Smores Brownies Summer: The Ultimate Guide to Delicious Treats

S’mores Brownies Summer: the ultimate campfire treat meets fudgy, decadent brownies! Imagine sinking your teeth into a rich, chocolatey brownie, swirled with gooey marshmallow and studded with crunchy graham crackers. This isn’t just dessert; it’s a nostalgic trip back to warm summer nights spent around a crackling fire, sharing stories and laughter with loved ones.

The allure of s’mores is undeniable. For generations, these simple yet satisfying treats have been a quintessential part of the American camping experience. The combination of melted chocolate, toasted marshmallow, and crisp graham crackers is a flavor explosion that transcends age and background. But what if you could enjoy that iconic flavor combination without the campfire? That’s where these S’mores Brownies Summer come in!

People adore s’mores for their perfect balance of textures and tastes. The soft, pillowy marshmallow contrasts beautifully with the snappy graham cracker, while the sweet chocolate ties everything together. These brownies capture that magic in every bite. They’re incredibly easy to make, perfect for potlucks, summer barbecues, or simply satisfying a sweet craving. The fudgy brownie base adds another layer of indulgence, making these treats utterly irresistible. Get ready to experience the best of both worlds – the comforting familiarity of s’mores and the decadent richness of brownies!

Ingredients:

• For the Brownie Base:
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• For the Graham Cracker Layer:
• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 12 full graham crackers)
• 6 tablespoons (3 ounces) unsalted butter, melted
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• For the Marshmallow Topping:
• 7 ounces marshmallow fluff
• 1 cup mini marshmallows
• For the Chocolate Ganache (Optional, but highly recommended!):
• 4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped
• ⅓ cup heavy cream
• For Garnish:
• Additional mini marshmallows
• Crushed graham crackers
• Chocolate shavings (optional)

Preparing the Graham Cracker Crust:

1. Crush the Graham Crackers: If you haven’t already, place the graham crackers in a large zip-top bag and seal it tightly. Use a rolling pin or the bottom of a heavy pan to crush the graham crackers into fine crumbs. You can also use a food processor for this step if you have one.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Mix well until the crumbs are evenly moistened and the mixture resembles wet sand.
3. Press into Pan: Press the graham cracker mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking pan that has been lined with parchment paper. Lining the pan with parchment paper will make it much easier to remove the brownies later. Make sure to press firmly to create a solid base.
4. Pre-bake the Crust (Optional): For a crispier crust, you can pre-bake it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 8-10 minutes. This step is optional, but I find it helps prevent the crust from becoming soggy. Let the crust cool slightly while you prepare the brownie batter.

Making the Brownie Batter:

1. Melt the Butter: In a large, microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter. You can also do this in a saucepan over low heat on the stovetop. Be careful not to burn the butter.
2. Combine Wet Ingredients: Once the butter is melted, whisk in the sugar, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder until well combined. The mixture will be thick and pasty at this point, and that’s perfectly fine.
3. Add Vanilla and Eggs: Stir in the vanilla extract. Then, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Make sure each egg is fully incorporated into the batter before adding the next. This helps create a smooth and glossy brownie batter.
4. Incorporate the Flour: Gradually add the flour to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can result in tough brownies. A few streaks of flour are okay; they will disappear during baking.

Assembling and Baking the S’mores Brownies:

1. Pour Brownie Batter: Pour the brownie batter evenly over the prepared graham cracker crust. Use a spatula to spread the batter to the edges of the pan, ensuring that the crust is completely covered.
2. Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached. Be careful not to overbake the brownies, as they will continue to cook as they cool.
3. Add Marshmallow Fluff: Remove the brownies from the oven and immediately spread the marshmallow fluff evenly over the top.
4. Add Mini Marshmallows: Sprinkle the mini marshmallows over the marshmallow fluff.
5. Broil (Optional): For a toasted marshmallow topping, place the brownies under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, watching very carefully to prevent burning. The marshmallows should be golden brown and slightly melted. If you don’t want to broil, you can skip this step.
6. Cool Completely: Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before cutting and serving. This is important because the marshmallow topping will be very sticky when warm. Cooling allows the brownies to set and makes them easier to cut.

