Gooey S’mores Brownies – The Ultimate Summer Dessert Recipe

Introduction

Imagine a dessert that combines the classic campfire treat with the richness of a brownie, all in one gooey, chocolatey package. Look no further than these Gooey S’mores Brownies, the perfect dessert for any summer gathering. With their easy-to-find ingredients and simple preparation, these brownies are a game-changer for anyone looking to impress their friends and family without spending hours in the kitchen. The best part? They require minimal effort but yield impressive results, making them a must-try for any dessert lover.

Why This Works

• Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: The combination of chocolate, marshmallows, and graham crackers creates a perfectly balanced flavor profile that is both nostalgic and exciting. Plus, all the ingredients are easily found in most grocery stores.
• Ease of preparation: Despite their impressive appearance, these brownies are surprisingly easy to make. The simple layering of ingredients and short baking time make them a breeze to prepare, even for the most novice bakers.
• Impressive results with minimal effort: The gooey, chocolatey center and toasted marshmallows on top make for a show-stopping dessert that is sure to impress anyone. And the best part? It requires minimal effort and time in the kitchen, making it perfect for busy summer days.

Ingredients

• 1 and 1/2 sticks of unsalted butter, plus more for greasing the pan
• 2 cups of sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 1 and 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup of mini marshmallows
• 1 cup of crushed graham crackers

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease an 8-inch square baking pan with butter and line with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and cocoa powder. Set aside.
3. Step 3: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
4. Step 4: Gradually mix in the flour mixture until just combined, then stir in the chocolate chips.
5. Step 5: Press half of the brownie mixture into the prepared pan, then top with the mini marshmallows and crushed graham crackers.
6. Step 6: Top with the remaining brownie mixture and smooth the top.
7. Step 7: Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the edges are set and the center is still slightly gooey.
8. Step 8: Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares and serving.

Handy Tips

• To ensure the brownies are gooey, don’t overbake them. A slightly underbaked center is better than an overbaked one.
• Use high-quality chocolate for the best flavor.
• Don’t overmix the batter, as this can lead to tough brownies.
• Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. This will help them set and make them easier to cut.

Heat Control

To achieve the perfect gooey center, it’s essential to control the heat. Bake the brownies at 350°F (180°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is still slightly jiggly. Avoid overbaking, as this will result in dry, crumbly brownies.

Crunch Factor

The combination of toasted marshmallows and crushed graham crackers adds a delightful crunch to these brownies. To enhance the crunch, try broiling the brownies for an additional 1-2 minutes after baking. This will toast the marshmallows and add a nice textural element.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• To ensure the brownies are evenly baked, rotate the pan halfway through the baking time.
• Use a kitchen torch to toast the marshmallows and add a nice caramelized flavor.
• Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. This will help them set and make them easier to cut.

Storage Tips

• Store the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Freeze the brownies for up to 2 months. Simply thaw at room temperature or reheat in the microwave.
• Reheat the brownies in the microwave or oven to serve warm. Simply heat for 10-15 seconds in the microwave or 5-7 minutes in the oven at 350°F (180°C).

Gift Packaging Ideas

These brownies are perfect for gift-giving, especially during the summer months. Consider packaging them in a cute paper box or bag with a ribbon and a gift tag. You could also add a few extra touches, such as a bag of marshmallows or a graham cracker crust, to make the gift even more special.

Flavor Variations

• Try adding a teaspoon of mint extract to the batter for a refreshing twist.
• Use different types of chocolate chips, such as milk chocolate or white chocolate, for a unique flavor.
• Add some chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, to the batter for added texture and flavor.

Troubleshooting

• If the brownies are too dry, try adding a little more butter or oil to the batter.
• If the brownies are too gooey, try baking them for an additional 2-3 minutes.
• If the marshmallows are not toasting properly, try broiling the brownies for an additional 1-2 minutes.

FAQs

• Can I freeze the brownies? Yes, you can freeze the brownies for up to 2 months. Simply thaw at room temperature or reheat in the microwave.
• Are the brownies gluten-free? No, the brownies contain gluten due to the all-purpose flour. However, you can try substituting the flour with a gluten-free alternative.
• Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can double the recipe to make a larger batch of brownies. Simply multiply all the ingredients by two and bake in a larger pan.

Conclusion

These Gooey S’mores Brownies are the perfect dessert for any summer gathering. With their easy-to-find ingredients, simple preparation, and impressive results, they are sure to be a hit with anyone who tries them. So go ahead, give them a try, and enjoy the ooey-gooey, chocolatey goodness of these delicious brownies. And don’t forget to share your creations with friends and family – they’re sure to be a hit!