These S’mores Brownies are a tasty mix of chocolatey goodness and fluffy vanilla bean marshmallow. You’ll love the crunchy graham cracker layer on top!
Honestly, what’s better than gooey marshmallows and rich brownies? It’s like they were made to be best friends. I often make these for gatherings, and they disappear fast! 😋
Ingredients & Substitutions
Graham Cracker Crumbs: These create a classic crust. If you’re gluten-free, use gluten-free graham crackers or ground almonds for a similar effect.
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa gives rich chocolate flavor. Dutch-processed cocoa is a great alternative for a smoother taste. You can also use carob powder for a caffeine-free option.
Eggs: The eggs are key for texture in the brownies. If you’re vegan, you can substitute 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce for each egg, but this changes the texture slightly.
Vanilla Bean Paste: This adds incredible flavor and looks nice with those little specks. If you can’t find it, you can use vanilla extract, but increase the quantity to 1.5 teaspoons for similar flavor.
Mini Marshmallows: For a fun twist, you can use regular marshmallows cut into smaller pieces. Just make sure they are packed tightly if you go that route!
How Do I Make Sure My Brownies Come Out Perfectly?
Getting the brownies to the right texture is crucial! Here’s how:
- Mix the batter well, but avoid over-mixing, especially after adding flour, to keep them chewy.
- Use the toothpick test to check for doneness—some moist crumbs are a sign of perfect brownies.
- Let them cool completely before adding the marshmallow topping. This helps layers set without mixing.
What’s the Best Way to Toast the Marshmallow Topping?
Toasting your marshmallow topping adds that great campfire flavor! Here are two methods:
- Kitchen Torch: This gives you control. Move the flame in circles, watching closely, until the topping is golden brown.
- Broiler: A quick option. Place your pan in the oven about 6 inches from the broiler. Keep an eye on it for 1-2 minutes to prevent burning.
How to Make S’mores Brownies With Vanilla Bean Marshmallow
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
For the Brownie Layer:
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Vanilla Bean Marshmallow Topping:
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup water
- 2 tablespoons light corn syrup
- 2 large egg whites
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste (or extract)
- ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes of prep time, plus 35-40 minutes of baking time, and additional cooling time. You’ll spend a little time mixing ingredients and a bit more before they cool down. In total, it’s around 1.5 hours to prepare and enjoy these delicious brownies!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your brownies bake evenly! Grease an 8×8 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
2. Prepare the Crust:
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Stir until everything is well mixed. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan to create a crust. Pop it in the oven for about 10 minutes. Once done, take it out and let it cool slightly.
3. Make the Brownie Layer:
In a large bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and melted butter until everything is nicely blended. Then, add the eggs one by one, mixing well after each. Stir in the vanilla extract too! Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing just until combined. Pour this luscious brownie batter over the cooled crust, spreading it out evenly.
4. Bake the Brownies:
Stick your pan in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean (a few moist crumbs are perfectly fine!). Once baked, remove the brownies from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan.
5. Prepare the Vanilla Bean Marshmallow Topping:
In a saucepan, mix together the granulated sugar, water, and corn syrup. Cook it over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is fully dissolved. After that, increase the heat and bring the mixture to a boil without stirring. Keep an eye on it until it reaches 240°F (115°C) on a candy thermometer.
6. Whip the Egg Whites:
While the sugar syrup is boiling, grab a large mixing bowl and beat the egg whites and cream of tartar until soft peaks form. Once the sugar syrup is ready, carefully pour it in a thin stream into the egg whites while mixing on medium-high speed. Keep beating until the mixture is glossy and holds stiff peaks. Finally, stir in the vanilla bean paste.
7. Assemble the S’mores Brownies:
Spread that delicious marshmallow topping over your cooled brownie layer. Use a spatula to make some fun peaks and swirls on top!
8. Toast the Marshmallow:
If you have a kitchen torch, use it to toast the marshmallow topping until it’s golden brown. If not, you can place the pan under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, but watch it closely to avoid burning!
9. Cut and Serve:
Once everything has cooled completely, cut the brownies into squares. Now it’s time to dig in and enjoy your scrumptious S’mores brownies with a delightful vanilla bean marshmallow topping!
Can I Use Store-Bought Marshmallow Fluff Instead?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, you can substitute store-bought marshmallow fluff for the homemade marshmallow topping. Just spread it over the cooled brownies before toasting. Keep in mind, it might not be as thick as the homemade version, so watch the broiler to ensure it toasts evenly without melting too much.
How Should I Store Leftover Brownies?
Store leftover S’mores brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. Just make sure to bring them back to room temperature before serving for the best texture!
What Are Some Substitutions for the Graham Cracker Crust?
If you don’t have graham crackers, you can use digestive biscuits or crushed Oreo cookies for a different flavor. Just mix them with melted butter and sugar in the same way. You can also use almond flour for a gluten-free crust, adjusting the butter as needed for the right texture.
Can I Make These Brownies in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the brownies and the marshmallow topping separately a day in advance. Store the cooled brownies in the fridge and the marshmallow topping in a sealed container at room temperature. Assemble and toast the topping just before serving for the best results.
