If you have a sweet tooth craving that nostalgia-packed campfire flavor in a decadent, fudgy treat, you are going to adore this S’mores Brownies Recipe. Combining the rich, chocolatey goodness of classic brownies with the crunchy, honeyed warmth of graham crackers and the gooey, toasted charm of marshmallows, this dessert is a celebration in every bite. It’s like bringing a campfire treat indoors and elevating it with buttery, melt-in-your-mouth brownie layers that keep you coming back for more. Trust me, once you try this S’mores Brownies Recipe, it will become your go-to for impressing friends or brightening a cozy night at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple yet essential ingredients is the first delightful step toward creating your S’mores Brownies Recipe. Each item plays a vital role in building the perfect storm of texture and flavor — from the crispy graham crackers adding crunch, to the velvety cocoa and chocolate layers, all balanced by a touch of salt and sweetness.
- Graham crackers (5 pieces): These provide the classic s’mores crunch and a subtle honeyed flavor foundation.
- Semisweet chocolate (85 g): Melts smoothly with oil to imbue the batter with deep, rich chocolate notes.
- Neutral oil (150 g): Keeps the brownies moist and tender without overpowering other flavors.
- Granulated sugar (200 g): Adds sweetness and helps create a lovely crust on top.
- Brown sugar (142 g): Brings warmth and a slight molasses taste that enhances the chocolate.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances sweetness and intensifies chocolate flavor.
- Eggs (3, room temperature): Provide structure and richness for that perfect fudgy texture.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Lends a fragrant note that lifts the chocolate and marshmallow flavors.
- All-purpose flour (120 g): The backbone that holds the brownies together with just the right density.
- Dutch process cocoa powder (84 g): Offers an intense chocolate flavor and rich color.
- Milk chocolate (140 g, for mixing in batter): Creates melty pockets of creamy sweetness throughout the brownies.
- Large marshmallows (36 pieces): The crowning glory that toast to golden perfection on top, mimicking campfire s’mores.
How to Make S’mores Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Graham Cracker Base
Start by setting your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lining an 8-inch square pan with parchment paper to keep the brownies from sticking. Then, carefully arrange the 5 graham crackers in the bottom of the pan, forming a single layer. This acts like a crunchy, sweet ‘crust’ that will beautifully support the brownie layers atop it.
Step 2: Melt Chocolate and Oil
Combine the semisweet chocolate and neutral oil in a small bowl. Heat the mixture in short 30-second bursts in the microwave, stirring in between, until it melts into a smooth, glossy liquid. Setting this aside allows it to cool just a bit before mixing it in later.
Step 3: Whisk Sugars, Eggs, and Vanilla
Grab a large bowl and whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, salt, eggs, and vanilla extract using an electric hand mixer set to high speed. This mix should rise and become pale and fluffy, roughly doubling in size after about 5 to 6 minutes. This creates a lightness that helps your brownies stay fudgy yet just right.
Step 4: Incorporate the Chocolate Mixture
Keeping your electric mixer on low speed, slowly pour the melted chocolate and oil blend into the sugar and egg mixture. This gradual mixing ensures a smooth integration, giving the batter its signature rich chocolate base.
Step 5: Add Dry Ingredients and Milk Chocolate
Now it’s time to add the flour and Dutch process cocoa powder. Mix gently on low speed until mostly combined—be careful not to overmix, which can toughen brownies. Then, fold in the milk chocolate chunks by hand until they’re evenly scattered throughout the batter, promising ooey-gooey chocolate bits in every bite.
Step 6: Pour and Bake
Pour the luscious brownie batter carefully over the graham cracker base you set earlier in the pan, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for about 35 minutes. Once baked, let the brownies cool completely in the pan—this takes about an hour and is crucial for the brownies to set properly before the next step.
Step 7: Toast the Marshmallows
After cooling, arrange large marshmallows neatly on top of the brownies. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 5 to 8 minutes, just until the marshmallows puff up and turn a beautiful golden brown. This final touch melts the marshmallows just enough for that irresistible s’mores effect without burning.
Step 8: Slice and Enjoy
Remove the pan from the oven and let the brownies cool slightly before lifting them out using the parchment paper edges. Cut into 9 generous squares and prepare yourself for one of the most heavenly, chocolate-marshmallow experiences.
How to Serve S’mores Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
These brownies stand beautifully on their own, but you can elevate the presentation by adding a sprinkle of crushed graham crackers or a drizzle of melted chocolate on top. A few mini marshmallows or a sprinkle of sea salt can also add texture and contrast.
