These S’mores Brownies are a scrumptious treat that combines rich chocolate brownies with a fluffy vanilla bean marshmallow topping. It’s like a campfire favorite right in your kitchen!
Honestly, who can resist that gooey marshmallow on top? I love to have these brownies warm with a scoop of ice cream—perfect for sharing or enjoying all by yourself! 🍫
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Graham Cracker Crumbs: These form the base of your s’mores. You can substitute with crushed digestive biscuits or vanilla wafers if graham crackers aren’t available. I’ve found that using a food processor makes crushing them super easy!
Butter: This recipe calls for unsalted butter. It gives you more control over the saltiness. If you’re out, you can use margarine or coconut oil, but the flavor may differ slightly. Butter adds richness that’s hard to beat for brownies!
Semi-sweet Chocolate: This is essential for that rich brownie flavor. Dark chocolate can be used for a more intense taste, or even milk chocolate if you prefer it sweeter. Just adjust the sugar if you switch to a sweeter option!
Granulated Sugar vs. Brown Sugar: Both sugars are used for their unique moisture and flavor profiles. You can substitute all brown sugar for a chewier texture, or use coconut sugar for a healthier twist while keeping a similar taste.
Egg Whites: These give your marshmallow topping structure. If you need an egg-free option, aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas) works great as a substitute, roughly 3 tablespoons equals one egg white.
How Do I Make Sure My Marshmallow Topping is Fluffy and Glossy?
Getting that perfect marshmallow topping can seem tricky, but it’s all about the right technique! Make sure to beat the egg whites separately until they form soft peaks before adding the hot sugar syrup. Here’s how:
- Start heating your sugar, corn syrup, and water mixture until it boils, then simmer.
- While that’s heating, beat your egg whites with a pinch of salt until soft peaks form.
- Once the sugar syrup hits the right temperature (240°F or 115°C), slowly pour it into the egg whites while whisking on high speed. This ensures the egg whites don’t cook too quickly.
- Keep beating until the mixture is shiny and forms stiff peaks. This might take a few minutes, so be patient!
Remember, if it looks a little runny, just keep beating until you’re satisfied—this is what gives you that fluffy, marshmallow texture.
How to Make S’mores Brownies With Vanilla Bean Marshmallow
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
For the Brownie Layer:
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 8 oz semi-sweet chocolate, coarsely chopped
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
For the Vanilla Bean Marshmallow Topping:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup light corn syrup
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 large egg whites
- 1/2 tsp vanilla bean paste (or 1 tsp vanilla extract)
- Pinch of salt
Optional Garnishes:
- Chocolate shavings
- Mini marshmallows
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful treat requires about 20 minutes of preparation time, followed by 30-40 minutes of baking time. Plus, don’t forget to let it cool completely! All in all, you’re looking at about 1 hour to make and set those delicious brownies with a lovely toasted marshmallow topping.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Crust:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar until everything is well combined. Once mixed, press this delicious mixture into the bottom of a greased 9×9-inch baking dish to form the crust. Set aside.
2. Bake the Crust:
Now, pop the crust into your preheated oven and let it bake for 10 minutes. When done, take it out and let it cool slightly.
3. Make the Brownie Layer:
In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the butter and chopped chocolate together, stirring until smooth. Remove the pan from the heat and allow it to cool slightly before moving on to the next step. Once cooled, mix in the granulated sugar and brown sugar until it’s well combined.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Next, add the eggs to the chocolate mixture one at a time, making sure to mix well after each egg. Stir in the vanilla extract so it blends nicely into the mixture.
5. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually fold this dry mixture into your brownie mix, stirring just until combined—don’t overmix!
6. Assemble and Bake:
Now comes the fun part! Pour your brownie batter evenly over the cooled graham cracker crust. Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. After baking, allow it to cool completely in the pan.
7. Prepare the Marshmallow Topping:
For the marshmallow topping, combine sugar, corn syrup, and water in a small saucepan. Heat it to a boil over medium heat, then lower the heat to let it simmer.
8. Whisk the Egg Whites:
In a mixing bowl, start beating the egg whites and salt until soft peaks form. Carefully drizzle in the hot sugar mixture while continuously whipping on high speed until you achieve stiff peaks and a glossy finish.
9. Add Vanilla:
Now stir in your vanilla bean paste or extract until fully incorporated, giving your marshmallow topping that lovely flavor.
10. Top the Brownies:
Spread the marshmallow mixture over the cooled brownies with a spatula. You can create peaks and swirls to make it pretty!
11. Toast the Marshmallow:
If you have a kitchen torch, use it to toast the marshmallow topping until golden brown. If not, you can place the brownies under a broiler for a few minutes, just be sure to keep an eye on them to avoid burning!
12. Cool and Serve:
Let the brownies cool for a few minutes before slicing them into squares. For a special touch, garnish with chocolate shavings or mini marshmallows if you’d like. Enjoy your scrumptious S’mores Brownies with Vanilla Bean Marshmallow!
Can I Use Different Types of Chocolate for the Brownie Layer?
Absolutely! You can substitute semi-sweet chocolate with dark chocolate for a richer flavor, or use milk chocolate for a sweeter, creamier taste. Just be mindful of the sweetness levels as different chocolates may alter the overall flavor of the brownies!
How Can I Store Leftover S’mores Brownies?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week, but they may lose some of their chewy texture. Just allow to come to room temperature before serving!
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can! Simply replace the all-purpose flour in the brownie layer with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure your graham cracker crumbs are also labeled gluten-free for the crust. Enjoy your delicious gluten-free S’mores Brownies!
What If I Don’t Have a Kitchen Torch for Toasting the Marshmallow?
No worries! You can toast the marshmallow topping under the broiler in your oven. Just place it on a baking sheet, set it under the broiler, and watch closely to avoid burning. It usually takes just a few minutes for the topping to get a lovely golden brown color!
