Get ready for a treat that combines rich, fudgy brownies with the classic taste of s’mores! My S’mores Brownie Bars are a chocolate lover’s dream, filled with gooey marshmallows and crunchy graham crackers. You’ll love how simple they are to make, with just a few pantry staples. Whether for a party or a cozy night in, these bars will steal the show. Let’s dive into the delicious details!
Ingredients
To create the best S’mores Brownie Bars, gather these simple ingredients:
– 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 cups granulated sugar
– 1 cup dark brown sugar, packed
– 4 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
– 1 cup mini marshmallows
– 1 cup finely crushed graham crackers
– Additional mini marshmallows and chocolate pieces for topping
These ingredients come together to make a rich, gooey treat with the perfect balance of flavors. Each ingredient plays a role. The butter adds moisture, while the sugars give it sweetness. The eggs bind everything together, creating a chewy texture. Cocoa powder packs in that deep chocolate flavor, and the marshmallows and graham crackers bring the classic s’mores taste.
Using high-quality chocolate chips will enhance the flavor of your bars. I always recommend semi-sweet for that perfect blend of sweet and rich. The mini marshmallows give you those delightful bites of gooeyness that everyone loves.
For the best results, make sure your butter is fully melted and your eggs are at room temperature. This helps the ingredients mix well and creates a smooth batter. Follow the Full Recipe for precise measurements and instructions to ensure your S’mores Brownie Bars turn out perfectly delicious!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepping the Oven and Pan
– Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
– Prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan. You can grease it lightly or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
Mixing Wet and Dry Ingredients
– In a large bowl, combine 1 cup of melted butter, 2 cups of granulated sugar, 1 cup of dark brown sugar, 4 large eggs, and 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
– In a separate bowl, sift together 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of fine sea salt. Gradually add this dry mix to the wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined.
Assembly and Baking
– Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared pan. Spread it evenly using a spatula.
– Sprinkle 1 cup of mini marshmallows over this first layer. Then add the rest of the brownie batter on top. Use the spatula to cover the marshmallows gently.
– For extra gooeyness, top with more mini marshmallows and chocolate pieces.
– Place the pan in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center. It should come out with a few moist crumbs. Be careful not to overbake!
Follow these steps, and you will create S’mores Brownie Bars that are a chocolate lover’s dream. For the complete recipe, refer to the full recipe section.
Tips & Tricks
Achieving the Perfect Fudgy Texture
To make your brownies fudgy, avoid overmixing. When you mix too much, they become tough. Gently fold in the dry ingredients until just combined. This keeps your brownies soft.
Check for doneness correctly. Insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs, they are ready. If it’s clean, you may have overbaked them.
Presentation Tips
Serve the brownie bars while still warm. Drizzle warm chocolate sauce on top for a rich flavor. A sprinkle of crushed graham crackers adds a nice crunch. For a fun touch, add a dollop of whipped cream beside the bars.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mismeasuring ingredients can ruin your brownies. Always use the correct measuring cups and spoons. A little too much flour can make them dry.
Not cooling properly before cutting is another mistake. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan. If you cut them too soon, they will fall apart. Enjoy every delicious bite of your S’mores Brownie Bars with these tips!
Variations
Gluten-Free Option
To make your S’mores Brownie Bars gluten-free, swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. Look for blends that contain xanthan gum for the best results. You can also use almond flour for a nutty twist. Just remember to adjust the liquid slightly since almond flour absorbs more moisture.
Flavor Variations
Get creative with your S’mores Brownie Bars! You can add nuts like walnuts or pecans for crunch. Dried fruits like cherries or cranberries can add a sweet touch. If you love chocolate, try mixing in white or milk chocolate chips along with the semi-sweet ones. This adds depth to the flavor and makes each bite special.
Seasonal Twists
Change up the flavors with the seasons! In the fall, add pumpkin spice to the batter for a warm flavor. During the holidays, try mixing in peppermint extract or crushed candy canes. These small changes can make your S’mores Brownie Bars feel fresh and exciting all year round.
Storage Info
Best Practices for Storing Brownie Bars
Store your s’mores brownie bars at room temperature. Use an airtight container to keep them fresh. If you have a warm kitchen, you might want to refrigerate them. But, chilling can change their texture. If you want the best taste, let them sit out for a while before serving.
Freezing Instructions
To freeze your brownie bars, cut them into squares. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag. This keeps them fresh for up to three months. When you want one, let it thaw in the fridge overnight. If you’re in a hurry, you can leave it out at room temperature.
Shelf Life
These brownie bars stay fresh for about one week at room temperature. If you store them in the fridge, they can last up to two weeks. For the best taste, eat them within the first few days. After that, they may start to dry out. For the full recipe, check back to make these delicious treats!
FAQs
Can I use different types of chocolate?
Yes, you can use different types of chocolate. You can swap semi-sweet chocolate chips for milk chocolate or dark chocolate. Each type brings its own flavor. For a richer taste, use dark chocolate. If you prefer sweeter bars, try milk chocolate. You can even mix different chocolates for a unique blend.
How do I know when the brownies are done?
To check if the brownies are done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs, your brownies are ready. If the toothpick is clean, they might be overbaked. Keep an eye on the time, but remember that every oven is different.
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes, you can make these bars ahead of time! Bake the bars and let them cool. Once cool, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. They can stay fresh at room temperature for up to three days. You can also refrigerate them for a week. Just remember to warm them slightly before serving for that gooey texture.
What can I do with leftover ingredients?
Got leftover graham crackers or chocolate? You can crush the leftover graham crackers and sprinkle them on ice cream. Use leftover chocolate in your morning oatmeal or melted over fruit. You can even make s’mores with leftover ingredients. Just gather some marshmallows and chocolate for a quick treat!
This blog post has covered everything you need for perfect brownie bars. We explored the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips. You learned how to avoid common mistakes and make tasty variations.
Final thoughts: With these tips, you can create delicious brownies with ease. Enjoy experimenting and making these treats your own. Happy baking!
