Smores Brownie Bars Recipe

S’mores Brownie Bars Recipe for Campfire Lovers

Gooey s’mores brownie bars capture the essence of campfire magic right in your kitchen.

Sweet memories of crackling flames and marshmallow-roasting adventures dance through this delectable dessert.

Chocolate lovers and nostalgic snack enthusiasts will instantly fall in love with this decadent treat.

Summer memories come alive with every single bite of these rich, indulgent bars.

Combining classic graham cracker comfort with intense chocolate depth creates a sensational dessert experience that feels both familiar and extraordinary.

Perfectly balanced between sophisticated and playful, these bars promise to become an instant crowd-pleaser at any gathering.

Hungry friends and family won’t be able to resist digging into this delightful sweet sensation.

What Makes Smores Brownie Bars Extra Indulgent

What Makes Smores Brownie Bars Extra Indulgent
  • Campfire Comfort: These bars bring the classic s’mores experience right to your kitchen, no campfire needed, so your family can enjoy the gooey, chocolatey goodness anytime.
  • Kid-Friendly Fun: Breaking graham crackers and sprinkling marshmallows becomes an awesome activity that gets your whole crew involved in baking together.
  • Simple Ingredients: Most ingredients are probably already in your pantry, making this recipe super accessible without requiring a special trip to the store.
  • Crowd-Pleaser Dessert: These bars are perfect for potlucks, birthday parties, or weekend treats that will make everyone at the gathering smile and ask for seconds.

Ingredients Behind S’mores Brownie Bars

Main Ingredients:
  • Unsalted Butter (1 cup or 2 sticks): The rich foundation that creates a smooth, creamy texture for your brownie layer.
  • Dark Chocolate (8 ounces, chopped): Provides deep chocolate flavor that makes these bars intensely delicious.
  • Granulated Sugar (1 1/2 cups): Sweetens and helps create the perfect brownie consistency.
  • Large Eggs (4): Bind the ingredients and give structure to your brownie base.
  • Pure Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Adds a warm, classic flavor that enhances the chocolate.
  • All-Purpose Flour (1 cup): Creates the basic structure for your brownie batter.
  • Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances and deepens the sweetness of the entire dessert.
  • Graham Cracker Crumbs (1 cup): Adds that classic s’mores crunch and flavor to your bars.
Marshmallow Finishing:
  • Mini Marshmallows (2 cups): Provide the gooey, toasted s’mores element that makes these bars special.
  • Melted Chocolate (1/4 cup): Drizzled on top for an extra decadent finishing touch.

Tools For This Smores Brownie Bars

  • 8×8-inch Baking Dish: Perfect for creating your smores brownie bars with even thickness and easy cleanup when lined with parchment paper.
  • Parchment Paper: Helps your brownies release smoothly and prevents sticking to the pan.
  • Large Heatproof Bowl: Essential for melting chocolate and butter safely over simmering water.
  • Rolling Pin or Food Processor: Great for crushing graham crackers into fine, even crumbs.
  • Saucepan: Used as a double boiler to gently melt chocolate without burning.
  • Whisk: Helps blend chocolate, sugar, and eggs into a smooth, glossy mixture.
  • Spatula: Perfect for folding flour into batter and spreading the mixture evenly in your pan.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient quantities for consistent results.
  • Wire Cooling Rack: Allows your brownie bars to cool evenly and prevent soggy bottoms.

Making Smores Brownie Bars From Start To Finish

Making Smores Brownie Bars From Start To Finish
1

Prep the Oven and Pan

Heat the oven to 350°F. Grab a 9×13 inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, letting the edges hang over the sides for easy removal later.

2

Melt Chocolate and Butter

Set up a double boiler by placing a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water. Toss in 2 sticks of unsalted butter and 8 ounces of chopped dark chocolate. Stir gently until everything melts into a smooth, glossy mixture.

