These S’mores Brownies are a sweet twist on a classic treat! They combine rich chocolate brownies with gooey vanilla bean marshmallow and crunchy graham cracker bits.
When I make these, I can’t resist sneaking a bite before they cool! They’re so easy to whip up and perfect for a cozy night in or a fun get-together with friends.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: This is key for a rich flavor, and using unsalted allows you to control the saltiness. If you’re out of unsalted butter, you can use salted butter, but just reduce the added salt in the recipe.
Granulated Sugar and Brown Sugar: The combo of sugars gives the brownies a nice texture and depth of flavor. If you prefer, you can swap brown sugar with coconut sugar for a slightly different taste.
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa is a must for that rich, chocolate flavor. If you don’t have cocoa powder, Dutch-process cocoa can be a good substitute, providing a smoother flavor.
Graham Crackers: These create the iconic S’mores crust. If you don’t have graham crackers, crushed digestive biscuits or even vanilla wafers work as great alternatives!
Vanilla Bean Paste: For an extra flavor boost, vanilla bean paste is amazing! However, you can use regular vanilla extract if needed. Just use about twice the amount of extract as the paste.
How Do I Get the Perfect Brownie Texture?
Getting the right brownie texture is crucial for this recipe. Here are a few tips to nail it:
- Be careful not to overmix the brownie batter. Mix until just combined for a fudgier texture!
- Check your baking time. Overbaking can dry them out; look for moist crumbs, not clean when poking with a toothpick.
- Let the brownies cool completely before adding the marshmallow topping to prevent it from melting away.
Delicious S’mores Brownies with Vanilla Bean Marshmallow
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Brownie Layer:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks)
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
For the Graham Cracker Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Vanilla Bean Marshmallow Topping:
- 2 large egg whites
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup light corn syrup
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste (or the seeds from 1 vanilla bean)
- Optional: Toasted marshmallow topping for presentation
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious treat takes about 1 hour of prep time and another 30 minutes for cooling and setting. With baking, gathering ingredients, and adding that toasted marshmallow finish, you’ll have sweetly satisfying S’mores Brownies ready in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×13 inch baking pan, grease it, and line it with parchment paper, leaving some edges hanging over the sides. This will help you lift the brownies out later!
2. Make the Graham Cracker Crust:
In a bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter until everything is well combined. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan. Pop it in the oven for about 10 minutes, then take it out to cool slightly.
3. Mix the Brownie Layer:
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, remove it from the heat and stir in the granulated and brown sugars until just combined. Let this cool for a few moments before whisking in the eggs and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually mix these dry ingredients into your wet mixture until just combined. Gently fold in the chocolate chips, spreading joy in every bite!
5. Bake the Brownies:
Pour the brownie batter over the cooled graham cracker crust. Smooth it out evenly and bake in the oven for about 25-30 minutes. To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs, but not wet batter. Let these beauties cool completely in the pan.
6. Prepare the Marshmallow Topping:
In your stand mixer bowl, combine the egg whites, sugar, corn syrup, and salt. Set this bowl over a pot with simmering water and whisk continuously until the mixture reaches 160°F (71°C) or until the sugar is fully dissolved. This gives the marshmallow its perfect texture!
7. Beat the Mixture:
Remove the bowl from the heat and place it in your stand mixer. Beat on medium-high speed for about 5-7 minutes until stiff peaks form. Then, add in the vanilla bean paste and mix until everything is perfectly blended.
8. Spread the Marshmallow Topping:
Carefully spread the marshmallow topping evenly over your cooled brownies. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can lightly toast the topping using a kitchen torch for an extra layer of flavor and a gorgeous presentation.
9. Let it Set:
Now, let the brownies sit for about 30 minutes so the marshmallow topping can set. Once it’s nice and firm, slice them into squares. Serve to your friends and family, and get ready to enjoy the gooey goodness!
These S’mores Brownies are a delightful blend of rich chocolate, crunchy graham cracker, and fluffy vanilla bean marshmallow—a real campfire treat that you can enjoy any time!
Can I Use Different Types of Chocolate Chips?
Absolutely! You can substitute semisweet chocolate chips with milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips, depending on your preference for sweetness. Just remember that using dark chocolate will make the brownies richer and less sweet, while milk chocolate will add more sweetness.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can! Simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the blend you choose is designed for baking to ensure the best texture in your brownies.
How Can I Store Leftover Brownies?
Store any leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them fresher for longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before freezing!
Can I Make the Marshmallow Topping in Advance?
While it’s best to prepare the marshmallow topping fresh for optimal texture, you can make it a few hours ahead. Just spread it over the brownies and let set. If you need to store it longer, consider storing the brownies without the marshmallow topping in the fridge and topping them just before serving.
