S’mores Brownies

S’mores Brownies bring together the best of two beloved desserts: the classic s’more and rich, fudgy brownies. This indulgent creation marries the graham cracker crust, gooey marshmallows, and rich chocolate flavors typically associated with s’mores. Imagine layers of moist, chocolaty brownie goodness topped with a sweet, toasted marshmallow layer and crunchy graham crackers, all melding together into a bite-sized joy. The texture is wonderfully complex – the soft and fudgy brownie base is balanced by the chewy, toasted marshmallows and the slight crunch of the graham crackers.

What You’ll Need for S’mores Brownies

Complete Ingredients List

• For the Brownie Base:

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) of unsalted butter
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder

• For the Topping:

  • 1 ½ cups mini marshmallows
  • 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
  • 1 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk chocolate)

Ingredient Substitutions & Alternatives

• Butter: Use coconut oil or vegan butter for a dairy-free option.
• Sugar: You can substitute with coconut sugar or a sugar alternative like erythritol for a lower-calorie version.
• Eggs: Flax eggs or applesauce can replace eggs for a vegan variation. Use 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water for each egg.
• Flour: Gluten-free all-purpose flour can work as an alternative to standard flour.
• Chocolate Chips: Substitute with dairy-free chocolate chips to keep it vegan or use white chocolate chips for a twist.

How to Make S’mores Brownies

Step 1: Prepare the Brownie Batter

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Once melted, remove it from the heat and stir in the granulated sugar until fully combined. Allow it to cool slightly before adding the eggs, whisking until the mixture is smooth. Add in the vanilla extract.

Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Now, gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to dense brownies.

Step 3: Bake the Brownies

Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Avoid overbaking to ensure the brownies remain fudgy.

Step 4: Add the Toppings

Once the brownies are baked, remove them from the oven and immediately sprinkle the chocolate chips and mini marshmallows over the surface. Then, sprinkle the graham cracker crumbs on top of the marshmallows. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the marshmallows are puffed and golden brown. Remove the pan from the oven and allow it to cool completely before cutting into squares.

Serving Suggestions for S’mores Brownies

How to Serve S’mores Brownies

For the best experience, serve S’mores Brownies warm or at room temperature. The melty chocolate and toasted marshmallows create a delightful experience when enjoyed slightly warm. To cut the brownies neatly, use a sharp knife dipped in hot water; this will help achieve clean edges and beautiful presentation.

Perfect Pairings & Toppings

These brownies can be enjoyed on their own, but they pair beautifully with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce. For added flair, serve them with fresh berries or a side of peanut butter for a decadent twist.

Storing & Preserving S’mores Brownies

Best Storage Methods

To keep your S’mores Brownies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you wish to store them longer, refrigerate them for up to a week. For long-term storage, freeze the brownies in a well-sealed container for up to three months.

Reheating or Freezing Tips

To reheat or defrost S’mores Brownies without losing their signature texture, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight. When ready to enjoy, warm individual pieces in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or until just warmed through, making sure not to overdo it and dry them out.

Tips for Perfect S’mores Brownies Every Time

Avoid These Common Mistakes

1. Overmixing the Batter: Stirring too much can lead to tough brownies. Mix just until combined.
2. Not Prepping the Pan: Ensure you grease or line the pan to avoid sticking.
3. Overbaking: Keep a close watch during the baking time to prevent dryness.

Helpful Tricks for Success

• Use Quality Chocolate: Opt for high-quality chocolate for more intense flavor.
• Cool Completely: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan to make cutting easier.
• Experiment with Layers: For added flavor, consider adding nut butter or caramel between layers before baking.

Fun Variations of S’mores Brownies

Flavor Variations or Recipe Twists

Consider adding fun flavor twists to your S’mores Brownies. For a hint of spice, add a teaspoon of cinnamon to the batter or incorporate crushed peppermint candies for a holiday twist. You could also mix in some chopped nuts or even swap half of the chocolate chips for white chocolate for a beautiful contrast.

Dietary-Friendly Adjustments

To adapt the recipe for specific dietary needs:

• Vegan: Replace eggs with flax eggs, use almond milk, and ensure the chocolate chips are dairy-free.
• Low-Carb/Keto: Use almond flour or coconut flour instead of all-purpose flour and keto-friendly sweeteners instead of sugar.
• Nut-Free: Ensure no nuts are included in any of the ingredients and use nut-free chocolate chips.

FAQs

What If My S’mores Brownies Doesn’t Turn Out Right?

In case your brownies turn out too dry, try reducing the baking time or ensuring all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing. If they’re too gooey in the center, they may need more baking time. Always check with a toothpick.

Can I Prepare This in Advance?

Yes! You can prepare the batter in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to a day before baking. Alternatively, baked S’mores Brownies can be made ahead of time, stored in the fridge, and served later.

What Ingredients Can I Swap?

For a healthier version, consider swapping out granulated sugar for maple syrup or honey. You can also switch all-purpose flour for oat flour or a gluten-free flour blend.

S’mores Brownies are a delightful mixture of flavors and textures, perfect for sharing and celebrating special moments. Enjoy crafting your own batch of these indulgent treats!

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