Smores Brownies Vanilla Bean: The Ultimate Dessert Recipe

S’mores Brownies Vanilla Bean: Prepare to embark on a flavor adventure that perfectly marries the nostalgic campfire treat with the decadent delight of a rich, fudgy brownie! Imagine sinking your teeth into a warm, gooey brownie, infused with the subtle sweetness of vanilla bean, only to discover a hidden layer of melted chocolate and toasted marshmallows. It’s a symphony of textures and tastes that will transport you back to cozy evenings under the stars.

While the exact origins of the s’more are debated, its popularity exploded in the early 20th century, becoming a beloved staple of Girl Scout campfires. The combination of graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallow proved irresistible, and its simple preparation made it a perfect treat for outdoor adventures. Now, we’re taking that classic combination and elevating it with the sophisticated touch of vanilla bean, all nestled within a luscious brownie.

What makes these S’mores Brownies Vanilla Bean so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The fudgy brownie base provides a rich, chocolatey foundation, while the vanilla bean adds a delicate floral note that complements the sweetness of the marshmallow and chocolate. The toasted marshmallow topping offers a delightful chewiness, contrasting beautifully with the soft brownie. Plus, these brownies are incredibly easy to make, making them the perfect treat for a weeknight dessert or a special occasion. Get ready to experience a new level of brownie bliss!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Brownies:
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• For the Graham Cracker Layer:
• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 12 full graham crackers)
• 6 tablespoons (3 ounces) unsalted butter, melted
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• For the Marshmallow Topping:
• 1 (10-ounce) package large marshmallows
• 1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise and seeds scraped
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• Pinch of salt
• Optional Garnish:
• Extra graham cracker crumbs
• Mini chocolate chips
• Toasted marshmallow fluff

Preparing the Graham Cracker Crust:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal. This is crucial for getting those brownies out cleanly!
2. In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Mix well until the crumbs are evenly moistened. I like to use my hands to really get in there and make sure everything is combined properly.
3. Press the graham cracker mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. You can use the bottom of a measuring cup or a flat-bottomed glass to help you get a nice, even layer.
4. Bake the graham cracker crust for 8-10 minutes, or until it’s lightly golden brown and fragrant. This step helps the crust set and prevents it from becoming soggy when the brownie batter is added. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly while you prepare the brownie batter.

Making the Brownie Batter:

1. In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, sugar, cocoa powder, and salt. Whisk everything together until it’s smooth and well combined. The mixture will be quite thick at this point, but don’t worry, it will all come together.
2. Stir in the vanilla extract. I always use pure vanilla extract for the best flavor, but you can use imitation vanilla if that’s what you have on hand.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Make sure to fully incorporate each egg before adding the next. This helps to create a smooth and glossy batter.
4. Gradually add the flour, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can result in tough brownies. You want to mix until the flour disappears, but no further.
5. Fold in the chocolate chips. I love using semi-sweet chocolate chips, but you can use milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips if you prefer.

Assembling and Baking the Brownies:

1. Pour the brownie batter evenly over the cooled graham cracker crust. Spread it out with a spatula to ensure it reaches all the corners of the pan.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached. Be careful not to overbake the brownies, as they will continue to set as they cool.
3. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before adding the marshmallow topping. This is important because if you add the marshmallow topping while the brownies are still hot, it will melt and become a sticky mess.

Preparing the Vanilla Bean Marshmallow Topping:

1. While the brownies are cooling, prepare the marshmallow topping. In a large, microwave-safe bowl, combine the marshmallows, vanilla bean seeds (and the pod itself for extra flavor!), butter, heavy cream, and salt.
2. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds, until the marshmallows are melted and smooth. Be careful not to overheat the marshmallows, as they can burn easily.
3. Remove the vanilla bean pod. Stir the melted marshmallow mixture until it’s completely smooth and creamy.

Adding the Marshmallow Topping and Finishing Touches:

1. Pour the melted marshmallow topping evenly over the cooled brownies. Spread it out with a spatula to create a smooth, even layer.
2. At this point, you have a few options. You can broil the marshmallow topping for a minute or two to get it nice and toasty. Keep a very close eye on it, as it can burn quickly. Alternatively, you can use a kitchen torch to toast the marshmallows. This gives you more control over the browning. If you don’t want to toast the marshmallows, you can simply leave them as is. They will still be delicious!
3. If desired, sprinkle the top of the brownies with extra graham cracker crumbs and mini chocolate chips.
4. Let the marshmallow topping set for at least 30 minutes before cutting the brownies into squares. This will help the topping to firm up and prevent it from sticking to the knife.
5. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the brownies out of the pan. Cut into squares and serve.

Tips and Variations:

• For extra gooey brownies: Underbake the brownies slightly. They should still be slightly soft in the center when you remove them from the oven.
• For a richer flavor: Use dark chocolate cocoa powder instead of unsweetened cocoa powder.
• Add nuts: Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans to the brownie batter for added texture and flavor.
• Use different flavored marshmallows: Experiment with different flavored marshmallows, such as chocolate or strawberry.
• Make it a s’mores dip: Instead of baking the brownies in a pan, bake them in a cast iron skillet. Top with the marshmallow topping and serve with graham crackers for dipping.
• Storage: Store the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Enjoy your delicious S’mores Brownies!

Conclusion:

And there you have it! These S’mores Brownies with a hint of Vanilla Bean are truly a must-try for anyone who loves the classic campfire treat but wants a more sophisticated and decadent experience. The fudgy brownie base, the gooey marshmallow topping, and the satisfying crunch of graham crackers all come together in perfect harmony, elevated by the subtle warmth of vanilla bean. Trust me, one bite and you’ll be hooked!

But why are these brownies so special? It’s more than just the sum of their parts. The combination of textures and flavors is simply irresistible. The rich, dark chocolate of the brownie contrasts beautifully with the sweet, airy marshmallow. The graham crackers add a delightful textural element, preventing the brownies from being overly rich. And that touch of vanilla bean? It’s the secret ingredient that takes these brownies from good to extraordinary, adding a layer of complexity and depth that you won’t find in your average s’mores brownie.

Beyond the incredible flavor, these brownies are also surprisingly easy to make. The recipe is straightforward and doesn’t require any fancy equipment or complicated techniques. Even if you’re a novice baker, you can easily whip up a batch of these delicious treats in no time. And the best part? They’re guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser! Whether you’re baking for a party, a potluck, or just a cozy night in, these brownies are sure to be a hit.

Looking for serving suggestions? These brownies are fantastic on their own, but you can also dress them up with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce. For an extra touch of indulgence, try serving them warm with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder. They’re also delicious with a cup of hot coffee or a glass of cold milk.

And if you’re feeling adventurous, why not try some variations? You could add chopped nuts to the brownie batter for extra crunch, or swirl in some peanut butter for a Reese’s-inspired twist. For a more festive treat, try using different flavored marshmallows, such as strawberry or chocolate. You could even experiment with different types of graham crackers, such as cinnamon or chocolate. The possibilities are endless!

I truly believe that these S’mores Brownies Vanilla Bean are the ultimate dessert for any occasion. They’re rich, decadent, and incredibly satisfying, and they’re sure to bring a smile to your face. So what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients and get baking!

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe and experience the magic of these brownies for yourself. Once you do, I’d love to hear about your experience! Did you make any variations? What did you think of the flavor? What was your favorite part? Share your thoughts and photos in the comments below. I can’t wait to see what you create! Happy baking! And remember, life is too short to skip dessert, especially when it involves S’mores Brownies Vanilla Bean!