There’s something undeniably magical about s’mores. The way the golden-brown marshmallow melts, stretching into gooey threads, the rich chocolate softened by the warmth, and the satisfying crunch of a graham cracker. It’s a taste that instantly transports you to crackling campfires and starlit nights. But what if you could capture that nostalgic joy and elevate it into an even more decadent, accessible, and utterly irresistible dessert? Enter these incredible brownies with marshmallow topping. This recipe layers all the beloved components of a classic s’more – a buttery graham cracker crust, a rich chocolate brownie, and a perfectly toasted marshmallow crown – transforming them into a sophisticated, yet wonderfully easy, year-round treat.
These s’mores brownies capture the irresistible gooeyness of slightly charred marshmallows embraced by rich chocolate and a crisp graham cracker, all in a delightful, manageable form. The base offers a crumbly, subtly sweet foundation, while the brownies strike the perfect balance between fudgy and cake-like. Finally, the toasted marshmallow topping adds a light, ethereal sweetness and a beautiful visual appeal. The best part? No need for a campfire or any outdoor pyrotechnics. You can indulge in this heavenly dessert anytime, anywhere. As culinary expert David Leite shares, “These brownies are a true testament to bringing the joy of s’mores indoors, making them an accessible delight for any occasion.”
The Ultimate Indoor S’mores Experience: Brownies Elevated
Forget the hassle of building a fire or battling smoke; these s’mores brownies bring the iconic campfire treat right to your kitchen. They offer a refined take on a classic, transforming simple ingredients into a dessert that’s both elegant and utterly comforting. Every bite delivers a harmonious blend of textures and flavors: the robust crunch of the graham cracker, the luxurious chew of the chocolate brownie, and the delicate, caramelized sweetness of the marshmallow. This recipe isn’t just a dessert; it’s an experience, promising to satisfy your s’mores cravings with unparalleled indulgence and ease.
Why These S’mores Brownies Are a Must-Try
What makes these brownies so exceptional? It’s the thoughtful layering and meticulous attention to texture. Unlike some s’mores-inspired desserts that might compromise on one element, this recipe ensures each component shines. The graham cracker crust isn’t merely an afterthought; it’s a foundational layer that provides a crucial buttery, slightly spiced counterpoint to the sweetness. The brownie itself is developed to be the ideal consistency—rich, dense, and deeply chocolatey, melting in your mouth without being overly crumbly. And the marshmallow topping isn’t just placed on top; it’s carefully toasted to achieve that quintessential golden hue and gooey center, reminiscent of a perfectly roasted campfire marshmallow. This careful construction ensures that every square is a symphony of flavors and textures, making it a standout dessert that appeals to all ages.
Brownies with Marshmallow Topping FAQs
Achieving uniformly fine graham cracker crumbs is key for a cohesive crust. We’ve experimented with several methods to find the most efficient and mess-free approach. While placing crackers in a zip-top bag and crushing them with a rolling pin works, it often leads to broken bags and a messy cleanup. Using a hand mixer in a bowl is generally ineffective and not recommended. Our preferred method is using a food processor. It quickly yields a consistently fine and even crumb, minimizing effort and mess in your kitchen. Just a few pulses, and you’ll have the perfect base ready.
Absolutely, if your heart desires! Using homemade marshmallows can add a lovely artisanal touch and often a softer, more delicate texture. However, for convenience and to enjoy these delicious brownies sooner, store-bought marshmallows are our go-to choice. They’re readily available, consistent, and save you an extra step in the preparation process, allowing you to get straight to the baking and, more importantly, the eating!
To maintain their optimal flavor and texture, store these brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. It’s important to note that we do not recommend freezing them. Freezing can significantly alter the texture of the marshmallow topping, making it tough or watery upon thawing, which detracts from the overall experience. For best results, enjoy them fresh within a few days of baking.
The secret to fudgy brownies lies in not overmixing the batter and, crucially, not overbaking them. Once you add the flour, mix only until just combined; excessive stirring develops gluten, leading to a tougher, more cake-like texture. For baking, keep a close eye on them. The center should still be slightly soft and gooey, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out with moist crumbs, not liquid batter, and definitely not entirely clean. Err on the side of underbaking slightly, as brownies continue to set as they cool.
