These S’mores Brownies are a tasty treat that combines rich chocolate brownies with a fluffy vanilla bean marshmallow topping. It’s like a campfire favorite, but in a pan!
Who wouldn’t love the gooey chocolate and crunchy graham cracker goodness? I usually make extra, just in case my friends can’t resist sneaking a piece (or five)! 😄
Making this dessert is so easy! I love how the marshmallow adds a delightful sweetness. Pair it with ice cream for a cozy night treat—definitely a crowd-pleaser!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: This is crucial for both the brownies and graham cracker crust. It gives richness to the final product. If you’re in a pinch, use salted butter and just omit any added salt in the recipe.
Granulated Sugar: A key ingredient for sweetness. You could substitute half with brown sugar for a deeper flavor, adding a touch of molasses. Or try coconut sugar for a healthier option, though it may change the color slightly.
Eggs: Eggs help bind and create structure. If you’re vegan, flax eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 2.5 tbsp water per egg) can work, though results may vary slightly in texture.
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened is best for brownies. If you need a substitute, carob powder can give a unique flavor, but might alter the texture a bit. Just remember carob is naturally sweet!
Vanilla Extract: It adds wonderful flavor. Vanilla bean seeds are a luxurious touch, but you can stick with the extract if that’s all you have. Always use high-quality for the best flavor!
How Do I Make Fluffy Marshmallow Topping?
The marshmallow layer is what makes these brownies special! The key is to create that fluffy, glossy texture. Here’s how:
- Cook the sugar, corn syrup, and water until the sugar dissolves completely and reaches 240°F (115°C). Use a candy thermometer for accuracy.
- Whip your egg whites until soft peaks form. This brings air into them, which is what you want for fluffiness.
- Once the sugar syrup is ready, slowly pour it into the egg whites while whipping continuously. This technique helps integrate the hot syrup and warm the egg whites, creating a fluffy consistency.
- Beat until the mixture thickens and becomes glossy. This may take several minutes! Patience is key.
For a nice toasted finish, take your time with the torch or broiler. Watch carefully as marshmallows can burn quickly!
How to Make S’mores Brownies With Vanilla Bean Marshmallow
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Brownies:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp salt
For the Graham Cracker Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
For the Vanilla Bean Marshmallow:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 large egg whites
- 1 vanilla bean, seeds scraped (or 1 tsp vanilla extract)
- Pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus 40-45 minutes for baking and cooling. You will bake the crust, whip up the brownie batter, make the marshmallow, and assemble everything for a delicious treat that’s perfect for sharing!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar together until everything is combined well. Take a greased 9×13 inch baking dish and press this mixture firmly into the bottom to create a solid layer. Bake it in the oven for 10 minutes, then take it out and let it cool.
2. Make the Brownie Batter:
Next, in a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, remove it from the heat and stir in the granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until fully mixed. Now add the flour, cocoa powder, and salt, mixing until just combined. Pour this delicious brownie batter over the cooled graham cracker crust, spreading it out evenly.
3. Bake the Brownies:
Place your brownies in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. To check if they are done, insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs clinging to it. Once baked, take them out of the oven and let them cool slightly.
4. Prepare the Vanilla Bean Marshmallow:
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the granulated sugar, corn syrup, and water. Cook this mixture until the sugar dissolves and it starts to simmer. While that’s happening, whip the egg whites and a pinch of salt in a mixing bowl until soft peaks form. When the sugar mixture reaches 240°F (115°C), remove it from the heat. Slowly pour this hot syrup into the whipped egg whites while you continue beating on medium speed. Keep whipping until the mixture is thick, fluffy, and glossy. Finally, mix in the vanilla bean seeds or extract.
5. Assemble and Toast:
Now, spread the fluffy marshmallow mixture evenly over the top of the baked brownies. If you have a kitchen torch, use it to gently toast the marshmallow until it turns golden brown. If you don’t have a torch, you can place the brownies under the broiler for just a few minutes — but watch closely to prevent burning!
6. Cool and Serve:
Let your delicious S’mores Brownies cool completely before cutting them into squares. Once they’re cool, it’s time to dig in and enjoy every bite of this sweet treat!
## FAQ Section for S’mores Brownies With Vanilla Bean Marshmallow
Can I Use Different Types of Chocolate in This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute semi-sweet or dark cocoa powder for unsweetened cocoa powder if you prefer a richer chocolate flavor. Just keep an eye on the sweetness of your brownie batter, as using a sweeter chocolate may require reducing the sugar slightly.
Can I Make the Brownies Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can easily make these brownies gluten-free by swapping the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend. It’s best to look for a blend that contains xanthan gum for the best texture. Just follow the same measurements as the recipe!
How Should I Store Leftover Brownies?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. For freezing, wrap the brownies tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw them overnight in the fridge before enjoying!
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have a Kitchen Torch?
No problem! If you don’t have a kitchen torch, you can simply place the assembled brownies under the broiler in your oven. Set it to high and keep a close watch, as the marshmallow can burn quickly. It should only take a minute or two to get that nice golden brown color!
