Ultimate S’mores Brownies: A Homemade Recipe for Fudgy Chocolate, Gooey Marshmallows, and Graham Cracker Perfection

Prepare for an extraordinary dessert experience with our **S’mores Brownies**, where a rich, fudgy chocolate base meets a layer of perfectly toasted, gooey marshmallows, all built upon a crisp, buttery graham cracker crust. This incredibly easy recipe is designed to satisfy even the most intense **chocolate and s’mores cravings** any time of year, bringing the magic of a campfire treat right into your kitchen.

S’mores Brownies are truly the quintessential dessert for anyone who adores chocolate and the classic campfire flavors. They beautifully merge the deep, intense flavor of fudgy chocolate brownies with the irresistibly gooey texture of melted marshmallows and the delightful crunch of a buttery graham cracker crust. Forget the smoke and the wilderness; these decadent brownies allow you to recreate the nostalgic s’mores experience indoors with remarkable ease.

Imagine serving these at your next party, family gathering, or simply enjoying them as a special treat during any season. Their balanced blend of textures and flavors – from the soft brownie to the chewy marshmallow and the crunchy crust – guarantees to delight every sweet tooth. They’re not just a dessert; they’re an experience, evoking warm memories and creating new ones. The simplicity of the ingredients combined with the straightforward preparation makes this a go-to recipe for both novice and experienced bakers.

Having perfected numerous s’mores-inspired treats over the years, including popular recipes like S’mores Rice Krispie Treats, S’mores Cheesecake, and S’mores Poke Cake, I can confidently say that these S’mores Brownies stand out as a beloved classic. They capture the essence of what makes s’mores so universally adored, packaged into a convenient and utterly delicious brownie bar.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These S’mores Brownies are more than just a dessert; they’re a delightful blend of textures and flavors that captivate from the very first bite. Here’s why this recipe will quickly become a household favorite:

• Unbelievably Rich and Fudgy Brownie Base: The heart of this dessert is a dense, moist, and intensely chocolatey brownie. Its decadent texture provides the perfect counterpoint to the sweetness of the marshmallows, making every mouthful a luxurious experience. We’re talking about that melt-in-your-mouth quality that true brownie lovers crave.
• Irresistibly Gooey Marshmallow Topping: A generous layer of marshmallows bakes into a soft, stretchy, and beautifully golden topping. When slightly warm, these marshmallows pull apart in satisfying strings, creating that signature s’mores chewiness that perfectly complements the brownie below. The light char from broiling adds an authentic campfire aroma and flavor.
• Crisp, Buttery Graham Cracker Layer: The foundation of these brownies is a perfectly baked graham cracker crust. It offers a subtle crunch and a sweet, buttery flavor that instantly transports you to a fireside gathering. This layer is crucial for providing structural integrity and that unmistakable s’mores taste.
• Effortless Preparation for a Show-Stopping Dessert: Despite its impressive appearance and complex flavors, this recipe is surprisingly simple to make. By utilizing a boxed brownie mix and readily available ingredients, you can whip up this show-stopping dessert with minimal effort and time, leaving you more moments to enjoy it.
• A Fun, Nostalgic Treat for All Ages: These brownies tap into the cherished memories of summer nights and campfires. They’re a playful and comforting dessert that appeals to both children and adults, making them ideal for any occasion where you want to bring joy and a touch of whimsy. It’s an instant mood-lifter!

Key Ingredients for S’mores Brownies

Crafting these delectable S’mores Brownies requires a few simple yet essential ingredients that come together to create a symphony of flavors and textures. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need:

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: The foundation of our s’mores experience begins with these. You can either purchase pre-crushed graham cracker crumbs for convenience or easily make your own by crushing whole graham crackers in a food processor or a plastic bag with a rolling pin. This forms the essential buttery, sweet base.
• Melted Butter: Unsalted melted butter is crucial for binding the graham cracker crumbs together, forming a sturdy and rich crust. It imparts a delightful richness and helps the crust crisp up beautifully during baking.
• Brownie Boxed Mix: To keep this recipe truly easy and accessible, we recommend using your favorite brand of brownie mix. This saves time and ensures a consistently fudgy brownie base. Just be sure to follow the package instructions precisely, which typically include ingredients like large eggs, vegetable oil, and water or milk, ensuring the perfect brownie consistency.
• Mini Marshmallows: These are the star of the s’mores topping! Mini marshmallows are preferred because they melt more evenly and quickly, creating that classic gooey, soft, and slightly toasted layer without burning. Their small size ensures a delightful marshmallow presence in every bite.
• Additional Graham Crackers: For an extra touch of texture and to reinforce the s’mores theme, we recommend breaking extra graham crackers into small, irregular pieces. These are sprinkled over the melted marshmallows at the very end, adding a lovely crunch and a visual cue of the classic treat.

For the precise measurements and a full list of ingredients, please refer to the complete recipe card located at the bottom of this page.

