S’mores Brownie Squares: Perfect Marshmallow Toast!

Is there anything more comforting than the combination of chocolate, graham crackers, and gooey marshmallows? Well, hold on to your hats, because we’re taking that classic campfire treat and transforming it into something even more decadent: S’mores Brownie Squares! Forget those sad, melted marshmallow disasters of the past. This recipe is all about achieving perfectly toasted, golden-brown marshmallows atop a fudgy, intensely chocolatey brownie base. The secret? A simple timing trick that will elevate your s’mores game forever. Get ready for brownie bliss!

Why You’ll Love These S’mores Brownie Squares

These aren’t your average brownies. Here’s why you’ll fall head-over-heels for them:

• Perfectly Toasted Marshmallows: No more sad, melted messes! This recipe guarantees those beautiful, golden-brown peaks we all crave.
• Fudgy, Rich Brownie Base: The brownie itself is intensely chocolatey and perfectly fudgy.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, these squares are a breeze to whip up.
• Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for parties, potlucks, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth.
• Year-Round S’mores Fix: No campfire needed! Enjoy that classic s’mores flavor anytime, anywhere.

Gathering Your Ingredients for S’mores Brownie Squares

Let’s talk ingredients! These S’mores Brownie Squares are all about that classic flavor combination of rich chocolate, sweet marshmallows, and a hint of nutty goodness. The quality of your ingredients will directly impact the final taste, so choose wisely! We’re aiming for a fudgy, decadent brownie base topped with perfectly toasted marshmallows that are gooey on the inside and golden brown on the outside, finished with a drizzle of chocolate and crunchy nuts. It’s a symphony of textures and flavors that will have everyone begging for more.

• Unsalted Butter: We’re using a full cup of melted unsalted butter. Unsalted allows us to control the saltiness of the brownie, ensuring a balanced flavor. Melting it beforehand helps create a smooth, even batter.
• Granulated Sugar: Two cups of granulated sugar provide the sweetness and contribute to the brownie’s chewy texture.
• Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: A generous cup of unsweetened cocoa powder is the key to that intense chocolate flavor we all crave. Use a good quality cocoa powder for the best results.
• Salt: Just a teaspoon of salt enhances the sweetness and balances the overall flavor profile.
• Baking Powder: A teaspoon of baking powder gives the brownies a slight lift, preventing them from being too dense.
• Vanilla Extract: Two teaspoons of vanilla extract adds depth and complexity to the chocolate flavor. Use pure vanilla extract for the best taste.
• Large Eggs: Four large eggs bind the ingredients together and contribute to the brownie’s fudgy texture.
• All-Purpose Flour: One and a half cups of all-purpose flour provides structure to the brownie batter. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a tough brownie.
• Mini Marshmallows: One cup of mini marshmallows are the star of the show! They create that classic s’mores flavor and provide the perfect gooey, toasted topping.
• Chopped Nuts (Peanuts or Walnuts): A quarter cup of chopped nuts adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor. Peanuts and walnuts are classic choices, but feel free to experiment with other nuts like pecans or almonds.
• Chocolate Syrup: A quarter cup of chocolate syrup for drizzling adds an extra layer of chocolatey goodness and a touch of visual appeal.

Crafting Your S’mores Brownie Squares: Step-by-Step

Ready to bake some magic? These S’mores Brownie Squares are surprisingly easy to make, but the key is to pay attention to the details, especially when it comes to toasting those marshmallows. We’re going for perfectly puffed and golden brown, not burnt to a crisp! Follow these steps carefully, and you’ll be rewarded with a batch of irresistible treats.

