If you have a soft spot for ooey-gooey treats that remind you of cozy campfires and childhood memories, you are going to fall in love with this delightful S’mores Brownies Recipe. Combining the rich chocolatey goodness of fudgy brownies with the crunchy sweetness of graham crackers and the melty warmth of toasted marshmallows, this recipe is the ultimate indulgence for any sweet tooth. It’s a playful twist on the classic s’mores that you can enjoy any time of year right from your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses a handful of simple, everyday ingredients that work beautifully together to create layers of flavor and texture. Each ingredient adds something unique, from the buttery richness of the base to the sweet, crunchy, and gooey toppings that complete the magic.
- Graham crackers: Seven sheets, carefully arranged to form a crunchy, nostalgic crust that holds everything together.
- Butter: One cup, melted to create a rich, moist batter that delivers a tender crumb.
- Light brown sugar: One and a half cups, giving a deep caramel flavor and fudgy sweetness.
- Sugar: Half a cup, balancing the brown sugar with simple sweetness and aiding in a soft texture.
- Eggs: Four large, at room temperature, providing structure and moisture for fudgy brownies.
- Vanilla extract: Two teaspoons, enhancing every bite with warm aromatic notes.
- Cocoa powder: One cup, for that intense, rich chocolate flavor that’s the heart of these brownies.
- Flour: Two-thirds cup, just enough to give the brownies structure without drying them out.
- Baking powder: Half a teaspoon, a slight lift to keep the brownies from getting too dense.
- Salt: Half a teaspoon, to balance the sweetness and deepen the chocolate flavor.
- Chocolate: Three and a half ounces, chopped for melty patches of rich chocolate goodness.
- Marshmallows: Thirty-six mini or cut larger ones to cover the top perfectly — the gooey finale of this dessert.
How to Make S’mores Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Graham Cracker Base
The first step is preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lining a 9×9-inch pan with parchment paper for easy cleanup and neat squares later on. Next, place your graham crackers in the bottom of the pan, breaking them gently if needed to fit snugly without big gaps. This simple base is the crunchy contrast that makes these brownies unforgettable.
Step 2: Melt Butter and Combine Sugars
Using a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter until smooth. Remove it from the heat and stir in the light brown sugar and granulated sugar. Let this mixture cool for about five minutes so it doesn’t scramble the eggs in the next step. This caramel-sweet mixture is what gives your brownies that rich, fudgy depth of flavor.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients and Add Cocoa
Whisk the eggs and vanilla extract into the slightly cooled butter and sugar mixture until silky and smooth. Then, sift in the cocoa powder and mix it gently until combined, creating that deep chocolate base that promises coziness in every bite.
Step 4: Fold in Dry Ingredients
Now it’s time to fold in the flour, baking powder, and salt carefully so you maintain the batter’s fudgy texture. Mixing just until combined prevents over-developing gluten, keeping these brownies delightfully tender and moist.
Step 5: Bake the Brownies
Pour the luscious batter over the graham cracker base in your pan and smooth it out evenly. Pop this into the oven and bake for 30 minutes — patience is essential here because the perfect fudgy texture develops in that time.
Step 6: Add Chocolate Layer
When the brownies come out of the oven, immediately sprinkle the chopped chocolate across the top. Let the heat from the brownies soften the chocolate for about 3 to 5 minutes before using an offset spatula to spread it into a smooth, glossy layer. This step introduces an extra burst of melty chocolate that makes every bite irresistible.
Step 7: Top with Marshmallows and Brown
Arrange your marshmallows evenly across the chocolate layer in neat rows. Return the pan to the oven for 5 minutes to let the marshmallows start melting. For that classic toasted finish, use a kitchen torch to brown the tops, or place the pan on the top oven rack under the broiler for 15 to 30 seconds. Watch closely so they don’t burn!
Step 8: Cool and Cut
Allow the brownies to cool completely for 20 to 30 minutes so the layers set properly before cutting. Patience here pays off with clean squares loaded with gooey, crunchy, and fudgy layers that everyone will love.
How to Serve S’mores Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
For a lovely finishing touch, sprinkle a few crushed graham crackers or mini chocolate chips on top of the toasted marshmallows. A small drizzle of chocolate sauce or a dusting of cocoa powder adds an elegant hint that gives your s’mores brownies that extra special vibe.
Side Dishes
This decadent dessert pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, balancing the rich chocolate and sweet marshmallow with a cool creaminess. Fresh berries also add a bright, tart contrast if you want a fresh pop of flavor alongside indulgent decadence.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these brownies in rustic wooden boxes for an outdoor party vibe or plate them with colorful napkins for a fun family gathering. For a playful twist, try stacking smaller brownie squares into bite-sized towers or serve them with mini skewers for easy sharing and snacking—perfect for impressing friends and family.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Because of the marshmallow topping, it’s best not to refrigerate them or they may become sticky or hard. Keeping them covered helps maintain that gooey texture we all crave.