Side Dishes
Serve your S’mores Brownies Recipe with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to balance the richness. Fresh berries, like raspberries or strawberries, bring a bright, tangy complement. For a cozy gathering, pair them with a warm mug of hot cocoa or coffee.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the brownies into bite-sized pieces and skewer them with small sticks for a fun party treat. You could also make individual brownie cups by baking the batter in muffin tins lined with graham crackers. Another idea is to layer the S’mores Brownies Recipe in a trifle dish with whipped cream and chocolate shards for a show-stopping dessert.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover S’mores Brownies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If your kitchen is particularly warm, you might want to refrigerate them to prevent melting, though this can slightly change the texture.
Freezing
These brownies freeze beautifully. Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature for a couple of hours or overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
If you like your brownies warm, gently reheat them in the oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes or pop them in the microwave for 15-20 seconds. This warms the marshmallows and chocolate for a gooier, melty sensation reminiscent of freshly toasted s’mores.
FAQs
Can I use regular cocoa powder instead of Dutch process in this S’mores Brownies Recipe?
Yes, you can substitute regular cocoa powder if that’s what you have, but Dutch process cocoa tends to give a smoother, less acidic chocolate flavor which pairs beautifully with the marshmallow and graham cracker components.
What type of chocolate works best in the batter?
Milk chocolate is recommended for mixing into the batter because it melts smoothly and adds a creamy sweetness that contrasts the deeper semisweet chocolate base. However, feel free to try bittersweet or dark chocolate chunks for a richer bite.
How do I avoid burning the marshmallows while toasting?
Keep a close eye on the marshmallows during the final baking step—the toasting happens quickly and can go from golden to burnt fast. If your oven has a broil setting, you can use it for just 1-2 minutes but watch carefully to prevent charring.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that measures cup-for-cup. Make sure to check that your cocoa powder and other ingredients are gluten-free as well for the best results.
Is it necessary to beat the egg and sugar mixture until doubled in size?
Yes, beating the mixture until fluffy incorporates air that contributes to the structure and fudgy texture of the brownies. Skipping this step might result in denser brownies that don’t quite have the same light yet chewy balance.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this S’mores Brownies Recipe enough for those moments when you want to indulge in a dessert that is both comforting and delightfully nostalgic. The combination of crisp graham crackers, deeply chocolatey brownie, and luscious marshmallows makes every bite feel like a celebration. So go ahead—make this recipe, share it with loved ones, and savor all the cozy goodness it brings to your table!
Print
S’mores Brownies Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 3 minutes plus 1 hour cooling
- Yield: 9 servings
Description
Decadent and gooey S’mores Brownies combine rich chocolate brownie batter with crunchy graham crackers and toasted marshmallows on top. This dessert blends the nostalgic flavors of classic s’mores with a fudgy brownie base, perfect for a crowd-pleasing treat.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 5 graham crackers
- 85 g semisweet chocolate
- 150 g neutral oil
- 200 g granulated sugar
- 142 g brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3 eggs (room temperature)
- 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 120 g all-purpose flour
- 84 g dutch process cocoa powder
- 140 g milk chocolate (for mixing in batter)
- 36 large marshmallows
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.
- Arrange Graham Crackers: Place the graham crackers evenly in the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crunchy base layer for the brownies.
- Melt Chocolate and Oil: In a small bowl, combine the semisweet chocolate and neutral oil. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until completely melted and smooth. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Mix Sugars and Eggs: In a large mixing bowl, add granulated sugar, brown sugar, salt, eggs, and vanilla extract. Using an electric hand mixer, beat on high speed for 5-6 minutes until the mixture doubles in size and becomes light and fluffy.
- Combine Chocolate Mixture: Reduce speed to low and slowly pour the melted chocolate and oil mixture into the sugar and egg mixture, blending until incorporated.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Add the all-purpose flour and dutch process cocoa powder to the batter. Mix on low speed just until mostly combined to avoid overmixing.
- Fold in Milk Chocolate: Gently fold in the milk chocolate pieces until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Assemble Brownie Batter: Pour the prepared brownie batter evenly over the graham cracker base in the baking pan.
- Bake Brownies: Bake for approximately 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with moist crumbs. Remove from oven and let cool completely in the pan for about 1 hour.
- Add Marshmallows and Toast: Once cooled, arrange the large marshmallows evenly on top of the brownies. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 5-8 minutes until the marshmallows are puffed and golden brown.
- Serve: Remove the brownies from the oven. Allow to cool slightly, then carefully remove from the pan using the parchment paper. Cut into 9 equal squares and serve.
Notes
- Ensure eggs are at room temperature for better aeration when beating.
- Use parchment paper for easy removal and cleanup.
- Adjust marshmallow to your preference; mini marshmallows can be used but will result in a different texture.
- Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for 5 days.
- For a more intense chocolate flavor, use high-quality cocoa powder and chocolate.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 43 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American