Are you ready to dive into a treat that’s a step above your usual brownie? S’mores Brownie Bars are the perfect blend of gooey chocolate and crispy marshmallow goodness. This simple recipe offers an easy way to impress friends and family without the hassle. I’ll guide you through every step, along with tips and variations to make these bars your own. Let’s get baking!
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
– 1 cup unsalted butter
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 cup brown sugar, packed
– 4 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
– 1 cup mini marshmallows
– 1 cup crushed graham crackers
Ingredient Tips
Use unsalted butter for better control of salt. It helps the sweetness shine. For the sugars, I like to mix granulated and brown sugar. This gives a rich taste and chewy texture. Eggs should be at room temperature. This helps them blend better into the mix. When measuring flour, scoop it lightly. Do not pack it down to avoid too dense brownies.
Suggested Substitutions
If you want to skip the butter, try coconut oil. It adds a unique flavor. For a dairy-free option, use dairy-free chocolate chips. You can swap granulated sugar for coconut sugar. This gives a hint of caramel taste. If you don’t have mini marshmallows, you can use regular marshmallows, but cut them small. For a gluten-free twist, replace all-purpose flour with almond flour.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
1. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even baking.
2. Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with butter. Line it with parchment paper. This helps in easy removal later.
3. In a medium saucepan, melt 1 cup of unsalted butter over low heat.
4. Once melted, take it off the heat. Stir in 1 cup of granulated sugar and 1 cup of brown sugar. Mix until smooth.
5. Let the mixture cool for a few minutes. Now, add 4 large eggs. Whisk them in one by one.
6. Pour in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and mix well. This adds great flavor.
7. In a separate bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of cocoa powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
8. Gradually add this dry mix to the wet ingredients. Stir gently until everything is combined.
Baking Instructions
1. Fold in 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips. This makes the brownies extra rich.
2. Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared pan. Spread it evenly.
3. Next, layer 1 cup of mini marshmallows and 1 cup of crushed graham crackers on top.
4. Pour the rest of the brownie batter over the marshmallows and graham crackers. Spread it carefully to cover them.
5. Bake in your preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Use a toothpick to check. It should come out with a few moist crumbs.
Cooling and Serving Recommendations
1. Once baked, take the pan out of the oven. Let it cool for at least 15 minutes in the pan.
2. Use the parchment paper to lift the brownies out.
3. Place them on a wire rack to cool completely. This keeps them from getting soggy.
4. Once cool, cut them into squares. Serve them warm or at room temperature for the best taste.
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting the Brownie Texture
To get the best brownie texture, mix well but don’t overmix. Overmixing adds air and can make brownies cakey. Always use room temperature eggs for easy blending. This helps create a rich, fudgy texture. You want your brownies to be dense, not fluffy. Bake them just until the toothpick shows moist crumbs. This means they are perfectly baked.
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover S’mores Brownie Bars, store them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and moist for up to five days. You can also wrap them in plastic wrap. For longer storage, place them in the fridge or freezer. If you freeze them, wrap each bar separately. This way, you can grab one whenever you want a sweet treat.
Enhancing Flavor with Toppings
Want to make these bars even more special? Add toppings! A drizzle of chocolate sauce on top can boost flavor. You can also sprinkle more mini marshmallows or graham crackers. For a twist, try adding a pinch of sea salt. It pairs well with the sweet chocolate and marshmallows. This little touch adds depth to the flavor.
Variations
Nutty S’mores Brownie Bars
You can add nuts to your S’mores brownie bars for extra crunch. Chopped walnuts or pecans work well. Simply fold in one cup of nuts into the batter. This gives a nice texture contrast to the soft brownie and gooey marshmallows. Nuts also add a rich flavor that complements the chocolate.
Gluten-Free Option
To make a gluten-free version, swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Look for one that includes xanthan gum for best results. The rest of the recipe stays the same. Your brownie bars will still be soft and delicious, just without gluten.
Adding Flavor Variations (Mint, Orange, etc.)
You can easily add fun flavors to your S’mores brownie bars. For a minty twist, use peppermint extract instead of vanilla. Just one teaspoon will do. If you prefer citrus, add orange zest or a few drops of orange extract. These flavors brighten the bars and make them unique. Experiment with these ideas to find your favorite!
Storage Info
Best Practices for Storage
Store your S’mores Brownie Bars in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh. Place a layer of parchment paper between layers of bars. This prevents sticking. Keep them at room temperature for up to four days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing.
Freezing Instructions
To freeze your S’mores Brownie Bars, first let them cool completely. Cut them into squares. Wrap each square in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can stay in the freezer for up to three months. When you want to enjoy them, just take out as many as you need.
How to Reheat S’mores Brownie Bars
To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the bars on a baking sheet. Cover them with aluminum foil to prevent drying out. Heat for about 10 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave a bar for about 15 seconds. This will make them warm and gooey again. Enjoy that melty goodness!
FAQs
Can I substitute eggs in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute eggs. You can use flax eggs or applesauce. For one egg, mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with three tablespoons of water. Let it sit for five minutes to thicken. For applesauce, use a quarter cup per egg. This will keep the bars moist.
How do I make these bars more s’mores-like?
To boost the s’mores flavor, add more marshmallows and graham crackers. You could also drizzle melted chocolate on top. Use a mix of chocolate chips, like dark and milk, for a richer taste. Try adding toasted coconut for a fun twist. This gives extra texture and flavor.
What if I don’t have graham crackers?
If you lack graham crackers, use crushed cookies like Digestives or vanilla wafers. You can even make your own using flour, sugar, and butter. Just crush them into small pieces. This keeps the crunchy layer in your bars, so they remain tasty.
This blog post covers how to make delicious s’mores brownie bars. We talked about the right ingredients, smart tips, and fun substitutions. You learned step-by-step how to prepare, bake, cool, and serve these treats. I shared tips for perfect texture and storing extras. We explored tasty variations and the best ways to store and reheat.
In the end, these brownies are a fun dessert to enjoy. Use the tips and tricks to make them your own. Happy baking!
