S’mores Brownies
S’mores Brownies are a delightful fusion of classic s’mores and rich brownies. This treat combines gooey marshmallows, crunchy graham crackers, and luscious chocolate pieces atop a fudgy brownie base. Perfect for any occasion, from summer gatherings to cozy winter nights, these brownies are sure to impress friends and family alike.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With just a box brownie mix as the base, this recipe simplifies your baking experience while delivering delicious flavor.
- Decadent Flavor: The combination of melted chocolate, toasted marshmallows, and graham crackers creates a mouthwatering taste that’s hard to resist.
- Versatile Dessert: Whether it’s a birthday party, picnic, or movie night, S’mores Brownies are a fun dessert for all occasions.
- Quick Preparation: With only 10 minutes of prep time and minimal cooking effort, you can have these tasty treats ready in no time.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Serving 16 squares means there’s plenty to share—or keep all for yourself!
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools for an efficient baking process. Having everything ready makes the experience smoother.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking pan
- Mixing bowl
- Plastic bag (for crushing graham crackers)
- Oven mitts
- Wire rack
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking pan: Essential for shaping your brownies evenly and ensuring they bake properly.
- Mixing bowl: A large bowl allows adequate space for mixing the brownie batter without any spills.
- Plastic bag: Perfect for easily crushing graham crackers without creating a mess in your kitchen.
Ingredients
For the Brownies
- 2 boxes of brownie mix – I used Ghirardelli Brownie Mix
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
For the Topping
- 1 package of graham crackers
- 2 1.55 ounce chocolate bars broken into pieces
How to Make S’mores Brownies
Step 1: Prepare the Brownie Base
- Make brownies according to directions on the box.
- Preheat your oven as directed and prepare your baking pan.
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 until fine.
Step 3: Broil the Marshmallows
- Once brownies are baked, turn broiler to high.
- Sprinkle mini marshmallows generously on top of the warm brownies.
Step 4: Add Graham Crackers and Chocolate
- Evenly distribute crushed graham crackers over the marshmallows.
- Place the pan back in the oven for 2 to 3 minutes, watching carefully until marshmallows are golden brown.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
- Remove from oven and let cool on a wire rack.
- Gently push chocolate pieces into the melted marshmallow layer.
- Allow cooling for about 30 minutes before cutting into squares.
Enjoy sharing these delicious S’mores Brownies with friends and family!
How to Serve S’mores Brownies
S’mores Brownies are not just delicious on their own; they can be paired with a variety of treats to enhance your dessert experience. Here are some creative serving suggestions to make your S’mores Brownies even more enjoyable.
Pair with Ice Cream
- Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy texture complements the gooey brownies perfectly.
- Chocolate Ice Cream: For chocolate lovers, this rich pairing heightens the flavor.
- Marshmallow Swirl Ice Cream: Adds an extra layer of marshmallow goodness.
Top with Whipped Cream
- Classic Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream adds a light touch and balances the richness.
- Flavored Whipped Cream: Experiment with chocolate or vanilla-flavored whipped cream for a twist.
Drizzle with Sauce
- Chocolate Sauce: A warm drizzle enhances the chocolaty goodness of your brownies.
- Caramel Sauce: The sweet, buttery flavor pairs well with the brownies and brings a unique taste.
Serve with Fresh Fruit
- Strawberries: Fresh strawberries add a refreshing contrast to the sweet brownies.
- Bananas: Sliced bananas provide a soft texture that compliments the chewy brownie.
How to Perfect S’mores Brownies
To ensure your S’mores Brownies turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips. They will help you achieve that gooey, chewy texture that everyone loves.
- Use Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality brownie mix and chocolate bars for the best flavor.
- Watch the Broiling Time: Stay close while broiling marshmallows; they can burn quickly if left unattended.
- Cool Before Cutting: Letting them cool for at least 30 minutes will help in achieving clean cuts.
- Experiment with Toppings: Feel free to add nuts or different types of chocolate for added texture and flavor.
