If you’ve ever dreamed of the perfect crowd-pleaser dessert that combines rich, chocolaty goodness with nostalgic campfire treats, the S’mores Brownies Recipe is exactly what you need. This delightful dessert takes the classic s’mores flavors you adore—gooey marshmallows, crunchy graham crackers, and melted chocolate—and transforms them into a dense, fudgy, and irresistible brownie bar. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving a sweet treat to indulge in, these brownies are an absolute celebration on a plate, packing layers of texture and flavor that make every bite feel like a warm hug.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Whipping up this S’mores Brownies Recipe is surprisingly straightforward because the ingredients are simple yet essential to nailing that perfect texture and balance of flavors. Each component plays a role—from the nutty browned butter enriching the chocolate base to the crunchy graham crackers adding that iconic s’mores crunch.
- 12 graham cracker squares: Provides a crisp, subtly sweet base reminiscent of classic s’mores.
- 100 g dark chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate (finely chopped): Adds depth and richness to the brownie’s chocolatey heart.
- 50 g natural cocoa powder: Enhances the chocolate intensity and helps balance sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon espresso powder: Amplifies the chocolate flavor without making the brownies taste like coffee.
- 230 g unsalted butter (roughly cubed): Browned to add nuttiness and moistness to the brownies.
- 4 large eggs (room temperature): Binds the ingredients while keeping the brownies tender.
- 150 g granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter with a clean, classic sweetness.
- 100 g brown sugar: Adds moisture and a touch of caramel flavor for softness.
- 100 g all-purpose flour: Provides structure without making the brownies cakey.
- 36 large marshmallows: The crowning glory—melty, toasted, gooey marshmallows that make these brownies unforgettable.
You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.
How to Make S’mores Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Graham Cracker Base
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a 9×9 inch pan with parchment paper on all sides—this makes lifting out the brownies super easy later. Arrange a single layer of graham crackers at the bottom, breaking them if needed to fill all corners snugly. This crunchy foundation is what gives the S’mores Brownies their signature texture contrast.
Step 2: Prepare the Chocolate Mix
In a medium bowl, combine your finely chopped dark chocolate, cocoa powder, and espresso powder. This blend will become the luscious chocolate base once the butter is added.
Step 3: Brown the Butter
Heat the cubed butter in a medium pan over medium heat. Soon after melting, the butter will start to fizz and bubble as the milk solids separate. Stir frequently and watch closely as it begins to foam and then turn a golden brown, releasing a nutty aroma. Be ready to take it off the heat immediately to avoid burning. This browned butter is the secret to deep, complex flavors in your brownies.
Step 4: Melt the Chocolate in the Browned Butter
Pour the browned butter into the bowl with your chocolate mixture and stir until fully melted and smooth. Set this aside to cool for 10 to 15 minutes while you prepare the batter. Letting this cool prevents the eggs from scrambling when added.
Step 5: Mix the Brownie Batter
In a large bowl, whisk the eggs together with both granulated and brown sugars for about 2 minutes until blended and a bit frothy. Gradually add the chocolate and butter mixture while whisking. Finally, gently fold in the all-purpose flour until just combined, being careful not to over-mix to retain that fudgy texture.
Step 6: Assemble and Bake
Pour the batter over your graham cracker base, spreading it evenly to the corners with a spatula or by gently shaking the pan. Bake for 28 to 30 minutes. You want the edges set but the center to remain just slightly moist—think of a toothpick coming out with a few wet crumbs clinging.
Step 7: Toast the Marshmallows
As soon as the brownies come out of the oven, move your rack to the top position and spread the marshmallows evenly on top. Switch your oven to the broiler and carefully place the pan back inside. Marshmallows toast fast, so watch closely for 2 to 3 minutes until golden and bubbly for that melty, cloud-like finish.
Step 8: Cooling and Slicing
Cool the brownies on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before lifting them with the parchment paper. For easier slicing and to avoid marshmallow stickiness, lightly oil your knife and gently run it between the marshmallow layer and parchment paper. To speed up cooling or firm them up, pop your brownies into the fridge after about an hour.
How to Serve S’mores Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of crushed graham crackers on top of the toasted marshmallows adds a charming rustic touch. For extra extravagance, a drizzle of melted chocolate or a pinch of flaky sea salt provides a lovely contrast to the sweet layers.
