S’mores Brownies

These S’mores Brownies take everything you love about a campfire treat and pack it into a fudgy, chocolatey square of happiness. Graham crackers add that crisp texture, mini marshmallows melt into golden goo, and classic Hershey’s bars bring a nostalgic richness.

Best of all? You don’t even need a campfire. This dessert is made using a simple boxed brownie mix and topped with all your favorite s’mores ingredients. In just 35 minutes, you’ll be biting into a warm, melty treat that’s guaranteed to bring smiles all around. Perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or just because because who doesn’t love s’mores?

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 (18.3 oz / 520 g) box family-size brownie mix (for 13×9” pan)

• 2 large eggs (or as directed for “cakey” brownies)

• 1/3 cup (80 ml) vegetable oil

• 1/3 cup (80 ml) water

• 6 graham crackers, broken into bite-size pieces

• 2 cups (90 g) miniature marshmallows

• 12 snack-size (153 g) Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Bars, broken into squares (or 2 cups chocolate chips)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. In a large bowl, combine brownie mix, eggs, oil, and water as per box instructions for cakey brownies.

3. Grease a 13×9-inch baking pan and pour in the brownie batter. Spread evenly.

4. Bake for 20 minutes, or until almost done look for a toothpick to come out with moist crumbs.

5. Remove from oven. Quickly top with graham cracker pieces and mini marshmallows, then gently press in chocolate bar squares.

6. Return to oven for an additional 5 minutes, or until marshmallows puff and chocolate begins to melt.

7. To cut warm brownies: spray a knife with cooking spray, slice, and re-spray as needed to prevent sticking.

8. For cleaner cuts, cool completely and slice into 20 squares.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 226 kcal per serving | Servings: 20 brownies

The Irresistible Charm of S’mores Brownies: A Campfire Classic Meets Fudgy Indulgence

Few desserts manage to combine nostalgic charm with decadent flavor the way S’mores Brownies do. This treat takes the beloved components of traditional s’mores graham crackers, marshmallows, and milk chocolate and layers them over a rich, fudgy brownie base to create a dessert that’s comforting, indulgent, and downright addictive. Whether you’re preparing dessert for a summer gathering, a family movie night, or simply craving something gooey and sweet, S’mores Brownies are guaranteed to satisfy.

What makes this dessert especially attractive is how easy it is to prepare. The use of a boxed brownie mix as the base makes it accessible even for beginner bakers, and the toppings require no advanced techniques just break, sprinkle, and bake. But don’t let the simplicity fool you. These brownies pack a punch in both texture and taste, offering everything from the chewiness of marshmallows to the crispy crunch of graham crackers and the melt-in-your-mouth magic of melted Hershey’s chocolate.

A Brief History of S’mores (and Why We Love Them)

To fully appreciate S’mores Brownies, it helps to understand the origin of their namesake. The word “s’more” is a contraction of “some more,” which is exactly what you’ll want after eating one. The first published recipe for s’mores appeared in a 1927 Girl Scouts handbook, Tramping and Trailing with the Girl Scouts. Since then, s’mores have become a symbol of campfires, summer nights, and childhood memories.

The classic version involves roasting a marshmallow over an open flame, sandwiching it between graham crackers along with a square of chocolate, and taking a messy, gooey bite. That flavor combination crispy, sweet graham cracker, melted chocolate, and warm, stretchy marshmallow has proven to be irresistible to generations of dessert lovers.

So, what happens when you infuse that into a brownie? Magic.

Why S’mores Brownies Work So Well

S’mores Brownies don’t just mimic the flavors of the campfire treat they elevate them. The dense, chocolatey base of a brownie replaces the traditional graham cracker foundation with something richer and more indulgent. Then, by layering in the marshmallows, graham cracker pieces, and chocolate squares during the final minutes of baking, you get that perfect, slightly toasted top with gooey marshmallow pockets and melted chocolate laced throughout.

The contrast in textures is one of the reasons this dessert is so satisfying. The brownie provides a fudgy, chewy bottom; the graham crackers add crunch and a hint of cinnamon-like spice; the marshmallows puff and caramelize, and the chocolate softens just enough to bind everything together without losing structure.

