Pin it These S’mores Brownie Bars are the ultimate answer to every craving for campfire nostalgia with a decadent twist. Imagine deeply fudgy brownies layered with melty marshmallows and a buttery, golden graham cracker topping: each bite melts in your mouth while still holding a hint of summer. These bars are perfect for backyard parties, potlucks, or cozy nights in when you want all the fun of s’mores without the mess.
I love to watch my kids crowd around the baking pan after dinner, eagerly waiting for the marshmallows to bubble and toast under the broiler. The first time I brought these to a family barbecue, there was not a crumb left by the end of the night.
Ingredients
- Butter: Adds richness and chewiness to the brownie base Use high-quality unsalted butter for the best flavor
- Bittersweet chocolate: Deepens the chocolate flavor Look for bars with around seventy percent cocoa content
- Sugar: Gives that classic brownie sweetness and fudgy texture Opt for fine granulated sugar for smooth blending
- Eggs: Bind everything together and give shine to the top Choose fresh large eggs
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out all the flavors Pure vanilla works best here
- All-purpose flour: Creates structure in the brownies Measure flour by spooning it gently into your cup for best results
- Cocoa powder: Boosts the chocolate intensity Go for Dutch process if possible for a deeper cocoa flavor
- Salt: Balances out the sweetness and enhances all the flavors Fine sea salt makes a difference
- Graham crackers: Add that signature s’mores crunch and flavor Choose fresh crackers and give them a quick crush for texture
- Mini marshmallows: Melt and toast just like at the campfire Fresh marshmallows work best for even browning
Instructions
- Make the Brownie Batter:
- Melt butter and chopped bittersweet chocolate together in a large microwave-safe bowl or over a double boiler Stir until completely smooth and glossy Let cool slightly then whisk in sugar followed by eggs one at a time until the mixture is shiny and cohesive Finally, stir in vanilla extract
- Combine the Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl whisk together flour cocoa powder and salt This step helps evenly distribute the cocoa and prevent lumps
- Mix and Pour:
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients Fold together gently just until you see no more streaks of flour Overmixing can make brownies tough
- Bake the Brownies:
- Pour the batter into a parchment-lined baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula Bake at three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit for about twenty-five minutes The edges should seem set but the center still looks slightly moist
- Add the Marshmallows and Graham Crackers:
- Sprinkle a generous layer of mini marshmallows and crushed graham crackers evenly over the hot brownies Return to the oven Bake for another seven minutes until the marshmallows are puffed up and lightly golden
- Finish with a Toast:
- Switch the oven to broil for thirty seconds to one minute Watch closely so the marshmallows get deeply golden but do not burn Let the bars cool before slicing for clean edges
Pin it My favorite part is that smoky hint you get when broiling the marshmallows at the very end. The first time my daughter helped sprinkle the grahams, she was so proud seeing her creation bubbling under the broiler.
Storage Tips
Once cooled completely, store these bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. They keep their fudgy texture best when stored in a single layer. For longer storage, pop them in the fridge or wrap tightly and freeze for up to a month. I like to reheat individual bars in the microwave for ten seconds to bring back that gooey marshmallow top.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you do not have bittersweet chocolate, you can use semi-sweet chocolate chips in a pinch. Swap out mini marshmallows for large ones cut into pieces: they melt just as beautifully. For a gluten-free option, substitute gluten-free graham crackers and flour.
Serving Suggestions
These S’mores Brownie Bars shine at summer picnics with cold milk or hot cocoa. Serve them warm for a true gooey experience, or chill in the fridge for firmer, portable treats that are perfect for lunchboxes or road trips. For a twist, drizzle melted chocolate over the top or add chopped nuts for crunch.
Cultural and Historical Context
S’mores have been a fireside favorite since the nineteen twenties, beloved by generations for the magic of toasted marshmallow and chocolate. Marrying them with brownies brings all that joy into the kitchen, no campfire required. Brownies themselves are an American classic, so this recipe is a true meeting of nostalgia and innovation.
Seasonal Adaptations
Use peppermint marshmallows in winter for a festive twist Top with pastel-colored marshmallows for spring parties Replace graham crackers with gingersnaps in fall for extra spice
Success Stories
Friends always ask for the recipe after tasting these at potlucks: they are so much easier than making s’mores for a crowd. My kids even brought them to a bake sale, and they sold out in less than fifteen minutes. Several readers have shared photos of their golden-bubbled bars, and I never get tired of seeing those marshmallowy smiles.
Freezer Meal Conversion
Brownie bars freeze beautifully. Bake fully, cool, then wrap tightly in plastic and foil before freezing. Defrost at room temperature or microwave for that fresh-from-the-oven marshmallow effect. Careful not to freeze with too many add-ons on top or they might get sticky.
Pin it Make these S’mores Brownie Bars for your next gathering and see everyone smile. Satisfy nostalgia and dessert cravings in every baked square.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I prevent brownies from overbaking?
Keep an eye on the baking time and use a toothpick to check for moist crumbs, not a dry center. Remove from oven as soon as edges set.
- → Can I use mini marshmallows?
Yes, mini marshmallows melt quickly and distribute evenly across the brownie surface for a gooey topping.
- → Should graham crackers be crushed?
Crush graham crackers into coarse crumbs. Sprinkle over marshmallows for extra texture and flavor.
- → Do these bars store well?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. They remain chewy and flavorful.
- → Can I add chocolate chips?
Chocolate chips can be mixed into batter or sprinkled on top for extra richness and texture.