If you’ve ever dreamed of capturing the magic of a campfire treat in a single, mouthwatering dessert, this Decadent S’mores Brownies Recipe will blow your mind and taste buds. Combining fudgy chocolate goodness with the nostalgic crunch of graham crackers and the gooey embrace of toasted marshmallows, these brownies are pure dessert perfection, guaranteed to bring smiles and maybe even a little happy sigh with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this Decadent S'mores Brownies Recipe is delightfully simple, but each one is crucial for layering flavors and textures that make this bake unforgettable. From the rich cocoa to the buttery graham crackers and melty marshmallows, everything works together like a dream.
- 9 whole graham crackers: These provide that classic crispy base and topping crunch.
- 10 tablespoons salted butter: Adds richness and moisture to the brownie batter.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter and helps create a glossy finish.
- 2 large eggs: Bind everything together and contribute to a tender texture.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Enhances the chocolate flavor with a warm, aromatic note.
- 1/2 cup milk chocolate chips (melted): Brings a creamy chocolate creaminess that melts right into the batter.
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour: The foundation that gives the brownies their body without heaviness.
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Boosts the chocolate intensity and color.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- 2-3 whole Hershey’s chocolate bars: Cut into chunks for a melty, nostalgic chocolate layer on top.
- 10 ounces mini marshmallows: Toasted to golden perfection, they add that signature gooey texture everyone loves.
How to Make Decadent S’mores Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Base Layer
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your brownies bake evenly from the start. Line a 9×9-inch metal baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal later. Then, gently press half of your graham crackers to evenly cover the bottom of the pan — this crunchy foundation is key for capturing that s’mores vibe.
Step 2: Melt Butter and Mix Wet Ingredients
Melt the butter in short bursts in a microwave-safe bowl until it’s fully melted but not browned. Pour it into a large mixing bowl and whisk in the sugar until smooth and shiny. Add in your eggs and vanilla extract, whisking vigorously to incorporate air and develop that lovely glossy sheen. Finally, stir in the melted milk chocolate chips for a silky chocolatey twist within your batter.
Step 3: Fold in Dry Ingredients
Carefully fold in the flour, cocoa powder, and salt using a rubber spatula. The trick is to combine just until you can’t see any flour streaks — overmixing can create dense brownies, and we want these to stay soft and moist with a rich crumb. Once everything is blended, your batter is ready to meet the graham cracker base.
Step 4: Bake Your Brownies
Pour the batter over the graham cracker layer and smooth the top evenly with a spatula to help it bake uniformly. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’re looking for brownies that are set but still a little moist in the center — test with a toothpick, which should come out with a few moist crumbs clinging to it.
Step 5: Add Toppings and Broil
While the brownies bake, break the remaining graham crackers and Hershey’s chocolate bars into bite-sized chunks. Once your brownies come out of the oven, quickly sprinkle these pieces along with the mini marshmallows evenly across the top. Return the pan to the oven and slide it to the top rack, about 8 inches under the broiler. Watch carefully, and broil for just 1 to 2 minutes until the marshmallows puff and turn a gorgeous golden brown. This final step gives you that irresistible toasted marshmallow flavor that defines s’mores.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Remove the pan from the oven and let it cool just enough to set slightly—this makes slicing easier without losing that warm gooey center everyone craves. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the brownies out and slice them into nine generous squares for sharing (or not!).
How to Serve Decadent S’mores Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
While these brownies are delightful on their own, consider sprinkling extra crushed graham crackers or a dusting of cocoa powder on the plate to add visual appeal. A drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce can elevate the presentation and add a layer of indulgence that friends and family will adore.
Side Dishes
Pair your Decadent S'mores Brownies Recipe with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to balance the richness with cool creaminess. A hot cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk also complements the chocolate and marshmallow flavors perfectly, making your dessert experience truly decadent.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, serve these brownies in cute mini cupcake liners to make passing out easier and mess-free. You can also stack them on a dessert platter alternating with fresh berries or sprinkle edible gold dust for a festive twist. Personalize each piece with a toasted marshmallow on top before serving for an extra special touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These brownies keep beautifully at room temperature when stored in an airtight container, maintaining their fudgy texture for up to three days. If it gets warm, simply pop them in the fridge to keep the marshmallow topping intact, though you might want to warm them slightly before serving.