Making the Chocolate Ganache (Optional):

1. Heat the Cream: Place the heavy cream in a small saucepan and heat over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Do not boil the cream.
2. Pour over Chocolate: Place the finely chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and let it sit for about a minute to allow the chocolate to melt.
3. Whisk Until Smooth: Gently whisk the chocolate and cream together until smooth and glossy. If the ganache is too thick, add a tablespoon of warm cream at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
4. Drizzle over Brownies: Once the brownies have cooled and the marshmallow topping has set, drizzle the chocolate ganache evenly over the top.

Garnishing and Serving:

1. Garnish: Sprinkle additional mini marshmallows, crushed graham crackers, and chocolate shavings (if using) over the top of the brownies.
2. Chill (Optional): For easier cutting, you can chill the brownies in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before cutting. This will help the marshmallow topping firm up.
3. Cut and Serve: Use a sharp knife to cut the brownies into squares. Serve immediately and enjoy! These brownies are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Tips for Perfect S’mores Brownies:

• Don’t Overbake: Overbaked brownies are dry and crumbly. Aim for a slightly underbaked brownie for a fudgy texture.
• Use High-Quality Cocoa Powder: The quality of your cocoa powder will affect the flavor of the brownies. Use a good-quality unsweetened cocoa powder for the best results.
• Line the Pan: Lining the baking pan with parchment paper makes it easy to lift the brownies out of the pan and prevents them from sticking.
• Cool Completely: Be patient and let the brownies cool completely before cutting. This will prevent the marshmallow topping from sticking to the knife and make it easier to cut clean squares.
• Variations: Feel free to customize these brownies to your liking. You can add chocolate chips, nuts, or other toppings to the brownie batter. You can also use different flavors of marshmallows or graham crackers.

Enjoy your delicious S’mores Brownies! They’re perfect for summer gatherings, potlucks, or just a sweet treat any time of year.

Conclusion:

So, there you have it! These Smores Brownies are truly a must-try, especially if you’re looking for that perfect blend of gooey chocolate, marshmallowy goodness, and a hint of graham cracker crunch. I know, I know, I might be biased, but honestly, these brownies have become a staple in my household, and for good reason. They’re incredibly easy to make, require minimal ingredients, and deliver maximum flavor. What more could you ask for?

Why are these Smores Brownies a must-try? Because they perfectly capture the essence of summer campfires in a single, delicious bite. The rich, fudgy brownie base provides the perfect foundation for the melted marshmallows and the subtle sweetness of the graham crackers. It’s a symphony of textures and flavors that will have you reaching for seconds (and maybe even thirds!). Plus, they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, whether you’re serving them at a backyard barbecue, a potluck, or simply enjoying a cozy night in.

But the best part? These brownies are incredibly versatile! Feel free to experiment with different variations to suit your own taste preferences.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

* Classic S’mores Brownies: Follow the recipe as is for the ultimate classic experience. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra decadent treat.
* Peanut Butter S’mores Brownies: Swirl a generous dollop of peanut butter into the brownie batter before baking for a nutty twist. The peanut butter complements the chocolate and marshmallow flavors beautifully.
* Salted Caramel S’mores Brownies: Drizzle salted caramel sauce over the baked brownies for a sweet and salty indulgence. The caramel adds a layer of richness and complexity that takes these brownies to the next level.
* Mini S’mores Brownie Bites: Bake the brownie batter in a mini muffin tin for adorable and perfectly portioned bites. These are great for parties or for satisfying a small craving.
* S’mores Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches: Cut the cooled brownies into squares and sandwich them with your favorite ice cream flavor. This is a fun and creative way to enjoy these brownies on a hot summer day.
* Deluxe S’mores Brownies: Use high-quality dark chocolate for an even richer and more intense chocolate flavor. You can also add chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, to the brownie batter for added texture and flavor.
* Vegan S’mores Brownies: Substitute the butter and eggs with vegan alternatives to create a delicious and inclusive treat for everyone to enjoy. There are many great vegan brownie recipes available online that you can adapt to include the s’mores elements.

I truly hope you give this recipe a try. I’m confident that you’ll love these Smores Brownies as much as I do. They’re the perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth and bring a little bit of summer into your kitchen, no matter the season.

And now, for the most important part: I want to hear about your experience! Did you try the recipe? Did you make any variations? What did you think? Share your photos and stories with me in the comments below. I can’t wait to see your creations and hear your feedback. Happy baking! Let me know if you have any questions, and I’ll do my best to answer them. Enjoy!