As I stood in the kitchen, a mischievous spark of nostalgia whipped through my mind—remember those carefree nights around a campfire, the aroma of toasted marshmallows filling the air? Now, you can enjoy that cherished essence in the form of these delightful S’mores Brownies! Combining the classic flavors of gooey marshmallows, rich chocolate, and crunchy graham crackers, this recipe captures the spirit of adventure without the need for a campfire. What I love most about these brownies is that they come together in a snap using a boxed mix, making them a perfect after-school treat or easy dessert for gatherings. By swapping complicated ingredients for convenience, you’ll impress family and friends while cherishing that warm, comforting vibe. Who doesn't want to dive into a pan of fudgy goodness nestled beneath a fluffy marshmallow blanket? Are you ready to indulge in a cozy slice of childhood?
Why You'll Crave These S'mores Brownies
Decadent layers of gooey marshmallows and rich chocolate create an amazing taste experience that mirrors the beloved campfire treat. Ease of preparation is a highlight, as these brownies come together quickly using a simple boxed mix. Crowd-pleaser appeal means they’re sure to impress at any gathering or as a delightful family dessert. Customizable options allow you to experiment with different chocolates or add a peanut butter swirl for a fun twist. Textures meld beautifully, with fudgy brownie meets crunchy graham cracker, creating an unforgettable bite. Dive into your preparation with just a couple of ingredients and watch everyone gather around for seconds!
S'mores Brownies Ingredients
• Here’s everything you need to create these scrumptious S’mores Brownies!
For the Brownie Base
- Boxed Brownie Mix – This convenient base offers you the richness of brownies without the hassle.
- Eggs – Add essential moisture and structure; for a vegan option, use flaxseed meal instead.
- Oil – Contributes to that fudgy texture; melted butter can be substituted for an even richer flavor.
- Water – Activates the mix perfectly—no substitute needed here.
For the Topping
- Graham Crackers – These provide the classic s’mores crunch; opt for gluten-free graham crackers if needed.
- Mini Marshmallows – These create a gooey and sweet topping; larger marshmallows can work in a pinch if cut down.
- Chocolate Bar Squares – Melted into the brownies for an indulgent richness—any chocolate type fits perfectly!
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the magic of baking these delightful S'mores Brownies!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for S'mores Brownies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This critical step ensures that your S’mores Brownies will bake evenly and perfectly. While the oven heats up, gather your ingredients and equipment, including a large mixing bowl and a greased 13×9-inch baking pan, to streamline the baking process.
Step 2: Prepare the Brownie Batter
In your mixing bowl, combine the boxed brownie mix, eggs, oil, and water according to the package instructions for “cakey” brownies. Whisk the mixture until it's just blended—avoid over-mixing, as this can toughen the brownies. You should see a smooth and slightly thick batter ready to turn into a gooey base that’s perfect for your S’mores Brownies.
Step 3: Pour and Spread the Batter
Pour the brownie batter into your greased baking pan, spreading it out evenly using a spatula. This step helps to ensure every bite has that rich brownie goodness. As you smooth the top, keep an eye out for any air bubbles, gently popping them to create a lovely, burbling texture throughout your S’mores Brownies.
Step 4: Bake the Brownies
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake the brownies for about 20 minutes. The edges should look set, while the center remains slightly underbaked, giving you that perfect fudgy texture. To check if they're ready, insert a toothpick—if it comes out with a few moist crumbs, you’re good to go!
Step 5: Add Toppings
Once the brownies are done baking, carefully remove them from the oven. Top the slightly underbaked brownies with scattered graham cracker pieces, then follow with a mound of mini marshmallows. Finally, place the chocolate bar squares on top, layering them for that decadent finish that truly embodies S’mores Brownies.
Step 6: Final Bake
Return the baking pan to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes. During this time, you'll want to keep an eye on the marshmallows; they should puff up and turn a lovely golden color. This final bake creates a magical topping that perfectly complements the rich brownie base below.
Step 7: Cool and Slice
After removing the brownies from the oven, let them cool for a few minutes. For cleaner cuts, you can allow them to cool completely before slicing. When ready, use a sharp knife (sprayed with cooking spray for ease) to cut generous squares of your S’mores Brownies, revealing the luscious layers within!
What to Serve with S’mores Brownies
Treat your family and friends to a delightful dessert spread that complements the gooey fun of S'mores Brownies!
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Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream on top adds a cool contrast to the warm brownies, enhancing each bite's indulgence.
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Chocolate Milkshake: Pair with a rich chocolate milkshake for a nostalgic twist that satisfies your sweet tooth cravings all in one go.
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Fresh Berries: Serve a side of fresh strawberries or raspberries to balance the sweetness with a burst of natural tartness, brightening the dessert table.
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Whipped Cream: A dollop of fluffy whipped cream adds an airy touch that works harmoniously with the brownie’s dense decadence.
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Coffee: Brewed coffee can enhance the chocolate flavors, transforming your dessert experience into a cozy indulgence, perfect for any gathering.
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Nutty Toppings: Offer a sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts for a delightful crunch, adding texture and depth to each gooey square.
This array of choices ensures your S’mores Brownies are the centerpiece of an unforgettable dessert experience!
