These S’more Brownies combine three layers of deliciousness to create a perfect bite-sized treat. With a graham cracker crust, a fudgy brownie layer, and a toasted meringue topping, they bring the classic campfire s’mores flavor to your kitchen. Whether it’s summer or winter, these brownies are a year-round indulgence everyone will love.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
For the crust:
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1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
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¼ cup granulated sugar
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¼ teaspoon salt
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5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the brownie layer:
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10 tablespoons unsalted butter
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1 oz bittersweet chocolate, coarsely chopped
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1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
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2 large eggs
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2 teaspoons vanilla extract
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¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
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¾ cup all-purpose flour
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½ teaspoon salt
For the meringue topping:
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3 large egg whites
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⅔ cup granulated sugar
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¼ teaspoon cream of tartar
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Pinch of salt
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½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
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Make the crust: Combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, salt, and melted butter in a mixing bowl. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of an 8×8-inch baking dish. Bake at 350°F for 10 minutes. Allow to cool while preparing the brownie layer.
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Prepare the brownie layer: Melt butter and chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl set over a small saucepan of simmering water. Once smooth, remove from heat and whisk in sugar. Cool slightly, then add eggs and vanilla, mixing until combined. Fold in cocoa powder, flour, and salt. Pour the batter over the cooled graham cracker crust and bake at 350°F for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs. Let it cool completely.
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Make the meringue: In a heatproof bowl, combine egg whites, sugar, cream of tartar, and salt. Set over simmering water and whisk until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is warm. Transfer to a stand mixer and beat on medium-high speed for 10-12 minutes until stiff, glossy peaks form. Stir in vanilla extract.
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Assemble: Spread the meringue evenly over the cooled brownie layer. Swirl the top with a spoon or spatula. Chill in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours to set.
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Toast the meringue: Once set, use a kitchen torch to toast the meringue until golden brown, or use a broiler for about 2-3 minutes.
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Serve: Cut into bars and serve immediately.
Nutrients
Each serving contains:
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Calories: 250-300 kcal (approximate)
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Fat: 15g
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Protein: 4g
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Carbohydrates: 30g
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Sugar: 20g
The Three Layers: A Perfect Balance of Flavors
The magic of S’more Brownies lies in the layers, each contributing a unique texture and flavor that work harmoniously together. The graham cracker crust forms a sturdy, slightly crunchy base that provides a contrast to the gooey, soft brownie layer. The rich, fudgy chocolate layer offers a depth of flavor that is both indulgent and comforting. Finally, the meringue topping adds a light, airy texture that balances the richness of the brownie and crust, while the toasty finish gives it a subtle smokiness reminiscent of a campfire.
Each layer serves a distinct purpose, ensuring that every bite of these brownies is a delightful experience. The crust provides a solid foundation, the brownie layer adds moisture and richness, and the meringue gives the dessert a delicate finish. Together, they make these brownies a truly indulgent treat that brings together the best elements of classic s’mores in a way that’s both sophisticated and approachable.
Graham Cracker Crust: The Perfect Base
The graham cracker crust is one of the key elements that sets S’more Brownies apart from traditional brownies. Its slightly sweet, crunchy texture provides a nice contrast to the soft, fudgy brownie layer. Made from crushed graham crackers, sugar, salt, and melted butter, the crust is simple yet flavorful, giving the brownies the familiar taste of a classic s’more. This crust holds everything together, offering the perfect bite when combined with the rich brownie filling and the fluffy meringue topping.
Graham crackers, which are often used in making s’mores, give the crust its signature flavor. The sweetness of the sugar and the richness of the butter make the crust irresistible, while the salt balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors. Once baked, the graham cracker crust becomes slightly crisp, providing a satisfying texture that complements the softness of the brownie and meringue layers.
Brownie Layer: Decadent and Fudgy
The brownie layer is the heart of these S’more Brownies. Rich and fudgy, this layer is made with a combination of melted butter, chopped bittersweet chocolate, granulated sugar, and eggs, resulting in a dense and indulgent texture. The addition of unsweetened cocoa powder enhances the chocolate flavor, giving the brownies a deep, satisfying richness that pairs perfectly with the graham cracker crust.
