There’s something magical about the combination of chocolate, marshmallows, and graham crackers that takes me back to my childhood camping trips. Sitting around the campfire, roasting marshmallows until they were perfectly golden brown, and then squishing them between two graham crackers with a piece of chocolate was a ritual I cherished. As I grew older, I wanted to capture that nostalgic flavor in a more decadent form, which led me to create S’mores Brownie Bars. This recipe is special to me because it combines the gooeyness of brownies with the classic flavors of s’mores, making it a perfect treat for any occasion.
Why This Recipe Works
There are several reasons why S’mores Brownie Bars stand out among other dessert recipes:
1. The Perfect Texture: The combination of fudgy brownies and fluffy marshmallows creates a delightful contrast in textures. The brownies are rich and dense, while the marshmallows add a light, airy quality that balances the overall experience.
2. Nostalgic Flavors: This recipe captures the essence of summer nights spent around the campfire. The flavors of chocolate, graham crackers, and toasted marshmallows evoke warm memories and create a sense of comfort that everyone can appreciate.
3. Easy to Make: Unlike traditional s’mores that require a campfire, these brownie bars can be made in the comfort of your kitchen. The recipe is straightforward, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
4. Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday party, a family gathering, or just a cozy night in, S’mores Brownie Bars are a crowd-pleaser. They can be served warm or at room temperature, making them perfect for any setting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe serves about 12 people and takes approximately 20 minutes to prepare, with an additional 30 minutes of cooking time.
- 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks)
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk chocolate)
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1 cup crushed graham crackers
- Extra chocolate chips for topping (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Melt the Butter: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Once melted, remove it from the heat and stir in the sugar until well combined.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Allow the butter mixture to cool slightly, then whisk in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. This step is crucial for achieving a smooth batter.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
- Add Chocolate Chips: Fold in the chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Layer the Ingredients: Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the crushed graham crackers over the batter, followed by the mini marshmallows. Pour the remaining brownie batter on top, spreading it gently to cover the marshmallows.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Be careful not to overbake, as you want the brownies to remain fudgy.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the brownie bars to cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before cutting into squares. For an extra touch, you can sprinkle additional chocolate chips on top while they are still warm.
My Pro Tips for Success
- Use Quality Chocolate: The better the chocolate, the richer your brownies will taste. Opt for high-quality chocolate chips or even chopped chocolate bars.
- Experiment with Flavors: Consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of espresso powder to enhance the chocolate flavor.
- Make It a S’mores Bar: For an extra s’mores experience, top the brownies with more marshmallows and broil them for a minute or two until toasted.
- Store Properly: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
What I Serve With This Recipe
- Vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast in temperature and flavor.
- Whipped cream to add a light and airy touch.
- A drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce for an indulgent finish.
- A cup of coffee or hot chocolate to complement the rich flavors.
FAQs (From My Kitchen to Yours)
Can I make these brownies gluten-free? Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, and ensure that your graham crackers are also gluten-free.
Can I use regular marshmallows instead of mini marshmallows? Absolutely! Just cut them into smaller pieces to ensure even distribution throughout the brownies.
How do I store leftovers? Store any leftover brownie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
Can I freeze these brownie bars? Yes.
S’mores Brownie Bars: A Gooey Dessert Mashup
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup crushed graham crackers
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Melt the Butter: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Once melted, remove it from the heat and stir in the sugar until well combined.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Allow the butter mixture to cool slightly, then whisk in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. This step is crucial for achieving a smooth batter.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
- Add Chocolate Chips: Fold in the chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Layer the Ingredients: Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the crushed graham crackers over the batter, followed by the mini marshmallows. Pour the remaining brownie batter on top, spreading it gently to cover the marshmallows.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Be careful not to overbake, as you want the brownies to remain fudgy.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the brownie bars to cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before cutting into squares. For an extra touch, you can sprinkle additional chocolate chips on top while they are still warm.
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