Ooey-Gooey S’mores Brownies

Prepare to be amazed by the ultimate dessert fusion: our incredibly chewy s’mores brownies! This isn’t just any brownie recipe; it’s a masterpiece layered with the classic tastes of Hershey’s chocolate, crunchy graham cracker crumbs, and crowned with perfectly toasted marshmallows. Imagine sinking your teeth into a rich, fudgy brownie that delivers the nostalgic campfire delight of s’mores in every decadent bite. Perfect for any gathering, these brownies are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for “s’more”!

Hello, fellow dessert enthusiasts! Molly here, the creative force behind What Molly Made, where I craft delicious recipes, both healthy and indulgently sweet. I had the pleasure of meeting Carrian at the Everything Food Conference, and her genuine passion for food immediately struck a chord with me. As a long-time admirer of Oh Sweet Basil, I am thrilled to share one of my favorite creations with you all – a recipe that perfectly encapsulates the joy and warmth of summer.

As the days grow longer and the air fills with the promise of summer, what better way to kick off the season’s festivities than with a s’mores-inspired treat? S’mores are more than just a dessert; they are a cherished symbol of summer nights, bonfires, laughter with friends, and precious family moments. That iconic combination of gooey marshmallow, melting chocolate, and crisp graham cracker instantly transports you to those magical evenings under the stars.

What Exactly Are S’mores? A Brief History of a Beloved Treat

At its heart, a s’more is a delightful sweet snack traditionally comprising a piece of toasted marshmallow and a segment of chocolate bar, all sandwiched between two graham crackers. This simple yet ingenious combination creates a symphony of textures and flavors that has captivated generations.

While the exact origin of the s’more is somewhat debated, the first known recipe for this beloved treat was published in the 1927 Girl Scout guidebook, aptly titled “Tramping and Trailing with the Girl Scouts.” They called it “Some More,” a fitting name given how irresistible they are. Over nearly a century, s’mores have evolved from a simple campfire treat into a culinary inspiration, finding their way into countless desserts and variations.

My passion lies in taking classic, comforting flavors and reimagining them with an exciting twist. While brainstorming new ways to enjoy the s’mores experience beyond the campfire, the idea for these decadent s’mores brownies was born. I wanted to capture the essence of s’mores in a baked good, elevating the humble brownie to new heights of deliciousness.

Initially, I considered letting the chocolate in the brownie batter itself fulfill the chocolate component of the s’mores trio. However, as I developed the recipe, I realized that for an authentic s’mores experience, nothing less than genuine Hershey’s chocolate would do. That distinct, creamy milk chocolate flavor is integral to the classic s’more, and I was determined to include it.

Then, inspiration struck! Why not embed a full Hershey’s bar directly into the heart of the brownie? This brilliant idea led to a truly spectacular layering technique. I spread half of the rich brownie batter into the pan, carefully arranged whole Hershey’s chocolate bars on top, and then covered them with the remaining batter. As the brownies bake, the embedded chocolate melts into a glorious, gooey layer, adding an unparalleled depth of flavor and texture that truly sets these apart.

This layering technique is incredibly versatile and can be adapted for almost any candy bar. Imagine a Reese’s peanut butter cup brownie, or a Heath bar brownie! The possibilities are endless. But for *these* s’mores brownies, the classic milk chocolate bar is non-negotiable, providing that perfect, melt-in-your-mouth experience.

Before we delve into the magic of graham cracker crumbs and toasted marshmallows, let’s talk about the foundation of any great brownie: the batter itself. Please bear with me as I get a little “nerdy” about the science behind achieving the perfect rich and fudgy texture that makes these s’mores brownies truly exceptional.

How Do You Make Brownies That Are Exceptionally Rich and Fudgy?