Freezing
The Decadent S'mores Brownies Recipe freezes well—wrap the cut brownies individually in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can last for up to three months without losing flavor or texture, making them a perfect make-ahead treat for busy days or last-minute guests.
Reheating
To bring back that just-baked sensation, warm the brownies briefly in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or in a low oven (300°F/150°C) for 5-7 minutes. This will revive the soft center and slightly melt the chocolate on top without burning the toasted marshmallows.
FAQs
Can I use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Dark chocolate will add a richer, more intense flavor that pairs wonderfully with the sweet marshmallows and graham crackers, though it may slightly change the sweetness balance.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that’s suitable for baking. Be sure the graham crackers you use are also gluten-free to keep the whole dessert safe.
How can I prevent marshmallows from burning under the broiler?
Keep a close eye when broiling—marshmallows can go from golden to burnt very quickly. Stay near the oven and broil in short intervals, opening the door if necessary to check progress.
Can I double the recipe for a bigger batch?
Definitely! Double all ingredients and use a larger pan, like a 9×13-inch. Just be mindful that baking times may increase by 5 to 10 minutes, so check doneness accordingly.
What’s the best way to cut these gooey brownies cleanly?
Use a sharp knife wiped clean with a warm, damp cloth between cuts. This prevents sticking and helps maintain neat edges while slicing through the marshmallow topping smoothly.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about this Decadent S'mores Brownies Recipe that will brighten any day or occasion. Whether you’re craving a nostalgic treat or a spectacular dessert to impress friends, these brownies deliver layers of flavor and irresistible texture in every bite. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’s going to become one of your all-time favorites, perfect for sharing—or savoring all by yourself.
Print
Decadent S’mores Brownies Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings
Description
Decadent S’mores Brownies combine rich, fudgy chocolate brownies with crunchy graham crackers, melty Hershey’s chocolate, and toasted mini marshmallows for a nostalgic dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Base & Batter
- 9 whole graham crackers
- 10 tablespoons salted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk chocolate chips (melted)
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Topping
- 2–3 whole Hershey’s chocolate bars
- 10 ounces mini marshmallows
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch metal baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the sides to easily lift out the brownies later.
- Layer Graham Crackers: Arrange half of the whole graham crackers evenly on the bottom of the prepared pan to form a solid base layer.
- Melt Butter: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt 10 tablespoons of salted butter in 30-second increments until fully melted and smooth. Transfer melted butter to a large mixing bowl.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: Whisk granulated sugar into the melted butter until smooth, about 30 seconds. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, whisking vigorously for 1 minute until the mixture is glossy and well combined. Then whisk in the melted milk chocolate chips until fully incorporated.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gently fold in the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, and salt using a rubber spatula. Mix just until combined, being careful not to overmix to maintain brownie fudginess.
- Assemble Batter: Pour the prepared brownie batter over the graham cracker layer in the pan and spread evenly with a spatula.
- Bake Brownies: Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, or until the edges are set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs (not wet batter).
- Prepare Toppings: While brownies bake, break the remaining graham crackers and Hershey’s chocolate bars into bite-sized pieces to use as topping.
- Add Toppings: Remove the baked brownies from the oven. Evenly sprinkle the broken graham crackers, chocolate chunks, and mini marshmallows over the top.
- Broil to Toast Marshmallows: Return the pan to the oven, placing it about 8 inches below the broiler. Broil on high for 1–2 minutes, watching very closely until the marshmallows are golden brown and toasted.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from oven and allow the brownies to cool slightly before slicing and serving to enjoy gooey, toasted s’mores brownies.
Notes
- Watch the broiler step carefully to prevent the marshmallows from burning.
- Using parchment paper with an overhang makes it easier to lift brownies from the pan for clean slicing.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep brownies fudgy and moist.
- Feel free to swap milk chocolate chips with semi-sweet or dark chocolate for a richer flavor.
- Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
