Gooey S’mores Brownies: The Ultimate Campfire-Inspired Dessert

Remember those magical summer nights around the campfire, roasting marshmallows and sandwiching them between graham crackers and chocolate?

Now imagine that nostalgic flavor packed into a decadent brownie.

That’s exactly what you get with s’mores brownies – a mouthwatering treat that brings the essence of camping right to your kitchen.

This recipe takes the classic s’mores ingredients and transforms them into a rich, fudgy brownie with a crisp graham cracker crust and a gooey marshmallow topping.

It’s the perfect way to satisfy your s’mores craving any time of year, no campfire required.

The History Behind S’mores

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s take a quick look at where s’mores came from. The term “s’more” is actually a contraction of the phrase “some more,” which is exactly what you’ll be asking for after trying these brownies!

The first published recipe for s’mores appeared in a Girl Scout handbook in 1927, credited to a troop leader named Loretta Scott Crew. However, it’s likely that campers had been enjoying this treat for years before it was officially documented. The combination of graham crackers (invented by Sylvester Graham in the 1830s), chocolate (which became widely available in the late 19th century), and marshmallows (which became popular in the early 1900s) created a perfect storm of ingredients for this campfire classic.

Ingredients for S’mores Brownies

To make these delicious s’mores brownies, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Graham Cracker Crust:

• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

For the Brownie Layer:

• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup chocolate chips

For the Topping:

• 2 cups mini marshmallows
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips
• 2-3 graham crackers, broken into pieces

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. Make the graham cracker crust: In a medium bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until well combined. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan.
3. Prepare the brownie batter: In a large microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter. Add the sugar and whisk until combined. Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Add the dry ingredients: Sift the cocoa powder, flour, and salt into the wet ingredients. Gently fold until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Fold in 1 cup of chocolate chips.
5. Bake the brownies: Pour the batter over the graham cracker crust and spread it evenly. Bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
6. Add the toppings: Remove the brownies from the oven and immediately sprinkle the mini marshmallows, remaining chocolate chips, and graham cracker pieces over the top.
7. Broil: Turn your oven to broil and place the brownies back in for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to ensure the marshmallows don’t burn. They should turn golden brown and puff up slightly.
8. Cool and serve: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares and serving.

Tips for Perfect S’mores Brownies

• Use high-quality chocolate: The chocolate is a star ingredient in these brownies, so using good quality chocolate will make a noticeable difference in the final taste.
• Don’t overbake: The key to fudgy brownies is to slightly underbake them. They’ll continue to cook a bit as they cool.
• Watch closely when broiling: Marshmallows can go from perfectly toasted to burnt in seconds. Keep a close eye on them under the broiler.
• Let them cool: As tempting as it is to dig in right away, letting the brownies cool completely will make them easier to cut and will allow the flavors to meld together.

Variations on S’mores Brownies

While this recipe is delicious as is, there are plenty of ways to put your own spin on s’mores brownies:

• Peanut Butter S’mores Brownies: Add a layer of peanut butter between the brownie and marshmallow layers for a nutty twist.
• Mint Chocolate S’mores Brownies: Use mint chocolate chips instead of regular ones for a cool, refreshing flavor.
• Salted Caramel S’mores Brownies: Drizzle some salted caramel sauce over the marshmallow layer before broiling.
• Nutella S’mores Brownies: Swirl some Nutella into the brownie batter before baking for an extra indulgent treat.

Storing and Serving S’mores Brownies

These brownies are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just be aware that the marshmallow topping may lose some of its gooeyness when chilled.

To reheat, you can microwave individual brownies for about 10-15 seconds, or until the marshmallow becomes soft and gooey again. Alternatively, you can warm them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5 minutes.

Why S’mores Brownies are the Perfect Treat

S’mores brownies are more than just a dessert – they’re an experience. They combine the rich, fudgy goodness of brownies with the nostalgic flavors of a classic campfire treat. The contrast between the crunchy graham cracker crust, the dense chocolate brownie, and the gooey marshmallow topping creates a symphony of textures that’s hard to resist.

Moreover, these brownies are incredibly versatile. They’re perfect for summer picnics, cozy winter nights, birthday parties, or just as a special weekend treat. They’re sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike, making them a go-to recipe for any occasion.

So the next time you’re craving s’mores but don’t have access to a campfire, or you’re simply in the mood for an extra-special brownie, give this recipe a try. These s’mores brownies with graham cracker crust are sure to become a new favorite in your dessert repertoire. Happy baking!