The first crackle of a graham cracker breaking signals the start of an adventure, doesn’t it? Imagine transforming that magical campfire experience into a pan of decadent, fudgy S’mores Brownies! With layers of gooey marshmallows, smooth melted chocolate, and a bite of crunchy graham crackers, this easy recipe brings the joys of outdoor cooking right into your kitchen—no campfire required! Not to mention, these S’mores Brownies are perfect for any gathering, making them a fun crowd-pleaser that everyone will love. Plus, you’ll appreciate how little prep time they take, so you can whip them up in a flash. Are you ready to indulge in some sweet nostalgia? Let’s get started!
Why Are S’mores Brownies a Must-Bake?
Irresistible Flavor Combination: The blend of rich chocolate, gooey marshmallows, and crispy graham crackers will transport you back to childhood campfire nights.
Quick and Easy: With just a boxed brownie mix as the base, you can create this indulgent dessert in no time—perfect for unexpected guests!
Crowd-Pleasing Delight: These S’mores Brownies are a guaranteed hit at parties, appealing to both kids and adults alike.
Versatile Variations: Feel free to customize by using different chocolates or adding a peanut butter swirl for an extra layer of deliciousness!
No Campfire Needed: Enjoy s’mores flavor in the comfort of your home, no need to worry about the weather or fire safety!
Dive into more sweet delights with our homemade brownie recipe to take your baking skills to the next level!
S’mores Brownies Ingredients
For the Brownie Base
• Boxed Brownie Mix – This easy staple provides a convenient, time-saving base for your S'mores Brownies.
• Eggs – Essential for adding moisture and structure; substitute with flaxseed meal for a vegan option.
• Oil – Boosts moisture and fudginess, or switch it with melted butter for added richness.
• Water – Activates the boxed brownie mix; no substitutes required.
For the Topping
• Graham Crackers – Adds that delightful crunch and authentic s’mores flavor; gluten-free options are available.
• Mini Marshmallows – Create an irresistibly gooey topping; larger marshmallows cut into pieces can work, too.
• Chocolate Bar Squares – Melt into the brownies for extra indulgence; any chocolate works well, semi-sweet is recommended for balance.
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for S’mores Brownies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures an even bake for your S’mores Brownies. While the oven heats, gather all your ingredients and have a greased 13×9-inch baking pan ready. A good preheat is key to creating that perfect fudgy texture in the brownies.
Step 2: Mix the Brownie Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the boxed brownie mix, eggs, oil, and water as directed on the package for "cakey" brownies. Stir gently until just blended, ensuring no dry mix remains. The batter will be thick and rich, delivering that delicious base for your S’mores Brownies.
Step 3: Bake the Brownies
Pour the brownie batter into the greased 13×9-inch pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you want them set around the edges but slightly underdone in the center, perfect for that gooey texture. Test with a toothpick; a few moist crumbs should cling to it.
Step 4: Add Toppings
Once your brownies are baked, carefully remove the pan from the oven. Sprinkle the graham cracker pieces over the top, followed by a generous handful of mini marshmallows. Finish by layering the chocolate bar squares over the marshmallows to create a mouthwatering topping that captures the essence of s’mores.
Step 5: Final Bake
Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes. During this time, the marshmallows will puff up and turn golden, creating an invitingly gooey topping. It's crucial to watch closely to prevent them from burning while achieving that golden-brown perfection.
Step 6: Cool and Slice
After baking, remove the pan from the oven and allow it to cool slightly. For cleaner cuts, let the S’mores Brownies cool completely before slicing them into squares. You can even run a knife under hot water and wipe it dry between cuts for neat edges, enhancing the presentation of your delicious creation.
What to Serve with S’mores Brownies
Indulge in the sweet delight of S’mores Brownies by pairing them with some scrumptious sides and treats that enhance every bite.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy ice cream complements the fudgy brownies, adding a refreshing contrast to the gooey sweetness.
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Cold Glass of Milk: Nothing beats the classic pairing of brownies with milk, enhancing the rich chocolate flavor and making each bite melt in your mouth.
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Fresh Berries: A handful of tart raspberries or strawberries brings brightness and a juicy freshness that cuts through the sweetness, balancing the rich flavors.
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Chocolate Sauce Drizzle: Elevate your experience with an extra drizzle of warm chocolate sauce for chocolate lovers looking to enhance those indulgent flavors even more.
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Hot Cocoa: Treat yourself to a cup of steaming hot cocoa for a cozy dessert experience, perfect for sipping alongside these indulgent brownies.
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Nutty Trail Mix: A crunchy nutty trail mix can provide a delightful contrast to the gooeyness of the brownies, making for a tasty and textural addition.
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Whipped Cream: A dollop of light and fluffy whipped cream adds a luxurious touch and a creamy element to each bite, enhancing the overall dessert experience.
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Caramel Sauce: A drizzle of sweet, buttery caramel sauce will bring another layer of flavor, enhancing the s’mores essence in an unexpectedly delightful way.