1. Preheat and Prep: First, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). While the oven is heating, grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. This prevents the brownies from sticking and ensures easy removal. Alternatively, you can line the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy lifting.
2. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, sugar, cocoa powder, salt, baking powder, and vanilla extract until smooth. This creates the foundation for your rich, chocolatey brownie base. Make sure there are no lumps of cocoa powder remaining.
3. Incorporate the Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition. This helps to emulsify the ingredients and create a smooth, even batter. Don’t rush this step; each egg needs to be fully incorporated before adding the next.
4. Add the Flour: Gradually add the flour, mixing until just combined. This is crucial: do not overmix! Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough brownie. Mix only until the flour disappears.
5. Pour and Spread: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Use a spatula to ensure the batter reaches all corners of the pan. A level batter will result in evenly baked brownies.
6. Bake the Brownies: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs, not wet batter. The brownie should be mostly set but still slightly soft in the center. Keep a close eye on them, as baking times can vary depending on your oven.
7. Remove from Oven (First Time): Take the brownies out when done. This allows you to quickly get ready for the marshmellow step and to make sure they are evenly distributed!
8. The Marshmallow Magic: This is the key step! Sprinkle the mini marshmallows evenly over the hot brownies. Make sure to cover the entire surface for maximum s’mores goodness.
9. Broil to Perfection: Return the pan to the oven, but switch the oven to broil. This is where the magic happens! Watch very closely, keeping the oven door ajar if your broiler requires it. Broil for 1-2 minutes, or until the marshmallows are puffed and lightly golden brown. Do not walk away! Marshmallows can go from perfectly toasted to burnt in seconds.
10. Garnish and Drizzle: Remove from oven immediately after the marshmallows are toasted. While still warm, sprinkle with chopped nuts and drizzle generously with chocolate syrup. The warmth of the brownies will help the nuts adhere and the syrup melt slightly.
11. Cool and Cut: Let cool completely before cutting into squares. This helps the marshmallows set slightly for cleaner cuts. If you’re impatient, you can chill the brownies in the refrigerator for a quicker set.

Tips for Perfect S’mores Brownie Squares Every Time

Want to ensure your S’mores Brownie Squares are a smashing success? Here are a few extra tips and tricks to keep in mind:

• Don’t Overbake: The key to a fudgy brownie is to slightly underbake it. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter.
• Watch the Broiler: Seriously, don’t walk away! Marshmallows burn quickly under the broiler. Keep a close eye on them and adjust the broiling time as needed.
• Use Parchment Paper: Lining your pan with parchment paper makes removing the brownies a breeze. Plus, it eliminates the need for greasing and flouring.
• Get Creative with Nuts: Feel free to experiment with different types of nuts. Pecans, almonds, or even macadamia nuts would be delicious.
• Add a Graham Cracker Crust: For an extra layer of s’mores flavor, press a mixture of graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar into the bottom of the pan before pouring in the brownie batter. This will mimic the base of a traditional s’more.
• Salted Caramel Drizzle: Elevate the flavor profile with a drizzle of salted caramel sauce instead of (or in addition to!) chocolate syrup. The combination of chocolate, caramel, and salt is simply irresistible. You could even try creating some Easy Caramel Nut Dessert Jars for a similarly-flavored treat that’s perfect for individual servings.

What to Serve With S’mores Brownie Squares

These S’mores Brownie Squares are delicious on their own, but they also pair well with:

• A scoop of vanilla ice cream: The cold ice cream complements the warm, gooey brownie perfectly.
• A glass of cold milk: A classic pairing for any brownie.
• Fresh berries: The acidity of the berries cuts through the richness of the brownie.
• Coffee or tea: A warm beverage is the perfect accompaniment to a sweet treat.

Your S’mores Brownie Squares Questions Answered (FAQ)

Can I make these brownies ahead of time?

Absolutely! S’mores Brownie Squares can be made a day or two in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. The marshmallows might lose a bit of their crispness, but they’ll still be delicious. For other desserts that store well, consider our Easy Delicious Chocolate Sheet Cake recipe, perfect for making ahead.

Can I freeze these brownies?

Yes, you can freeze these brownies, but the texture of the marshmallows may change slightly upon thawing. To freeze, cut the cooled brownies into squares, wrap them individually in plastic wrap, and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.

Can I use regular-sized marshmallows instead of mini marshmallows?

While you can use regular-sized marshmallows, mini marshmallows are preferred because they melt and toast more evenly. If using regular-sized marshmallows, you may need to cut them into smaller pieces before sprinkling them over the brownies.

My marshmallows are burning too quickly under the broiler. What should I do?

If your marshmallows are browning too quickly, try moving the pan further away from the broiler. You can also keep the oven door ajar to help regulate the temperature. Remember to watch them closely!

Can I make these brownies gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Be sure to choose a blend that contains xanthan gum for the best results. This ensures that your gluten-free brownies will have a similar texture to traditional brownies. You can also find other great gluten-free recipes online. Just be sure to do your research to ensure that you’re using a reputable source and high-quality ingredients. And, of course, always double-check the labels of all your ingredients to ensure that they are certified gluten-free.

Enjoy Your Homemade S’mores Brownie Squares!

There you have it: a simple and delicious recipe for S’mores Brownie Squares that will impress your friends and family. The secret to those perfectly toasted marshmallows is all in the timing, so be sure to follow the instructions carefully. Now, go bake a batch of these irresistible treats and let me know what you think in the comments below! Don’t forget to share your creations on social media too!