If you’re craving a dessert that perfectly balances decadent chocolate, crunchy cookie crust, and a light, toasted meringue topping, you have to try this S’mores Brownies Recipe. It’s a delightful twist on the classic campfire treat, transformed into a luscious brownie that offers the same gooey, nostalgic flavors in every bite. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just treating yourself, these brownies bring together familiar flavors with a sophisticated touch that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, high-quality ingredients is the secret to this S’mores Brownies Recipe’s irresistible flavor and texture. Each component plays an essential role, from the crunchy base to the silky chocolate, all topped with a fluffy, toasted meringue that crowns this dessert beautifully.
- 120 g digestive or graham crackers: The foundation, crushed finely for a buttery, crunchy cookie crust.
- 40 g butter: Melted and mixed with the crumbs to hold the crust together perfectly.
- 60 g butter (melted): Adds rich moisture and flavor to the brownie batter.
- 50 g semi-sweet dark chocolate chips: Brings that deep, satisfyingly rich chocolate note.
- 20 g unsweetened Dutch cocoa powder: Intensifies the chocolate flavor with a smooth, slightly bitter edge.
- 85 g granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter and helps balance flavors.
- 85 g dark brown sugar: Adds moisture and a subtle molasses hint for depth.
- 2 large eggs (room temperature): Provides structure and tenderness in the brownies.
- 45 g vegetable oil (canola or vegetable): Keeps the crumb soft and gives shine.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances all the chocolate and sweet notes wonderfully.
- 50 g all-purpose flour: The backbone that gives the batter its body.
- 2 tsp cornstarch: Creates a delicate, almost fudgy texture.
- 1/4 tsp salt: Balances sweetness and deepens flavor.
- 90 g egg whites (about 3 egg whites): For creating the light, airy meringue topping.
- 180 g granulated sugar: Slowly melted into the egg whites to build the perfect meringue.
- 1/2 tsp vanilla bean paste: Adds a fragrant, natural vanilla aroma to the meringue.
How to Make S’mores Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 160ºC (325ºF) and lining an 8×8 inch square pan with parchment paper. Crush the digestive or graham crackers in a food processor until they resemble fine sand. Then, melt 40 grams of butter and combine it with the crushed cookies, blending until evenly mixed. Press this crumbly mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan using the base of a glass for an even, compact crust. Bake it for about 10 minutes to create a sturdy base that has just the right crunch.
Step 2: Make the Brownie Batter
While the crust bakes, sift together flour, cornstarch, and salt in a bowl, then set it aside. Next, melt 60 grams of butter with the semi-sweet chocolate chips until smooth and glossy. Pour this luscious chocolate mixture into a large mixing bowl and whisk in the unsweetened cocoa powder. Mix in both sugars until fully combined, then add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition to make sure everything is silky smooth. Stir in the vegetable oil and vanilla extract, then gently fold in the dry ingredients just until combined. Once your brownie batter is ready, pour it over the cooled cookie crust and smooth the surface.
Step 3: Bake the Brownies
Bake the layered brownie and crust for approximately 30 to 35 minutes. The edges should be set while the center remains fudgy. Be sure to let them cool completely after baking, because a cool brownie is essential for adding the meringue topping comfortably without melting it.
Step 4: Prepare the Meringue Topping
For the glorious finishing touch, place the egg whites and granulated sugar in a heatproof bowl set over a pan of simmering water. Whisk constantly until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is warm to the touch. Transfer the bowl to your mixer and whip on high speed until glossy, stiff peaks form and the mixture is cool to the touch—this usually takes about 5 to 6 minutes. Add the vanilla bean paste and give a final whisk. Spread the meringue generously over the cooled brownies.
Step 5: Brown the Meringue
Use a kitchen blowtorch to toast the peaks of the meringue until golden brown, or place the pan under a broiler for a few minutes, watching carefully so it doesn’t burn. This final step adds that signature toasted flavor reminiscent of classic s’mores and creates a beautiful, inviting surface on your brownies.
How to Serve S’mores Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance the look and flavor of your S’mores Brownies Recipe by sprinkling a few extra crushed digestive or graham crackers on top, or adding a few toasted mini marshmallows for nostalgic charm. A drizzle of melted chocolate or a dusting of cocoa powder also adds that extra wow factor for serving.
Side Dishes
These brownies are lush enough to stand alone, but if you want to add a little extra flair, serve them with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream alongside fresh berries. The contrast between warm, rich brownie and cool, creamy ice cream is divine.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or gatherings, consider cutting the brownies into bite-sized squares and serving them on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of extra graham cracker crumbs and chocolate chips for dipping. Alternatively, layer pieces between two toasted marshmallow-topped squares to create mini s’mores brownie sandwiches that guests can grab and go.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store your brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This helps maintain the gooey texture without drying out the cookie crust or the delicate meringue topping.
Freezing
If you want to keep these beauties longer, wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight freezer-safe container or bag. They freeze well for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge to retain their fresh-from-the-oven texture when reheated.