For a rich, balanced chocolate flavor, semisweet chocolate is ideal as specified in the recipe. It offers a perfect blend of sweetness and cocoa intensity that complements the graham cracker and marshmallow. However, you can experiment with dark chocolate (60-70% cocoa) for a more intense, less sweet brownie, or even a mix of milk and semisweet for a sweeter, creamier profile. Always use good quality chocolate chips or a chopped chocolate bar for the best melting consistency and flavor.
Brownies with Marshmallow Topping
David Leite
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Ingredients
For the graham cracker crust
- 6 tablespoons (3 oz) unsalted butter, plus more for the pan
- 1 1/3 cups graham cracker crumbs, finely ground (from about 12 big rectangles)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- Pinch kosher salt
For the chocolate brownies and marshmallow topping
- 12 tablespoons (6 oz) unsalted butter, cut into pieces, plus more for the pan
- 6 ounces semisweet chocolate, roughly chopped
- 1 1/4 cups plus 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 12 to 16 regular or jumbo marshmallows
Instructions
Make the graham cracker crust
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
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Butter the bottom and sides of an 8-by-8-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper cut to fit the bottom of the pan. Butter the parchment paper.
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In a small saucepan over low heat or in a bowl in the microwave, melt the butter.
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In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and salt. Add the melted butter and mix well. Press the crumb mixture evenly over the bottom of the prepared pan and flatten it with the back of a spatula.
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Bake the graham cracker crust just until the crumbs are golden brown around the edges, about 10 minutes.
Make the chocolate brownies and marshmallow topping
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While the graham cracker crust bakes, place a medium heatproof bowl over a saucepan filled with 1 to 2 inches of water (make sure the water doesn’t touch the bottom of the bowl). Add the butter and chocolate to the bowl and place the saucepan over very low heat, stirring occasionally, until the chocolate melts. Place the bowl on the counter and let it cool for 5 minutes.
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Add the sugar to the melted chocolate mixture and stir to combine. Slowly whisk in the eggs, 1 at a time, and mix until incorporated. Add the vanilla and stir until incorporated. Slowly add the flour in 2 batches and stir just until incorporated after each addition. Stir in the salt just until combined. Do not overmix.
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Scrape the brownie batter onto the warm graham cracker crust and slide it back into the oven until the brownies are set and the center is still a bit soft, 30 to 40 minutes. They should be soft but still a bit gooey when tested with a toothpick—you want moist crumbles on the toothpick. Start checking them after 25 minutes.
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Remove the pan from the oven, adjust the oven rack to the top position, and turn on the broiler.
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Arrange the marshmallows evenly on the brownies and slide the pan back in the oven. Broil until the marshmallows are softened and lightly toasted, 45 seconds to 1 minute. (Don’t turn your back on the marshmallow-topped brownies.)
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Carefully pull the pan from the oven and, using the back of a spoon, gently press down on the marshmallows to flatten them slightly. (You want to do this slowly so they don’t stick to your spoon.) Return the pan to the oven and broil until the marshmallows are nicely toasted, another 15 to 30 seconds.
☞ TESTER TIP: Before smooshing the marshmallows, you can spray the back of your spoon with nonstick spray to minimize goo clinging to it.
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Let the brownies cool in the pan for at least 1 hour. [Editor’s Note: We know, we know. Nearly impossible! But it ensures the brownies—in all their magnificent layers—fully set. Trust us.]
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Run a sharp knife under warm water and then run the knife along the edge of the pan. Cut the s’mores brownies into squares, ensuring each square has some ooey, gooey, toasted marshmallow on top. After each cut, run the knife back under warm water, wipe clean, and repeat. Go ahead and enjoy. Campfire optional.
Adapted From
The Coastal Table
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Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Insights from Our Recipe Testers: Achieving S’mores Brownie Perfection
Our dedicated team of recipe testers put these s’mores brownies through their paces, offering valuable feedback and tips to ensure your baking success. Their experiences highlight the irresistible qualities of this dessert and provide practical advice for tackling each step.