Side Dishes
Serve your S’mores Brownies alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to balance the richness with cool creaminess. Fresh berries or a simple berry compote can also add a bright, tart pop to each bite.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the brownies into small squares and serving them on wooden skewers to mimic real s’mores on sticks. Alternatively, place a brownie square atop a homemade or store-bought graham cracker tied with twine for a cute, gift-worthy treat perfect for parties or picnics.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover S’mores Brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Beyond that, they may start losing their signature gooey texture but will still taste delicious.
Freezing
You can freeze the brownies for up to 2 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to protect against freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating
Warm individual slices in the microwave for about 10 seconds to revive the melty marshmallow and chocolate. Be careful not to overheat, or the marshmallows may harden or toughen.
FAQs
Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
Absolutely! Milk chocolate will make the brownies a bit sweeter and creamier, which some might prefer. Just be mindful that it can affect the overall richness slightly.
Do I need espresso powder in this recipe?
While espresso powder is optional, it really enhances and deepens the chocolate flavor without making the brownies taste like coffee, so I highly recommend including it if you have it on hand.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend. Just be sure it’s a one-to-one replacement designed for baking, and double-check your graham crackers are gluten-free as well.
Can I prepare the batter ahead of time?
Yes! You can mix the batter and store it tightly covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just let it come to room temperature before baking for even cooking.
What’s the best way to get evenly toasted marshmallows?
Using the broiler is the simplest method; just watch carefully as marshmallows toast quickly and can burn within seconds. An alternative is to use a kitchen torch for precise control if you prefer.
Final Thoughts
Making this S’mores Brownies Recipe feels like creating a little moment of joy and nostalgia in every batch. The perfect balance between fudgy chocolate, crunchy graham crackers, and toasted marshmallow topping makes these brownies truly unforgettable. I hope you love baking and sharing these as much as I do — go ahead and make a batch, and see how quickly they disappear!
PrintS’mores Brownies Recipe
These decadent S’mores Brownies combine the classic campfire treat with rich, fudgy brownies layered over a crispy graham cracker base. Topped with toasted marshmallows, this dessert delivers a perfect balance of chocolate, crunch, and gooey sweetness. Ideal for sharing and impressive enough for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Base Layer
- 12 graham cracker squares
Brownie Batter
- 100 g dark chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped
- 50 g natural cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon espresso powder
- 230 g unsalted butter, roughly cubed
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 150 g granulated sugar
- 100 g brown sugar
- 100 g all-purpose flour
Topping
- 36 large marshmallows
Instructions
- Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper extending on all sides for easy removal later.
- Arrange Graham Crackers: Place a single layer of graham cracker squares at the bottom of the prepared pan, cutting pieces if necessary to fit the dimensions snugly. Set aside.
- Prepare Chocolate Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the finely chopped chocolate, natural cocoa powder, and espresso powder. Set aside for blooming later.
- Brown the Butter: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Stir occasionally as it melts and begins to foam. Watch closely as the milk solids start to brown and the butter emits a nutty aroma. Once golden brown, remove from the heat immediately to avoid burning.
- Melt Chocolate with Butter: Pour the browned butter over the chocolate mixture, stirring until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth. Let cool for 10 to 15 minutes while preparing the rest of the batter.
- Mix Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, granulated sugar, and brown sugar for about two minutes until smooth and fully combined. Gradually stream the cooled chocolate mixture into the eggs while whisking continuously. Gently fold in the all-purpose flour until just incorporated; do not overmix.
- Assemble: Pour the brownie batter evenly over the graham cracker layer in the pan. Spread it evenly to fill all corners using a spatula or by gently shaking the pan.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 28 to 30 minutes until the edges are set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs but no raw batter.
- Broil Marshmallows: Immediately after baking, move the oven rack to the top position. Arrange the marshmallows in a layer on top of the brownies. Turn on the broiler and broil for 2 to 3 minutes until the marshmallows turn golden and toasted, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Cool: Allow the brownies to cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the brownies out gently. For faster cooling, place them in the refrigerator after one hour.
- Slice: To prevent sticking, rub a little cooking oil on an offset spatula or knife to carefully release the marshmallow layer from the parchment paper. When cutting, oil your knife to avoid marshmallow sticking and slice the brownies into nine equal pieces.
Notes
- Use room temperature eggs for better batter integration.
- Watch the butter closely while browning to avoid burning and bitter flavor.
- Keep an eye on marshmallows while broiling, as they toast very quickly.
- Oiling your knife helps make clean slices without pulling the marshmallow layer.
- For extra fudginess, slightly underbake the brownies.