3

Create Brownie Base

Whisk 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar into the melted chocolate. Crack 4 large eggs into the bowl one at a time, stirring after each addition. Pour in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and mix well.

4

Mix Dry Ingredients

Grab a separate bowl and combine:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Fold these dry ingredients into the chocolate mixture until just combined. The batter should look rich and smooth.

5

Prepare Graham Cracker Layer

Crush 1 cup of graham crackers into fine crumbs using a food processor or rolling pin.

6

Assemble the Layers

Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan. Sprinkle the graham cracker crumbs evenly across the top. Scatter 2 cups of mini marshmallows over the entire surface, making sure they cover everything.

7

Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. You’re looking for golden-brown marshmallows and slightly firm edges on the brownies.

8

Final Chocolate Drizzle

After the bars cool completely, grab 1/4 cup of melted chocolate and drizzle it artfully over the top. Let the chocolate set for a few minutes before cutting into squares.

Key Cooking Notes For Smores Brownie Bars

  • Crush crackers into fine crumbs for a perfect crunchy foundation that helps your bars hold together beautifully.
  • Use a double boiler method to gently melt chocolate and butter without burning, creating a silky smooth brownie batter.
  • Spread marshmallows evenly across the entire surface to ensure each bite has a golden, gooey topping.
  • Check brownies around 30 minutes and look for golden marshmallows and slightly firm edges to prevent overcooking.
  • Let bars cool completely before adding melted chocolate drizzle so the pattern stays crisp and doesn’t melt into the surface.

Easy Variations for S’mores Brownie Bars

  • Gluten-Free Chocolate Bars: Replace all-purpose flour with almond flour or gluten-free baking blend, ensuring one-to-one substitution for a celiac-friendly treat.
  • Vegan Marshmallow Brownie: Swap eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg) and use dairy-free chocolate and vegan marshmallows for plant-based friends.
  • Nutty Chocolate Adventure: Mix chopped pecans or walnuts into the brownie batter for added crunch and deeper flavor, sprinkling them between graham cracker and marshmallow layers.
  • Dark Chocolate Raspberry Remix: Fold fresh raspberries into the brownie batter and drizzle raspberry sauce over marshmallows for a fruity chocolate sensation.

Presentation Ideas for This Recipe: S’mores Brownie Bars

  • Serve Warm and Gooey: Pull these bars straight from the oven when the marshmallows are perfectly golden and let your guests enjoy them while they’re still warm for maximum flavor.
  • Slice with Hot Knife: Dip your knife in hot water and wipe dry before cutting to get clean, smooth edges through the sticky marshmallow layer.
  • Chocolate Drizzle Technique: Melt extra chocolate in a squeeze bottle or spoon for creating elegant zigzag patterns across the marshmallow topping that look professionally decorated.
  • Campfire Companion Pairing: Brew some hot cocoa or strong coffee to complement the rich chocolate and toasted marshmallow flavors in these decadent bars.

How To Store Smores Brownie Bars

  • Wrap leftover bars tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep the marshmallow layer soft and prevent them from drying out in the refrigerator.
  • Store the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, separating layers with parchment paper to stop the marshmallows from sticking together.
  • Freeze individual bars by wrapping each one separately in plastic wrap, then placing them in a freezer-safe container for future chocolate cravings.
  • When ready to enjoy frozen bars, thaw them at room temperature for about 30 minutes to restore their gooey marshmallow texture.

Commonly Asked Questions for Smores Brownie Bars

FAQ

Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?

Dark chocolate provides a richer flavor that balances the sweetness of marshmallows. Milk chocolate works, but your bars will taste sweeter and less complex.

FAQ

How do I know when the brownies are perfectly baked?

Check for golden marshmallows and slightly firm brownie edges. A toothpick inserted near the center should have a few moist crumbs but not wet batter.

FAQ

Are graham crackers necessary for this recipe?

Graham crackers create the classic s’mores texture and flavor. Without them, you lose the traditional campfire-inspired element that makes these bars special.

