As I stood in my kitchen, the sweet, toasty scent of melted chocolate filled the air, instantly reminding me of warm summer nights around the campfire. That’s when the idea for these S’mores Brownies came to life! Combining the nostalgic flavors of a classic s’mores treat with the richness of a brownie, this recipe offers a delightful twist on two favorites. Not only are they a true crowd-pleaser for gatherings, but they are also surprisingly easy to whip up, making dessert feel special even on a weeknight. With a crunchy cookie crust, fudgy brownie layers, and topped with a fluffy, toasted meringue, these S’mores Brownies are bound to become a go-to in your baking repertoire. Want to learn the secret to achieving that perfect toasted finish? Keep reading to unlock this delicious recipe!

Why are S’mores Brownies a must-try?

Irresistible Flavor: This recipe combines the rich essence of chocolate and the nostalgia of s’mores in a decadent dessert that everyone will love.

Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Perfect for gatherings, these brownies will wow your friends and family, making you the star baker of the night!

Simple to Make: With straightforward steps, even novice bakers can successfully create these indulgent treats without any hassle.

Textural Delight: Experience the exciting contrast of fudgy brownie base, crunchy cookie crust, and fluffy meringue, making each bite a joy.

Versatile Variation: Feel free to explore different flavors; swapping in peanut butter or flavored chocolate lets you personalize this recipe!

S’mores Brownies Ingredients

• Here’s everything you need to create these delightful S’mores Brownies!

For the Cookie Crust

Digestive or Graham Crackers – Provides the cookie crust base for a classic s’mores flavor. Can substitute with any firm cookie base if needed.
Butter – Binds the crust and adds richness. Use unsalted butter for better flavor control.

For the Brownie Layer

Semi-Sweet Dark Chocolate Chips – Adds chocolate richness to the brownie layer. Substitute with milk chocolate for a sweeter profile.
Dutch Process Cocoa Powder – Enhances the fudgy chocolate flavor. Avoid using natural cocoa, as it may alter the texture.
Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the brownies and balances the richness.
Dark Brown Sugar – Contributes to a chewier texture, elevating the brownie experience.
Eggs – Provide structure and moisture to the brownie. Ensure they are at room temperature for best integration.
Vegetable Oil – Adds moisture to the brownies. Can substitute with melted coconut oil for a slight flavor twist.
Vanilla Extract – Enhances overall flavor. Use pure vanilla for best results.
All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure to the brownies. Using a gluten-free blend if required can also work.
Cornstarch – Improves texture for a fudgier brownie. Can be replaced with additional flour in a pinch.
Salt – Balances sweetness. Don’t omit for best flavor.

For the Meringue Topping

Egg Whites – Main ingredient for the meringue, giving it volume and lightness. Must be fresh and at room temperature.
Additional Granulated Sugar – Used in meringue for sweetness and stability. Ensure it fully dissolves during whipping.
Vanilla Bean Paste – Deepens the vanilla flavor in meringue. Can substitute with additional vanilla extract.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for S’mores Brownies

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Pan
Begin by preheating your oven to 160ºC (325ºF). While the oven is warming up, line a 20×20 cm square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later. This will help ensure your S’mores Brownies come out beautifully and without sticking, setting you up for success!

Step 2: Make the Cookie Crust
In a food processor, pulse the digestive or graham crackers until they are finely ground into crumbs. Transfer the crumbs to a mixing bowl and combine them with melted unsalted butter until fully mixed. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, ensuring an even layer. Bake the crust for about 10 minutes, until it’s lightly golden and set.

Step 3: Prepare the Brownie Batter
In a saucepan, melt the semi-sweet dark chocolate chips and butter over low heat until smooth, stirring frequently to avoid burning. Once melted, remove from heat and let cool slightly. In a separate bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, granulated sugar, dark brown sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Stir in the melted chocolate mixture, then gently fold in the flour, cornstarch, and salt until just combined. Pour this glorious brownie batter over the cooled cookie crust.

Step 4: Bake the Brownies
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake the layer of S’mores Brownies for 30-35 minutes. The edges should be set, while the center remains slightly soft; a toothpick inserted should come out with moist crumbs. Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes once baking is complete, which will make adding the meringue much easier.

Step 5: Prepare the Meringue Topping
In a heatproof bowl over simmering water, whisk together the egg whites and additional granulated sugar until the sugar is completely dissolved and the mixture becomes warm to the touch. Remove from the heat and use a hand mixer to whip the egg whites until stiff peaks form, and the meringue is glossy. Gently fold in the vanilla bean paste or additional vanilla extract for flavor before spreading the fluffy meringue over the cooled brownies.

Step 6: Toast the Meringue
Once the meringue is evenly spread over the brownies, it’s time to achieve that perfect toasted finish! Use a kitchen torch to gently toast the top of the meringue until it reaches a light golden brown. If you don’t have a torch, you can place the brownies under the broiler for just a minute or two—keep a close eye to prevent burning.

Step 7: Cool and Serve
Allow the S’mores Brownies to cool completely before slicing. For perfect cuts, run a knife under hot water to warm it up; this helps create clean lines through the meringue and brownie layers. Once cut, your delicious S’mores Brownies are ready to be enjoyed, bringing an impressive combination of textures and flavors to your table!