Another plus? You don’t need a campfire to make them. You can recreate all that nostalgic flavor right in your oven, making it a year-round favorite.

Perfect Occasions to Serve S’mores Brownies

One of the beauties of S’mores Brownies is their versatility. They’re just at home on a holiday dessert table as they are at a backyard BBQ. Here are some great occasions to whip up a batch:

• Summer Cookouts: Capture the essence of a campfire s’more without needing a fire pit.

• Birthday Parties: Kids and adults alike love the gooey layers and classic flavor.

• Potlucks or School Events: They transport well and don’t require refrigeration.

• Movie Nights or Game Days: Make your home feel like a gourmet cinema or snack bar.

• Holiday Baking Trays: A fun and unexpected twist alongside the usual cookies and fudge.

Plus, since the recipe uses common pantry staples and a box mix, you can have a dessert ready on short notice without a trip to the grocery store.

Customization and Flavor Variations

While the classic combo of graham cracker, milk chocolate, and marshmallow is timeless, S’mores Brownies are ripe for customization. If you’re feeling adventurous or want to cater to specific dietary needs or flavor preferences, here are a few ideas:

1. Use a Homemade Brownie Base
If you have a favorite scratch-made brownie recipe especially one that’s extra fudgy or chewy use it as your base instead of a box mix. This elevates the dessert into a more gourmet offering without losing its nostalgic appeal.

2. Try Different Chocolates
Hershey’s bars are classic, but you can switch things up with dark chocolate, white chocolate, peanut butter chips, or even caramel-filled squares for a more luxurious twist.

3. Add a Peanut Butter Swirl
Before baking, swirl in a few tablespoons of peanut butter into the brownie batter for that irresistible chocolate-peanut butter combo.

4. Make It Gluten-Free
Use a gluten-free brownie mix and substitute gluten-free graham crackers to make this dessert accessible for those with dietary restrictions.

5. Add Crunch or Salt
A sprinkle of sea salt on top can elevate the flavors, as can the addition of chopped nuts or toffee bits.

6. Miniature Bites
Make them in muffin tins for mini S’mores Brownie Bites perfect for parties or portion control.

Tips for Best Results

To ensure your S’mores Brownies turn out picture-perfect every time, keep these tips in mind:

• Don’t Overbake the Base: You want the brownies slightly underdone before adding the toppings. This allows them to finish cooking without becoming dry or crumbly.

• Press Toppings Gently: When adding marshmallows and graham crackers, gently press them into the surface so they stick but still maintain texture.

• Cutting Warm Brownies: If you can’t wait for them to cool (and who can blame you?), spray your knife with nonstick cooking spray to make slicing easier.

• Storage Matters: These brownies are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored covered at room temperature for up to 3 days. Just note that the graham crackers will soften over time due to moisture from the brownies and marshmallows.

The Appeal of Nostalgia in Modern Desserts

In the age of intricate pastries and viral dessert trends, it’s refreshing to return to something as simple and universally loved as s’mores. The combination of classic ingredients, the element of gooey indulgence, and the built-in sense of comfort make this dessert not just a recipe but an experience.

S’mores Brownies tap into that emotional connection. They remind us of laughter around a fire, sticky fingers, and long summer nights. They make us feel like kids again, even if just for a moment. That’s the power of food, especially dessert: it feeds more than hunger it feeds memory, tradition, and joy.

Conclusion: 

S’mores Brownies aren’t just another brownie variation they’re a celebration of flavor, texture, and sentiment. They strike the perfect balance between easy and impressive, nostalgic and modern, indulgent and approachable.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner looking for a crowd-pleasing treat, this dessert delivers. You’ll love how the marshmallows toast, the chocolate melts, and the graham crackers crisp just right. You’ll also love how quickly they disappear from the pan.

So the next time you’re looking for a dessert that brings smiles, satisfies cravings, and feels like a warm hug, don’t look further than S’mores Brownies. They truly are the best of both worlds comfort food with a chocolatey twist.