This brownie layer is not only fudgy but also incredibly moist. The careful balance of ingredients ensures that the brownies bake to perfection, with a soft, chewy texture that melts in your mouth. The chocolatey flavor is the dominant note in this layer, providing a delicious contrast to the sweetness of the graham cracker crust and the lightness of the meringue topping. Each bite of the brownie layer is a rich and satisfying experience, setting the foundation for the other layers to shine.
Meringue Topping: Light, Fluffy, and Toasted to Perfection
The meringue topping is the finishing touch that makes these S’more Brownies truly special. Made from egg whites, sugar, and cream of tartar, the meringue is whipped to stiff, glossy peaks, creating a light, airy texture that contrasts beautifully with the dense brownie and crunchy graham cracker crust. The meringue is then spread over the cooled brownie layer, giving it a fluffy, cloud-like appearance that adds both visual appeal and texture.
Toasting the meringue is the final step in creating the perfect S’more Brownie. The meringue is carefully browned using a kitchen torch or broiler, giving it a golden hue and a slight crispiness that mimics the toasted marshmallows in a traditional s’more. This toasted meringue adds a delicate smoky flavor, completing the flavor profile of these brownies and making them taste just like the classic campfire treat, but with a twist.
The Toasting Process: Achieving the Perfect Finish
Toasting the meringue is an essential step that elevates these S’more Brownies from a simple dessert to a show-stopping treat. The process of gently browning the meringue adds a depth of flavor that is reminiscent of toasted marshmallows, one of the key components of a traditional s’more. Using a kitchen torch allows for precise control over the toasting, ensuring that the meringue gets a perfect golden-brown color without burning. If you don’t have a kitchen torch, you can use a broiler, but it’s important to keep a close eye on the meringue to prevent it from becoming too dark or burned.
The toasted meringue topping is not only a visual highlight but also adds a pleasant texture that balances the richness of the brownie layer. The slightly crispy, caramelized exterior of the meringue gives way to the soft, pillowy interior, creating a delightful contrast that enhances the overall eating experience.
Customizing Your S’more Brownies
One of the great things about these S’more Brownies is their versatility. While the classic version with graham cracker crust, fudgy brownies, and toasted meringue is delicious on its own, you can easily customize these brownies to suit your taste preferences. For instance, you could add some mix-ins to the brownie layer, such as chocolate chips, nuts, or even pieces of marshmallows to enhance the s’mores experience.
If you prefer a slightly different flavor, you can experiment with different types of chocolate, such as milk chocolate or dark chocolate, to alter the sweetness and depth of the brownies. For a more intense graham flavor, you could try adding a pinch of cinnamon to the graham cracker crust, or even swap out the graham crackers for a different type of cookie, such as digestive biscuits.
Additionally, if you want to make the meringue topping a little more unique, you can infuse it with flavors like vanilla or almond extract. These small adjustments allow you to personalize the recipe and make it your own, while still maintaining the essence of the classic s’more flavor.
A Year-Round Treat
While s’mores are often associated with summer campfires, these S’more Brownies are the perfect year-round treat. Whether you’re craving a taste of summer in the middle of winter or want to enjoy a delicious dessert on a chilly evening, these brownies are an indulgent option that can be made at any time of the year. The graham cracker crust, chocolate brownie layer, and toasted meringue topping make them the ideal dessert for holidays, family gatherings, or any occasion that calls for something special.
Unlike traditional s’mores, which require a campfire, these S’more Brownies can be made right in your kitchen, making them accessible regardless of the season. The combination of familiar flavors, luxurious textures, and the ease of preparation makes them an irresistible choice for anyone looking to enjoy a little indulgence without the need for outdoor cooking.
Conclusion
In conclusion, S’more Brownies are a delightful and indulgent dessert that combines the best elements of the classic s’more with the richness of a brownie. With their graham cracker crust, fudgy brownie layer, and toasted meringue topping, these brownies offer a perfect balance of textures and flavors that will leave you wanting more. Whether you’re hosting a special event, looking for a treat to share with friends and family, or simply craving something sweet, S’more Brownies are the perfect dessert for any occasion.
Their versatility allows for customization, making it easy to adjust the recipe to suit different tastes and preferences. With their unique twist on the traditional s’more, these brownies bring the nostalgic flavors of campfire treats into the comfort of your own home. Whether it’s summer or winter, S’more Brownies are sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire, offering a year-round indulgence that everyone will love.