These S’mores Brownies are a sweet treat that combines rich chocolatey goodness with gooey marshmallows and crunchy graham crackers. It’s like a campfire favorite baked in a pan!
Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll want to savor every gooey, chocolaty layer. I love sharing these at get-togethers—everyone gets excited when they see them! ☕️🍫
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Graham Cracker Crumbs: These create the classic s’mores flavor in the crust. If you don’t have graham crackers, crushed digestive biscuits or even vanilla wafers can work well as substitutes.
Butter: Unsalted butter is best for controlling the salt level in your recipe. If you’re in a pinch, you can use coconut oil for a different flavor, just keep the ratio the same!
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder gives richness to the brownies. For a sweeter option, look for Dutch-process cocoa, but be aware it will alter the flavor slightly. Carob powder can be a unique substitute if you’re avoiding chocolate.
Egg Whites: These are essential for the marshmallow topping. If you’re egg-free or need an alternative, you can try aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas) as a whipping substitute in a 3:1 ratio of aquafaba to egg whites.
How Do You Whip Egg Whites to Stiff Peaks?
Whipping egg whites can seem tricky, but it’s really all about patience and technique. Stiff peaks are needed for a fluffy marshmallow topping. Here’s how you can achieve it:
- Ensure your mixing bowl and beaters are clean and dry. Any fat or moisture can prevent the egg whites from whipping properly.
- Use room temperature egg whites as they whip up better. If possible, separate them from the yolks while they’re cold and let them warm up.
- Add a pinch of cream of tartar to help stabilize the egg whites and make them fluffier.
- Start whipping on medium speed until soft peaks form. This is when the egg whites hold a shape but droop slightly when you lift the whisk. Then, increase to high speed until stiff peaks form, where they stand upright without drooping.
Keep an eye on them – over-whipping can make them dry! Trust the process and enjoy the journey to fluffy marshmallows.
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 granulated sugar
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 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
For the Vanilla Bean Marshmallow Topping:
- 3 large egg whites
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup water
- 1 vanilla bean, split and seeds scraped
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dessert takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 25-30 minutes to bake. After that, you’ll need to let it cool completely, plus some additional time for the marshmallow topping, so plan for about an hour or more in total. You’ll have a delicious treat ready to enjoy after a bit of patience!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, grease a 9×13 inch baking pan to prepare for the delicious layers you’re about to create.
2. Prepare the Crust:
In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Mix everything together until it looks crumbly. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of your greased baking pan. Bake it for 10 minutes, then remove it from the oven and let it sit while you make the brownies.
3. Make the Brownie Layer:
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, take it off the heat and stir in the sugar until smooth. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract for that extra flavor!
4. Add the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually fold this dry mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined. Finally, stir in the chocolate chips for a gooey treat. Pour this delicious brownie batter over the baked graham cracker crust and spread it out evenly.
5. Bake the Brownies:
Now, bake the brownies in the oven for 25-30 minutes. You want them to be just set, so when you insert a toothpick in the center, it should come out with a few moist crumbs. Let them cool completely in the pan.
6. Prepare the Vanilla Bean Marshmallow Topping:
While the brownies are cooling, in a heavy-bottom saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, water, and the scraped seeds from the vanilla bean. Cook over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Turn up the heat to medium-high and let it boil without stirring until it reaches 240°F (the soft-ball stage on a candy thermometer).
7. Whip the Egg Whites:
In a heatproof bowl, whip the egg whites and cream of tartar using an electric mixer until soft peaks form. Once your syrup has reached the right temperature, slowly pour it into the whipped egg whites while continuing to whip until the mixture is glossy and holds stiff peaks.
8. Assemble the Brownies:
Take your cooled brownies and spread the marshmallow topping generously over the top. For a delicious finish, use a kitchen torch or your broiler to toast the marshmallow until it’s golden brown and slightly charred.
9. Cool and Serve:
Let the brownies set and cool completely before slicing them into squares. Now, you’re ready to enjoy your delicious S’mores Brownies with Vanilla Bean Marshmallow!
Can I Use Store-Bought Marshmallow Fluff Instead of Making My Own?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time or want to simplify the recipe, you can use store-bought marshmallow fluff instead of making the vanilla bean marshmallow from scratch. Just spread a layer of fluff over the brownie layer before toasting for a delicious shortcut!
How Can I Make These Brownies Gluten-Free?
To make gluten-free S’mores brownies, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the blend you choose is a 1:1 substitute to ensure the best texture. Also, check that your graham cracker crumbs are gluten-free!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Brownies?
Store any leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. Just note that cold brownies can lose some of their chewy texture, so let them sit at room temperature for a bit before enjoying!
Can I Freeze These Brownies?
Yes, you can freeze S’mores brownies! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for a few hours before serving.
