S’mores Brownies
S’mores Brownies are a delightful fusion of classic campfire flavors and rich brownie goodness. This easy-to-make dessert combines the sweetness of chocolate, the chewiness of marshmallows, and the crunch of graham crackers. Perfect for any occasion, these brownies will impress your family and friends with their gooey texture and nostalgic taste.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: Using a box brownie mix makes this recipe straightforward and fast.
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of chocolate, marshmallows, and graham crackers creates a delightful taste sensation.
- Versatile Treat: Perfect for parties, potlucks, or just a cozy night in, these brownies suit any gathering.
- Gooey Goodness: The toasted marshmallows add an incredible texture that melts in your mouth.
- Kid-Friendly Fun: Kids will love both making and eating these S’mores Brownies.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into this delicious recipe, gather the necessary tools to make your baking experience smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- 9×13 inch baking pan
- Mixing bowl
- Plastic bag for crushing graham crackers
- Broiler-safe oven mitts
- Wire rack
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking Pan: A 9×13 inch pan is perfect for evenly baking your brownies without burning them.
- Mixing Bowl: A sturdy mixing bowl ensures all ingredients are combined well without spilling.
- Plastic Bag: Crushing graham crackers inside a bag minimizes mess while preparing toppings.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create these delicious S’mores Brownies:
For the Brownie Base
- 2 boxes of brownie mix – I used Ghirardelli Brownie Mix
For the Toppings
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
- 1 package of graham crackers
- 2 1.55 ounce chocolate bars broken into pieces
How to Make S’mores Brownies
Step 1: Prepare the Brownies
Make brownies according to directions on the box. This usually involves mixing eggs, oil, and water with the brownie mix until smooth.
Step 2: Crush the Graham Crackers
While brownies are baking:
Place graham crackers in a plastic bag.
Use a rolling pin or heavy object to crush them into small pieces.
Step 3: Toast the Marshmallows
Once brownies are baked:
1. Turn your oven broiler to high.
2. Remove brownies from oven carefully.
3. Sprinkle mini marshmallows generously on top.
Step 4: Add Graham Crackers
Top the marshmallows evenly with crushed graham crackers for that classic s’mores crunch.
Step 5: Broil Your Creation
Place the pan back in the oven:
Watch closely as it only takes about 2 to 3 minutes for the marshmallows to brown nicely.
Step 6: Finish Up
Once browned:
1. Remove from oven carefully using oven mitts.
2. Cool on a wire rack for about 30 minutes.
3. Gently push chocolate pieces into melted marshmallows before cutting into squares.
Enjoy your homemade S’mores Brownies! They’re sure to be a hit at any gathering or as a sweet treat enjoyed at home.
How to Serve S’mores Brownies
S’mores Brownies are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply indulging at home, these serving suggestions will elevate your dessert experience.
Classic S’mores Style
- Place a toasted marshmallow on top of each brownie square for that authentic s’mores feel.
Ice Cream Delight
- Serve warm brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast of warm and cold makes for a delicious combination.
Chocolate Drizzle
- Drizzle melted chocolate over the brownies for an extra layer of sweetness and visual appeal.
Fresh Fruits
- Pair with sliced strawberries or bananas for a fresh twist that balances the rich flavors.
Whipped Cream Topping
- Add a dollop of whipped cream on top to enhance the creaminess and flavor profile.
Festive Platter
- Arrange brownies on a platter with colorful sprinkles or edible glitter to make them party-ready.
How to Perfect S’mores Brownies
Creating the perfect S’mores Brownies is all about attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure they turn out just right.
- Use quality ingredients: Choosing high-quality chocolate and brownie mix can significantly enhance the taste.
- Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on your brownies while baking; they should be fudgy, not dry.
- Toast marshmallows carefully: Use the broiler but watch closely; they can burn quickly if left unattended.
- Crush graham crackers finely: Smaller pieces distribute evenly and give better texture on top.
