These S’mores Brownies are a glorious mix of fudgy chocolate and gooey marshmallows, topped with a sprinkle of graham cracker crumbs. It feels like a campfire treat right at home!
Seriously, who wouldn’t love that chocolaty goodness with a touch of melted marshmallow? I can’t help but sneak extra bites, and I bet you will too! 🍫🔥
Making these brownies is super easy! Just mix, bake, and enjoy—you’ll have the perfect sweet treat ready in no time. They are sure to impress everyone in your home!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Graham Cracker Crumbs: These form the base of the crust. If you can’t find crumbs, crush whole graham crackers in a zip-top bag or use store-bought cookie crumbs instead. Oreo crumbs also work for a chocolatey twist!
Butter: Unsalted butter keeps the flavors balanced. If dairy is a concern, try using coconut oil or margarine as a substitute, but keep in mind it may slightly alter the taste.
Cocoa Powder: Using unsweetened cocoa is key for rich brownie flavor. If you don’t have it, consider Dutch-process cocoa for a smoother taste, or use carob powder in a pinch—just remember it will change the flavor profile!
Vanilla Bean: It adds delightful specks of flavor! If you don’t have a vanilla bean, vanilla extract can replace it easily; just use 1 teaspoon for every bean.
Egg Whites: For the marshmallow topping, egg whites are essential for structure. If you’re looking for a vegan option, aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas) can be whipped to create a similar texture.
How Do You Make the Perfect Brownie Batter?
Getting the brownie batter right is crucial for a fudgy texture. Start by melting the butter and sugar together on medium heat. Stir well to combine; then, let it cool a bit before adding the eggs. This avoids cooking the eggs and keeps the batter smooth.
- After mixing in the eggs, don’t over-mix when adding the flour and cocoa. Just fold until combined to maintain that fudgy, rich texture.
- Don’t skip letting the brownies cool in the pan before adding the marshmallow topping. This helps prevent it from mixing into the brownies.
How to Make S’mores Brownies With Vanilla Bean Marshmallow?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For The Brownie Layer:
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 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
For The Vanilla Bean Marshmallow Topping:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup light corn syrup
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 large egg whites
- 1 vanilla bean (seeds scraped) or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe will take you about 15 minutes to prepare, plus another 25-30 minutes to bake the brownies, and a bit longer for cooling and toasting the marshmallow topping. Altogether, plan on about 1 hour to prepare and bake, plus some time for cooling before serving. Totally worth the wait!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Crust:
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, sugar, and salt until everything is well combined. Then, press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Pop it in the oven and bake for about 10 minutes. When it’s done, take it out and let it cool slightly.
2. Making the Brownie Batter:
Now, let’s make the brownies! In a saucepan over medium heat, melt together the butter and sugar until fully combined. Remove it from heat and let it cool a little. Next, beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring you mix well after each addition. Don’t forget to add in the vanilla extract! In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually fold the dry mixture into the wet mixture until just combined. Don’t overmix!
3. Baking the Brownies:
Pour the delicious brownie batter over your cooled graham cracker crust, spreading it out evenly. Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes. To test if they’re done, insert a toothpick into the center; it should have a few moist crumbs but not be wet. Once baked, let the brownies cool in the pan.
4. Preparing the Marshmallow Topping:
For the marshmallow topping, combine sugar, corn syrup, and water in a saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat without stirring. While that’s cooking, whisk the egg whites and pinch of salt in a large bowl using a mixer until soft peaks form. Once the syrup reaches 240°F (115°C), carefully pour it into the egg whites while mixing on high speed until you get stiff peaks. Lastly, mix in the vanilla bean seeds or extract until fully combined.
5. Assembling and Toasting:
Spread the fluffy marshmallow mixture evenly over the cooled brownie layer. Now comes the fun part—toast the top with a kitchen torch until it’s golden brown and bubbly! If you don’t have a torch, you can put it under a broiler for a few minutes; just keep a close eye on it so it doesn’t burn!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Let those scrumptious s’mores brownies cool completely, then slice them up into squares. You’re all set to enjoy your delicious creation of S’mores Brownies with Vanilla Bean Marshmallow. They’re sure to be a hit!
Can I Use Graham Cracker Crumbs Other Than Original?
Absolutely! You can use honey-flavored or even chocolate-flavored graham cracker crumbs for a twist on the classic flavor. Just make sure the texture remains similar to traditional graham crackers for the best crust.
What if I Don’t Have Corn Syrup for the Marshmallow Topping?
If you don’t have corn syrup, you can substitute it with an equal amount of honey or agave syrup. Just keep in mind that these will slightly alter the flavor and sweetness of your marshmallow topping.
How Should I Store Leftover Brownies?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate them for up to a week. Just be sure to let them come to room temperature before serving for the best texture!
Can I Make Brownies Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the brownies a day ahead! Just bake and let them cool, then cover tightly and store at room temperature. Add the marshmallow topping on the day you plan to serve them for the best results!