Delicious Variations to Try

While the classic S’mores Brownie is phenomenal on its own, don’t hesitate to get creative! These variations allow you to customize your brownies to your personal taste, offering exciting twists on the beloved original:

• Chocolate Chunk Brownies: For an even more intense chocolate experience, fold in a cup of chocolate chunks, milk chocolate chips, or semi-sweet chocolate chips into your brownie batter before baking. This adds pockets of melted chocolate that will make every bite extra rich and gooey.
• Nutty S’mores Brownies: Introduce a delightful crunch and earthy flavor by adding about half a cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, or even almonds to the brownie batter. Alternatively, sprinkle them on top of the marshmallow layer before broiling for an exposed nutty texture.
• Peanut Butter Twist: Elevate your S’mores Brownies with a creamy, salty-sweet peanut butter swirl. Simply warm about half a cup of creamy peanut butter and drizzle it over the brownie batter before baking, then use a knife to create elegant swirls. The combination of chocolate, peanut butter, and s’mores is truly irresistible.
• Caramel S’mores Indulgence: After the marshmallows are perfectly toasted, drizzle a generous amount of warm caramel sauce over the top. This adds another layer of gooey sweetness and a luxurious, buttery note that complements the other flavors beautifully.
• Mini S’mores Brownies: Perfect for parties and bite-sized indulgence, prepare these brownies in a mini muffin tin. Adjust baking times accordingly (they’ll bake much faster). This makes for adorable, easy-to-serve treats that are always a hit.
• White Chocolate or Dark Chocolate Delight: Experiment with different chocolate profiles. Instead of a traditional milk chocolate brownie mix, opt for a dark chocolate mix for a more intense, less sweet flavor, or try a white chocolate brownie mix for a creamy, distinct variation that still pairs wonderfully with graham crackers and marshmallows.

Step-by-Step: How to Make S’mores Brownies

Creating these delightful S’mores Brownies is a straightforward process, broken down into easy-to-follow steps. Precision in each stage ensures the perfect balance of fudgy, gooey, and crunchy layers.

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Pan. Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C). This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature for even baking. Next, prepare your 9×13-inch baking pan. Line it with aluminum foil or parchment paper, making sure to leave some overhang on the sides. This overhang acts as “handles” later, making it incredibly easy to lift the entire batch of brownies out of the pan. Once lined, lightly butter the foil or generously spray it with cooking spray. This prevents sticking and ensures a clean release.

Step 2: Craft the Graham Cracker Crust. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and granulated sugar. Stir these dry ingredients together thoroughly until they are well integrated. Then, pour in the melted butter. Using a fork, gently toss the mixture until all the crumbs are evenly moistened and coated with butter. This ensures a cohesive crust.

Step 3: Bake the Crust to Golden Perfection. Transfer the moist graham cracker mixture into your prepared baking pan. Using the back of a spoon or your clean hands, press the mixture firmly and evenly across the bottom of the pan to form a compact crust. Bake this crust in the preheated oven for approximately 15 minutes, or until it turns a light golden brown and smells fragrant. This initial bake sets the crust and gives it that delightful crispness.

Step 4: Prepare and Add the Brownie Layer. While the crust bakes, prepare your chosen brownie mix according to the package instructions. This usually involves combining the mix with eggs, oil, and water in a large mixing bowl. Once the brownie batter is smooth, carefully pour this rich, chocolatey layer over the still-warm, cooked graham cracker crust. Use a rubber spatula to gently spread the brownie batter into an even layer, ensuring it covers the entire crust.

Step 5: Bake the Brownies. Place the pan back into the preheated oven. Bake the brownies according to the time specified on your brownie mix box, typically until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs, but not wet batter. Avoid overbaking, as brownies continue to set as they cool, and we want them to remain fudgy.

Step 6: Add Marshmallows and Broil. As soon as you remove the baked brownies from the oven, switch your oven setting to broil. Evenly pour an entire bag of mini marshmallows over the hot brownie layer, spreading them out to cover the surface. Immediately return the pan to the oven, placing it on a rack about 6-8 inches from the broiler element.

Step 7: Watch Closely While Broiling. This step requires your full attention! Marshmallows can go from perfectly golden to burnt very quickly under the broiler. Keep a close eye on them, typically broiling for only 1-3 minutes. You want them to puff up, turn a beautiful golden brown, and get slightly charred in spots, mimicking that authentic campfire toastiness, but avoid letting them burn.

Step 8: Final Touches and Cooling. As soon as the pan comes out of the oven with the beautifully toasted marshmallows, immediately sprinkle the additional broken graham cracker pieces over the hot, gooey topping. Gently press them down slightly so they adhere to the melted marshmallows. Now comes the hardest part: allowing the brownies to cool completely before cutting. This is essential for clean, defined squares. Once cooled, use a sharp, non-serrated knife (you can even run it under hot water and wipe dry between cuts) to slice into perfect S’mores Brownie squares.