- Let them cool properly: Allowing brownies to cool before cutting helps maintain their shape and prevents messiness.
- Experiment with toppings: Try adding nuts or different types of chocolates for variety.
Best Side Dishes for S’mores Brownies
S’mores Brownies pair well with several side dishes that complement their rich flavors. Here are some great options:
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances sweetness.
- Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: These add an elegant touch and enhance chocolate flavors.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing that provides a creamy contrast to the brownies.
- Milkshakes: A thick chocolate or vanilla milkshake makes for a fun drink option alongside your dessert.
- Caramel Sauce: Drizzling caramel sauce over brownies elevates the dessert experience with its richness.
- Coffee or Espresso: The bitterness of coffee complements the sweet flavors, creating a well-rounded dessert time.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making S’mores Brownies can be fun, but there are a few common pitfalls that could ruin your delicious treat.
- Not following the box instructions: Always adhere to the brownie mix directions. Skipping steps or changing proportions can lead to uneven texture.
- Overbaking the brownies: Keep an eye on the baking time! Overbaked brownies can become dry and less enjoyable. Use a toothpick to check for doneness.
- Skipping the broiling step: Don’t skip broiling the marshmallows! This step creates that classic toasted flavor that makes S’mores special.
- Using stale ingredients: Fresh ingredients are key! Check your marshmallows and graham crackers to ensure they’re fresh for the best taste and texture.
- Crowding the pan: Make sure not to overcrowd the brownies with toppings. Too many toppings can lead to a messy result. Stick to what’s listed for balance.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store S’mores Brownies in an airtight container.
- They will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing S’mores Brownies
- Wrap individual squares in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating S’mores Brownies
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Warm each square for about 15-20 seconds.
- Stovetop: Place in a skillet on low heat, cover, and warm gently until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making S’mores Brownies.
How do I make my S’mores Brownies more chocolatey?
You can add chocolate chips or chunks into the brownie batter before baking for an extra chocolatey treat!
Can I use homemade brownie mix instead of a box?
Absolutely! You can use your favorite homemade brownie recipe as long as it has similar proportions.
How do I make gluten-free S’mores Brownies?
Use a gluten-free brownie mix and ensure all other ingredients like graham crackers are also gluten-free.
What’s the best way to cut S’mores Brownies?
Use a sharp knife dipped in warm water for clean cuts. Wipe the knife clean between cuts for neat squares!
Can I customize my S’mores Brownies?
Definitely! Feel free to add nuts, different types of chocolate, or even caramel drizzle for extra flavor.
Final Thoughts
S’mores Brownies are not just a delightful dessert; they’re versatile and easy to customize based on your preferences. Whether you enjoy them warm or cold, this recipe is perfect for any occasion. Try adding your favorite treats or toppings, and make this sweet indulgence truly your own!
S’mores Brownies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Makes approximately 24 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
S’mores Brownies are a delightful treat that perfectly marries the rich, fudgy texture of brownies with the classic campfire flavors of s’mores. This easy recipe transforms your favorite campfire snack into a mouthwatering dessert that’s sure to impress at any gathering or cozy night in. Each bite offers a symphony of flavors and textures, featuring gooey melted chocolate, chewy marshmallows, and crunchy graham crackers. With minimal preparation time and straightforward steps, you can whip up these irresistible brownies and enjoy the nostalgia of summer nights anytime.
Ingredients
- 2 boxes brownie mix (recommended: Ghirardelli)
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
- 1 package graham crackers
- 2 chocolate bars (1.55 oz each)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven according to brownie mix instructions.
- Prepare the brownie batter as directed on the box.
- While baking, crush graham crackers in a plastic bag.
- Once brownies are baked, switch to broil and remove from oven.
- Top with mini marshmallows followed by crushed graham crackers.
- Broil for 2-3 minutes until marshmallows are toasted.
- Cool on a wire rack before cutting and serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square (50g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
