S’mores Brownie Bars

If you’re looking for the ultimate indulgent treat that combines the nostalgic flavors of a classic campfire s’more with the rich, fudgy decadence of a brownie, then look no further than S’mores Brownie Bars! These bars are the perfect mashup of chocolatey brownies, golden graham cracker crumbs, and gooey marshmallows all topped off with a drizzle of melted chocolate. Whether you’re serving them at a summer barbecue, bringing them to a potluck, or just satisfying your sweet tooth at home, this dessert is sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

S’mores Brownie Bars bring together everything we love about two iconic desserts: brownies and s’mores. Each bite has layers of texture—crunchy graham cracker base, a soft, chewy brownie, and toasted marshmallows that melt in your mouth. Plus, you don’t need a campfire to enjoy them! The beauty of this dessert is its simplicity—just a few basic ingredients, and you’ll have a dessert that looks and tastes impressive.

Ingredients

Brownie Layer

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 4 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp baking powder

Graham Cracker Layer

• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 14 full crackers)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

Marshmallow Layer

• 2 1/2 cups mini marshmallows

Chocolate Drizzle

• 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil (optional, for smoothness)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Brownie Batter

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang to easily lift out the bars after baking.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Whisk together until well combined.
3. Add in the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Gradually fold this dry mixture into the wet ingredients using a rubber spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—the batter should be thick and fudgy.

Step 2: Make the Graham Cracker Base

1. In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Stir until all the crumbs are evenly coated and resemble wet sand.
2. Press the graham cracker mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan to create an even layer. Use the back of a spoon or your hands to really pack it down.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

1. Spread the brownie batter on top of the graham cracker layer. Use a spatula to evenly distribute the batter, making sure it covers the graham crackers completely.
2. Bake the brownie bars in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean (a few moist crumbs are fine, but it shouldn’t be wet).
3. Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle the mini marshmallows evenly over the top.

Step 4: Toast the Marshmallows

1. Set your oven to broil on high. Return the pan to the oven and broil for about 1-2 minutes, just until the marshmallows are golden and toasted. Keep a close eye on them—marshmallows can go from perfect to burnt in a matter of seconds!
2. Once the marshmallows are perfectly toasted, remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool for about 15 minutes.

Step 5: Add the Chocolate Drizzle

1. While the bars are cooling, melt the chocolate chips. You can do this in the microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring in between, or over a double boiler.
2. If desired, stir in 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to make the chocolate smoother and easier to drizzle.
3. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the marshmallow layer. Let the bars cool completely before slicing.

Step 6: Slice and Serve

1. Once fully cooled, use the parchment overhang to lift the bars out of the pan.
2. Slice into squares or rectangles and enjoy! The combination of the chewy brownie, crispy graham crackers, gooey marshmallows, and rich chocolate drizzle is pure bliss.

Tips for Making the Best S’mores Brownie Bars

1. Don’t skip the broiling step! Toasted marshmallows are essential to achieving that authentic s’mores flavor. Just be sure to watch them carefully under the broiler so they don’t burn.
2. Use good-quality cocoa powder for your brownies. Since this dessert relies heavily on chocolate flavor, a high-quality cocoa powder will make a noticeable difference in the final taste.
3. Want a shortcut? If you’re pressed for time, you can use boxed brownie mix instead of making the brownies from scratch. Just prepare the batter according to the package instructions and proceed with the recipe as written.
4. Customize the drizzle. While semi-sweet chocolate chips are classic, you can experiment with milk chocolate, white chocolate, or even peanut butter chips for a fun twist.
5. Don’t overbake your brownies. You want them to stay soft and fudgy even after the second round in the oven. It’s better to pull them out slightly underbaked since they’ll continue to cook a little as they cool.

Substitutions and Variations

• Gluten-Free Option: Swap out the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, and use gluten-free graham crackers for the base.
• Vegan Option: Use a plant-based butter substitute in both the brownie batter and graham cracker base. Replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flax mixed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg). Opt for vegan marshmallows and dark chocolate to finish.
• Add Some Crunch: Mix in crushed graham crackers or chopped nuts into the brownie batter for added texture.
• For Extra Chocolate Lovers: Stir some chocolate chips or chunks directly into the brownie batter before baking. You can even add a second drizzle of melted chocolate on top of the marshmallows for double the chocolatey goodness.

Storing and Freezing

Storing:

S’mores Brownie Bars can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. If you prefer a firmer texture, you can also store them in the refrigerator, where they will last for up to a week. Just let them come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.

Freezing:

These bars freeze beautifully! To freeze, wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat them, simply thaw at room temperature for a couple of hours.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 365 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Cholesterol: 70mg
• Sodium: 180mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 32g

Flavor Profile

These S’mores Brownie Bars hit all the right notes—rich, sweet, and slightly salty. The brownie layer is deeply chocolatey with a soft, chewy texture, while the graham cracker base adds a subtle buttery crunch. The marshmallows on top provide a delightful gooeyness, contrasting perfectly with the smooth chocolate drizzle. It’s a dessert that combines warmth, comfort, and pure indulgence all in one bite.

Wine and Beverage Pairings

• Milk: A cold glass of milk is the perfect, classic pairing to balance the sweetness of the brownie bars.
• Red Wine: If you’re serving these at an adult gathering, pair them with a rich, fruity red wine like a Zinfandel or a Shiraz. The bold flavors complement the chocolate well.
• Coffee or Hot Chocolate: For a cozy evening treat, enjoy these brownie bars with a warm beverage. Hot chocolate will double down on the chocolatey experience, while coffee will provide a nice bitterness to cut through the sweetness.

Seasonal Recommendations

• Summer: These bars are a great option for summer gatherings or picnics, especially if you want to bring the fun of s’mores indoors.
• Fall: Add some cinnamon or pumpkin spice to the graham cracker layer to give the bars a fall-inspired twist.
• Winter: Serve these alongside a festive spread of cookies and hot drinks at holiday parties.

Leftover Ideas

If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare because these bars disappear fast), you can:

1. Crumble leftover bars over vanilla ice cream for a decadent sundae.
2. Chop up the bars and stir them into brownie batter or cookie dough for a fun mix-in.