Smores Brownies Summer: The Ultimate Guide to Delicious Treats

Smores Brownies Summer: the ultimate campfire treat, reimagined for your kitchen! Imagine sinking your teeth into a fudgy, decadent brownie, swirled with gooey marshmallow and studded with crunchy graham crackers. This isn’t just a dessert; it’s a nostalgic trip back to warm summer nights spent around a crackling fire, sharing stories and laughter with loved ones.

The beauty of smores lies in their simplicity. The combination of chocolate, marshmallow, and graham cracker is a timeless classic, a perfect harmony of sweet, creamy, and crunchy textures. While the exact origins of the s’more are debated, its popularity soared in the early 20th century, with Girl Scout handbooks featuring recipes for “Some Mores” as early as the 1920s. The name itself speaks volumes – everyone always wants “some more!”

But what if you could enjoy that iconic s’mores flavor without the campfire? That’s where these Smores Brownies Summer come in. They offer all the deliciousness of a traditional s’more in a convenient, easy-to-make package. The rich, chocolatey brownie base provides the perfect foundation for the melted marshmallow and graham cracker topping, creating a symphony of flavors and textures that will tantalize your taste buds. They are perfect for summer potlucks, backyard barbecues, or simply a sweet treat on a warm evening. Get ready to experience the magic of summer, one bite at a time!

Ingredients:

• For the Brownie Base:
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• For the Graham Cracker Layer:
• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 12 full graham crackers)
• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• For the Marshmallow Topping:
• 7 ounces marshmallow fluff (about 1 jar)
• 1 cup mini marshmallows
• For the Chocolate Ganache Drizzle (Optional):
• 4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
• 1/4 cup heavy cream

Preparing the Graham Cracker Crust:

This graham cracker crust adds a delightful texture and flavor that perfectly complements the rich brownie and gooey marshmallow. It’s super easy to make!

1. Crush the Graham Crackers: In a food processor, pulse the graham crackers until they are finely ground into crumbs. If you don’t have a food processor, you can place the graham crackers in a large zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin. Make sure you get them nice and fine!
2. Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Mix well until the crumbs are evenly moistened. The mixture should resemble wet sand.
3. Press into Pan: Press the graham cracker mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking pan lined with parchment paper. Using parchment paper makes it so much easier to lift the brownies out later! Make sure the crust is even and compact. You can use the bottom of a measuring cup to help press it down firmly.
4. Pre-bake the Crust (Optional): For a crispier crust, you can pre-bake it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes. This step is optional, but I find it helps prevent the crust from becoming soggy. Let it cool slightly while you prepare the brownie batter.

Making the Brownie Batter:

Now for the star of the show – the fudgy, decadent brownie! This recipe is simple and produces incredibly rich and moist brownies.

1. Melt the Butter: In a large, microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter. You can also do this in a saucepan over low heat. Be careful not to burn the butter!
2. Combine Wet Ingredients: Add the sugar, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder to the melted butter. Stir well until everything is combined and the mixture is smooth. It might look a little grainy at first, but keep stirring!
3. Add Vanilla and Eggs: Stir in the vanilla extract. Then, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Make sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. This helps create a smooth and glossy batter.
4. Incorporate the Flour: Gradually add the flour to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can result in tough brownies. A few streaks of flour are okay.

Assembling and Baking the Brownies:

This is where the magic happens! Layering the brownie batter over the graham cracker crust and then topping it with marshmallows creates the ultimate s’mores experience.

1. Pour Batter over Crust: Pour the brownie batter evenly over the prepared graham cracker crust. Spread it out to the edges of the pan.
2. Bake the Brownies: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached. Be careful not to overbake the brownies, as they will continue to cook as they cool.
3. Add Marshmallow Fluff: Remove the brownies from the oven and immediately spread the marshmallow fluff evenly over the top.
4. Add Mini Marshmallows: Sprinkle the mini marshmallows over the marshmallow fluff.
5. Broil (Optional): Place the brownies back in the oven under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, or until the marshmallows are lightly toasted and golden brown. Watch them very closely, as they can burn quickly! If you don’t want to broil, you can skip this step and just enjoy the marshmallow topping as is.
6. Cool Completely: Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before cutting and serving. This is important, as the marshmallows will be very sticky when warm. Cooling allows the brownies to set and makes them easier to cut.

Optional Chocolate Ganache Drizzle:

This step is totally optional, but a drizzle of chocolate ganache adds an extra layer of decadence and makes these brownies even more irresistible!

