Smores Brownie Pie: The Ultimate Dessert Recipe

Smores Brownie Pie: Prepare yourself for a dessert experience that will redefine your definition of indulgence! Imagine the fudgy, decadent goodness of a rich brownie, the gooey, melted perfection of toasted marshmallows, and the satisfying crunch of graham crackers all harmoniously combined in one glorious pie. This isn’t just a dessert; it’s a nostalgic trip back to cozy campfires and childhood memories, elevated to a whole new level of sophistication.

The concept of smores, of course, has its roots in American Girl Scout culture, with the first recorded recipe appearing in a 1927 Girl Scout handbook. The simple combination of chocolate, marshmallow, and graham cracker quickly became a beloved treat, synonymous with outdoor adventures and shared moments. But what happens when you take that classic combination and infuse it into a decadent brownie pie? Pure magic!

People adore this Smores Brownie Pie because it offers the best of both worlds: the comforting familiarity of smores and the sophisticated indulgence of a gourmet dessert. The fudgy brownie base provides a rich, chocolatey foundation, while the toasted marshmallows create a delightful textural contrast. The graham cracker crust adds a subtle hint of cinnamon and a satisfying crunch that perfectly complements the gooey sweetness. It’s easy to make, impressive to serve, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to bake a Smores Brownie Pie that will have everyone begging for more!

Ingredients:

• For the Brownie Layer:
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• For the Graham Cracker Crust:
• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 12 full graham crackers)
• 5 tablespoons (2 ½ ounces) unsalted butter, melted
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• For the Marshmallow Topping:
• 7 ounces marshmallow fluff (about 1 jar)
• 1 cup mini marshmallows
• For the Chocolate Ganache Drizzle (Optional):
• 4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
• ¼ cup heavy cream

Preparing the Graham Cracker Crust:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial for getting that perfect golden-brown crust.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. I like to use a fork to really get everything mixed together evenly. You want the mixture to resemble wet sand.
3. Press the graham cracker mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of a 9-inch pie plate. Make sure to press it up the sides a little bit too, to create a nice edge. I find using the bottom of a measuring cup helps to get a smooth, even crust.
4. Bake the crust for 8-10 minutes, or until lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on it, as it can burn easily. Once it’s done, remove it from the oven and let it cool completely while you prepare the brownie batter. This cooling step is important so the crust doesn’t get soggy when you add the brownie layer.

Making the Brownie Batter:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and sugar until well combined. You want it to be nice and smooth.
2. Add the eggs, one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Make sure to really incorporate each egg fully into the mixture.
3. Stir in the vanilla extract. Vanilla adds such a lovely depth of flavor to the brownies.
4. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. This ensures that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough brownies. A few streaks of flour are okay at this point.
6. Fold in the chocolate chips. I love using semi-sweet chocolate chips, but you can use milk chocolate or dark chocolate if you prefer.

Assembling and Baking the S’mores Brownie Pie:

1. Pour the brownie batter into the cooled graham cracker crust, spreading it evenly.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached. The center should be set, but still slightly fudgy.
3. Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. This allows the brownies to set up a bit before adding the marshmallow topping.

Adding the Marshmallow Topping:

1. Spread the marshmallow fluff evenly over the warm brownie layer. I find it easiest to use an offset spatula for this.
2. Sprinkle the mini marshmallows over the marshmallow fluff. Don’t be shy with the marshmallows!
3. Place the pie under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, or until the marshmallows are golden brown and toasted. Watch it very carefully, as the marshmallows can burn quickly. I recommend keeping the oven door slightly ajar and keeping a close eye on the pie.
4. Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool completely before slicing and serving. This allows the marshmallow topping to set up a bit.

Making the Chocolate Ganache Drizzle (Optional):

1. Place the chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl.
2. In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer.
3. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and let it sit for 1 minute to soften the chocolate.
4. Whisk the chocolate and cream together until smooth and glossy.
5. Drizzle the chocolate ganache over the cooled S’mores Brownie Pie.

