Why You’ll Love This S’mores Brownies
If you’re a fan of s’mores and brownies, this recipe is a match made in heaven. Here are a few reasons why you will love making these decadent treats:
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Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknight baking.
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Perfect for Beginners: Even if you’re not a baking expert, the step-by-step instructions guide you through the process.
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Ideal for the Whole Family: Everyone loves brownies, and adding s’mores ingredients makes them even more fun and enticing for kids and adults alike.
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Economical: You can create a batch of rich and delicious brownies without breaking the bank.
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Customizable: Feel free to make adjustments to suit your taste—it’s a flexible recipe that welcomes creativity!
The Necessary Ingredients
To make these delicious S’mores Brownies, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
Notes and Substitutions on Ingredients:
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Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted butter allows you to control the amount of salt in your recipe. If you’re out of unsalted butter, you can use salted butter—just omit the extra salt in the recipe.
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Granulated Sugar: This sugar helps to create a sweet base and contributes to the chewy texture. You can substitute brown sugar for a caramel flavor, but it may slightly alter the texture.
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Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder gives your brownies a rich chocolate flavor. If you want a sweeter brownie, you could use a sweetened cocoa powder, though it will change the overall sweetness of the final product.
How to Prepare the S’mores Brownies Step by Step
Follow these steps to create your S’mores Brownies:
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Preheat the oven and prepare the pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan. This step ensures your brownies won’t stick to the pan, making it easier to cut and serve.
Pro Tip: Line the pan with parchment paper for even easier removal.
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Melt the butter: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, remove it from heat and stir in the sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Melting the butter helps to create a fudgy texture and richer flavor.
Pro Tip: Make sure to mix the butter thoroughly with the sugar until combined for a smooth consistency.
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Combine dry ingredients: Add the flour, cocoa powder, and salt to the butter mixture, mixing until smooth. This is where you achieve that delicious brownie batter texture.
Pro Tip: Sift your cocoa powder before adding it to avoid lumps and to ensure an even texture.
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Fold in chocolate chips: Gently fold in the chocolate chips into the brownie batter. This adds extra pockets of gooey chocolate throughout the brownies.
Pro Tip: Reserve a few chocolate chips to sprinkle on top before baking for an appealing finish.
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Layering the batter: Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared pan. Sprinkle a layer of graham cracker crumbs, followed by mini marshmallows, and then pour the remaining brownie batter on top. This layering creates that signature s’mores flavor.
Pro Tip: Press down the marshmallows slightly to keep them from floating away during baking.
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Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Make sure not to overbake, as you want your brownies to remain fudgy.
Pro Tip: Check for doneness a few minutes before the time is up to avoid drying them out.
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Cool and slice: After baking, let the brownies cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, slice them into squares.
Pro Tip: Use a sharp knife for cleaner cuts, and wipe it with a damp cloth between slices for perfect pieces.
Serving Suggestions
Enhance your S’mores Brownies with these delightful serving ideas:
Perfect Pairings
- Milk or Hot Chocolate: A glass of cold milk or a warm cup of hot chocolate complements the chocolatey goodness.
- Ice Cream: Vanilla or marshmallow-flavored ice cream can take your brownies to the next level!
Occasions
- Weekend Treat: Perfect for a family dessert after a delicious meal.
- Birthday Parties: Cut them into fun shapes for celebrations.
Serving Tips
- Toppings: Drizzle with chocolate syrup or a sprinkle of sea salt for extra flavor.
- Presentation: Serve them on a colorful plate to make them even more appealing.
Storage and Reheating Tips
To keep your S’mores Brownies fresh, follow these storage tips:
Refrigerated
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week.
- Layer parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Freezed
- You can freeze brownies for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
- To defrost, leave them in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Reheating
- For warm brownies, microwave for about 10-15 seconds each.
- Alternatively, warm in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes.
Guaranteed Success Tips
To ensure your S’mores Brownies turn out perfect every time, keep these tips in mind:
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Don’t overmix the batter: Mix just until combined to keep them soft and fudgy.
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Use high-quality chocolate: This enhances the flavor and richness of your brownies.
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Let them cool completely before slicing: This helps maintain structure and texture.
Recipe Variations
Feel free to try these creative variations based on your preference:
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Nutty Version: Add 1 cup of chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans for added crunch.
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Mint Chocolate S’mores: Incorporate 1 teaspoon of mint extract and use mint chocolate chips for a refreshing twist.
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Peanut Butter Swirl: Swirl in 1/2 cup of peanut butter into the batter before baking for a nutty flavor combination.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: My brownies came out dry, what did I do wrong?
A: Overbaking or too much flour can lead to dry brownies. Ensure you’re measuring flour accurately and keep a close eye on baking time.
Q: Can I make these brownies ahead of time?
A: Yes! They can be made a day ahead. Just store them properly to maintain freshness.
Q: Why did my brownies sink in the middle?
A: This usually happens due to underbaking or not incorporating enough air into the batter. Make sure to bake until a toothpick comes out clean.
Q: Can I use a different type of pan?
A: Yes, but keep in mind that baking time may vary. Dark pans may require less time than glass or light pans.
Q: How do I prevent my marshmallows from burning?
A: If you’re worried about that, you can add them halfway through baking or press them down slightly into the batter.
Q: Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
A: Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend or almond flour.
Q: How do I know when my brownies are done?
A: They’re done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Enjoy baking these delicious S’mores Brownies and indulge in their gooey, chocolatey goodness!
S'mores Brownies
Ingredients Â
Brownie Base Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter Use unsalted butter for better salt control; can substitute with salted butter, omitting extra salt.
- 2 cups granulated sugar Can substitute with brown sugar for a caramel flavor.
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour For a gluten-free version, substitute with a gluten-free flour blend.
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder Unsweetened provides a rich chocolate flavor; sweetened may alter the sweetness.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips Reserve some to sprinkle on top before baking.
S'mores Topping Ingredients
- 1 cup mini marshmallows Press down slightly during baking to prevent floating.
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
InstructionsÂ
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan. Optionally, line the pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, remove from heat and stir in the sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract.
- Add flour, cocoa powder, and salt to the butter mixture, mixing until smooth.
- Gently fold in the chocolate chips into the brownie batter.
- Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared pan. Sprinkle a layer of graham cracker crumbs, followed by mini marshmallows, then pour the remaining brownie batter on top.
Baking
- Place the pan in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares.