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Fudgy S’mores Brownies are everything you want in a nostalgic treat rich chocolatey brownie base plus gooey toasted marshmallows and real graham crackers on top bringing summer campfire vibes to your kitchen anytime These brownies have been the requested birthday treat in my house ever since the first batch came out of the oven
I first put these together on a chilly night when we were craving s’mores by the fire and now they are our top pick for every family movie night
Ingredients
- Salted butter: adds richness and helps create a moist fudgy base Choose a good quality butter for flavor
- Cocoa powder: brings the deep chocolate taste Natural unsweetened cocoa works beautifully
- Granulated sugar: provides structure and chewy texture Select fresh white sugar with no lumps
- Eggs: bind everything and add fudginess Large eggs at room temperature make for smoother batter
- Vanilla extract: rounds out the flavors Use pure vanilla if you can for best aroma
- All-purpose flour: provides just the right amount of structure Choose unbleached if possible
- Vegetable oil: ensures moisture and a glossy finish Neutral oil like canola works too
- Mini marshmallows: melt and toast perfectly for gooey tops Make sure they are fresh for best puffiness
- Hersheys bar: chopped for that classic s’mores taste Look for the full size bars for easy chunking
- Graham crackers: add crunch and a touch of honey sweetness Pick crisp whole crackers and crush just before topping
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Mix the Brownie Base:
- In a large mixing bowl combine the sugar cocoa powder and melted salted butter Mix until combined smooth and shiny This step ensures the chocolate is evenly distributed in every bite
- Add Wet Ingredients:
- Whisk in the eggs vanilla extract and vegetable oil until the batter is fully mixed and no streaks remain Take your time here as overmixing eggs can cause dry brownies
- Finish the Batter:
- Add the flour to the wet mixture Stir until just combined with no dry streaks Do not overwork the flour or brownies can get tough A few gentle turns are enough
- Bake the Brownies:
- Pour the batter into a parchment lined eight inch square baking dish Smooth it evenly Bake at three hundred fifty degrees for twenty to twenty five minutes Test with a toothpick for your preferred doneness I pull them a little early for extra fudge
- Top and Toast:
- Right after baking switch oven to low broil Sprinkle marshmallows evenly over the brownies then top with crushed graham crackers and chunks of Hersheys bar Slide the pan back under the broiler for a minute or two Keep a very close eye Stir the pan if needed so marshmallows toast golden but not burnt This step gives that smoky s’mores edge
- Rest and Slice:
- Remove from oven and let the brownies sit for ten minutes so toppings set and brownies firm up a bit This rest makes cutting into neat squares much easier and keeps the marshmallow from sticking everywhere
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The Hersheys chocolate on top brings childhood memories flooding back for me I love how the bars get just a touch melty and the pieces stay visible making every bite recognizably s’mores My kids always argue over who gets the squares with the biggest chocolate chunks
Storage Tips
Once brownies are completely cool store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days For longer storage refrigerate and let them come to room temperature before serving The marshmallows stay soft but will firm up a little in the fridge
Ingredient Substitutions
If you are out of butter you can use margarine though you may lose a bit of richness For cocoa powder dutch process works too though the flavor will be less sharp Use any good melting chocolate in place of Hersheys Try vegan marshmallows or gluten free graham crackers if needed for dietary needs
Serving Suggestions
These brownies are best served fresh and slightly warm Try them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for an over the top dessert Or cut them into tiny squares for lunchboxes and party trays They are fun for both kids and grown ups
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A Hint of Campfire History
S’mores have been an American summer classic for nearly a century always toasted over an open flame Combining those flavors in a fudgy brownie means you can enjoy the best parts of childhood even in the middle of winter No fire required
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I achieve perfectly toasted marshmallows on top?
Place the brownies under the broiler on LOW for 1-2 minutes, watching closely until the marshmallows turn golden and slightly charred. Keep the oven door ajar and set a timer to avoid burning.
- → Can I use a boxed brownie mix as the base?
Yes, boxed brownies work well. Simply prepare and bake as directed, then add the marshmallow, graham cracker, and chocolate toppings as instructed.
- → What type of chocolate works best for topping?
Classic Hershey’s chocolate bars pair perfectly for the traditional s’mores flavor, but any milk or semi-sweet chocolate can be used.
- → Do I need to let the brownies cool before serving?
Allow the brownies to rest for about 10 minutes after broiling. This helps set the topping and makes slicing easier.
- → How should I store leftover brownies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for a firmer texture. Reheat briefly to soften if desired.
- → Can I substitute large marshmallows for minis?
Mini marshmallows distribute evenly and toast quickly, but large ones can be chopped or layered for a similar effect.