Irresistible S’mores Brownies: Your Ultimate Fudgy, Marshmallowy Dream Dessert
Prepare yourself for a dessert experience that transcends the ordinary: S’mores Brownies. These indulgent treats feature a perfectly buttery, crunchy graham cracker crust, a deeply fudgy brownie center bursting with rich chocolate flavor, and are crowned with a light, fluffy marshmallow buttercream frosting, scattered with mini chocolate chips and extra graham cracker crumbs. One bite, and you’ll be absolutely begging for S’more! This recipe takes the classic campfire treat and transforms it into a sophisticated, yet utterly comforting, baked delight perfect for any occasion.
As a self-proclaimed professional sleeper, I typically drift off within moments of my head hitting the pillow, rarely experiencing those restless nights many face. For this blessing, I am always grateful. Yet, there are those rare, delightful occasions when my subconscious mind takes over, and I find myself dreaming of culinary creations. These are the moments when truly inspired recipe ideas, like these incredible S’mores Brownies, are born. It was during one such “sweet dream” that the concept of combining the beloved elements of S’mores with the decadent richness of brownies firmly took root.
Indeed, I think this is precisely what you call a “sweet dream.” The idea of layering a crunchy graham cracker base with a luscious brownie and topping it with a cloud of marshmallow frosting felt like a stroke of genius, even in my sleep. Waking up, the vision was so vivid, the flavors so compelling, that I simply had to bring it to life in my kitchen. It’s a testament to how some of the best culinary adventures begin, sometimes even before you’ve had your morning coffee.
Lately, it seems I’ve been constantly surrounded by S’mores recipes, from social media feeds to cooking shows. Despite this, I realized it had been far too long since I actually made anything S’mores-related in my own kitchen. This oversight clearly needed to be remedied, and what better way than with an entirely new, elevated dessert? After all, who doesn’t absolutely adore the classic combination of toasted marshmallow, melted chocolate, and crisp graham crackers? The sheer thought alone conjures images of cozy campfires, laughter, and sweet indulgence. These S’mores Brownies capture that nostalgic essence perfectly, offering all the delightful components without needing to venture outdoors.
The beauty of S’mores lies in their simple yet profound combination of textures and flavors. From gooey to crunchy, sweet to slightly savory, it’s a symphony of tastes that appeals to almost everyone. This universal appeal is likely why S’mores have evolved far beyond the campfire, inspiring countless desserts and treats. My own culinary journey has often led me down the delightful path of S’mores innovation. Before these brownies, I’ve explored various ways to enjoy this iconic flavor profile:
There was my inventive S’mores Yogurt Two Ways, a lighter, yet equally satisfying, take on the classic. It proved that you don’t always need a heavy dessert to enjoy those beloved S’mores flavors.
Then came the delightful S’mores Treats, a collection of easy-to-make snacks perfect for parties or a quick sugar fix, demonstrating the sheer versatility of the S’mores concept.
And who could forget the decadent S’mores Cream Pie, a truly show-stopping dessert that layers creamy goodness with the familiar crunch and chew of S’mores. These are just a few examples of my past S’mores recipes, proving that this flavor combination is a true passion of mine. Each recipe aims to capture that unique blend of campfire magic in a new and exciting format, and these S’mores Brownies are no exception.
With this latest creation, I truly believe I may have outdone myself. I honestly had no concrete idea how these S’mores Brownies would turn out. It was a complete improvisation, a “wing it” moment in the kitchen that blossomed into something spectacular. Boy, was I thrilled with the outcome! More importantly, my kiddos were ecstatic too, which is always the ultimate seal of approval. The distinct layers work in perfect harmony: a wonderfully crunchy, buttery graham cracker crust forms the base, providing that essential S’mores foundation. Above it lies a rich, deeply fudgy brownie center, intensely chocolatey and satisfying. Finally, it’s crowned with an incredibly light and airy marshmallow buttercream frosting that delivers the sweet, fluffy marshmallow experience without the stickiness of toasted marshmallows. After assembling, I chilled them, and the result was pure perfection—each bite a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that embodies the very best of S’mores and brownies combined.
The journey to S’mores Brownie bliss begins with a classic, yet essential, graham cracker crust. This layer is remarkably simple to create, requiring just three ingredients: crushed graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and a touch of sugar. The melted butter binds the crumbs together, creating a sturdy yet crumbly base that offers a delightful contrast to the soft brownie and fluffy frosting. Ensure your graham cracker crumbs are fine and evenly mixed with the butter and sugar for a perfectly uniform crust. This forms the foundational element, providing that distinct S’mores flavor from the very first layer.
Once your graham cracker mixture is ready, press it firmly and evenly into a 9×13-inch baking dish. The key here is to create a compact base that won’t crumble apart when you cut into the finished brownies. Using the back of a fork or a flat-bottomed glass works wonders for achieving a smooth, well-pressed layer. This foundational step is crucial for the structural integrity and textural delight of your S’mores Brownies. A well-prepared crust ensures every bite delivers that satisfying crunch, elevating the entire dessert experience.