Ayanna Fews
Ayanna raves about the perfect blend of gooey and cakey textures in these brownies, creating a truly “Ahhhmazing” dessert. She particularly loved the distinct three layers: a crisp graham cracker base, a rich chocolate brownie, and a beautifully toasted marshmallow topping. Her key advice for optimal results is to patiently allow the brownies to cool for the recommended hour. This crucial cooling time ensures that all the magnificent layers properly set and meld together, preventing the brownie layer from dominating and allowing for clean, defined cuts. While spreading the marshmallows, some stickiness is inevitable, but Ayanna suggests avoiding lifting the spoon once you start flattening to achieve a smoother, more even marshmallow layer. Her batch disappeared in less than 24 hours, a clear sign of their crowd-pleasing appeal!
Susan Bingaman
As a self-proclaimed brownie purist, Susan admits these s’mores brownies with marshmallow topping are “damned delicious.” She appreciates being able to enjoy s’mores flavors indoors, free from campfire smells and bugs. Susan notes that her brownies were initially slightly underbaked at 25 minutes, suggesting an additional 5 minutes might be ideal for a firmer base. She used 12 regular-sized marshmallows, lining them in a 3×4 grid. Her experience highlighted the importance of a well-baked brownie layer, as her slightly soft brownies meant the marshmallow pressing broke the top crust. Susan also emphasizes the time commitment, advising bakers to start the brownie filling while the crust bakes to optimize the hour-long process. She found them excellent the next day, especially after refrigeration to manage their gooeyness, then brought back to room temperature before serving.
Adrienne Lee
Adrienne found this marshmallow brownie recipe “really delicious,” asserting that the extra effort is entirely worthwhile. Her family loved them, and she recommends using 16 regular-sized marshmallows for a natural fit. She used Honey Maid graham crackers, confirming that approximately 8 rectangles yield the required 1 1/3 cups of crumbs. To combat marshmallow stickiness, Adrienne’s key suggestion is to spray the back of your spoon with nonstick spray before pressing. She praised the deliciousness and authentic s’mores feel, particularly highlighting the graham cracker crust as the best part. While acknowledging it’s a longer recipe, she found the flavor held beautifully for several days, with the crust remaining perfectly crumbly. Her only minor challenge was the stickiness of the marshmallows when cutting the cooled brownies, a common trait for this delightful treat.
Ellen Fuss
Ellen also describes the brownie with marshmallow topping recipe as a “winning combination,” evoking happy campfire memories. Her brownies took 30 minutes to achieve a soft center, but upon cooling, she felt an extra 5 minutes of baking would have been beneficial for a firmer set. Refrigerating the brownies significantly aided in cleaner cutting, emphasizing that neat cuts require patience due to the gooey nature of the dessert. Using 25 standard Jet Puffed Kraft marshmallows, Ellen found 12 marshmallows would barely cover the surface, suggesting more are needed for full coverage. While the broiling time was spot-on, she ponders if marshmallows could be added earlier to soften during the final stages of brownie baking. She appreciated the “smooshing” tip for marshmallows and found the brownies delicious even after freezing, making them a versatile treat for entertaining or personal indulgence. Her serving tip: place them in white cupcake liners for easy, less messy serving at gatherings.
Linda M.
Linda declares these brownies an absolute “crowd pleaser,” emphasizing the universal appeal of s’mores. She highlights the graham cracker crust as a fantastic addition, providing a delightful sweetness that perfectly complements the rich, chocolatey brownie center. The crucial step of browning and “smooshing” the marshmallows on top transforms the dessert into pure s’mores delight, capturing that authentic campfire essence. While the recipe involves approximately 25 minutes of hands-on time due to the layered approach, Linda assures that they come together with relative ease. Her final, most practical tip? Have plenty of napkins or wet wipes readily available – because once you start enjoying these gooey treats, you’ll definitely need them!
