Embracing the Campfire Spirit, Indoors

There’s something uniquely magical about camping, isn’t there? The crisp mountain air, the peaceful rustle of leaves, and the comforting crackle of a campfire. While I adore the great outdoors, what truly captivates me is the sensory delight of a perfectly crafted s’more. That golden-brown, lightly charred marshmallow, slowly melting over a square of rich chocolate, all sandwiched between two crisp graham crackers – it’s an experience that transcends a mere dessert. It’s a ritual, a memory in the making.

As winter casts its icy spell, my thoughts often drift to those sun-drenched summer weekends. The aroma of roasting hot dogs, the camaraderie around a blazing fire, and of course, the indispensable s’mores. But when the snow falls and the temperatures plummet, recreating that quintessential campfire moment isn’t always feasible. The longing for that sweet, gooey perfection can become almost unbearable.

This culinary dilemma led me on a quest: how to capture the essence of s’mores and bring that comforting warmth into my cozy winter kitchen? The answer arrived in an unexpected, delightful package, promising to revolutionize my indoor dessert game.

The Secret Ingredient: Toasted Marshmallow Creme

My excitement was palpable when I received a special delivery: a container of Toasted Marshmallow Creme from Solo Foods. While I’d enjoyed standard marshmallow creme in various capacities before, the “toasted” aspect immediately piqued my interest. Could it truly replicate that distinct, caramelized flavor of a marshmallow held just long enough over an open flame?

The moment the package arrived, I wasted no time. With two containers generously provided, the first was swiftly opened. My husband and I, both avid s’mores enthusiasts, armed ourselves with spoons and dove in. The verdict? Utterly surprising and absolutely delicious! It wasn’t just sweet; it had that unmistakable, smoky, almost nutty depth that comes from perfectly toasted marshmallows. It was like magic in a jar.

That first container quickly vanished. My husband discovered its divine potential layered with peanut butter on toast – a simple yet incredibly satisfying treat. I, on the other hand, found myself repeatedly reaching for a spoonful straight from the jar, savoring every sweet, toasted note. It was a revelation, proving that the joy of s’mores didn’t have to be confined to outdoor adventures.

Crafting the Perfect S’mores Brownies: A Recipe Reimagined

With the second container of this incredible Toasted Marshmallow Creme, my culinary imagination began to swirl. I knew it deserved to be the star of a baked creation, something that would truly highlight its unique flavor. My mind immediately went back to a brownie recipe I had perfected months earlier – one with an irresistible graham cracker crust. The more I contemplated it, the clearer it became: this was the perfect foundation for a s’mores-inspired masterpiece.

The idea of combining a rich, fudgy brownie with the crunch of a graham cracker crust and the ethereal sweetness of toasted marshmallow was simply too good to pass up. It promised to deliver all the beloved elements of a s’more in a convenient, decadent square. The anticipation grew as I gathered my ingredients, eager to see if this indoor s’mores dream could become a reality.

The result was nothing short of a triumph. While the intense “toasted” flavor of the creme mellowed slightly when baked into the rich brownies, the overall effect was still incredibly satisfying. These brownies offered a symphony of textures and tastes: the crisp, buttery graham cracker base, the dense, chocolatey brownie, and the soft, slightly chewy marshmallow topping. They were an instant hit.

In fact, when I first baked them, we were on a small family vacation, enjoying a cozy cabin getaway. Before I could even properly slice them for photos, eager hands were already reaching for pieces. The picture I managed to snap was indeed a hasty one, quickly taken to capture the moment before they disappeared entirely. It truly doesn’t do justice to their deep, rich flavor and delightful texture. Be warned: these brownies are intensely rich, so a small piece goes a long way – though you might find yourself reaching for a second!

Tips for the Perfect S’mores Brownies

Achieving the perfect s’mores brownie is simpler than you might think, but a few pointers can elevate your baking experience. For the graham cracker crust, ensure your crumbs are fine but still have some texture – this provides a delightful crunch. Pressing them firmly into the pan is key to a sturdy base that won’t crumble when sliced. If you don’t have a food processor, a resealable bag and a rolling pin work wonders for crushing the crackers.

When preparing the brownie batter, avoid overmixing after adding the flour. Overworking the gluten can lead to tough brownies, and we want fudgy! The addition of unsweetened chocolate creates a deep, complex chocolate flavor that perfectly balances the sweetness of the marshmallow. Chopping it finely helps it melt smoothly with the butter.

The marshmallow creme topping is the crown jewel. Spreading it evenly can be a little tricky. Warm it slightly if it’s too stiff, or use an offset spatula dipped in a little warm water to glide it smoothly over the baked brownies. Keep a close eye on the brownies during the final baking stage with the marshmallow; it toasts quickly. A light golden-brown is ideal for that classic s’mores appearance and flavor.

These brownies are wonderful warm, allowing the marshmallow to be at its gooies, but they also hold up beautifully at room temperature. Storing them in an airtight container will keep them fresh and delicious for several days, making them perfect for sharing or savoring over time (if they last that long!).

S’mores Brownies Recipe

S’mores Brownies

Author: Deborah Harroun

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Yields: 16 servings

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Rich brownies with a graham cracker crust are topped with marshmallows in these S’mores Brownies – a fun twist on s’mores, perfect for any occasion.

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Ingredients

• 1/2 pound (2 sticks) butter
• 1 sleeve graham crackers (about 9 sheets), crushed
• 1 cup plus 3 tablespoons sugar, divided
• 2 ounces unsweetened chocolate, chopped
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 (7 oz) container of Toasted Marshmallow Creme (or regular marshmallow creme)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8-inch square baking pan.
2. For the Graham Cracker Crust: Melt half of the butter. In a food processor, pulse the graham crackers until they form coarse crumbs. (Alternatively, place them in a heavy-duty resealable plastic bag and crush them with a rolling pin.) Transfer the crumbs to a bowl; mix thoroughly with 3 tablespoons of sugar and the melted butter until well combined. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of your prepared baking pan. Bake the crust for 12 to 15 minutes, or until it’s a light golden brown and feels almost firm. Allow it to cool completely.
3. For the Brownies: In a saucepan, over medium heat, melt the unsweetened chocolate with the remaining half of the butter, stirring continuously until the mixture is smooth. Remove from heat. Whisk in the remaining 1 cup of sugar, followed by the eggs, and finally the vanilla extract until just combined. Gently fold in the all-purpose flour and salt until no dry streaks remain. (Note: The original recipe mentioned pecans, but they are not listed in the ingredients. If desired, add 1/2 cup chopped pecans at this stage.) Pour the brownie batter evenly into the prebaked and cooled graham cracker crust.
4. Bake the brownies for 35 minutes, or until the center is just set (a toothpick inserted into the center should come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter).
5. Add Marshmallow Topping: Carefully remove the brownies from the oven. Evenly spread the Toasted Marshmallow Creme over the warm brownie layer. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the marshmallow topping is lightly golden brown and bubbly.
6. Cool and Serve: Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before slicing and serving. This allows them to set properly, especially the marshmallow layer. Store any leftover brownies wrapped or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 to 5 days.

Recipe Notes:

This recipe is adapted from The Deen Family Cookbook.