S’more Brownies Recipe: A Decadent Twist on a Classic Campfire Treat
Introduction
Imagine combining two of your favorite desserts into one irresistible treat. S’more Brownies do just that by blending the gooey goodness of s’mores with rich, fudgy brownies. These brownies are the perfect mix of chewy graham cracker crust, chocolatey brownie center, and toasted marshmallow topping, making them a showstopper dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply craving something indulgent, this recipe for s’more brownies will bring the flavors of the campfire right to your kitchen. In this article, we’ll guide you through how to make this delicious dessert step by step.
Background Information
Why S’more Brownies Are a Great Choice: S’mores are a nostalgic, classic dessert, and adding them to brownies takes the concept to a whole new level of indulgence. The rich brownie layer contrasts perfectly with the crunchy graham cracker crust and gooey marshmallow topping. These brownies are a fun way to enjoy the flavors of s’mores year-round, without needing a campfire.
Why This Recipe Works: This recipe combines three delicious layers—graham crackers, brownies, and marshmallows—into one cohesive dessert. The graham cracker crust adds a crunchy base, while the brownie layer provides a rich, fudgy middle. Topping it off with toasted marshmallows creates that authentic s’more flavor in every bite. Plus, the recipe is simple to follow and can be customized to your taste.
Key Definitions: Let’s define some terms. “Crust” refers to the crunchy graham cracker base of this dessert, while “Broiling” means cooking at a high temperature from above, which is used to toast the marshmallows on top of the brownies.
Main Content Sections
Section 1: Ingredients You’ll Need
• For the Graham Cracker Crust:
• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 10-12 full graham crackers)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• For the Brownie Layer:
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• For the Marshmallow Topping:
• 2 cups mini marshmallows (or 12 large marshmallows, halved)
Section 2: How to Make S’more Brownies
1. Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust:
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
• In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Stir until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the crust.
• Bake the crust for 8-10 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside.
2. Make the Brownie Batter:
• In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Remove from heat and whisk in the sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
• In a separate bowl, sift together the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
• Pour the brownie batter over the pre-baked graham cracker crust and spread it evenly.
3. Bake the Brownies:
• Bake the brownies for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. Be careful not to overbake, as you want the brownies to stay fudgy.
• Remove the brownies from the oven and turn the oven to broil.
4. Add the Marshmallow Topping:
• Immediately sprinkle the mini marshmallows (or place the halved large marshmallows) evenly over the top of the brownies. Place the pan back in the oven under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, or until the marshmallows are golden brown and toasted. Keep a close eye on them, as they can burn quickly.
5. Cool and Serve:
• Let the s’more brownies cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before slicing. For easier cutting, you can chill them in the refrigerator for 20 minutes to set the marshmallow layer. Cut into squares and serve.
Section 3: Tips for Perfecting S’more Brownies
• Watch the Marshmallows Closely: The marshmallows can go from perfectly toasted to burnt in seconds under the broiler, so keep a close eye on them and remove the pan as soon as they turn golden brown.
• Don’t Overbake the Brownies: To keep the brownies fudgy, bake them just until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs. Overbaking can lead to a dry texture, which contrasts with the gooey marshmallow layer.
• Customize with Chocolate Chunks: For an extra chocolatey treat, add chocolate chips or chunks to the brownie batter before baking. You can also drizzle melted chocolate over the toasted marshmallows for added decadence.
Section 4: Real-Life Examples
• Case Study 1: Emma made these s’more brownies for her kids’ birthday party, and they were a huge hit! She added a drizzle of melted chocolate on top of the toasted marshmallows for an extra indulgent touch.
• Case Study 2: David baked these brownies for a summer barbecue, and his friends loved how they captured the essence of a campfire s’more in a rich, fudgy dessert. The brownies disappeared quickly, and he was asked to make them again for the next gathering.
Section 5: Variations on S’more Brownies
• Peanut Butter S’more Brownies: Add a layer of peanut butter between the graham cracker crust and the brownie batter for a delicious peanut butter-chocolate combo.
• Salted Caramel S’more Brownies: Drizzle caramel sauce over the marshmallows before broiling, and sprinkle with sea salt for a sweet-and-salty twist.
• Nutty S’more Brownies: Stir chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, into the brownie batter for added crunch and texture.
Section 6: Tools and Resources for Making S’more Brownies
• Recommended Tools: An 8x8-inch baking pan for the perfect brownie thickness, a whisk for combining the wet and dry ingredients, and a broiler-safe oven for toasting the marshmallows.
• Where to Find Them: These tools are available at most kitchen supply stores or online at retailers like Amazon.
• User Testimonials: “These s’more brownies were a huge hit at our family cookout! The graham cracker crust adds the perfect crunch, and the toasted marshmallow topping gives that nostalgic s’more flavor. I’ll definitely be making them again!” - Sarah, home baker.
FAQs
Common Questions:
• Can I make this recipe gluten-free? - Yes! Simply use gluten-free graham crackers for the crust, and ensure that your other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• How do I store leftover brownies? - Store leftover s’more brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. The marshmallows may soften over time, but they’ll still taste great!
• Can I freeze s’more brownies? - Yes, you can freeze the brownies (before adding the marshmallows) for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw the brownies and add the marshmallow topping just before broiling.
Explore more of our dessert recipes, including Fudgy Brownies and S’more Bars, for more indulgent treats.
Conclusion
S’more Brownies are the perfect combination of two classic desserts: s’mores and brownies. With a crunchy graham cracker crust, rich brownie layer, and gooey toasted marshmallow topping, these brownies are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. They’re easy to make and ideal for parties, cookouts, or any time you want a decadent treat.
Whether you’re enjoying them fresh out of the oven or saving them for later, these s’more brownies are guaranteed to impress. Customize them with your favorite flavors, and you’ll have a dessert that’s both nostalgic and indulgent. Give this recipe a try, and you’ll never look at s’mores the same way again!
Did you enjoy this recipe? Share it with your friends and family, and check out our other brownie and s’more-inspired recipes for more sweet ideas!
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