Creating brownies that are consistently fudgy, chewy, and rich is a science, and every ingredient plays a vital role. Here are the key factors that contribute to the dense, luxurious texture of our s’mores brownies:

1. Melted Butter for Ultimate Chewiness: The secret to a super chewy brownie lies in using melted butter. When butter is melted and then gently whisked with sugar, it minimizes the incorporation of air bubbles into the batter. Air bubbles are the enemy of fudginess, as they contribute to a cake-like texture. By keeping air introduction to a minimum, we ensure a dense, chewy result. Furthermore, because this recipe contains no chemical leaveners like baking soda or powder, there’s no concern about them reacting with dairy in the butter to create unwanted lift. It’s all about pure, unadulterated fudge!
2. The Power of Melted Chocolate and Cocoa Powder: The combination of a generous amount of melted semi-sweet chocolate with a touch of unsweetened cocoa powder is crucial for both fudgy texture and intense chocolate flavor. The melted chocolate provides essential moisture, contributing to that desirable gooeyness, while the cocoa powder deepens the rich chocolate notes without adding extra fat. This dynamic duo ensures a profoundly chocolatey and wonderfully moist brownie.
3. Brown Sugar for Irresistible Chewiness: While granulated sugar forms the majority of the sweetness and creates those signature crackly tops on brownies, a small but significant amount of light brown sugar is key to achieving that perfectly chewy texture. Brown sugar contains molasses, which not only adds a subtle depth of flavor but also keeps baked goods moist and soft, preventing them from becoming dry or crumbly. It’s the unsung hero of chewiness!
4. Eggs: The Sole Leavening Agent: In these ultra-fudgy s’mores brownies, eggs are the primary (and only) leavening agent. The inclusion of three large eggs in this recipe is precisely calculated to provide structure and richness without making the brownies cakey. They bind the ingredients, add moisture, and contribute to the dense, decadent texture we’re aiming for, resulting in a brownie that’s perfectly set yet luxuriously soft.

Why Do Brownies Sometimes Turn Out Cakey Instead of Fudgy?

The beauty of this recipe lies not only in its delicious outcome but also in its simplicity. With just a few staple ingredients, you can whip up these brownies with ease. The main culprit behind cakey brownies is often too much air incorporated into the batter. Unlike cakes, which benefit from aerated batters for a light and fluffy crumb, brownies thrive on density. This is why we gently whisk the ingredients rather than vigorously beating them. The good news? No stand mixer or electric beaters are needed, making cleanup a breeze and ensuring maximum fudginess!

Once your rich, chocolatey brownies have baked to perfection with their delightful graham cracker crumb topping, it’s time for the crowning glory: the marshmallows! This is arguably the most fun and visually appealing part of the process. After the initial bake, retrieve the brownies from the oven, evenly cover the entire surface with mini marshmallows, and return the pan to the oven.

Allow them to bake for approximately 3 minutes, or until the marshmallows begin to puff up, creating a soft, cloud-like layer. For that quintessential golden-brown, slightly caramelized s’mores finish, switch your oven to the broiler setting. This step requires your undivided attention! Watch the marshmallows very closely, as they can transition from perfectly toasted to burnt in mere seconds. In my experience, about one to one and a half minutes under the broiler is usually enough to achieve that ideal golden hue and delightfully gooey texture.

Patience is a virtue, especially when it comes to cutting perfect brownies! Once the marshmallows are beautifully toasted, remove the pan from the oven and allow the brownies to cool completely on a wire rack. This crucial cooling period allows the hidden Hershey’s chocolate layer to firm up and set again, ensuring clean, defined cuts that showcase that wonderful surprise chocolate core. Resist the urge to cut into them while warm – the wait is truly worth it!

For pristine, professional-looking s’mores brownie squares, a simple trick is to use a warm, damp paper towel to wipe your knife clean after each cut. This prevents sticking and ensures every slice is as perfect as the last. Get ready to indulge in these incredible, chewy s’mores brownies – your taste buds will thank you!

Our Best S’mores Brownies: The Recipe

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Looking for more s’mores inspired treats? Try these:

Chocolate Chip Cookie S’mores Bars

Or for another fantastic brownie variation:

Skillet Rocky Road Brownies