These S’mores Brownies are a fun twist on the classic campfire treat! With rich chocolatey brownies layered with gooey vanilla bean marshmallow, they are sure to make anyone smile.
Who can resist that chocolate and marshmallow combo? I mean, it’s like a hug in dessert form! Perfect for sharing (or not, no judgment here)! 😄
To make them even more special, I love adding crushed graham crackers on top. It gives a nice crunch and makes each bite feel like a mini adventure. Enjoy every gooey bite!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: I love using unsalted butter because it lets me control the saltiness of the dish. If you have salted butter, you can use it but reduce the added salt in the recipe slightly.
Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chocolate chips are perfect for the rich flavor. You can swap them with dark chocolate for a richer taste, or milk chocolate for a sweeter brownie.
Graham Cracker Crumbs: These are essential for that classic s’mores taste. If you’re gluten-free, look for gluten-free graham cracker crumbs or crush gluten-free cookies like Digestives or vanilla wafers.
Egg Whites: They whip up beautifully to create a fluffy marshmallow topping. If you need an egg substitute, whipped aquafaba (liquid from canned chickpeas) can work wonders here.
How Can I Ensure My Marshmallow Topping Is Perfectly Fluffy?
The key to getting that light, fluffy marshmallow topping is in the sugar syrup and egg white combination. As you boil the sugar, you’re aiming for the “soft-ball stage,” which is critical for the right texture.
- Use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature closely, as it should reach 240°F (115°C) for ideal softness.
- While the syrup is cooking, beat the egg whites until they form soft peaks. Keep beating even as you pour in the hot syrup slowly—it helps incorporate air!
- Beat until you see stiff peaks and a glossy mixture, which indicates that it’s ready to spread over the brownies.
How to Make S’mores Brownies With Vanilla Bean Marshmallow
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Brownie Layer:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 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
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
For the Vanilla Bean Marshmallow Topping:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 2 large egg whites
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or seeds from 1 vanilla bean pod
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe will take about 15 minutes to prep, and then you’ll spend about 30-35 minutes baking. Once baked, let the brownies cool completely before enjoying them. In total, you’re looking at about 2 hours, including cooling time, before you can dig in!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust:
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until everything is combined. Next, take the mixture and firmly press it into the bottom of an 8×8-inch baking pan. Bake this crust in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, then take it out and set it aside to cool.
2. Make the Brownie Layer:
Now, let’s create that delicious brownie layer! In a saucepan over low heat, melt together the butter and chocolate chips, stirring continuously until everything is smooth and melted. Once melted, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar, eggs, and vanilla until it’s well blended. Then, stir in the melted chocolate mixture until it’s nice and smooth. Finally, mix in the flour, salt, and baking powder just until combined. Pour this brownie batter over your cooled graham cracker crust, spreading it out evenly.
3. Bake the Brownies:
Place your brownie-filled pan back into the oven to bake for about 25-30 minutes. You can check if they’re done by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs attached. Once done, remove the brownies from the oven and let them cool completely.
4. Prepare Vanilla Bean Marshmallow Topping:
While the brownies cool, it’s time to make the fluffy marshmallow topping! In a saucepan, mix the sugar, water, and cream of tartar, then bring this mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar has dissolved. Keep an eye on it and allow it to boil until it reaches the soft-ball stage, which is about 240°F (115°C).
5. Whip Egg Whites:
In another bowl, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form. Once your sugar syrup is hot enough, carefully pour it into the beaten egg whites while continuing to whisk on medium speed. Add in the vanilla bean paste or the seeds scraped from the vanilla pod, and keep whipping until you have a glossy mixture that holds stiff peaks.
6. Assemble the Brownies:
Now it’s time to put everything together! Spread that delicious marshmallow topping evenly over the brownie layer. If you have a kitchen torch, use it to toast the marshmallow topping until it turns a lovely golden brown. If not, you can place it under a broiler for a few minutes—just be sure to watch it closely so it doesn’t burn!
7. Serve:
Finally, let your S’mores Brownies cool completely before cutting them into squares. Once sliced, serve them up and enjoy your delightful creation!
Can I Use Different Types of Chocolate for the Brownie Layer?
Absolutely! If you prefer a darker flavor, you can use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet. For a sweeter option, try milk chocolate chips. Just remember that the sweetness of the chocolate can alter the overall flavor, so adjust the sugar accordingly if you want to keep it balanced!
How 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 each brownie in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying!
Can I Make the Marshmallow Topping Without a Kitchen Torch?
Yes, you can! If you don’t have a kitchen torch, simply place the assembled brownies under your oven’s broiler for a few minutes, watching closely to prevent burning. Rotate them as needed for even browning. Just keep a close eye on them, as they can burn quickly!
What Can I Substitute for Egg Whites in the Marshmallow Topping?
If you need to avoid egg whites, you can use aquafaba (the liquid from a can of chickpeas) as a substitute! Use 3 tablespoons of aquafaba per egg white. Beat it until it forms stiff peaks, then proceed with the recipe as usual for the marshmallow topping!