Best Side Dishes for S’mores Brownies
S’mores Brownies are delightful on their own, but serving them alongside other dishes can elevate your dessert table. Here are some great side dish ideas to consider:
- Fruit Salad: A mix of fresh fruits provides a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the brownies.
- Cheese Platter: Pairing with cheese offers a savory balance to the sweet flavors.
- Coffee: A nice cup of coffee complements the rich chocolate flavors beautifully.
- Milkshakes: Thick milkshakes enhance indulgence and create a fun dessert experience.
- Chocolate Fondue: Dip fruit or additional graham crackers into warm chocolate for a decadent treat.
- Mini Cupcakes: Offer variety by serving small cupcakes alongside your brownies for guests to enjoy different flavors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making S’mores Brownies can be simple, but there are a few common mistakes to watch out for.
- Using the wrong brownie mix: Not all brownie mixes are created equal. Stick with a quality mix like Ghirardelli for the best results.
- Skipping the broiler step: Broiling the marshmallows is key. It gives that perfect toasted flavor. Don’t skip it!
- Overbaking the brownies: Follow the baking time carefully. Overbaking can lead to dry brownies, so check them a few minutes early.
- Not cooling before cutting: Allowing your brownies to cool for at least 30 minutes helps achieve cleaner cuts and better texture. Patience pays off!
- Neglecting toppings: Don’t hold back on the chocolate pieces or graham crackers. These toppings are essential for that classic s’mores taste.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store S’mores Brownies in an airtight container.
- They will last up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing S’mores Brownies
- Wrap individual brownies tightly in plastic wrap.
- Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating S’mores Brownies
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 10 minutes for a fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.
- Microwave: Heat for 15-20 seconds until warmed through, but be careful not to melt them too much!
- Stovetop: Use a non-stick skillet over low heat, covering it with a lid for a few minutes until warm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making S’mores Brownies.
Can I use homemade brownie batter instead of boxed?
Yes! You can absolutely use your favorite homemade brownie recipe instead of boxed mix for S’mores Brownies.
What can I substitute for mini marshmallows?
You can use regular-sized marshmallows cut into smaller pieces if needed. Just make sure they’re evenly distributed on top!
How do I prevent soggy brownies?
Ensure you bake your brownies fully before adding marshmallows. Properly cooling them also helps maintain their texture.
Can I add other toppings to my S’mores Brownies?
Definitely! Consider adding peanut butter chips, nuts, or different types of chocolate bars for extra flavor and texture.
Are S’mores Brownies suitable for special diets?
You can adapt this recipe using gluten-free brownie mixes or vegan marshmallows if you have dietary restrictions.
Final Thoughts
S’mores Brownies combine all the delightful flavors of traditional s’mores into one rich dessert that’s perfect any time of year. With easy modifications, you can customize these treats to suit your taste. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a cozy dessert experience!
S’mores Brownies
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 16 squares 1x
Description
S’mores Brownies are an irresistible dessert that harmoniously blends the classic flavors of s’mores with fudgy brownies. These decadent treats feature layers of gooey marshmallows, crunchy graham crackers, and rich chocolate, all baked on a luscious brownie base. Ideal for any occasion, whether it’s a summer barbecue or a cozy winter evening, S’mores Brownies will surely satisfy your sweet tooth and impress your family and friends. With minimal prep time and simple ingredients, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all skill levels. Dive into this delightful dessert experience today!
Ingredients
- 2 boxes Ghirardelli brownie mix
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
- 1 package graham crackers
- 2 chocolate bars (1.55 ounces each)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven according to box instructions and prepare your baking pan.
- Prepare the brownie mix as directed on the box and pour into the pan.
- While baking, crush graham crackers in a plastic bag using a rolling pin.
- Once brownies are done, turn the broiler to high and sprinkle mini marshmallows on top.
- Broil for 2-3 minutes until marshmallows are golden brown.
- Sprinkle crushed graham crackers over marshmallows and push chocolate pieces into the layer.
- Let cool on a wire rack for 30 minutes before cutting into squares.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square (58g)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
