These S’mores Brownies are a chocolate lover’s dream! They have the rich taste of brownies, topped with fluffy vanilla bean marshmallow and crunchy graham crackers. Yum!
Just imagine biting into a gooey brownie with a sweet marshmallow cloud on top—it’s pretty hard to resist! Perfect for sharing, or maybe not. 😉
What I love most is how easy it is to whip these up for a get-together. They’re always a hit, and they bring a smile to everyone’s face. Enjoy them warm for the best treat!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: You need butter for richness and flavor in both the brownie and crust layers. If needed, you can substitute it with coconut oil or vegetable oil, though it may change the texture slightly.
Sugar: Granulated sugar is used for sweetness and to create that chewy brownie texture. Brown sugar can be a great substitute for some of the granulated sugar. It adds a touch of caramel flavor.
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder is key for a deep chocolate flavor. If you’re out, you can use Dutch-process cocoa for a slightly different taste, or substitute a chocolate bar melted down if you want a richer flavor.
Graham Crackers: These give a crunchy, sweet base. If you can’t find graham crackers, crushed digestive biscuits or vanilla wafers work well too.
Egg Whites: For the marshmallow topping, egg whites give it structure. If you need a vegan option, aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas) can effectively replace egg whites in this case.
How Do I Make Sure My Brownies Are Perfectly Baked?
Baking brownies can be tricky because you want them fudgy but not undercooked. Follow these simple steps to nail it:
- Preheat your oven properly to ensure even baking. An oven thermometer can help.
- Use a toothpick to check doneness; it should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.
- Let the brownies cool completely before topping. This helps them firm up and makes cutting easier.
How to Make S’mores Brownies With Vanilla Bean Marshmallow
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Brownie Layer:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks)
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
For the Graham Cracker Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
For the Vanilla Bean Marshmallow Topping:
- 3 large egg whites
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup water
- 1 vanilla bean (or 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract)
- ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 20 minutes of prep time and 1 hour for baking and cooling. So, set aside a total of about 1 hour and 20 minutes to enjoy these tasty S’mores Brownies with Vanilla Bean Marshmallow!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Graham Cracker Crust:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan. In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Mix everything well until it’s fully combined. Now, press this mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared baking pan. Bake it for 10 minutes, then take it out of the oven and let it cool while you prepare the brownie layer.
2. Making the Brownie Layer:
Next, let’s make the brownie batter! In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, take it off the heat and stir in the granulated sugar until it’s completely mixed in. Add in the vanilla extract and then the eggs, one at a time. Make sure each egg is mixed in well before adding the next. Now, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt in another bowl, then gently fold this into the butter mixture. Finally, stir in the chocolate chips. Pour this brownie batter over the cooled graham cracker crust, spreading it evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Allow the brownies to cool completely.
3. Preparing the Vanilla Bean Marshmallow Topping:
While the brownies are cooling, let’s make the marshmallow topping! In a medium saucepan, mix the sugar and water together and bring it to a boil over medium heat. Stir until the sugar has dissolved. In a separate mixing bowl, beat the egg whites with the cream of tartar until soft peaks form. Once your sugar mixture reaches a soft ball stage (about 240°F / 115°C), carefully pour it into the beaten egg whites while you beat at high speed. Keep beating until the mixture is glossy and holds stiff peaks. If you’re using a vanilla bean, scrape the seeds from it and fold them into the mixture now.
4. Assemble and Finish:
Once everything is ready, spread the vanilla bean marshmallow topping evenly over the cooled brownies. Now comes the fun part—use a kitchen torch to toast the top until it’s golden brown. If you don’t have a torch, you can place it under the broiler for a few minutes, just keep a close eye on it to avoid burning! Let the brownies sit for about 30 minutes to set before cutting them into squares and serving.
Enjoy your delicious S’mores Brownies with Vanilla Bean Marshmallow!
Can I Substitute the Unsalted Butter for Margarine?
Yes, you can use margarine in place of unsalted butter, but it may slightly alter the taste and texture. Make sure to use a stick or block margarine rather than a tub for the best results in baking.
How Can I Make These Brownies Gluten-Free?
To make these brownies gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Ensure your graham cracker crumbs are also gluten-free, as many brands contain wheat. Double-check the labels to be sure!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Brownies?
Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them. Just wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying!
Can I Use Different Types of Chocolate Chips?
Absolutely! You can use dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate chips based on your preference. Just keep in mind that using different types of chocolate may change the overall flavor profile of the brownies.
