S'mores Brownie Bars Irresistible and Easy Recipe

Craving a tasty treat that combines gooey s’mores and rich brownies? Look no further! My S’mores Brownie Bars recipe is simple and gives you that campfire feeling right from your kitchen. With layers of chocolatey goodness, marshmallows, and graham crackers, these bars are sure to please friends and family alike. Dive in, and I’ll guide you step-by-step toward this irresistible dessert!

Ingredients

Detailed Ingredients List

– 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks)

– 2 cups granulated sugar

– 4 large eggs

– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

– 1 cup all-purpose flour

– 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

– 1/2 teaspoon salt

– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

– 1 cup mini marshmallows

– 1 cup graham cracker crumbs

Key Ingredients Explained

– Unsalted butter: This adds richness and moisture. It helps the brownies stay soft and chewy.

– Granulated sugar: This sweetens the brownies and helps them rise. It gives a nice texture.

– Eggs: They bind the ingredients and create structure. Eggs also add moisture.

– Vanilla extract: This adds a warm flavor that makes the brownies taste richer.

– Cocoa powder: This gives the brownies their deep chocolate flavor. It is key for that brownie look.

– Baking powder: This helps the brownies rise, making them light and fluffy.

– Salt: Just a pinch balances the sweetness and enhances the chocolate flavor.

– Semi-sweet chocolate chips: These add extra chocolate chunks that melt in your mouth.

– Mini marshmallows: These give the bars a gooey, sweet topping, like classic s’mores.

– Graham cracker crumbs: These add crunch and the classic s’mores flavor.

Optional Ingredients for Variation

– Nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans can add a nice crunch and flavor.

– Peanut butter: Swirling in some peanut butter gives a creamy twist.

– Different chocolate: You can use dark chocolate or white chocolate chips for a change.

– Fruit: Add chopped strawberries or bananas for a fruity note.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Batter

First, you need to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for even baking. Next, take a medium saucepan and melt 1 cup of unsalted butter over low heat. Once it melts, remove it from the heat. Stir in 2 cups of granulated sugar until mixed well. This will add sweetness and help with texture.

After that, add 4 large eggs one at a time. Make sure to mix well after each egg. Then, stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract for a nice flavor boost. In another bowl, whisk together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, ½ teaspoon of baking powder, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Gradually mix these dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stop mixing once it is just combined. You want a thick batter.

Now, fold in 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips. This adds rich chocolate flavor to your bars.

Baking the First Layer

Pour half of the brownie batter into your lined 9×13 inch baking pan. Spread it evenly across the bottom. Bake this first layer for 20 minutes. This step helps create a solid base for your s’mores brownie bars.

Assembling the S’mores Brownie Bars

After 20 minutes, take the pan out of the oven. Sprinkle 1 cup of graham cracker crumbs evenly over the baked brownie layer. Then, add 1 cup of mini marshmallows on top of the crumbs. This gives that classic s’mores flavor.

Next, spoon the remaining brownie batter over the marshmallows. Try to cover as much as you can. This will trap the marshmallows inside as it bakes.

Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes. To test doneness, insert a toothpick into the center. It should come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter.

Let the brownies cool completely in the pan. Once cool, use the parchment overhang to lift them out. Cut into squares and enjoy your delicious s’mores brownie bars!

Tips & Tricks

Achieving the Perfect Brownie Texture

To get that perfect brownie texture, follow these steps. First, melt the butter gently. This helps keep the brownies moist. Mix the sugar and butter well. This creates a smooth base. When you add the eggs, mix one at a time. This ensures a nice blend.

Avoid overmixing the batter. Stir just until the flour disappears. Overmixing can lead to tough brownies. Once you bake the first layer, let it cool a bit. This helps the layers stick better.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

One common mistake is not measuring ingredients correctly. Use a scale for precise amounts. Another mistake is skipping the parchment paper. It makes it easy to lift out the brownies.

Don’t bake for too long. If you do, the brownies will dry out. Always check for moist crumbs with a toothpick. Finally, don’t forget to let them cool completely. Cutting them too soon can make a mess.

Serving Suggestions for the Best Presentation

For the best presentation, serve the brownie bars warm. Drizzle some chocolate sauce on top. It adds a rich touch. Also, sprinkle crushed graham crackers for extra crunch. You can even add a scoop of ice cream for a fun twist.

Arrange the bars on a nice plate. This makes them look inviting. You can also add some mini marshmallows on the side for fun. These little details make a big impact on how they look!

Variations

Flavor Enhancements

You can make S’mores Brownie Bars even better by adding nuts. Chopped walnuts or pecans work well. They add crunch and flavor. Simply stir in half a cup of nuts when mixing in the chocolate chips. You can also try using flavored chocolate chips, like mint or caramel, for a fun twist.

Alternative Toppings

If you want to switch it up, consider using peanut butter cups or chocolate-covered pretzels. Just chop them up and sprinkle them over the marshmallows. This adds a salty-sweet touch that pairs nicely with the s’mores flavor. You can even use different kinds of marshmallows, like chocolate or strawberry, for a fun color change.

Gluten-Free or Dairy-Free Adjustments

You can easily make these bars gluten-free. Just swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. Make sure it has a good binding agent, like xanthan gum. For a dairy-free version, use vegan butter and dairy-free chocolate chips. These changes keep the flavor rich and delicious without gluten or dairy.

Storage Info

Best Ways to Store S’mores Brownie Bars

To keep your S’mores brownie bars fresh, store them in an airtight container. You can layer parchment paper between the bars to avoid sticking. This helps maintain their soft, gooey texture. If you want to keep them longer, wrap them in plastic wrap first. They will stay fresh in the fridge or at room temperature.

Reheating Instructions for Leftovers

If you have leftovers, you can easily reheat them. Place a bar in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This warms it up without drying it out. If you prefer, you can also use an oven. Set it to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 5-10 minutes. This keeps the brownie bars soft and melty, just like when they were fresh.

How Long Do They Last?

S’mores brownie bars last about 3-5 days at room temperature. If you store them in the fridge, they can last up to a week. For longer storage, consider freezing them. Wrap them tightly and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last for about 2-3 months in the freezer. Just thaw them overnight in the fridge before enjoying!

FAQs

Can I make S’mores Brownie Bars ahead of time?

Yes, you can make S’mores Brownie Bars ahead of time. Bake them and let them cool completely. Once cooled, cut them into squares. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh for up to three days. You can also freeze them for later. Just wrap each square in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. When you are ready to enjoy, thaw them at room temperature.

What can I substitute for chocolate chips?

If you don’t have chocolate chips, you have options. You can use chopped chocolate bars instead. Dark, milk, or even white chocolate works well. You could also use butterscotch chips or peanut butter chips for a twist. If you want a healthier choice, try dried fruit or nuts. Keep in mind that these will change the flavor a bit.

How do I know when the brownies are done?

To check if the brownies are done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out with moist crumbs, they are ready. If it comes out wet with batter, they need more time. Bake them for an extra 5 minutes, then check again. Brownies can look a bit soft in the center. That’s okay, as they will firm up as they cool.

In this blog post, we explored how to make S’mores Brownie Bars. We covered the key ingredients, including options for fun variations. I shared easy, step-by-step instructions to prepare and bake your brownies. You learned tips for the best texture and how to avoid common mistakes. Plus, we discussed storage tips and answered frequent questions.

Now, you have the tools to create these tasty treats. I hope you enjoy baking and sharing them with friend