Reheating
To enjoy warm brownies, reheat them gently in a low oven (around 150ºC or 300ºF) for 8-10 minutes to soften the inside without melting the meringue too much. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the texture gummy and may affect the toasted meringue’s appeal.
FAQs
Can I use regular sugar instead of granulated sugar in the meringue?
Granulated sugar works best to stabilize the meringue and help it reach stiff peaks. Using alternatives may affect the texture, making it less glossy or less stable when toasted.
What if I don’t have a kitchen blowtorch?
No worries! You can use your oven’s broiler to toast the meringue topping. Just keep a very close eye on it because it can brown quickly and easily burn.
Can I substitute the digestive or graham crackers for another cookie?
Absolutely! While digestive or graham crackers offer a classic s’mores flavor, shortbread or even chocolate cookies can add a fun twist. Just crush them finely and make sure they aren’t too soft or oily.
Can I make the meringue ahead of time?
For best results, make and add the meringue right before serving or storing. Meringue made in advance tends to weep or lose its texture, so fresh is always better for this recipe.
How do I get clean cuts when slicing these brownies?
Run a sharp knife under hot water, wipe it clean, and slice gently. Repeat warming and cleaning the knife between cuts to ensure smooth edges and prevent sticking.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the S’mores Brownies Recipe that makes it an unforgettable dessert experience. It combines the nostalgia of a campfire treat with the rich, fudgy indulgence of a homemade brownie, all topped with perfectly toasted meringue. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this recipe a try—it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that feels like a warm hug in dessert form.
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S’mores Brownies Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
Description
Indulge in these decadent S’mores Brownies featuring a crunchy cookie crust, rich chocolate brownie layer, and a fluffy toasted meringue topping. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth with textures and flavors reminiscent of classic campfire s’mores, baked to perfection in your oven.
Ingredients
Cookie Crust
- 120 g digestive or graham crackers
- 40 g butter
Brownie Batter
- 60 g butter (melted)
- 50 g semi-sweet dark chocolate chips
- 20 g unsweetened Dutch cocoa powder
- 85 g granulated sugar
- 85 g dark brown sugar
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 45 g vegetable oil (canola or vegetable)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 50 g all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp cornstarch
- 1/4 tsp salt
Meringue
- 90 g egg whites (about 3 egg whites)
- 180 g granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla bean paste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 160ºC (325ºF) using the conventional oven setting. Line a 20×20 cm (8×8 inch) square baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Make Cookie Crust: In a food processor, pulse the digestive or graham crackers until they become fine crumbs. Melt 40 g butter and add it to the crumbs in the processor, blending until the mixture resembles wet sand.
- Press and Bake Crust: Transfer the cookie crumb mixture into the prepared pan. Use the bottom of a glass to firmly press and flatten the crumbs, packing them tightly. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes to set the crust.
- Prepare Dry Ingredients for Brownie: While the crust bakes, sift together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and salt in a bowl and set aside.
- Melt Butter and Chocolate: Melt 60 g butter with 50 g dark chocolate chips together until smooth. Pour this mixture into a large mixing bowl and whisk in the Dutch cocoa powder until fully combined.
- Add Sugars: To the chocolate mixture, add the granulated sugar and dark brown sugar, whisking thoroughly to combine.
- Incorporate Eggs: Add the two room-temperature eggs to the mixture. Whisk until incorporated, then continue whisking vigorously for 1-2 minutes for a smooth, aerated batter.
- Add Oil and Vanilla: Stir in the vegetable oil and vanilla extract, whisking until the batter is uniform.
- Combine with Dry Ingredients: Gently fold the sifted flour mixture into the wet batter using a whisk until just combined without overmixing.
- Bake Brownie Layer: Pour the batter over the pre-baked cookie crust and smooth the surface. Bake for 30-35 minutes until set and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with moist crumbs. Allow the brownie to cool completely before proceeding.
- Prepare Meringue: In a heatproof bowl over simmering water (double boiler setup), combine egg whites and granulated sugar. Whisk constantly with a mixer until the sugar dissolves and mixture is warm to the touch.
- Whip Meringue: Transfer the warm mixture to a stand mixer bowl. Whip on high speed for 5-6 minutes until the meringue reaches room temperature and forms stiff peaks. Add the vanilla bean paste and whisk to combine.
- Top and Toast Meringue: Remove the cooled brownie slab from the pan onto a serving tray. Spread the meringue evenly over the top. Using a kitchen blowtorch or the oven broiler, toast the meringue until golden brown and slightly crisp on the surface.
- Slice and Serve: For clean cuts, dip a sharp knife in hot water, wipe dry, and slice the brownies. Repeat this process between each cut to ensure neat pieces. Serve and enjoy your classic s’mores-inspired brownies!
Notes
- Ensure eggs are room temperature for better incorporation and texture in brownies.
- Use Dutch-processed cocoa for a richer chocolate flavor.
- When toasting meringue, watch closely to avoid burning.
- Storing brownies in an airtight container at room temperature will keep them fresh for up to 3 days.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the cookies and flour with gluten-free alternatives.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes for brownie + 10 minutes for crust + 5 minutes for toasting meringue
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American