Next, it’s time for the star of the show: the brownie layer. For ultimate convenience without compromising on flavor, I opted for a Pillsbury Chocolate Fudge mix, which consistently delivers a rich, moist, and fudgy texture. Of course, if you have a favorite homemade brownie recipe, feel free to use that instead! Prepare your chosen brownie mix according to the package instructions (or your recipe’s guidance), then carefully pour the luscious batter over the pressed graham cracker crust. Gently spread the batter to an even layer, being mindful not to disturb or lift the crust beneath. Bake it to perfection, cool it completely, and get ready for the grand finale – the marshmallow frosting. The contrast between the crisp crust and the chewy, fudgy brownie is what makes these bars so addictive.
The marshmallow frosting is what truly elevates these from simple brownies to S’mores Brownies. I absolutely adore my marshmallow buttercream recipe; its airy texture and sweet, vanilla-marshmallow flavor were impeccably suited for these brownies. After the brownies have cooled completely (this is key to prevent the frosting from melting), I generously slathered the fluffy marshmallow buttercream over the entire surface. To enhance both visual appeal and flavor, I topped it with a sprinkle of mini chocolate chips, adding another layer of classic S’mores chocolate, and finished with more graham cracker crumbs for an extra textural pop. This frosting layer provides the gooey, sweet marshmallow experience that perfectly complements the rich brownie and crunchy crust.
On the day I made these, my house was exceptionally warm, so I decided to refrigerate them before cutting. While not strictly necessary, this step made for incredibly clean cuts and, unexpectedly, we discovered that we really loved them chilled! The cool, firm layers and solidified chocolate created an even more delightful texture. So, I continued to store them in the fridge. They lasted for about two glorious days before they were, predictably, completely devoured. The chilling process really helps the layers set beautifully, making for a less messy and equally delicious experience.
Can you hear them calling your name yet? That enticing blend of buttery graham cracker, rich chocolate brownie, and sweet, fluffy marshmallow is practically irresistible. These S’mores Brownies are more than just a dessert; they’re a celebration of classic flavors in a new, exciting format. Perfect for potlucks, parties, or simply satisfying a deep craving for something sweet and nostalgic, they are sure to be a crowd-pleaser and disappear rapidly.
Why wait to experience this divine combination? Let’s get baking and bring these incredible S’mores Brownies to life in your own kitchen!
If your love for brownies knows no bounds, I have many more fantastic recipes for you to explore and enjoy. Dive into my collection of Epic Brownie Recipes, where you’ll find everything from classic fudgy squares to innovative creations that push the boundaries of this beloved dessert. There’s a brownie for every mood and every occasion!
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Print Recipe
S’mores Brownies
Ingredients
For the Graham Cracker Crust:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs (approximately 12 full cracker sheets, finely crushed)
- 1 stick salted butter (melted)
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
For the Brownie Layer:
- 1 18.4 ounce box Chocolate Fudge Brownie mix
- Oil, water, and eggs (as required to prepare the brownie mix per package instructions. Alternatively, use your favorite homemade brownie recipe.)
For the Marshmallow Buttercream Frosting:
- 1 7 ounce container Marshmallow Fluff (or marshmallow creme)
- 1 stick salted butter (softened to room temperature)
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar)
- Mini chocolate chips and graham cracker crumbs (for decoration, if desired)
Instructions
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Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C).
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To prepare the graham cracker crust, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar in a medium bowl. Mix them thoroughly with a fork until the crumbs are well moistened and resemble wet sand. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish using the back of the fork or your fingers to create a compact base.
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Next, prepare your preferred brownie mix (or homemade recipe) as per the instructions on its packaging. Carefully pour the brownie batter over the pressed graham cracker crust. Gently spread the batter out evenly across the entire surface, taking extra care not to lift or disturb the crust layer underneath.
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Bake the brownies in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a wooden toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs, but no wet batter. Avoid overbaking for a fudgier texture.
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Once baked, remove the brownies from the oven and allow them to cool completely at room temperature before you even think about frosting them. This step is crucial for the frosting’s consistency.
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While the brownies cool, prepare the marshmallow buttercream frosting. In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment (or using a hand mixer), cream the softened butter until it’s light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add the entire container of Marshmallow Fluff and beat until thoroughly combined and smooth. Gradually add in the powdered sugar, a little at a time, beating until smooth and well incorporated. If you prefer a thicker frosting, you can add a bit more powdered sugar. Spread this delightful frosting evenly over the completely cooled brownies.
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To finish, sprinkle generously with mini chocolate chips and additional graham cracker crumbs, if desired, for extra flavor and visual appeal. For cleaner cuts and a firmer texture, consider refrigerating the brownies for at least 30 minutes before slicing. Enjoy!