These S’mores Brownies bring together rich chocolatey goodness, crunchy graham crackers, and soft vanilla bean marshmallows. It’s like camping treats in a cozy brownie form!
Honestly, who can resist the combination of gooey marshmallow and chocolate? I always make sure to save some for friends, but let’s be real—I usually end up eating most of them myself! 😂
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Unsalted butter gives a rich flavor to the brownies. If you’re out of unsalted, you can use salted butter but adjust the added salt in the recipe. I find that butter makes everything taste better!
Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chocolate chips are ideal for sweetness and flavor, but dark chocolate is a great swap if you prefer something richer. Some even like to mix both types!
Egg Whites: These are crucial for the marshmallow fluff. If you want to avoid eggs, try using aquafaba (the liquid from chickpeas) as a vegan alternative. It works surprisingly well!
Vanilla Bean: Using a vanilla bean gives an incredible flavor and some nice texture. If you can’t find one, just a teaspoon of vanilla extract will do. I usually keep both on hand for various recipes!
Graham Crackers: If you don’t have graham crackers, try digestive biscuits or even crushed vanilla wafer cookies for a different twist. They both add a delicious crunch.
How Do You Make Sure Your Marshmallow Topping Is Perfectly Fluffy?
The marshmallow topping can be tricky but rewarding. Start by whipping the egg whites until you have soft peaks; this gives the marshmallow its lightness. Once your sugar mixture reaches 240°F, add it slowly while mixing on high speed.
- Egg whites need to be at room temperature for better volume.
- Use a candy thermometer to get accurate readings on your sugar mixture.
- Whip the egg whites until stiff and glossy; this can take about 5-7 minutes.
- Adding the vanilla at the end keeps the flavors bright without losing its punch.
With the right technique, you’ll achieve a fluffy marshmallow that makes these brownies truly special!
How to Make S’mores Brownies with Vanilla Bean Marshmallow
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Brownies:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 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:
- 1/2 cup egg whites (about 4 large eggs)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 vanilla bean, seeds scraped (or 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract)
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe will take about 1 hour and 15 minutes in total: around 30 minutes for preparation and baking and an additional 30-45 minutes for the marshmallow topping and toasting. Get ready for a sweet treat that combines brownies with that classic s’mores flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure it’s nice and hot when your brownies are ready to bake!
2. Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust:
In a bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until everything is combined nicely. Then, take this mix and firmly press it into the bottom of an 8×8-inch baking dish to form a crust. Bake this crust in the oven for about 8-10 minutes until it turns lightly golden. Once done, remove it and let it cool.
3. Make the Brownie Layer:
Now, let’s create that delicious brownie layer! In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter and chocolate chips together, stirring until you have a smooth mixture. Take it off the heat and set it aside to cool slightly. In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until everything is well combined. Add the melted chocolate mixture into the egg mix while stirring to incorporate. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder, then gently fold this dry mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined. Finally, pour this brownie batter over your cooled graham cracker crust and spread it evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs. Allow the brownies to cool completely.
4. Prepare the Vanilla Bean Marshmallow:
For the marshmallow topping, combine the sugar, water, and cream of tartar in a saucepan. Heat this over medium heat without stirring until it reaches 240°F (115°C) on a candy thermometer. While that’s heating, whip your egg whites in a mixing bowl on medium speed until soft peaks form. When the sugar mixture is ready, carefully drizzle it into the egg whites while beating on high speed. Continue whipping until the mixture becomes thick and glossy, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Finally, add the vanilla bean seeds (or extract) and mix to combine.
5. Assemble the Dish:
Now it’s time to create that lovely topping! Spread the vanilla bean marshmallow evenly over the cooled brownie layer in your baking dish. You can use a spatula to create some fun peaks and swirls on top—it’ll look beautiful!
6. Toast the Marshmallow:
To get that signature s’mores flavor, use a kitchen torch to carefully toast the marshmallow topping until it’s golden brown. If you don’t have a torch, you can broil it in the oven for a minute or two, but make sure to watch closely so it doesn’t burn!
7. Serve:
Your S’mores Brownies with Vanilla Bean Marshmallow are now ready! Slice them into squares, serve, and enjoy every gooey, chocolatey bite!
Enjoy this delicious treat that perfectly combines the best of brownies and classic s’mores, topped off with a rich, toasted marshmallow layer!
Can I Use Different Types of Chocolate for the Brownies?
Absolutely! While semi-sweet chocolate chips are recommended for a balanced sweetness, you can substitute with dark chocolate for a richer flavor or milk chocolate for a sweeter treat. Just make sure whatever chocolate you choose is of good quality for the best results!
Can I Make These Brownies Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that your graham cracker crumbs are also gluten-free by checking the packaging. The texture and flavor will remain delicious!
How to Store Leftover S’mores Brownies?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you prefer to keep them longer, refrigerate for up to a week. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months; just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. Thaw in the fridge before serving!
Can I Prepare the Marshmallow Topping in Advance?
While it’s best to make the marshmallow topping fresh for maximum fluffiness, you can prepare it a few hours ahead of time. Simply cover it tightly and keep it at room temperature. If it firms up too much, you can re-whip it gently on low speed before spreading it over the brownies!