Freezing
If you want to save these for longer, freeze the brownies before adding the marshmallow topping or after they’ve been cut into squares in a single layer lined between parchment paper. Stored well in a sealable container or freezer bag, they’ll keep for up to two months and thaw quickly at room temperature.
Reheating
To bring your brownies back to their fresh-out-of-the-oven softness, warm them gently in a microwave in 10-second bursts or briefly in an oven at low heat. Be cautious with marshmallows—they melt quickly, so a light warm-up is all you need to revive their gooey charm.
FAQs
Can I use regular chocolate chips instead of chopped chocolate?
Absolutely! Regular chocolate chips will melt nicely too, but chopping a chocolate bar gives you bigger, melty pockets of chocolate that feel extra indulgent between bites.
What type of marshmallows work best for this recipe?
Mini marshmallows are ideal since they melt evenly and create that perfect toasted finish. If you only have large marshmallows, you can cut them into smaller pieces to spread out the coverage more evenly on top.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap the regular flour for a gluten-free baking flour blend. Just be sure it contains xanthan gum or another binding agent to keep the texture fudgy and tender.
How do I avoid the marshmallows from burning when broiling?
Keep a close eye on them and broil on a low rack setting for just 15 to 30 seconds. Marshmallows go from perfectly toasted to burnt very fast, so don’t walk away during this step!
Can I double this recipe for a larger batch?
You can double all the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. Just watch the baking time and check periodically, as it might need a few extra minutes to cook all the way through due to the increased thickness.
Final Thoughts
This S’mores Brownies Recipe is a joyful celebration of classic campfire flavors transformed into an effortlessly shareable dessert. Whether you’re treating family or impressing guests, these brownies bring warmth, nostalgia, and pure delight in every bite. Give it a try and watch how it becomes a beloved favorite at your table!
Print
S’mores Brownies Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
Description
Indulge in the ultimate campfire-inspired treat with these decadent S’mores Brownies. Featuring a crunchy graham cracker base, rich cocoa-infused brownie batter, melted chocolate topping, and gooey toasted marshmallows, this recipe combines all the classic flavors of s’mores into a deliciously fudgy dessert that’s perfect for sharing.
Ingredients
Base:
- 7 sheets graham crackers
Brownie Batter:
- 1 cup butter
- 1 ½ cup light brown sugar
- ½ cup sugar
- 4 eggs (room temperature)
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup cocoa powder
- ⅔ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
Topping:
- 3 ½ oz chocolate (chopped)
- 36 marshmallows
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring the paper overhangs the sides for easy removal later.
- Arrange Graham Crackers: Place the 7 graham cracker sheets evenly at the bottom of the lined pan, breaking any pieces as needed to fit snugly and create a solid base layer.
- Melt Butter and Combine Sugars: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter completely. Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the light brown sugar and granulated sugar until well combined. Let this mixture cool for about 5 minutes to avoid cooking the eggs prematurely in the next step.
- Add Eggs, Vanilla, and Cocoa: Whisk the room temperature eggs and vanilla extract into the cooled butter-sugar mixture until smooth. Next, stir in the cocoa powder until fully incorporated and the batter is uniform in color.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gently fold in the flour, baking powder, and salt, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the batter which can make brownies tough.
- Bake Brownie Base: Pour the brownie batter evenly over the graham cracker layer in the pan. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 30 minutes, allowing the batter to set but remain fudgy.
- Add Chocolate Topping: Remove the pan from the oven and immediately sprinkle the chopped chocolate evenly over the hot brownies. Let it sit for 3-5 minutes so the chocolate softens, then use a small offset spatula to spread the melted chocolate smoothly over the top.
- Add and Toast Marshmallows: Arrange the 36 marshmallows in neat rows over the melted chocolate. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes until the marshmallows begin to puff and soften. For the perfect finishing touch, toast the marshmallows using a kitchen torch until golden brown, or alternatively, place the pan on the top oven rack and broil for 15-30 seconds watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for 20-30 minutes to set fully. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the brownies out of the pan and cut into 16 squares. Enjoy your rich and gooey s’mores brownies!
Notes
- Use room temperature eggs to ensure they mix evenly without scrambling when added to the warm butter mixture.
- If you don’t have a kitchen torch, broiling the marshmallows works well; watch closely to avoid burning them.
- For an extra fudgy texture, slightly underbake the brownies by a couple of minutes.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
- Feel free to use mini marshmallows if you prefer smaller toasted bits on top or jumbo marshmallows for a gooier topping.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
