Irresistible S’mores Brownies with Toffee and Caramel Drizzle
Hey there, I’m Jason Griffith, and if there is one thing I know, it’s that a brownie should never be “just” a brownie. It should be an experience. Today, we are taking the humble, fudgy brownie and turning it into a masterpiece by combining the nostalgia of a campfire with the sophisticated crunch of toffee and the silky sweetness of caramel.
These Irresistible S’mores Brownies with Toffee and Caramel Drizzle are the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ or looking for a cozy winter treat, this recipe hits every single note: salty, sweet, crunchy, and gooey.
Why I Love This Recipe
There is something magical about the combination of toasted marshmallows and melting chocolate. Usually, you’d need a literal fire to get that fix, but this recipe brings the outdoors inside—minus the smoke in your eyes.
I’ve experimented with dozens of brownie bases (like my famous Best Peanut Butter Brownies), but for this specific version, the addition of toffee bits is the secret weapon. It adds a buttery, caramelized crunch that contrasts perfectly with the soft, pillowy marshmallows. It’s a texture explosion that makes these feel like they came from a high-end bakery.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Brownie Base
- Unsalted Butter (1 cup, melted): Provides that rich, buttery foundation.
- Granulated Sugar (2 cups): For the perfect sweetness and a slightly crackly top.
- Large Eggs (4): To give the brownies structure and chew.
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): High-quality vanilla makes a huge difference here.
- All-Purpose Flour (1 cup): Just enough to hold it all together.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (1 cup): Use a high-quality Dutch-processed cocoa for deep flavor.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): To balance the intense sugar levels.
- Baking Powder (1/2 teaspoon): For just a tiny bit of lift.
For the S’mores & Toffee Layer
- Mini Marshmallows (1 1/2 cups): The essential “goo” factor.
- Graham Cracker Pieces (1 cup): Roughly chopped for that classic s’mores crunch.
- Toffee Bits (1 cup): Look for the “Heath” style bits in the baking aisle.
For the Finishing Touch
- Caramel Sauce (1/2 cup): Store-bought is fine, but salted caramel is even better!
Swaps and Recipe Notes
- The Chocolate: If you want even more decadence, fold in 1/2 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips into the batter before baking.
- The Graham Crackers: If you’re out of grahams, try crushed Biscoff cookies or even pretzels for a salty twist.
- Gluten-Free Option: This recipe works surprisingly well with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Toffee: If you can’t find toffee bits, you can chop up a few chocolate-covered toffee bars.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Brownie Batter
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Pro tip: leave an overhang on the sides! This makes lifting the sticky brownies out of the pan a breeze later.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together your melted butter and sugar. Once smooth, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Stir in the vanilla. In a separate bowl, sift your flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Do not overmix! Stir just until the flour streaks disappear to keep them fudgy.
2. The First Bake
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 20 minutes. The center should be set but still slightly underdone.
3. Assemble the Layers
Remove the pan from the oven. This is where the magic happens. Sprinkle the mini marshmallows, graham cracker chunks, and toffee bits evenly across the top.
4. The Final Bake
Return the pan to the oven for another 10–15 minutes. Watch closely! You want the marshmallows to puff up and turn a light golden brown. If they start browning too fast, loosely tent the pan with aluminum foil.
5. The Drizzle and Cool
Once out of the oven, let them sit for 5 minutes, then drizzle that luscious caramel sauce all over. Patience is key here.Let them cool completely in the pan before lifting them out. If you cut them while hot, the marshmallows will stick to everything!
Tips for Success
- Don’t Overbake: Brownies continue to cook as they cool in the pan. A toothpick should have a few moist crumbs on it.
- Clean Cuts: To get those perfect, bakery-style squares, wipe your knife with a warm, damp cloth between every single cut.
- Toast the Graham Crackers: If you have an extra 5 minutes, lightly toast your graham cracker pieces in a pan with a tiny bit of butter before adding them to the brownies. It enhances the flavor tenfold.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
These brownies are incredibly rich, so they pair perfectly with a cold glass of milk or a strong cup of black coffee.
If you’re serving these at a party, consider a “S’mores Theme” and offer other handheld treats. For a mess-free alternative for the kids, check out my Campfire Cones. If you want a variety of chocolatey textures, these brownies go beautifully alongside some S’mores Bark.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Estimate based on 24 servings:
- Calories: 285 kcal
- Total Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Protein: 3g
- Sugar: 26g
Storage and Leftover Tips
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigeration: These stay fudgy and delicious in the fridge for up to a week.
- Freezing: You can freeze these! Wrap individual squares in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They’ll stay fresh for 2 months. Just thaw at room temperature for an hour before eating.
- Reheating: If you want that “just out of the oven” feel, pop a square in the microwave for 10 seconds to soften the marshmallows and caramel.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you enjoyed this decadent dessert, you have to try these other fan favorites from the kitchen:
- Brownie Batter Dip – For when you want the flavor without the oven.
- Edible Cookie Dough – A late-night classic that never disappoints.
- Best Peanut Butter Brownies – Because you can never have too many brownie recipes.
Final Thoughts
There you have it—the ultimate brownie upgrade. These S’mores Brownies with Toffee and Caramel are more than just a dessert; they are a guaranteed way to become the most popular person at the potluck.
I’d love to hear how yours turned out! Did you add extra chocolate? Did you use a different drizzle? Leave a comment below and let me know! Don’t forget to follow ChefManiac on social media for more daily recipe inspiration.
Happy Baking! — Jason Griffith
Leave a Reply