S’mores Brownies – Gooey, Fudgy & Campfire Ready

Introduction

Imagine the perfect treat that combines the richness of chocolate, the gooeyness of marshmallows, and the crunch of graham crackers, all in one deliciously fudgy brownie. S’mores brownies are the ultimate dessert for anyone who loves the classic campfire treat but wants to enjoy it in a whole new way. With this recipe, you can bring the campfire to your kitchen and indulge in a dessert that’s both creative and easy to make, using everyday ingredients that you might already have on hand. Whether you’re a fan of traditional s’mores or just looking for a unique dessert to impress your friends and family, these brownies are sure to hit the spot.

Why This Works

• The combination of melted chocolate, toasted marshmallows, and crunchy graham crackers creates a flavor balance that’s hard to resist, and the best part is that you can find all these ingredients at your local grocery store.
• The preparation of these brownies is surprisingly easy, requiring just a few simple steps and minimal effort, making them perfect for a quick dessert or a fun baking project with the kids.
• Despite their simplicity, the end result is impressive and sure to wow anyone who tries them, with their gooey marshmallows and fudgy chocolate that’s just perfect for satisfying any sweet tooth.

Ingredients

• 1 and 1/2 sticks of unsalted butter, plus more for greasing the pan
• 2 cups of sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 1 and 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup of marshmallows
• 1 cup of crushed graham crackers

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease an 8-inch square baking pan with butter and line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and cocoa powder. Set aside.
3. Step 3: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
4. Step 4: Gradually mix in the flour mixture until just combined, then stir in the chocolate chips.
5. Step 5: Press half of the brownie mixture into the prepared baking pan. Top with the marshmallows and sprinkle with the crushed graham crackers.
6. Step 6: Top with the remaining brownie mixture and smooth the top.
7. Step 7: Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached. Let cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares and serving.

Handy Tips

• To ensure your brownies are fudgy, don’t overbake them. A slightly underbaked texture is better than overbaked and dry.
• If you want a more toasted marshmallow effect, you can broil the brownies for an additional 1-2 minutes after baking, watching carefully to avoid burning.
• Consider using different types of chocolate or nuts to give your brownies an extra layer of flavor and texture.

Heat Control

When baking the brownies, it’s crucial to keep an eye on the temperature and timing. The ideal temperature is 350°F (180°C), and the brownies should be baked for 25-30 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs attached, the brownies are ready. If not, bake for a few more minutes and check again.

Crunch Factor

The crunch factor in these brownies comes from the graham crackers on top. To enhance this texture, make sure to crush the graham crackers into fine crumbs before sprinkling them over the marshmallows. You can also toast the graham crackers in a dry pan for a few minutes before using them for an extra crunchy texture.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• To get clean cuts, let the brownies cool completely before cutting into them. Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts.
• For an extra fudgy texture, don’t overmix the batter, and make sure to not overbake the brownies.
• Consider using a water bath to bake the brownies, as this can help them cook more evenly and prevent the edges from burning.

Storage Tips

• These brownies are best stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• If you want to freeze them, cut the brownies into squares, wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap, and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen brownies can be stored for up to 2 months.
• To reheat frozen brownies, simply thaw them at room temperature or reheat them in the microwave for a few seconds.

Gift Packaging Ideas

If you’re considering gifting these brownies, they can be packaged in a variety of creative ways. Cut the brownies into squares and place them in a decorative tin or jar. You can also wrap each brownie individually in cellophane or parchment paper and tie with a ribbon. For a more rustic look, place the brownies in a paper bag and tie the top with twine.

Flavor Variations

• Try using different types of chocolate chips, such as white chocolate or mint chocolate, for a unique twist on the classic recipe.
• Add some chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, to the batter for added texture and flavor.
• Experiment with different types of marshmallows, such as mini marshmallows or marshmallow creme, for a different texture and flavor profile.

Troubleshooting

• If your brownies turn out too dry, it may be because they were overbaked. Try reducing the baking time next time.
• If the marshmallows don’t toast properly, it could be because the oven wasn’t hot enough or the brownies were baked for too short a time. Try broiling the brownies for an extra minute or two to toast the marshmallows.
• If the brownies are too fudgy and hard to cut, it may be because they were underbaked. Try baking them for a few more minutes next time.

FAQs

• Can I freeze the brownies? Yes, the brownies can be frozen for up to 2 months. Simply cut them into squares, wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap, and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• Are the brownies gluten-free? No, the brownies contain all-purpose flour and therefore are not gluten-free. However, you can try substituting the flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
• Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can double the recipe to make a larger batch of brownies. Simply multiply all the ingredients by two and bake in a larger pan.

Conclusion

With these s’mores brownies, you can bring the campfire to your kitchen and enjoy a deliciously fudgy and gooey dessert any time of the year. Whether you’re a fan of traditional s’mores or just looking for a unique dessert to impress your friends and family, these brownies are sure to hit the spot. So go ahead, get creative, and enjoy the perfect treat that combines the best of both worlds.