of these irresistible treats.

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe! Once you do, please come back and share your experience in the comments below. I’d love to hear what you think, what variations you tried, and how much everyone loved them. Happy baking, and may your S’mores Brownies be as delicious as you imagined! I can’t wait to hear all about your S’mores Brownies success!