These S’mores Brownies are a fun twist on a classic treat! Rich chocolate brownies are topped with gooey vanilla bean marshmallow and crunchy graham cracker bits. Yum!
Honestly, the marshmallow topping is like a dreamy cloud on top of brownies! I sometimes make extra, just to taste it on its own. Trust me, you’ll want to scoop up every bite! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Graham cracker crumbs: These are essential for that classic S’mores flavor. If you’re gluten-free, try using ground nuts or gluten-free cookie crumbs instead.
Unsalted butter: You’ll see this used often for controlling salt levels. If you’re looking for a lighter option, coconut oil can work as a substitute, providing a unique taste.
Granulated sugar: This adds sweetness, but brown sugar can give a deeper flavor. You might also consider using coconut sugar for a less processed option.
Cocoa powder: Dutch-processed cocoa will give your brownies a smoother, richer chocolate flavor. If you don’t have cocoa on hand, carob powder can be a caffeine-free substitute.
Egg whites: They’re crucial for the marshmallow texture. If you prefer a vegan option, aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas) can be whipped up to create a similar effect.
Vanilla bean paste: If you can’t find it, pure vanilla extract works fine, but the paste has specks of vanilla that add a lovely touch.
How Do You Get the Marshmallow Topping Just Right?
Creating the marshmallow topping can seem tricky, but it’s easier than you think! Start by making a double boiler; this will gently warm your egg white mixture without cooking the eggs. Here’s how to nail it:
- Combine egg whites, sugar, corn syrup, and salt in a heatproof bowl set over simmering water.
- Whisk constantly for about 4-5 minutes until warm and sugar is dissolved.
- Remove from heat, add vanilla bean paste, and beat on high for 5-7 minutes until stiff peaks form.
This process creates that fluffy, airy texture that’s signature to marshmallows. Just remember not to overheat it – you want warm, not hot!
How to Make S’mores Brownies With Vanilla Bean Marshmallow
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
For the Brownies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Vanilla Bean Marshmallow Topping:
- 2 large egg whites
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup light corn syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste (or extract)
- Pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time, plus 40-45 minutes of baking and cooling time. You’ll need about 10 minutes to toast the marshmallow topping. In total, plan for roughly 1 hour to make and enjoy your S’mores Brownies with Vanilla Bean Marshmallow!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, grab a 9×13 inch baking pan. Grease it lightly and line it with parchment paper to make easy removal later.
2. Make the Crust:
In a medium bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Stir until everything is well combined. Then, press this mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan. Bake the crust for about 10 minutes, then take it out of the oven and let it cool while you prepare the brownies.
3. Prepare the Brownies:
Grab a medium saucepan and melt 1 cup of butter over medium heat. Once it’s melted and bubbly, remove it from the heat. Add in the granulated sugar and eggs, stirring until it’s all well combined. Then mix in the vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Be careful not to overmix! Pour the brownie batter over your baked crust, spreading it evenly across the top.
4. Bake the Brownies:
Place the pan back in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. To check if they’re done, insert a toothpick in the center—if it comes out with a few moist crumbs, you’re good to go! Once done, remove the brownies from the oven and let them cool slightly.
5. Make the Marshmallow Topping:
For the marshmallow topping, combine the egg whites, granulated sugar, corn syrup, and a pinch of salt in a heatproof bowl. Set this bowl over a pot of simmering water (this creates a double boiler). Whisk constantly until the mixture is warm to touch and the sugar is dissolved, which should take about 4-5 minutes. Remove it from the heat and stir in the vanilla bean paste. Then, using a stand mixer or electric mixer, beat the mixture on high speed for about 5-7 minutes until it forms stiff peaks and looks glossy.
6. Assemble and Toast:
Spread the fluffy marshmallow topping evenly over your cooled brownies. Now for the fun part—toast the marshmallow! You can use a kitchen torch to lightly char the top until golden, or pop it under the broiler for 1-2 minutes. Keep a close eye on it so it doesn’t burn!
7. Cool and Serve:
Let the brownies cool completely before cutting them into squares. Once they’re cool, you can serve your S’mores Brownies with Vanilla Bean Marshmallow. Enjoy every gooey, delicious bite!
Can I Use a Different Type of Flour?
Absolutely! If you don’t have all-purpose flour, you can substitute it with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version or use cake flour for a lighter texture. Just keep in mind that switching to a different type of flour may slightly alter the final texture.
How Should I Store Leftover Brownies?
Store any leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week, or freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap them tightly to prevent freezer burn!
Can I Make the Marshmallow Topping Ahead of Time?
While it’s best to make the marshmallow topping fresh for optimal fluffiness, you can prepare it up to 2 hours in advance. Just cover it with plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out, but keep it at room temperature until you’re ready to use it.
What If I Don’t Have a Kitchen Torch?
No worries! If you don’t have a kitchen torch, you can also toast the marshmallow topping under the broiler in your oven. Just place it on the top rack and watch closely as it can burn quickly—1-2 minutes should be enough for a nice golden brown color!
