These S’mores Brownies are a sweet dream! They combine fudgy brownies with layers of chocolate, graham crackers, and toasted vanilla bean marshmallows on top.
It’s like camping in dessert form! I love how gooey the marshmallows get when baked. Serve them warm for an extra melty treat, and watch everyone come back for more! 🔥
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Graham Crackers: These are essential for that classic s’mores flavor. If you can’t find graham crackers, you can use digestive biscuits or a homemade mixture of crushed vanilla cookies—both work well for the crust.
Unsalted Butter: In the crust and brownie layers, butter adds richness. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, use coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute, though the flavor may vary slightly.
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: These are perfect for the brownies. Dark chocolate chips or even milk chocolate can be substituted if you prefer a sweeter taste. You could also use dairy-free chocolate chips for a vegan version.
Egg Whites: These create the fluffy marshmallow topping. If you need an egg substitute, aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas) can be whipped up and used in a 1:1 ratio. The texture will be slightly different, but it works well!
How Do You Create a Fluffy Marshmallow Topping?
The marshmallow topping is what makes these brownies special. To achieve that fluffy texture, it’s important to use the double boiler method correctly. This gently heats the egg whites and sugar, helping to dissolve the sugar while preventing the eggs from cooking.
- Combine the egg whites, sugar, water, and cream of tartar in a heatproof bowl.
- Place the bowl over a pot of simmering water, making sure the bottom doesn’t touch the water.
- Whisk continuously for about 7-10 minutes, until the mixture reaches 160°F (70°C).
- Remove from heat and whip until the mixture is thick, glossy, and cool to the touch.
It’s all about patience and continuous mixing! Taking your time will lead to a beautiful, stable marshmallow that you can easily spread over the brownies. Happy baking!
How to Make S’mores Brownies With Vanilla Bean Marshmallow
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Graham Cracker Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
For the Brownie Layer:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
For the Vanilla Bean Marshmallow Topping:
- 3 large egg whites
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 tsp cream of tartar
- 1 tsp vanilla bean paste (or 1 tbsp vanilla extract)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe requires about 15 minutes of preparation and 1 hour for baking and cooling. With a bit of care in toasting the marshmallow topping, you’ll have a delicious treat ready in just over an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Get an 8×8 inch baking pan, grease it lightly, and line it with parchment paper, allowing some overhang on the sides. This makes it super easy to lift out your brownies later!
2. Make the Graham Cracker Crust:
In a medium bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, sugar, and salt until everything is well mixed. Then, press this mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared baking pan. Pop it in the oven and bake for about 8-10 minutes, until it’s lightly golden. Take it out and let it cool a bit.
3. Prepare the Brownie Layer:
Now, melt the butter and chocolate chips together in a saucepan over low heat, stirring until it’s smooth. Remove it from the heat and let it cool for a moment. In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Slowly add your melted chocolate mixture while stirring, then sift in the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Mix until it’s just combined—don’t overdo it!
4. Assemble the Brownies:
Pour your brownie batter over the cooled graham cracker crust. Spread it out evenly. Bake it in your preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick—it should come out with a few moist crumbs. Once baked, let it cool slightly.
5. Make the Vanilla Bean Marshmallow Topping:
In a heatproof bowl, combine the egg whites, sugar, water, and cream of tartar. Set the bowl over a pot of simmering water, whisking continuously for about 7-10 minutes until the sugar dissolves and the mixture reaches 160°F (70°C).
6. Whip the Marshmallow:
Once reached, take your bowl off the heat and use an electric mixer to beat the mixture on high for about 7-10 minutes until it’s thick and glossy. The bowl should feel cool to the touch. Add the vanilla bean paste and give it another quick mix.
7. Top the Brownies:
Spread the fluffy marshmallow topping over the cooled brownies. You can use a spatula to create fun peaks on top!
8. Toast the Marshmallow:
Now comes the fun part! Use a kitchen torch to gently toast the marshmallow topping until it’s golden brown and slightly charred. If you don’t have a torch, just place the pan under a broiler for a couple of minutes, keeping a close watch to avoid burning.
9. Chill and Serve:
Let your brownies cool and set for at least an hour. When they’re ready, lift them out of the pan using the parchment overhang, cut into squares, and enjoy your delicious S’mores Brownies with Vanilla Bean Marshmallow!
This recipe brings together the classic flavors of s’mores in a rich, brownie treat, topped with a gorgeous, fluffy marshmallow finish. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Store-Bought Marshmallow Fluff Instead of Making My Own?
Yes, you can absolutely use store-bought marshmallow fluff for a quicker option! Simply spread it over the cooled brownies after baking. However, for that toasted flavor, you can still use a kitchen torch or broil it for a minute or two, just watch closely to avoid burning!
Can I Substitute the All-Purpose Flour for a Gluten-Free Version?
Definitely! You can use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour as a substitute for the all-purpose flour. Just ensure that your baking powder is also gluten-free if you’re using it in addition to this recipe!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Brownies?
To store leftover S’mores Brownies, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, they can be refrigerated for up to a week or frozen for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap them well to prevent freezer burn!
How Can I Adjust the Sweetness of the Brownies?
If you prefer a less sweet brownie, you can reduce the sugar in the brownie layer by 1/4 cup. Just keep in mind that it might alter the texture slightly, so be sure to keep an eye on the bake time!
