These S’mores Brownies are a fun twist on the classic treat! With rich chocolate brownie goodness topped with fluffy vanilla bean marshmallow, they are truly irresistible.
Every bite is a sweet adventure, and I love how everyone goes wild for them at parties! Plus, they are super easy to whip up. You’ll be the baking star in no time! 🌟
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Graham Crackers: These crumbs give the crust that signature S’mores flavor. If you don’t have graham crackers, you can use digestive biscuits or any plain cookies that can be crushed into crumbs.
Unsalted Butter: The recipe uses unsalted butter to control the saltiness. You can substitute with margarine or coconut oil if avoiding dairy, but the flavor might be slightly different.
Granulated Sugar: This sweetens your brownies crust, batter, and marshmallow topping. You could swap some for brown sugar for a deeper flavor. Coconut sugar can be a good sugar-free alternative too.
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder gives the brownies a rich chocolate flavor. If you’re short on cocoa, carob powder could be a decent substitute, though the taste will change.
Egg Whites: These are crucial for the marshmallow topping’s lovely texture. You can use aquafaba (chickpea liquid) as an egg-free alternative, but the end result will vary slightly.
How Do I Get the Perfect Marshmallow Topping?
Creating a fluffy marshmallow topping can be tricky but rewarding. The key is in the temperature of your sugar syrup. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Use a candy thermometer and aim for 240°F; this is the soft-ball stage, crucial for the marshmallow consistency.
- Beats the egg whites until soft peaks form before adding in the syrup. This helps create that light and fluffy texture.
- When pouring the hot syrup into the egg whites, do it slowly! This prevents cooking the eggs too quickly and ensures an even mix.
- Beat until stiff peaks form, which means the mixture will hold itself up. It should look glossy and thick.
Trust me, once you get the marshmallow right, it’ll be a showstopper on top of your brownies! Enjoy the process!
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
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Brownie Layer:
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Vanilla Bean Marshmallow Topping:
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 3/4 cup egg whites (about 6 large egg whites)
- 1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste (or 1-2 teaspoons vanilla extract)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious S’mores Brownie recipe takes about 20 minutes of prep time and an additional 40-50 minutes of baking and cooling time. Total, you’re looking at about 1 hour and 10 minutes before you can enjoy these yummy treats!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper. This will help with easy removal later on!
2. Make the Crust:
In a medium bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, granulated sugar, and the salt until it’s crumbly and well combined. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan. Pop it in the oven for about 10 minutes until it’s set and a nice golden-brown color. Remove it from the oven and let it cool while you prepare the brownie layer.
3. Prepare the Brownie Layer:
In a saucepan, melt the 1 cup of butter over medium heat. Once melted, remove from heat and stir in the granulated sugar until it’s smooth. Let the mixture cool for a few minutes. Then, whisk in the eggs one at a time until everything is mixed well. Add in the vanilla extract. Next, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt in a separate bowl. Fold this dry mixture into the melted butter mixture gently, being careful not to overmix. Pour the brownie batter over your cooled crust, spreading it evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with some moist crumbs. Allow it to cool completely in the pan.
4. Prepare the Vanilla Bean Marshmallow Topping:
In a medium saucepan, mix the granulated sugar, water, and salt. Bring this mixture to a boil over medium heat without stirring. Let it boil until it reaches 240°F (this is called the soft-ball stage). While the syrup is boiling, beat the egg whites in a separate bowl until soft peaks form. Once your sugar syrup hits the right temperature, slowly pour it into the beaten egg whites while you continue to beat on medium-high speed. Keep mixing until you get stiff peaks. Finally, fold in the vanilla bean paste (or vanilla extract) and mix until it’s smooth and combined.
5. Assemble and Toast the Topping:
Spread the marshmallow mixture evenly over the cooled brownie layer. Use a spatula to create some peaks for toasting. Now, carefully use a kitchen torch to toast the marshmallow topping until it’s golden brown. If you don’t have a torch, you can place it under the broiler for a few minutes—just watch it closely so it doesn’t burn!
6. Serve:
Let everything cool down completely before slicing into squares. Now you’re ready to enjoy your delicious S’mores Brownies! Happy eating!
Can I Use Different Types of Crackers for the Crust?
Absolutely! If you can’t find graham crackers, you can use digestive biscuits or even crushed cookies like oreos for a fun twist. Just make sure they’re finely crushed and adjust the sugar based on the sweetness of the cookies you choose.
How Do I Store Leftover Brownies?
Store any leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil, and they can last for up to 2 months in the freezer. Just thaw them in the fridge before enjoying.
Can I Substitute Egg Whites for the Marshmallow Topping?
If you want to avoid using egg whites, you can try using an aquafaba substitute instead. Use about 3 tablespoons of aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas) for each large egg white. Just make sure to whip it until it forms stiff peaks before adding it to your syrup.
What Can I Do If I Don’t Have a Kitchen Torch?
No worries! If you don’t have a kitchen torch, you can use your oven’s broiler instead. Just place the assembled brownies under the broiler for about 2-3 minutes, keeping a close watch to avoid burning. Turn the pan for even browning if needed!