Trudy Ngo-Brown
Trudy describes these brownies with marshmallow topping as “ooey-gooey rich,” exactly what one expects from a s’mores-inspired dessert. She used 7 graham cracker rectangles for the crust and 16 regular-sized marshmallows since jumbo ones weren’t available. Her brownies reached the desired moist crumble consistency in about 35 minutes, and the marshmallows toasted quickly, taking only 20 seconds under the broiler. The tip for flattening marshmallows with the back of a spoon worked well for spreading them. However, Trudy experienced a brief moment of alarm when her marshmallows caught fire after just 10 additional seconds under the broiler, underscoring the importance of constant vigilance. She suggests using overlapping foil pieces to line the pan for easier handling and potential fire prevention. Despite a slightly dry and crumbly crust after cooling, she enjoyed the “brownie goodness,” suggesting a possible extra tablespoon or two of butter in the crust for future attempts.
Tips for Mastering Your S’mores Brownies
Based on our testers’ experiences, here are some invaluable tips to ensure your s’mores brownies are nothing short of perfect:
- Precision Baking: Brownies are forgiving, but for optimal fudginess, pay close attention to baking times. Aim for a center that still appears slightly soft; a toothpick should emerge with moist crumbs, not wet batter. Overbaking leads to dry, cakey brownies, losing that desired gooeyness.
- Broiler Watch: Marshmallows can go from perfectly toasted to burnt in mere seconds. Never leave the broiler unattended when the marshmallows are in the oven. A light golden brown is the goal, signaling that soft, melted interior.
- The Cooling Game: Patience is truly a virtue here. Allowing the brownies to cool completely for at least an hour (or even refrigerating for firmer slices) is crucial. This helps all the layers set, making them easier to cut and ensuring a clean presentation of each distinct tier.
- Smooth Marshmallow Spreading: To prevent the sticky marshmallow from clinging to your spoon when flattening, lightly spray the back of your spoon with a nonstick cooking spray. This creates a barrier and allows for a smoother, more even spread across the brownie surface.
- Sharp, Clean Cuts: For neat squares, use a sharp knife. For best results, run the knife under warm water and wipe it clean after each cut. This technique helps glide through the gooey marshmallow and dense brownie, preventing dragging and mess.
- Ingredient Temperature: Ensure your eggs are at room temperature. This helps them emulsify better with the other ingredients, leading to a smoother batter and a more consistent brownie texture.
Elevate Your S’mores Brownies with Creative Variations
While the classic recipe is divine, feel free to get creative and personalize your s’mores brownies:
- Chocolate Choices: Experiment with different types of chocolate in your brownie batter. Use milk chocolate for a sweeter profile, or extra dark chocolate for a richer, more intense cocoa experience. You can also mix in chocolate chips (milk, dark, or white) for added texture and bursts of flavor.
- Flavored Marshmallows: If you’re feeling adventurous, seek out gourmet or flavored marshmallows like vanilla bean, chocolate, or even peppermint during the holidays, though classic plain marshmallows are always a win.
- Mix-Ins: Fold in a handful of chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts) into your brownie batter for crunch. Or, for an extra layer of salty-sweet goodness, sprinkle some crushed pretzels on top of the graham cracker crust before adding the brownie batter.
- A Pinch of Salt: A delicate sprinkle of flaky sea salt over the toasted marshmallows just after they come out of the oven can enhance all the flavors, balancing the sweetness with a touch of savory.
Perfect Serving Suggestions for Any Occasion
These brownies with marshmallow topping are versatile and can be enjoyed in many delightful ways:
- Warm & Gooey: Serve them slightly warm for the ultimate gooey marshmallow and fudgy brownie experience. A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream on the side is a match made in heaven.
- Chilled Delight: For a firmer, more set brownie, refrigerate them before serving. This can make them easier to handle and cut, especially for a crowd.
- Party Pleaser: Cut into smaller squares and arrange them on a platter for an irresistible party dessert. Consider placing them in mini cupcake liners to minimize stickiness for guests.
- Coffee Break Indulgence: Pair a square with a hot cup of coffee, espresso, or a glass of cold milk for a comforting treat any time of day.
- Edible Gifts: Package individual s’mores brownie squares in decorative boxes or bags for a homemade gift that’s sure to impress friends, family, or colleagues.