S’mores Brownies: A Gooey, Chocolatey Twist on a Classic Favorite

S’mores Brownies are an indulgent dessert that takes the classic campfire treat and transforms it into a rich, gooey brownie that will delight your taste buds. This dessert combines the comforting, fudgy texture of brownies with the sweet, familiar flavors of a s’more, including graham crackers, melted marshmallows, and milk chocolate. The recipe is simple and uses a boxed brownie mix as its base, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels, while the addition of these classic s’mores ingredients elevates the flavor and texture in the most satisfying way. With just 15 minutes of prep time and a total cook time of around 40 minutes, this dessert is quick to make and even quicker to disappear. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering, preparing a treat for a party, or simply satisfying your own sweet tooth, these S’mores Brownies are sure to impress. They offer the perfect balance of rich chocolate, soft marshmallow, and crunchy graham cracker, delivering a s’mores experience without the need for a campfire.

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When you make these brownies, you’ll be treated to an irresistible blend of flavors and textures. The brownie base, made from a family-size boxed mix, is dense and fudgy with a rich chocolate flavor that’s enhanced by the marshmallows and chocolate bars. The graham crackers add a satisfying crunch, perfectly complementing the creamy, melty marshmallows and chocolate. The marshmallows, when baked, puff up into golden, gooey mounds that bring the signature sweetness of s’mores to the dessert, while the chocolate melts into a luscious, velvety layer that’s both sweet and indulgent. The graham crackers hold their own as a crunchy, flavorful component that ties all the other elements together, making each bite a satisfying combination of sweetness, richness, and texture.

This recipe is particularly great for anyone who enjoys the convenience of a boxed brownie mix but wants to add a homemade touch to elevate the flavor and presentation. The result is a dessert that’s not only easy to make but also packed with layers of flavor and texture that will leave your guests asking for more. Whether you’re baking these brownies for a family treat, a weekend dessert, or even a potluck, they’re sure to be the star of the show. Let’s break down the ingredients and step-by-step instructions to ensure you create the perfect S’mores Brownies every time.

Ingredients

To prepare these decadent S’mores Brownies, you will need the following ingredients:

• 18.3 oz (520 g) box family-size brownie mix (for a 13×9″ pan)
• 2 large eggs (or as directed on the brownie mix box for “cakey” brownies)
• ⅓ cup (80 ml) vegetable oil (or as directed on the brownie mix box)
• ⅓ cup (80 ml) water (or as directed on the brownie mix box)
• 6 graham crackers, cut or broken into bite-size pieces
• 2 cups (90 g) miniature marshmallows
• 12 (153 g) snack-size Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Bars, broken into squares

These ingredients are simple yet effective, bringing together the flavors of s’mores in a delightful way. The boxed brownie mix serves as the foundation, while the graham crackers, marshmallows, and chocolate bars bring the unmistakable flavors of a campfire favorite.

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C). This ensures that your brownies bake evenly and gives the batter the right amount of time to set.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the brownie mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and water as directed on the box. Stir the mixture until smooth, ensuring that all the dry ingredients are fully incorporated with the wet ones. The batter should be thick and glossy, which will give the brownies their fudgy texture once baked. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to fully combine all ingredients.
3. Grease a 13×9-inch baking pan with non-stick spray or butter. This will prevent the brownies from sticking to the pan as they bake, ensuring easy removal once they’ve cooled. Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly using a silicone spatula. This ensures that the batter bakes uniformly and that each brownie square is perfectly sized.
4. Bake the brownies at 350°F for about 20 minutes. You’ll know the brownies are almost done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out slightly wet or with a few moist crumbs. The goal is to under-bake them slightly, as this will allow the marshmallows and chocolate to melt into the brownies and create the gooey, indulgent topping. Keep a close eye on the brownies during this stage to prevent overbaking, as you’ll be adding the toppings in the next step.
5. Once the brownies are just about baked, remove them from the oven. Immediately sprinkle the graham cracker pieces evenly over the surface. The graham crackers add a light crunch and a slight sweetness, creating a perfect contrast to the soft marshmallows and melty chocolate. Then, scatter the miniature marshmallows over the graham crackers. The marshmallows will puff up as they bake, becoming soft and gooey with a golden-brown exterior that adds both flavor and texture.
6. Break the Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Bars into squares and place them over the marshmallows and graham crackers. The chocolate will melt into the warm marshmallows, creating delicious pockets of silky chocolate throughout the brownies. You can be generous with the chocolate, ensuring each brownie square is filled with a satisfying amount of rich, melted chocolate.
7. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the marshmallows have puffed up and turned golden brown, and the chocolate has melted. The brownies will smell irresistible during this stage, with the warm scent of toasty marshmallows filling the kitchen. Once the marshmallows are golden and the chocolate has melted, remove the pan from the oven and allow the brownies to cool slightly before cutting.
8. For easier slicing, spray a knife with cooking spray to prevent the brownies from sticking. Cut the brownies into 5×4 rows, yielding 20 brownies. The brownies will have a soft, fudgy texture, so cutting them while they are slightly warm ensures you get the cleanest slices. Alternatively, you can let the brownies cool completely before slicing, although this may result in slightly less gooey marshmallows and chocolate.
9. Store the brownies in the pan, covered tightly with plastic wrap or foil, for up to 3 days. While the graham crackers will soften over time, the brownies will remain moist and delicious. Reheating them in the microwave for a few seconds can restore some of the marshmallow and chocolate gooeyness.