Helpful Tricks for S’mores Brownies

Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh eggs and high-quality chocolate for peak flavor and texture. This ensures your S’mores Brownies are as delicious as possible.
Room Temperature Eggs: Make sure your eggs are at room temperature before incorporating them. This helps to create a smoother brownie batter and better texture.
Don’t Overmix: When mixing in the dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough brownies instead of the desired fudgy goodness!
Even Meringue: To achieve a beautiful, even meringue topping, spread it gently and use an offset spatula to smooth it out before toasting.
Cool Completely: Allow your brownies to cool completely before adding meringue. This prevents sogginess and ensures the meringue will hold its shape beautifully!
Uniform Slices: For neat and uniform slices of your S’mores Brownies, dip your knife in hot water before cutting, wiping it dry between cuts to maintain cleanliness!

S’mores Brownies Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to experiment with these S’mores Brownies and make them your own, ensuring every bite is a delightful surprise!

Peanut Butter Twist: Substitute half of the butter with creamy peanut butter for a nutty, rich flavor that enhances the brownie experience.
Fl flavored Chocolate: Use mint or raspberry flavored chocolate chips for a unique take that adds a pop of fresh flavor to traditional s’mores.
Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to accommodate dietary needs while still enjoying the delightful textures and flavors.
Nutty Crunch: Fold in chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, into the brownie batter for added crunch and depth. This will elevate the texture beautifully!
Spicy Kick: For an adventurous twist, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the brownie batter for a subtle heat that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness.
Caramel Swirl: Drizzle melted caramel over the brownie batter before baking for an added layer of flavor and gooey sweetness. This combination is simply divine!
Zesty Citrus: Incorporate orange or lemon zest in the brownie batter to brighten the flavors, creating a refreshing, citrusy contrast to the rich chocolate.
Marshmallow Fluff: For extra indulgence, spread marshmallow fluff atop the cooled brownies before adding the meringue. This creates an even richer s’mores experience!

Don’t forget to check out my how to store S’mores Brownies for tips on keeping your treats fresh, or if you’re looking for more irresistible dessert ideas, try my classic brownie recipe for a timeless favorite!

What to Serve with S’mores Brownies

Imagine sharing a rich and indulgent dessert experience that sweeps your taste buds into a world of delightful pairings.

Vanilla Ice Cream: Adds a creamy, cool contrast to the warm brownies, balancing the rich sweetness beautifully.
Fresh Berries: The tartness of raspberries or strawberries cuts through the chocolate richness, offering a refreshing, fruity note. A vibrant berry compote can also elevate your dessert’s visual appeal and flavor.
Chocolate Sauce: Drizzle this over the meringue to amplify the chocolatey goodness; it’s a decadent addition that chocolate lovers will adore.
Caramel Drizzle: A warm caramel sauce enhances the overall sweetness and offers a sticky, indulgent touch. It pairs wonderfully with the fudgy texture of the brownies.
Espresso or Coffee: A strong cup of coffee or a rich espresso provides a great contrast, allowing the desserts’ flavors to shine even more. The slight bitterness balances the sweetness.
Chopped Nuts: Walnuts or pecans sprinkled on top add a delightful crunch, enhancing the texture and complementing the gooey layers beneath.
Whipped Cream: Light and airy, whipped cream adds a lovely lightness to the dense brownies, making each bite feel indulgent yet not overly heavy.
Mint Tea: A fragrant mint tea can cleanse your palate between bites, refreshing the senses and providing a wonderful herbal note.

How to Store and Freeze S’mores Brownies

Room Temperature: You can keep S’mores Brownies at room temperature for up to 1 day, but it’s best to store them in an airtight container to prevent drying out.

Fridge: For maximum freshness, store the brownies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. This will maintain their fudginess and flavor.

Freezer: Freeze your S’mores Brownies for up to 3 months. Cut them into squares, wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap, and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.

Reheating: To enjoy frozen brownies, simply thaw them overnight in the fridge or leave them at room temperature for a few hours before serving. A quick blast in the microwave (about 10-15 seconds) can also bring back their gooey texture!

Make Ahead Options

These S’mores Brownies are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time without compromising on quality! You can prepare the cookie crust up to 24 hours in advance; simply press it into the pan, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. The brownie batter can also be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days—just give it a good stir before pouring it over the crust. When you’re ready to serve, bake the brownies as instructed and top with the meringue. To maintain their delicious fudgy texture, be sure to let each layer cool completely before adding the meringue!

S’mores Brownies Recipe FAQs

What type of crackers should I use for the cookie crust?
You can use Digestive or Graham crackers to capture that classic s’mores flavor. If you don’t have them on hand, any firm cookie can substitute in a pinch. Just ensure they can be finely ground to create a solid crust!

How should I store S’mores Brownies?
For optimal freshness, store your S’mores Brownies in an airtight container. They can last in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. This helps maintain their delicious fudginess and keeps the meringue from becoming too soft.

Can I freeze S’mores Brownies?
Absolutely! You can freeze your S’mores Brownies for up to 3 months. Start by cutting them into squares, then wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap. Place wrapped brownies in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature for a few hours!

What can I do if my brownie layer turns out dry?
If your brownies come out dry, it might be due to overbaking or not measuring the ingredients accurately. To avoid this, be sure to watch the baking time carefully and check for moist crumbs when testing with a toothpick. Next time, consider adding an extra egg or a splash more oil to enhance moisture.

Are there any dietary considerations for S’mores Brownies?
Yes! If you have dietary restrictions, feel free to experiment with substitutes. You can use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version, and for a nut-free option, ensure your chocolate chips and butter are nut-free. As for pets, chocolate is toxic to dogs, so keep these treats safely out of reach!

What’s the best way to cut these brownies for clean slices?
To achieve those neat, uniform slices of your S’mores Brownies, dip your knife in hot water before cutting. Wipe it dry between cuts to ensure that the layers remain distinct and beautiful, preventing the meringue from smudging!