These S’mores Brownies are a gooey delight that combines rich chocolatey brownies with crunchy graham crackers and sweet vanilla bean marshmallows. Talk about a campfire classic made easy!
When you take a bite, the melty marshmallows and brownie together create a taste explosion. I often find myself reaching for seconds (or thirds)! Perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: This is key for moisture and richness in brownies. If you’re out of unsalted butter, you can replace it with salted butter. Just be mindful of the extra salt in the recipe.
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa gives the brownies their deep chocolate flavor. If you need a substitute, Dutch-process cocoa works well but can make the brownies less sweet.
Graham Cracker Crumbs: Essential for the crust, graham cracker crumbs provide that signature s’mores flavor. You can crush digestive biscuits or even vanilla wafers as an alternative.
Egg Whites: They are crucial for the marshmallow topping’s texture. If you want a vegan version, aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas) can be whipped for a similar effect.
Vanilla Bean Paste: This adds an intense vanilla flavor and beautiful specks. You can replace it with pure vanilla extract if needed, but the flavor will be slightly less potent.
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Brownie Texture?
The secret to achieving the right brownie texture lies in the mixing process. After melting your butter with sugar, be sure not to overmix after adding the dry ingredients. Mixing just until combined helps keep the brownies fudgy and moist.
- Melt the butter and stir in sugar, eggs, and vanilla. It should mix smoothly.
- When adding cocoa, flour, and leaveners, gently fold them in until you barely see dry flour.
- Avoid overmixing; it’s okay if the batter looks a bit lumpy.
How Can I Whip Up Fluffy Marshmallow Topping?
Creating the perfect marshmallow topping can seem tricky. The key is all in the temperature! Make sure your egg mixture reaches 160°F to fully dissolve the sugar. Not only does this make a safe meringue, but it also helps achieve that perfect fluffy texture.
- While heating, continuously whisk to dissolve sugar completely.
- Once dissolved, whip on high until you see stiff peaks — this should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Let the bowl cool touches before applying the topping. A smooth marshmallow is your goal!
How to Make S’mores Brownies With Vanilla Bean Marshmallow
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Brownie Layer:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
For the Graham Cracker Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Vanilla Bean Marshmallow Topping:
- 2 large egg whites
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste (or 1 vanilla bean, scraped)
- Pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe will take about 15 minutes for prep and 40-45 minutes for baking and cooling—around 1 hour in total. You’ll bake the graham cracker crust, whip up the brownie layer, and finally prepare the marshmallow topping to create the perfect treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. The mixture should look like wet sand. Now, press it firmly into the bottom of a greased 9×9 inch baking pan. Bake it for about 8–10 minutes, or until it feels set. Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool.
2. Make the Brownie Layer:
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the 1/2 cup of butter. Once it’s melted, take the pan off the heat and stir in the granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until everything is well blended. Gradually sift in the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder, stirring gently until just combined. Pour this delicious brownie batter over the cooled graham cracker crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
3. Bake the Brownies:
Put the baking pan back in the preheated oven and bake for about 20–25 minutes. To check if they’re done, insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs. After baking, let the brownies cool completely in the pan.
4. Prepare the Vanilla Bean Marshmallow Topping:
In a heatproof bowl, combine the egg whites, granulated sugar, water, vanilla bean paste, and a pinch of salt. Place this bowl over a saucepan of simmering water, making sure the bowl doesn’t touch the water. Whisk the mixture continuously until the sugar dissolves and it reaches 160°F (70°C) on a candy thermometer.
5. Whip the Mixture:
Take the bowl off the heat and, using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the mixture on high speed until you see stiff, glossy peaks, and it feels cool to the touch. This typically takes about 5–7 minutes—great arm workout!
6. Top the Brownies:
Once the brownies are cool, spread your marshmallow topping evenly over them. If you have a kitchen torch, now’s the time to use it! Carefully toast the topping until it’s golden brown. No torch? No problem! Just pop the brownies under the broiler for a few seconds—but keep an eye on them to avoid burning!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Let the brownies set for a little while, then slice them into squares. Serve these delicious S’mores Brownies with Vanilla Bean Marshmallow to your family and friends, and watch them disappear!
Can I Substitute Different Types of Sugar?
Yes, you can use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar for a richer, molasses-like flavor in both the brownie layer and the marshmallow topping. Just keep in mind that it may slightly change the texture of the brownies.
How Do 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, you can refrigerate them for up to a week, or freeze for up to 3 months. Just ensure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap if freezing!
Can I Make the Brownies Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix, which should work perfectly in this recipe without altering the flavor or texture!
What If I Don’t Have a Kitchen Torch?
If you don’t have a kitchen torch, no worries! You can use your oven’s broiler instead. Just place the brownies under the broiler for about 30 seconds, keeping a close eye to prevent burning. Rotate as necessary for even toasting!