1. Prepare the Chocolate: Place the chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl.
2. Heat the Cream: In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Do not boil the cream!
3. Pour over Chocolate: Pour the hot cream over the chopped chocolate. Let it sit for about a minute to allow the chocolate to melt.
4. Stir Until Smooth: Gently stir the chocolate and cream together until the chocolate is completely melted and the ganache is smooth and glossy.
5. Drizzle over Brownies: Once the brownies have cooled, drizzle the chocolate ganache over the top. You can use a spoon or a piping bag to create a decorative drizzle.
6. Let Set: Allow the ganache to set slightly before cutting and serving the brownies. This will prevent the ganache from running everywhere.

Cutting and Serving:

Now for the best part – enjoying your delicious S’mores Brownies! Here are a few tips for cutting and serving them.

1. Use a Warm Knife: To cut the brownies cleanly, use a warm knife. Run the knife under hot water and dry it before each cut. This will help prevent the marshmallows from sticking to the knife.
2. Cut into Squares: Cut the brownies into squares of your desired size. I usually cut them into 2-inch squares.
3. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the brownies immediately or store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They are best enjoyed fresh!

Tips for Success:

• Don’t Overbake: Overbaked brownies are dry and crumbly. Aim for moist crumbs attached to a toothpick when testing for doneness.
• Use High-Quality Cocoa: The quality of your cocoa powder will affect the flavor of the brownies. Use a good-quality unsweetened cocoa powder for the best results.
• Line the Pan: Lining the baking pan with parchment paper makes it easy to lift the brownies out and prevents them from sticking.
• Cool Completely: Be patient and let the brownies cool completely before cutting. This will prevent the marshmallows from being too sticky and make the brownies easier to handle.

Variations:

• Add Chocolate Chips: Stir chocolate chips into the brownie batter for an extra chocolatey treat.
• Use Different Marshmallows: Experiment with different flavors of marshmallows, such as toasted coconut or strawberry.
• Add Nuts: Add chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, to the graham cracker crust or brownie batter for added texture and flavor.
• Salted Caramel Drizzle: Replace the chocolate ganache with a salted caramel drizzle for a different flavor profile.

Conclusion:

Okay, friends, let’s be honest: you’ve scrolled this far because you know deep down that these S’mores Brownies are calling your name. And trust me, you absolutely need to answer that call! These aren’t just brownies; they’re a nostalgic trip back to summer campfires, a gooey, chocolatey hug, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser all rolled into one decadent dessert. The fudgy brownie base, the melty chocolate chunks, the toasted marshmallow fluff – it’s a symphony of textures and flavors that will have everyone begging for seconds (and maybe even thirds!).

But what truly makes these brownies a must-try? It’s the perfect balance. The rich, intense chocolate of the brownie is beautifully complemented by the sweetness of the marshmallow and the slight bitterness of the graham cracker. It’s not overly sweet, it’s not too rich – it’s just right. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to make! No fancy equipment or complicated techniques required. Just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of love, and you’ll have a batch of these irresistible treats ready to devour.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

Now, let’s talk about how to take these S’mores Brownies to the next level! While they’re absolutely divine on their own, warm from the oven, a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top elevates them to pure dessert heaven. A drizzle of chocolate sauce or a sprinkle of sea salt also adds a touch of elegance. For a fun twist, try using different flavors of graham crackers – cinnamon graham crackers would be amazing! You could also experiment with different types of chocolate chips – dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate would all work beautifully. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a layer of peanut butter to the brownie batter before baking. Trust me, you won’t regret it!

Another fun variation is to make mini S’mores Brownies in a muffin tin. This is perfect for parties or for portion control (although, let’s be real, who can stop at just one?). You could also crumble the brownies and use them as a topping for ice cream sundaes or milkshakes. The possibilities are endless!

But perhaps my favorite way to enjoy these brownies is simply with a glass of cold milk, curled up on the couch, and reminiscing about summer nights. It’s the perfect comfort food, and it’s guaranteed to bring a smile to your face.

Don’t Delay, Bake Today!

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience the magic of these S’mores Brownies. I promise you, they’re worth every single calorie! And once you’ve made them, I’d absolutely love to hear about your experience. Did you try any of the variations? Did you add your own special touch? Share your photos and comments below – I can’t wait to see what you create! Happy baking, and may your brownies always be fudgy and your marshmallows always be perfectly toasted!

I’m confident that this recipe will become a staple in your baking repertoire. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, it’s easy to make, and it’s absolutely delicious. So go ahead, give it a try. You won’t be disappointed!

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