Expert Tips for S'mores Brownies
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Check Your Oven: Ensure your oven is properly calibrated; an inaccurate temperature can lead to underbaked or overbaked brownies.
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Avoid Overmixing: Mix the batter just until combined to maintain that gooey texture. Overmixing can make the brownies tough!
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Layering Strategy: Press graham cracker pieces gently into the batter to prevent them from sinking too much during baking for the perfect S'mores Brownies experience.
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Perfectly Cut Brownies: Let the brownies cool completely for cleaner cuts. Use a plastic knife or spray a regular knife with cooking spray for effortless slicing.
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Store for Freshness: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep the brownies fresh and delightful!
How to Store and Freeze S'mores Brownies
Room Temperature: Store leftover S'mores Brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps them soft and gooey, ready for midnight snacking!
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze individual brownie squares wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 months. Just thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating: To enjoy them warm, pop the brownies in a microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This makes the marshmallows gooey again, bringing that fresh-baked taste back to life!
S'mores Brownies Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to get creative and make these S’mores Brownies uniquely yours!
- Homemade Base: Swap the boxed brownie mix for your favorite homemade brownie recipe for a personal touch. You can experiment with various textures and flavors that your family loves!
- Chocolate Variety: Use dark, milk, or white chocolate for the filling to tailor the sweetness to your liking. Each option brings its own delightful twist to these mouthwatering brownies!
- Nutty Addition: Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the batter for added crunch and richness. They'll enhance the texture and offer a delightful surprise in every bite!
- Vegan Twist: For a vegan version, replace the eggs with flaxseed meal and use a plant-based butter substitute in place of regular oil. You won't miss out on the fudginess at all!
- Flavored Marshmallows: Try flavored mini marshmallows, such as chocolate or caramel, to introduce an exciting twist to the topping, taking your brownies to the next flavor level!
- Peanut Butter Swirl: Melt some peanut butter and swirl it into the brownie batter before baking for an irresistible nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the chocolate.
- Spicy Kick: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or chili powder into the brownie mix for a surprising heat that beautifully contrasts with the sweet marshmallow topping. The adventure awaits!
- Fruity Addition: Toss in some chopped strawberries or raspberries alongside the marshmallows for a fresh fruit twist that brightens up the flavors and cuts through the richness!
Whether you're adjusting for dietary needs or just expanding your flavor horizons, these variations will keep everyone guessing… and craving more! And if you’re looking to explore other delicious desserts, check out my Ultimate Chocolate Brownies or Decadent Peanut Butter Cookies!
Make Ahead Options
These S'mores Brownies are perfect for busy home cooks aiming to save time without compromising on flavor! You can prepare the brownie batter up to 24 hours in advance by mixing the boxed brownie mix, eggs, oil, and water, then storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Additionally, you can pre-crumble the graham crackers and measure out the mini marshmallows and chocolate squares; keep these stored separately at room temperature. When ready to bake, simply pour the chilled batter into the greased pan, top with the prepped ingredients, and bake as directed. This way, you’ll enjoy the same delicious, gooey texture and flavor with minimal effort!
S'mores Brownies Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right ingredients for S'mores Brownies?
Absolutely! When selecting your ingredients, look for boxed brownie mix with a simple list for the best results. Fresh eggs are key for structure, while high-quality chocolate bars enhance flavor. For the graham crackers, ensure they’re crunchy without dark spots to maintain texture. As for marshmallows, mini ones are perfect for the topping; if using larger ones, cut them into smaller pieces for uniform melting.
What’s the best way to store S'mores Brownies?
Very simple! Keep your leftover S'mores Brownies covered in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This way, they maintain their gooey goodness! For longer storage, wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. They’ll be just as delicious when thawed at room temperature.
Can I freeze S'mores Brownies?
Of course! To freeze your S'mores Brownies, first, let them cool completely. Then, slice them into squares, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last up to 2 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to indulge, simply thaw them at room temperature. For that freshly-baked taste, you can pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds!
What if my brownies are dry or crumbly?
Oh no! If your brownies turn out dry, it may be due to overbaking. Remember, you want to remove them from the oven when a few moist crumbs cling to the toothpick. If they do seem dry after baking, consider adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for a delicious remedy. Also, don’t hesitate to slightly underbake the next batch; that’s where the magic happens for the gooey texture!
Are there any allergy considerations for S'mores Brownies?
Absolutely! If you’re catering to particular allergies, check your boxed brownie mix for any potential allergens. Common components include eggs and gluten. For a vegan twist, replace eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoon water equals one egg). For gluten-free options, use gluten-free graham crackers and a gluten-free brownie mix. It’s all about enjoying these delicious S'mores Brownies safely!
Indulgent S'mores Brownies That'll Melt Your Heart
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Gather ingredients and equipment.
- Combine brownie mix, eggs, oil, and water in a mixing bowl. Whisk until blended.
- Pour the brownie batter into the greased baking pan and spread evenly.
- Bake the brownies for about 20 minutes, checking with a toothpick.
- Top with graham cracker pieces, mini marshmallows, and chocolate bar squares.
- Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes until marshmallows puff up.
- Cool for a few minutes before slicing into squares.
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