These S’mores brownies are a tasty treat that brings campfire fun to your kitchen! With rich chocolate, crunchy graham crackers, and fluffy vanilla bean marshmallows, they’re simply delightful.
Who’s ready for a gooey, chocolatey bliss? I find myself stealing bites before they even cool down. Maybe it’s the marshmallow magic or just my sweet tooth! 😄
Making these brownies is easy peasy! Just layer it all together, bake, and watch everyone smile as they take a bite. Perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself—no judgment here!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Graham cracker crumbs: These create a crunchy base for your brownies. If you can’t find them, use crushed digestive biscuits or vanilla wafer cookies as a tasty alternative.
Cocoa powder: I love using unsweetened cocoa powder for that rich chocolate flavor. If you want a smoother taste, you can swap it for Dutch-processed cocoa powder, which is less acidic and gives a milder taste.
Butter: Unsalted butter is great for controlling the saltiness. If you’re dairy-free, coconut oil or vegan butter works nicely, too. Just make sure to melt and cool them before mixing.
Vanilla bean paste: This adds a lovely depth of flavor. If you can’t find it, the seeds from a vanilla bean or even high-quality vanilla extract can work well as substitutes, though the flavor won’t be quite as intense.
Egg whites: These help achieve that fluffy marshmallow topping. If you’d like a vegan option, aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas) can be whipped up as a great egg white replacement.
How Do You Achieve Perfectly Fluffy Marshmallow Topping?
Making the marshmallow topping can be a bit tricky, but it’s all about heating just right! You want the mixture to reach 160°F to safely whip the egg whites. Here’s how to do it:
- Use a double boiler: Fill a pot with simmering water and place your bowl on top, making sure it doesn’t touch the water.
- Whisk constantly until the sugar dissolves and the temperature hits 160°F. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
- Once out of the heat, beat with an electric mixer on high speed until stiff peaks form. It’s done when the mixture holds its shape and looks glossy!
Make sure to work quickly once the brownies are out of the oven. The marshmallow topping spreads better when it’s still warm. Enjoy your sweet baking adventure!
How to Make S’mores Brownies With Vanilla Bean Marshmallow
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
For the Brownie Layer:
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Vanilla Bean Marshmallow Topping:
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large egg whites
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste (or seeds from 1 whole vanilla bean)
- Pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious treat takes about 45 minutes to prepare and bake, plus a little time to cool completely before serving. It’s a fun and easy way to enjoy the classic flavors of s’mores in brownie form!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Crust:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some paper hanging over the edges. This will help you lift the brownies out later. In a medium bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar until everything is combined. Then, press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to create a beautiful crust. Easy peasy!
2. Make the Brownie Batter:
Grab a large saucepan and melt 1 cup of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, stir in 2 cups of granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth. Let it cool for a few minutes. Then, add the eggs, one by one, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract to give it that yummy flavor. Now, sift in 1 ¼ cups of flour, 1 cup of cocoa powder, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Mix until everything is nicely combined (no lumps, please!).
3. Bake the Brownies:
Pour the brownie batter over your graham cracker crust, spreading it out evenly. Pop it in the oven and bake for about 25–30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Make sure not to overbake them!
4. Prepare the Marshmallow Topping:
While those brownies bake, it’s time to whip up the marshmallow topping. In a large heatproof bowl, combine the egg whites, granulated sugar, and a pinch of salt. Place the bowl over a pot of simmering water (this is your double boiler). Whisk the mixture constantly until it reaches 160°F (70°C) on a candy thermometer.
5. Beat the Marshmallow Mixture:
Once heated, remove the bowl from the heat. Using an electric mixer, beat the mixture on high speed until it forms stiff peaks and becomes glossy. Gently add the vanilla bean paste and mix it in until everything is well combined. This mixture will be fluffy and delicious!
6. Add Topping and Toast:
When the brownies are out of the oven, spread the marshmallow topping over them using a spatula. Feel free to create lovely peaks and swirls! To toast the marshmallow topping, use a kitchen torch to lightly brown it. If you don’t have a torch, you can broil it in the oven for a minute or two—just keep a close eye to avoid burning!
7. Final Steps:
Let your brownies cool completely in the pan. Once they’re cool, carefully lift them out using the overhanging parchment paper and cut them into squares. Serve these delightful treats and enjoy the delicious combination of s’mores and brownies!
Can I Use Store-Bought Marshmallow Fluff Instead of Making My Own?
Absolutely! If you’re looking for a quicker option, you can replace the homemade marshmallow topping with store-bought marshmallow fluff. Simply spread it over the baked brownies, and use a kitchen torch or broiler to toast it to your liking. Adjust the toasting time since store-bought fluff may not need as much time to toast as homemade.
How Can I Adjust the Sweetness of the Brownie Layer?
If you’d like a less sweet brownie, you can reduce the sugar in the brownie layer by ¼ cup without significantly affecting the texture. Just keep in mind that the final product will still have sweetness from the marshmallow topping, so consider balancing it out based on your taste preferences!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover S’mores Brownies?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you plan to keep them longer, refrigerate them for up to a week. To enjoy them cold straight from the fridge, let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes for a softer bite!
Can I Use Different Types of Cocoa Powder?
Yes! While unsweetened cocoa powder is the standard, you can substitute it with Dutch-process cocoa for a deeper flavor and a slightly different color. Just remember that it might change the acidity slightly, but it will still work beautifully in this recipe!