FAQ

What if my marshmallows burn instead of turning golden?

Watch your bars closely in the last 5-10 minutes of baking. Every oven differs, so keep an eye on the marshmallow color to prevent burning.

FAQ

Can these bars be made gluten-free?

Substitute regular graham crackers with gluten-free graham-style crackers and use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make the recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities.

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Smores Brownie Bars Recipe

Smores Brownie Bars Recipe


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4.7 from 21 reviews

  • Total Time: 45-50 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

S’mores Brownie Bars blend campfire nostalgia with rich chocolate decadence, creating a dessert that brings summer memories right to your kitchen table. Graham cracker crust, fudgy brownie center, and toasted marshmallow topping make this treat an instant crowd-pleaser for your next gathering.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 8 ounces dark chocolate
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour

Supporting Ingredients:

  • 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
  • 2 cups mini marshmallows

Finishing Ingredients:

  • ¼ cup melted chocolate
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare a 9×13 inch baking pan by coating it with cooking spray and lining with parchment paper, allowing excess paper to hang over the sides for easy removal.
  2. Melt 2 sticks of unsalted butter and 8 ounces of dark chocolate in a double boiler, stirring constantly until the mixture becomes completely smooth and glossy.
  3. Whisk 1 ½ cups granulated sugar into the chocolate mixture until fully incorporated and slightly glossy.
  4. Crack 4 large eggs into the chocolate mixture, adding them one at a time and stirring thoroughly after each addition.
  5. Pour 1 teaspoon vanilla extract into the batter and mix until combined.
  6. Sift 1 cup all-purpose flour and ½ teaspoon salt into the batter, folding gently until no dry streaks remain.
  7. Transfer the brownie batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
  8. Crush 1 cup of graham crackers into fine crumbs using a food processor or rolling pin.
  9. Sprinkle the graham cracker crumbs uniformly across the brownie batter’s surface.
  10. Distribute 2 cups of mini marshmallows evenly over the graham cracker layer, covering the entire surface.
  11. Bake at 350°F for 30-35 minutes, watching for golden-brown marshmallows and slightly firm brownie edges.
  12. Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan.
  13. Drizzle ¼ cup melted chocolate over the cooled marshmallow layer in a zigzag pattern.
  14. Lift the bars out using the parchment paper overhang and slice into square portions.

Notes

  • Chill the brownie batter for 15 minutes before spreading to get a denser, richer texture that helps prevent marshmallows from sinking.
  • Use a kitchen torch for more even marshmallow browning if you prefer more control than oven broiling.
  • Graham cracker quality matters, so select a brand with a crisp texture that will provide a nice crunch against the soft brownie and marshmallow layers.
  • Completely cool the bars before cutting to ensure clean, sharp edges and prevent the marshmallow from stretching when slicing.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
  • Category: Dessert Bars
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 364 kcal
  • Sugar: 33 g
  • Sodium: 94 mg
  • Fat: 23 g
  • Saturated Fat: 14 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Logan Lemaster

Logan Lemaster

Founder & Culinary Innovator

Expertise

Recipe Development and Innovation, Menu Design and Optimization, Fine Dining Techniques, Ingredient Pairing and Flavor Science

Education

Metropolitan Culinary Arts Institute

  • Degree: Associate of Occupational Studies in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Advanced culinary techniques, kitchen management, and diverse cuisine mastery.

Logan’s culinary journey kicked off in his vibrant Chicago family kitchen, where fresh, seasonal ingredients and bold flavors were always front and center.

After graduating from the Metropolitan Culinary Arts Institute in Arlington, Virginia, and honing his skills in renowned restaurants, Logan mastered the art of blending classic techniques with exciting, modern twists.

His kitchen is a dynamic lab for flavor exploration. Through Yum Utopia, Logan aims to empower you to cook with both confidence and creativity, turning simple ingredients into spectacular meals.

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