S’mores Brownie Bars Deliciously Indulgent Treat
Craving something sweet and indulgent? Look no further than these S’mores Brownie Bars! Combining rich chocolate, gooey marshmallows, and crunchy graham crackers, they’re a delightful twist on a classic treat. Whether you’re baking for a party or just satisfying your own sweet tooth, I’ll guide you through every step. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this easy recipe that packs a delicious punch!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Decadent Flavor: These S’mores Brownie Bars combine the rich taste of brownies with the nostalgic flavors of s’mores, creating an irresistible treat.
- Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward and requires minimal steps, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
- Perfect for Sharing: With 12 servings, these bars are ideal for parties, picnics, or family gatherings, ensuring there’s enough for everyone.
- Customizable: You can easily tweak this recipe by adding your favorite mix-ins, like nuts or other types of chocolate, for a personal touch.
Ingredients
To create the perfect S’mores Brownie Bars, you need a mix of sweet and rich flavors. Here’s what you’ll need:
– 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 cups granulated sugar
– 4 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
– 1 cup mini marshmallows
– 1 cup crushed graham crackers
– 1/2 cup chocolate syrup
Each ingredient plays a key role in making these bars delightful. The butter adds richness, while sugar brings sweetness. The eggs bind the mix together. Vanilla adds a warm flavor, and flour gives structure. Cocoa powder makes it chocolaty, and baking powder helps it rise. Salt balances the sweetness. Chocolate chips add extra chocolatey goodness, and mini marshmallows and graham crackers give that classic s’mores taste. Finally, chocolate syrup drizzled on top makes everything even better. This blend creates a treat that melts in your mouth!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing for Baking
– Preheat the oven to 350°F. This helps the brownies cook evenly.
– Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan. Use butter or non-stick spray for easy removal.
Mixing the Batter
– In a large bowl, combine the melted butter and granulated sugar. Whisk until smooth.
– Next, add the eggs one at a time. Mix well after each egg. Stir in the vanilla extract.
– In another bowl, sift the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold the dry mix into the wet ingredients. Stop mixing when just combined.
– Now, gently fold in the chocolate chips. This adds extra chocolatey goodness. Pour the brownie batter into the greased pan and spread it out evenly.
Baking the Brownies
– Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick. It should come out with a few moist crumbs.
– Remove the brownies from the oven. Quickly sprinkle mini marshmallows and crushed graham crackers on top. Drizzle chocolate syrup over the marshmallows.
– Return the pan to the oven for an additional 5-7 minutes. Watch for the marshmallows to turn lightly golden and puff up.
– Let the brownies cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes. This makes cutting easier. Enjoy your delicious S’mores Brownie Bars!
Tips & Tricks
Baking Tips
– Ensuring proper baking time: Bake your S’mores Brownie Bars for 25-30 minutes. A toothpick should come out with moist crumbs. This means they are done. If it’s clean, they might be overbaked.
– Ensuring moist brownies: Use melted butter for a rich taste. Avoid overmixing when you combine wet and dry ingredients. This keeps your brownies tender and gooey.
Presentation Tips
– Serving suggestions for maximum appeal: Serve the brownie bars warm. This melts the mini marshmallows and adds charm. Place the bars on a nice plate to make them look special.
– Optional toppings: Top with more mini marshmallows and a drizzle of chocolate syrup. You can also add crushed graham crackers for extra crunch and flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
– Overmixing the batter: Mix just until combined. Overmixing can create tough brownies. Gentle folding keeps them soft and delicious.
– Underbaking: Make sure to bake them until the tops are golden. If they are too gooey, you might end up with a messy treat. Check for that perfect bake!
Pro Tips
- Use Room Temperature Eggs: Ensure your eggs are at room temperature for a smoother batter and better incorporation.
- Do Not Overmix: Mix until just combined to keep your brownies fudgy and avoid a dense texture.
- Experiment with Mix-Ins: Try adding nuts, toffee bits, or different types of chocolate chips for extra flavor and texture.
- Store Properly: Keep leftover brownie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days for optimal freshness.
Variations
Flavor Variations
You can customize your S’mores Brownie Bars to suit your taste. Try adding nuts for crunch. Chopped walnuts or pecans work well. You can also stir in peanut butter for a creamy twist. Just swirl it into the batter before baking.
For chocolate lovers, use different types of chocolate. Milk chocolate gives a sweeter taste. Dark chocolate adds a rich, bold flavor. You can mix semi-sweet and white chocolate chips for a fun contrast.
Dietary Modifications
If you need gluten-free options, swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. This change keeps the bars just as tasty.
For vegan replacements, use flax eggs instead of real eggs. To make flax eggs, mix one tablespoon of flaxseed meal with three tablespoons of water. Let it sit until it thickens. Use dairy-free butter and chocolate chips for a vegan treat.
Seasonal Twists
You can make these bars seasonal too. Add pumpkin spice in the fall for a cozy flavor. Just mix one teaspoon of pumpkin spice into the dry ingredients. In summer, try adding fresh berries for a fruity touch. Strawberries or raspberries work great, adding color and taste.
Storage Info
Storage Methods
– Storing leftovers at room temperature: You can store S’mores Brownie Bars at room temperature. Just place them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh for about three days. Make sure the bars are cool before you seal them up.
– Refrigeration for extended freshness: For longer storage, put the brownie bars in the fridge. They can last up to a week this way. The cold will help maintain their rich flavor and texture. Just remember to cover them well to avoid drying out.
Freezing Instructions
– How to freeze S’mores Brownie Bars: If you want to keep them for a longer time, freezing is a great option. Cut the bars into individual pieces. Then wrap each piece in plastic wrap tightly. Place the wrapped bars in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last for up to three months in the freezer.
– Thawing tips for best texture: When you’re ready to enjoy them, take the bars out of the freezer. Let them thaw in the fridge overnight. This helps keep their texture nice and moist. If you want, you can warm them up in the microwave for a few seconds before serving. Enjoy your tasty treat!
FAQs
How long do S’mores Brownie Bars last?
S’mores Brownie Bars can last for about 3 days at room temperature. Keep them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. If you refrigerate them, they can last up to a week. Cold storage helps keep the bars moist and tasty.
Can I make these brownies ahead of time?
Yes, you can make these brownies a day or two ahead. Just bake them and let them cool completely. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This way, you can enjoy a sweet treat anytime without stress.
What can I substitute for chocolate syrup?
If you don’t have chocolate syrup, try using melted chocolate or Nutella. Both options add a rich flavor. You can also use caramel sauce for a different twist. Each topping will give your bars a unique taste.
This article covered all you need to make S’mores Brownie Bars. You learned about the key ingredients, step-by-step baking instructions, and tips for perfect results. I shared fun variations and storage methods to keep them fresh. Remember, avoiding common mistakes leads to tasty treats. With all this knowledge, you can bake confidently. Enjoy creating delicious brownies that impress everyone! Keep experimenting and have fun in the kitche
S'mores Brownie Bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 0.5 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1 cup crushed graham crackers
- 0.5 cup chocolate syrup
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until well combined.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Gently fold in the chocolate chips. Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Remove the brownies from the oven and immediately sprinkle the mini marshmallows and crushed graham crackers on top. Drizzle the chocolate syrup over the marshmallows.
- Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, until the marshmallows are lightly golden and puffed.
- Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before cutting them into bars.