These pairings not only enhance the experience of enjoying S’mores Brownies but also create a cozy, indulgent atmosphere perfect for any gathering or sweet craving moment.
How to Store and Freeze S’mores Brownies
Room Temperature: Keep leftover S’mores Brownies covered at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their gooey texture.
Fridge: Store in the fridge for up to a week in an airtight container for a chilled treat, but note that they may dry out slightly.
Freezer: For longer storage, individually wrap squares tightly in plastic wrap and then foil; freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating: To enjoy, thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave for a few seconds until the chocolate softens; this revives their gooey goodness!
S'mores Brownies Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to let your creativity roam and customize these delightful S’mores Brownies to your taste and dietary needs!
- Vegan Option: Swap eggs for flaxseed meal and use vegetable oil instead of butter for a plant-based twist.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free graham crackers and ensure the boxed brownie mix is certified gluten-free for everyone to enjoy.
- Nutty Delight: Stir in crunchy peanut butter or chopped nuts before baking for an added rich flavor and texture.
- Minty Fresh: Add a few drops of mint extract or top with Andes mints to introduce a refreshing minty kick.
- Spicy Kick: Sprinkle a pinch of cayenne pepper into the brownie mix to elevate the flavor profile with a warm, spicy note.
- Boozy Fun: Mix in a splash of your favorite liqueur, like Kahlúa or Bailey's, for an adult-friendly version of these brownies.
- Fruity Addition: Toss in some chopped strawberries or raspberries before baking for a burst of fresh fruit flavor to balance the sweetness.
- Chocolate Overload: Swap out the chocolate bar for a mix of dark, milk, and white chocolate chips for a triple chocolate experience!
Don’t forget to check out our easy homemade brownie recipe if you want to start from scratch, or explore more delightful treats with our delicious dessert recipes that promise to enchant your taste buds!
Make Ahead Options
These S’mores Brownies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts looking to save precious time! You can prepare the brownie batter up to 24 hours in advance; simply mix the ingredients, cover, and refrigerate until you're ready to bake. To maintain quality, avoid adding the toppings until you're ready to bake. Just before baking, spread the brownie batter in your greased pan, and layer with the graham cracker pieces, mini marshmallows, and chocolate squares as instructed. By prepping ahead, you’ll enjoy the same delicious flavor while saving time on busy days—perfect for impromptu gatherings or a sweet family treat!
Expert Tips for the Best S’mores Brownies
• Marshmallow Monitoring: Keep a close watch on the marshmallows during the final bake to prevent burning; they can go from perfectly golden to charred quickly!
• Graham Cracker Placement: Gently press graham cracker pieces into the brownie batter to avoid sinking and ensure an even distribution throughout the S’mores Brownies.
• Underdake for Gooeyness: Aim to slightly underbake the brownies. Remove them from the oven when a few moist crumbs stick to a toothpick for that irresistible fudgy texture.
• Smooth Cutting: Use cooking spray on your knife to slice brownies effortlessly, or opt for a plastic knife for clean cuts without pulling at the gooey marshmallows.
S’mores Brownies Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right brownie mix for S’mores Brownies?
Absolutely! I recommend opting for a high-quality boxed brownie mix that you enjoy, especially those labeled as “fudgy” for an ultra-rich texture. Look for brands with satisfying reviews!
What is the best way to store leftover S’mores Brownies?
You can keep your S’mores Brownies covered at room temperature for up to 3 days. Just be sure to store them in a cool, dry place to maintain that delicious gooeyness. If you want them to last longer, consider refrigerating them in an airtight container for up to a week.
Can I freeze S’mores Brownies?
Absolutely! To freeze S’mores Brownies, wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil. This double-wrapping helps keep them fresh and protected. You can freeze them for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to indulge, thaw them at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to soften the chocolate.
Are there any substitutions I can make for ingredients if I have allergies?
Very! If you have egg allergies, you can substitute the eggs with flaxseed meal. Mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 3 tablespoons of water and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it thickens—this acts as a great binder! For gluten-free needs, just opt for gluten-free graham crackers and brownie mix.
What should I do if my brownies are too gooey?
If your S’mores Brownies come out too gooey, don’t worry! They may need longer baking time or a slight adjustment in the oven temperature. I suggest checking them a few minutes earlier or later next time. For now, you could also refrigerate the brownies to firm them up a bit, which will still make for a delicious treat!
How can I ensure my S'mores Brownies are perfectly baked?
For the best results, monitor your brownies closely while baking. Remove them from the oven when you see a few moist crumbs sticking to a toothpick rather than completely clean; this ensures they are rich and fudgy. If you're ever in doubt, a slight underbake will lead to that perfect gooeyness you crave!
Indulgent S'mores Brownies That Bring Campfire Joy Home
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 13×9-inch baking pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the boxed brownie mix, eggs, oil, and water. Stir until just blended.
- Pour the brownie batter into the greased pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 20 minutes.
- Carefully remove from oven and sprinkle graham cracker pieces, mini marshmallows, and chocolate squares on top.
- Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes.
- Allow to cool slightly before slicing into squares.
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