Tips and Variations:

• For a richer brownie flavor: Use dark chocolate cocoa powder instead of unsweetened cocoa powder.
• Add nuts: Fold in ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the brownie batter for added texture and flavor.
• Use different types of chocolate chips: Experiment with different types of chocolate chips, such as milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or white chocolate.
• Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free graham crackers and gluten-free all-purpose flour.
• Individual S’mores Brownie Pies: Instead of making one large pie, you can make individual pies in muffin tins. Simply press the graham cracker mixture into the bottom of each muffin cup and bake as directed. Then, pour the brownie batter over the crust and bake until done. Top with marshmallow fluff and mini marshmallows and broil until golden brown.
• Campfire S’mores Brownie Pie: If you’re feeling adventurous, you can toast the marshmallow topping with a kitchen torch for a more authentic campfire flavor. Just be careful not to burn the marshmallows.
• Storage: Store leftover S’mores Brownie Pie in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Serving Suggestions: Serve the S’mores Brownie Pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. It’s also delicious on its own!

Troubleshooting:

• Brownies are too dry: Make sure you’re not overbaking the brownies. They should be slightly fudgy in the center. Also, be sure to measure the flour accurately. Too much flour can result in dry brownies.
• Brownies are too gooey: If the brownies are too gooey, it could be because they’re underbaked. Bake them for a few more minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached.
• Marshmallow topping is burning: Keep a close eye on the marshmallow topping while it’s under the broiler. It can burn quickly. If it starts to burn, remove the pie from the oven immediately.
• Graham cracker crust is soggy: Make sure to let the graham cracker crust cool completely before adding the brownie batter. This will help prevent it from getting soggy.

Enjoy your delicious S’mores Brownie Pie! I hope you love it as much as I do!

Conclusion:

This S’mores Brownie Pie isn’t just dessert; it’s an experience. It’s the kind of treat that evokes memories of crackling campfires, sticky fingers, and pure, unadulterated joy. The rich, fudgy brownie base, the gooey marshmallow topping, and the satisfying crunch of graham crackers create a symphony of textures and flavors that will leave you craving more. Trust me, once you take that first bite, you’ll understand why this recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s the perfect way to elevate your brownie game and impress your friends and family with a dessert that’s both decadent and nostalgic.

But the best part? It’s incredibly easy to make! You don’t need to be a master baker to whip up this masterpiece. The recipe is straightforward, and the results are consistently amazing. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for potlucks, birthday parties, or even just a cozy night in.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

Now, let’s talk about how to take this S’mores Brownie Pie to the next level. While it’s absolutely divine on its own, there are plenty of ways to customize it to your liking.

* Ice Cream Dream: Serve warm slices with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for an extra indulgent treat. The cold ice cream melting over the warm brownie and marshmallow is simply heavenly. Chocolate ice cream or even coffee ice cream would also be fantastic pairings.
* Berry Bliss: Add a handful of fresh raspberries or strawberries to the top of the pie before baking for a burst of fruity flavor. The tartness of the berries complements the sweetness of the brownie and marshmallow perfectly.
* Nutty Delight: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the marshmallow topping before broiling for added crunch and nutty flavor.
* Salted Caramel Swirl: Drizzle salted caramel sauce over the finished pie for a touch of sophistication and a delightful salty-sweet contrast.
* Mini S’mores Brownie Pies: Use a muffin tin to create individual mini pies, perfect for portion control and easy serving.
* Peanut Butter Power: Swirl peanut butter into the brownie batter before baking for a Reese’s-inspired twist.
* Espresso Boost: Add a teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the brownie batter for a deeper, richer chocolate flavor.

Don’t be afraid to experiment and get creative! The possibilities are endless.

I truly believe that this S’mores Brownie Pie will become a new favorite in your household. It’s the perfect combination of comfort food and indulgence, and it’s guaranteed to bring a smile to everyone’s face.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to embark on a delicious adventure. I’m confident that you’ll love this recipe as much as I do.

And most importantly, I want to hear about your experience! Once you’ve made this incredible S’mores Brownie Pie, please share your photos and comments. Let me know what variations you tried, what your family and friends thought, and any tips or tricks you discovered along the way. Your feedback is invaluable, and I can’t wait to see your creations! Happy baking!