S'mores Brownies

These irresistible S'mores Brownies transform a simple boxed mix into an extraordinary dessert with the classic campfire flavors everyone loves. By topping fudgy brownies with graham crackers, fluffy marshmallows, and chunks of milk chocolate, you create a gooey, delicious treat that brings all the nostalgia of summer bonfires right to your kitchen. I've made these countless times for gatherings, and they're always the first dessert to disappear from the table.

The first time I made these for my nephew's birthday party, I barely set down the pan before children and adults alike were hovering around it. Even my brother-in-law, who claims he "doesn't like sweets," had seconds! There's something magical about the combination of chocolate brownies, toasted marshmallows, and graham crackers that brings out everyone's inner child.

Ingredients

• 1 family-size brownie mix: Choose your favorite brand that makes a 13×9-inch pan. Duncan Hines Dark Chocolate Fudge works beautifully for a rich base.
• Eggs: Usually 2-3 depending on your box mix instructions. These provide structure and richness.
• Oil: Typically ½ cup, but follow your brownie mix directions. Vegetable or canola oil works perfectly.
• Water: Usually ¼ cup, but again, follow your specific mix instructions.
• 6-8 graham crackers: These provide that authentic s'mores crunch and honey flavor. Break or cut them into bite-sized pieces.
• 2 cups miniature marshmallows: Mini marshmallows melt more evenly than large ones. They create that perfect gooey layer.
• 4 Hershey's milk chocolate bars: The classic s'mores chocolate! Break them into individual squares before topping.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare your baking space:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Thoroughly grease a 13×9-inch baking pan with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper with overhanging edges for easy removal later.

Mix the brownie batter:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the brownie mix, eggs, oil, and water according to the package directions for "cakey" brownies. The cakey version works better as a base for toppings than the fudgy version. Stir until well combined and no dry lumps remain, about 50 strokes with a wooden spoon or 2 minutes with an electric mixer on medium speed.

Bake the brownie base:

Pour the prepared brownie batter into your greased baking pan, spreading it evenly into the corners with a spatula. Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake for approximately 20 minutes. You want the brownies to be just slightly underdone—a toothpick inserted into the center should come out with a few moist crumbs attached.

Prepare the toppings:

While the brownies are baking, break your graham crackers into roughly 1-inch pieces. They don't need to be perfectly uniform—varying sizes create nice texture. Break the Hershey's bars along their pre-scored lines into individual squares and set aside.

Add the s'mores layers:

Once the brownies are almost done but still slightly underbaked, carefully remove the pan from the oven. Working quickly, sprinkle the graham cracker pieces evenly over the hot brownie surface. Next, distribute the mini marshmallows evenly across the top, covering most of the surface. Finally, place the chocolate squares on top, spacing them evenly so each serving gets some chocolate.

Finish baking:

Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes. Watch carefully during this final bake—you want the marshmallows to puff up and turn lightly golden, and the chocolate to soften without completely melting and losing its shape.

Achieve the perfect toast:

For an extra authentic s'mores experience, you can switch your oven to broil for the final 30 seconds of baking. This will give the marshmallows that slightly toasted, golden-brown top. If you do this, watch very carefully as they can go from perfectly toasted to burnt in seconds!

Cool slightly before serving:

Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for at least 10-15 minutes before attempting to cut them. This cooling time lets the chocolate and marshmallow set slightly while still maintaining that perfect gooey texture.

Cut and serve:

For cleaner cuts in warm brownies, spray a sharp knife with cooking spray before each slice. Cut into squares and prepare for delicious mess—these are meant to be gooey and indulgent!

The Joy of Semi-Homemade

There's something wonderfully satisfying about taking a simple boxed mix and transforming it into something that tastes completely homemade. This recipe strikes the perfect balance between convenience and wow-factor. The boxed mix provides a reliable base, while the s'mores toppings make it special and unique.

Perfect Timing for S'mores Magic

The key to these brownies is getting the timing right. Underbaking the brownies slightly before adding the toppings ensures they won't be overdone by the time the marshmallows puff up and the chocolate softens. That final 5 minutes of baking is where the magic happens—the marshmallows expand and begin to toast, while the chocolate squares maintain their shape but become perfectly melty inside.

Serving Suggestion

While these brownies are absolutely delicious at room temperature, they reach their peak of s'mores perfection when served slightly warm. For an over-the-top dessert experience, serve a square with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. The contrast of warm, gooey brownie with cold ice cream creates an irresistible combination.

I've learned that patience isn't always a virtue with these brownies—sometimes diving into them while they're still warm and messy creates the most authentic s'mores experience! My family's tradition is to serve them about 15 minutes after they come out of the oven, when the chocolate is still melty but the bars can somewhat hold their shape.

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One summer, I experimented by adding a layer of peanut butter (about ½ cup spread thinly) over the partially baked brownies before adding the graham crackers and other toppings. The result was a delicious peanut butter s'more variation that's now requested at every family gathering!

These S'mores Brownies bring together the best of both worlds—the fudgy richness of brownies with the nostalgic flavors of campfire s'mores. They're perfect for summer gatherings, potlucks, or anytime you want to bring a bit of campfire magic to your dessert table. With minimal effort and maximum impact, they're sure to become a staple in your dessert rotation!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use homemade brownie batter instead of a box mix?

Absolutely! Any brownie recipe that fits a 13×9-inch pan will work perfectly as the base for these s'mores brownies.

→ Why do I need to underbake the brownies initially?

Underbaking them slightly before adding the toppings ensures the brownies won't be overcooked after they go back in the oven with the s'mores toppings.

→ Can I use regular marshmallows instead of mini ones?

Yes, you can cut regular marshmallows into quarters or use regular size, but minis provide more even coverage and better texture in each bite.

→ How do I know when the brownies are done?

After adding the toppings and baking again, the marshmallows should be puffy and light golden, and the chocolate should be melted but not burning.

→ Why do my graham crackers get soft when stored?

Graham crackers absorb moisture from the brownies and marshmallows over time. For maximum crunch, these brownies are best enjoyed the day they're made.