Flavor, Texture, and Aroma

The S’mores Brownies combine a variety of textures and flavors that work together beautifully. The dense, fudgy brownie base is rich and chocolatey, providing a firm foundation for the layers of sweetness that follow. The graham crackers offer a satisfying crunch, with a slight sweetness that pairs perfectly with the softness of the marshmallows and the creaminess of the chocolate. The marshmallows, once baked, puff up into a fluffy, gooey texture that contrasts with the firm brownie base, creating a satisfying bite. As the chocolate melts into the marshmallows, it adds a rich, velvety smoothness that enhances the overall flavor. The marshmallows become golden-brown on top, adding a subtle toasty flavor that brings the familiar taste of campfire s’mores to the brownies. When you bite into these brownies, you’ll experience the perfect balance of sweetness, richness, and texture, with the crunchy graham crackers, soft marshmallows, and melted chocolate creating an unforgettable combination.

The aroma that fills the kitchen as these brownies bake is one of the highlights of the recipe. As the brownies bake, the smell of chocolate fills the air, and once the marshmallows begin to puff up and turn golden, the kitchen is enveloped in the irresistible scent of toasted marshmallows and melted chocolate. It’s the perfect scent to welcome you and your guests to the dessert table.

Tips for Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

Here are some tips and variations to customize your S’mores Brownies:

• For a richer brownie base: Use a premium brownie mix or replace the oil with butter for a richer, more decadent flavor.
• For a cakier texture: Follow the instructions on the brownie mix box for a lighter, fluffier outcome.
• Try different chocolate: Use dark chocolate or a combination of milk and dark chocolate for a more complex taste.
• Add flavored chocolate bars: Experiment with caramel-filled, hazelnut, or even peanut butter chocolate bars to add new layers of flavor.
• Add nuts: For extra crunch, stir in some chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans into the brownie batter before baking.
• For a more indulgent treat: Drizzle hot fudge or caramel sauce over the brownies before serving for an extra sweet touch.
• For gluten-free options: Use a gluten-free brownie mix and make sure to use gluten-free graham crackers and marshmallows.
• Vegan options: Swap in dairy-free chocolate bars and marshmallows, and replace the eggs with flax eggs or another egg substitute.

Serving Suggestions

These S’mores Brownies are delicious on their own, but you can also pair them with complementary sides to enhance the dessert experience. Serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream to add a creamy contrast to the warm, gooey brownies. You can also drizzle the brownies with chocolate or caramel sauce for an even sweeter treat. For a fun twist, serve these brownies as part of a dessert platter with other s’mores-inspired treats, such as chocolate-dipped strawberries or marshmallow-flavored cupcakes.

These brownies are also perfect for a casual gathering, a picnic, or even a potluck. They’re easy to make in large batches, and the combination of chocolate, marshmallows, and graham crackers makes them a crowd-pleaser.

Conclusion

S’mores Brownies are the perfect way to enjoy the beloved flavors of s’mores without the need for a campfire. With their fudgy, chocolatey base, toasted marshmallows, crunchy graham crackers, and melted chocolate, these brownies are a dessert that everyone will love. Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion or simply craving a sweet treat, this recipe is easy to make and delivers an unforgettable dessert experience. Give it a try, and prepare to enjoy a bite of gooey, chocolatey bliss that will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection.