Are you ready to indulge in a sweet treat? These S’mores Brownie Bars are simple to make and downright delicious! Imagine rich chocolate brownies layered with gooey marshmallows, crunchy graham crackers, and drizzled with chocolate. This recipe mixes the best of classic campfire flavors into a bite-sized bar everyone will love. Follow along as I guide you through each step, tips, and tricks to make your baking a success!
Ingredients
Comprehensive ingredients list for S’mores Brownie Bars
To make S’mores Brownie Bars, gather these ingredients:
– 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 cup brown sugar, packed
– 4 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup mini marshmallows (plus extra for topping)
– 1 cup graham cracker crumbs (plus extra for topping)
– 1 cup semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips
These ingredients come together to create a rich, gooey treat. Each one plays a key role in the final flavor and texture.
Substitution options for common ingredients
You can make a few swaps if needed:
– Butter: Use coconut oil or margarine for a dairy-free option.
– Granulated Sugar: Coconut sugar or honey works as a sweetener.
– Eggs: Try unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg for a vegan choice.
– All-Purpose Flour: Use almond flour or oat flour for a gluten-free version.
– Chocolate Chips: Swap for dark chocolate or white chocolate chips for a twist.
These substitutions can help you tailor the recipe to your needs without losing flavor.
Additional toppings and flavor enhancers
To elevate your S’mores Brownie Bars, consider these extras:
– Peanut Butter: Swirl in melted peanut butter for a nutty flavor.
– Caramel Sauce: Drizzle over the top for added sweetness.
– Crushed Nuts: Add walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture.
– Mint Extract: A few drops can give a refreshing taste.
Feel free to mix and match these toppings to create your perfect S’mores Brownie Bars. Check the Full Recipe for more details!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Detailed cooking instructions for the recipe
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. Mix the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, combine melted butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar. Whisk until smooth.
3. Add the eggs: Incorporate the eggs one at a time. Mix well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Combine dry ingredients: In another bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
5. Fold dry into wet: Gently mix the dry ingredients into the wet mix. Stop when no flour streaks remain. Avoid overmixing.
6. Add graham crackers and chocolate: Fold in graham cracker crumbs and chocolate chips. Then, mix in mini marshmallows.
7. Pour into the pan: Spread the brownie batter evenly into the prepared pan using a spatula.
8. Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Check for doneness with a toothpick.
9. Add toppings: Once baked, sprinkle more mini marshmallows and graham crumbs on top.
10. Broil: Switch the oven to broil. Toast the marshmallows for 1-2 minutes. Keep a close eye to avoid burning!
11. Cool down: Take the pan out and let it cool for at least 10 minutes before cutting.
12. Serve: Cut into squares. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Importance of mixing techniques and tips
Mixing properly is key to great brownie bars. When you whisk the butter and sugars, aim for a creamy texture. This helps to create a nice structure. Adding eggs one by one lets them mix well, which leads to a smooth batter. When combining dry ingredients, sifting helps prevent lumps. Finally, folding in ingredients gently keeps the batter light. Overmixing can lead to tough bars, so be gentle!
Baking time and doneness indicators
Baking time can vary slightly based on your oven. The bars should bake for 25-30 minutes. To check doneness, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs, they are done! If the toothpick is wet with batter, they need more time. Keep an eye on them, as every oven is different. Perfect brownie bars should look firm around the edges but slightly soft in the center.
Tips & Tricks
Expert baking tips for perfecting the brownie bars
To make perfect S’mores Brownie Bars, follow these tips. Use room temperature eggs. This helps the batter mix better. Ensure your butter is melted but not too hot. Hot butter can cook the eggs. Also, mix your batter gently. Overmixing can lead to tough bars.
How to achieve the best texture and flavor balance
For the best texture, use good quality chocolate chips. They melt nicely and add rich flavor. Balance the sweetness with a pinch of salt. This enhances the chocolate taste. Adding mini marshmallows gives a gooey texture. Use enough graham cracker crumbs for that classic s’mores crunch.
Common mistakes to avoid when baking brownie bars
Avoid these common mistakes. First, do not skip the mixing steps. Each one builds flavor and texture. Second, don’t open the oven door too early. This can cause your bars to sink. Lastly, let the bars cool before cutting. Cutting too soon can make a big mess.
For the full recipe, check the link above!
Variations
Creative twists on the classic S’mores Brownie Bars
You can add fun twists to S’mores Brownie Bars. Try peanut butter chips for a nutty kick. You can also mix in crushed pretzels for a salty crunch. For a fruity touch, add raspberries or strawberries. These changes can make your bars stand out!
Ingredient substitutions for dietary preferences (gluten-free, vegan)
If you need gluten-free bars, swap all-purpose flour for gluten-free flour. You can also use almond flour for a nutty flavor. For a vegan version, replace eggs with flax eggs or applesauce. Use dairy-free chocolate chips and vegan butter. These swaps keep the taste delicious!
Suggestions for flavor combinations with different chocolates or toppings
Experiment with different chocolates! Use dark chocolate for a rich taste. White chocolate adds sweetness. You can even mix chocolates for depth. Top your bars with toasted coconut or nuts for extra flavor. These ideas help you create a unique dessert every time!
Storage Info
Proper storage methods for S’mores Brownie Bars
To keep your S’mores Brownie Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container. This will prevent them from drying out. You can layer them with parchment paper to avoid sticking. If you want them to stay extra fresh, refrigerate them. Just remember to let them cool completely before storing.
Best ways to reheat or refresh the bars
If you want to enjoy your S’mores Brownie Bars warm, you can reheat them. Place one or two bars on a microwave-safe plate. Heat them for about 10 to 15 seconds. This will warm them up without making them too soft. For a crispy top, you can also pop them in the oven at 350°F for about five minutes.
Shelf life: How long do they last?
When stored correctly, S’mores Brownie Bars can last up to a week at room temperature. If you keep them in the fridge, they can last up to two weeks. You can also freeze them for longer storage. Wrap each bar in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. They can last for up to three months in the freezer. Just remember to thaw them in the fridge overnight before enjoying!
FAQs
What is the best way to cut brownie bars?
To cut brownie bars neatly, let them cool first. Cooling helps firm up the bars. Use a sharp knife for clean cuts. For best results, dip the knife in hot water. Wipe the knife after each cut to keep edges smooth. This method gives you perfect squares and a nice look.
Can I make the batter ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the batter ahead of time. Just store it in the fridge for up to two days. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Then, pour it into your pan and bake as usual. This saves time and adds convenience to your baking!
How do I prevent brownies from sticking to the pan?
To prevent sticking, grease your pan well with butter or cooking spray. You can also line the pan with parchment paper. Leave some overhang on the sides. This makes it easy to lift the brownies out later. If you follow these steps, your brownies will come out perfectly!
This guide on S’mores Brownie Bars covers all the essentials. We explored ingredients, cooking instructions, tips, and variations. You learned how to perfect your recipe while avoiding common mistakes. Plus, we discussed storage methods to keep your treats fresh.
These brownie bars are simple to make and fun to share. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and toppings. Happy baking, and may your bars always turn out delicious!