Storage Tips for Freshness

Proper storage ensures your S’mores Brownies remain delicious for as long as possible. Here’s how to keep them fresh:

• Room Temperature: For immediate enjoyment, cooled S’mores Brownies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. While convenient, the marshmallows might lose some of their gooey texture over time in a humid environment.
• Refrigerator: To extend their freshness, transfer the cooled brownies to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Chilling them will make them firmer, so for the best experience, allow the brownies to come to room temperature or warm them slightly in the microwave for a few seconds before serving to revive that delightful gooey marshmallow.
• Freezer: S’mores Brownies freeze wonderfully! For longer storage, wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw frozen brownies at room temperature for a few hours, or gently warm them in the oven (around 300°F/150°C for 10-15 minutes) until the marshmallows are soft and gooey again.
• Toppings Tip for Re-serving: If you plan on storing these brownies for more than a day or two, consider adding any extra graham cracker pieces or a few fresh mini marshmallows just before serving, especially if warming them up. This will help maintain the desired texture and visual appeal, as the original toppings can soften or firm up during storage.

Expert Tips for Perfect S’mores Brownies

Achieving bakery-quality S’mores Brownies at home is easy with a few expert tricks. These pro tips will help you create a truly unforgettable dessert every time:

• Ensure an Even Crust Layer: The graham cracker crust is your foundation. Press the crumbs firmly and evenly into the prepared pan. A uniform layer not only provides a sturdy base but also ensures that each bite has the perfect balance of crunch and flavor. Use the bottom of a glass or a flat measuring cup for best results.
• Opt for Mini Marshmallows: While larger marshmallows might seem appealing, mini marshmallows are the secret to that perfectly gooey, melted s’mores topping. They spread and melt uniformly, creating an even, soft layer that contrasts beautifully with the fudgy brownie. Larger marshmallows tend to retain their shape more, resulting in less consistent melt.
• Prevent Overbaking the Brownies: Brownies are notoriously easy to overbake, leading to a dry texture. To ensure a fudgy center, remove them from the oven when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached, but no wet batter. Remember, brownies continue to set as they cool.
• Boost Crunch with Extra Graham Crackers: For an authentic s’mores experience, don’t skip sprinkling additional broken graham cracker pieces on top of the hot, broiled marshmallows. This adds a delightful extra crunch and reinforces the classic flavor profile that everyone loves.
• Enhance Chocolate Flavor: If you’re a true chocolate enthusiast, elevate the brownie base by folding in a handful of chocolate chips or chocolate chunks into the brownie batter before baking. This simple addition creates pockets of extra melted chocolate, intensifying the rich chocolate experience.
• Serve Slightly Warm for Optimal Gooeyness: While delicious at any temperature, these S’mores Brownies are truly at their best when served slightly warm. The warmth softens the brownie and makes the marshmallow topping wonderfully gooey and stretchy, replicating that fresh-from-the-campfire feel. A quick 10-15 second zap in the microwave can work wonders!

More Irresistible Brownie Recipes

If you’re a fan of fudgy, chewy, or cake-like brownies, we’ve got a selection of other fantastic recipes that are sure to please. Dive into these delightful variations and expand your brownie repertoire:

• Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies Recipe: A stunning combination of vibrant red velvet and creamy cheesecake swirls, these brownies are as beautiful as they are delicious.
• Cream Cheese Brownies Recipe: Classic fudgy brownies topped with a rich, tangy cream cheese swirl that creates a lovely marbled effect and an irresistible flavor.
• Copycat Little Debbie Brownies Recipe: Recreate the nostalgic flavors of your favorite snack cake with this perfect copycat recipe, complete with a classic fudgy frosting.
• Brownie Bottom Cheesecake: Two beloved desserts merge into one! A rich, dense brownie base topped with a smooth, creamy cheesecake layer for ultimate indulgence.

More Easy S’mores Desserts

Can’t get enough of that classic s’mores flavor? Explore these other simple and creative ways to enjoy the iconic combination of chocolate, marshmallow, and graham cracker:

• S’mores Dip: A quick and crowd-pleasing dessert that’s perfect for sharing. Warm, gooey chocolate and marshmallows served with graham crackers for dipping.
• Easy to Grill S’mores Recipe: For those times you do have access to a grill, this recipe offers a simple way to achieve perfectly toasted marshmallows with minimal mess.
• S’mores Cones: A fun, customizable, and less messy way to enjoy s’mores, baked right inside an ice cream cone!
• Super Fun S’Mores Parfait Recipe: Layered goodness with all the s’mores components in a glass, perfect for individual servings and no cooking required.
• The Best S’mores Cookie Cups: Chewy cookie cups filled with chocolate and topped with toasted marshmallow, a delightful twist on a classic.

We are confident that you will absolutely adore this new S’mores Brownies recipe! We encourage you to try them out and share your experience. Please leave a comment below and a star rating to let us know how your homemade s’mores brownies turned out. Happy baking!