Get ready to elevate your dessert game with our irresistible Peanut Butter S’mores Brownies recipe! This decadent treat combines the classic flavors of s’mores with the creamy goodness of peanut butter, resulting in a dessert that’s sure to delight your taste buds. With a rich brownie base, a crunchy graham cracker crust, gooey marshmallows, and melty chocolate chips, every bite is a symphony of flavors and textures. Whether you’re craving something sweet for a special occasion or simply want to treat yourself, these brownies are guaranteed to satisfy.
Ingredients:
Graham Cracker Crust:
- 1 package graham crackers, crushed
- ½ cup sugar
- 6 tablespoons butter, melted
Brownies:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ cup cocoa powder
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 2 cups sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 eggs
- ¼ cup milk
- 10 ounces mini marshmallows
- ½ cup chocolate chips
- ½ cup peanut butter chips
- 1 cup mini peanut butter cups, chopped
Instructions:
- Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust:
- Using a food processor or a rolling pin, finely crush the graham crackers until they form crumbs.
- In a small bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until well combined.
- Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of a lightly greased 9 x 13-inch glass baking dish. Set aside.
- Make the Brownie Batter:
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and cocoa powder.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing well with an electric mixer.
- Stir in the milk and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Fold in the chopped mini peanut butter cups until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Bake the Brownies:
- Pour the brownie batter over the prepared graham cracker crust in the baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 22-25 minutes, or until the center is set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Add Toppings and Broil:
- Once the brownies are baked, remove them from the oven and switch the broiler to low heat.
- Evenly spread the mini marshmallows over the top of the brownies, followed by the chocolate chips and peanut butter chips.
- Return the baking dish to the oven and broil for a few minutes until the marshmallows are golden brown and the chips are melted. Be sure to watch closely to prevent burning.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Remove the brownies from the oven and allow them to cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing.
- Serve warm and enjoy the gooey, chocolaty, peanut buttery goodness!
Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 22-25 minutes Total Time: 45 minutes Servings: 12
Serving and Storage Tips:
- Serving Suggestions:
- These Peanut Butter S’mores Brownies are best enjoyed warm, straight from the oven, when the marshmallows are gooey and the chocolate is melted.
- Serve them as a delightful dessert for gatherings, potlucks, or special occasions.
- For an extra indulgent treat, top each serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce.
- Storage Instructions:
- If you have any leftovers (which is unlikely!), allow the brownies to cool completely before storing.
- Once cooled, cover the baking dish with aluminum foil or transfer the brownies to an airtight container.
- Store the brownies at room temperature for up to 2 days for optimal freshness and flavor.
- Alternatively, refrigerate the brownies for up to 5 days to extend their shelf life. Just be sure to bring them to room temperature or warm them in the microwave before serving to regain their soft texture and gooey goodness.
- You can also freeze individual portions of the brownies for longer storage. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil before placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.
- When ready to enjoy frozen brownies, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours. Reheat in the microwave for a few seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until warmed through.
With these serving and storage tips, you can make the most of your Peanut Butter S’mores Brownies, ensuring they stay fresh and delicious for whenever your sweet cravings strike!
Variations:
- Nutty Twist:
- For an extra nutty flavor, substitute the peanut butter chips with chopped roasted peanuts or almonds. Sprinkle them on top of the brownies before baking for a delightful crunch.
- Chocolate Lovers’ Dream:
- If you can’t get enough chocolate, add a layer of chocolate ganache on top of the brownies after they’re baked and cooled. Simply melt together equal parts of chocolate chips and heavy cream, then spread it evenly over the brownies before adding the marshmallows and broiling.
- Fruity Fusion:
- Add a fruity twist by layering sliced bananas or strawberries between the graham cracker crust and brownie batter. The combination of chocolate, peanut butter, and fruit creates a delicious harmony of flavors.
- Cookie Monster’s Delight:
- Crumble up your favorite cookies, such as Oreos or chocolate chip cookies, and mix them into the brownie batter for an extra cookie crunch. You can also sprinkle the cookie crumbs on top of the marshmallows for added texture.
- Spicy Surprise:
- For a unique flavor experience, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or ground cinnamon to the brownie batter. The subtle heat or warmth from the spices complements the sweetness of the chocolate and peanut butter.
- Vegan/Vegetarian Option:
- Make these brownies vegan-friendly by substituting dairy butter with plant-based butter and using dairy-free chocolate chips and marshmallows. Check the ingredients to ensure they’re suitable for your dietary preferences.
- Gluten-Free Goodness:
- If you’re gluten-sensitive or following a gluten-free diet, use gluten-free graham crackers and a gluten-free flour blend in the crust and brownie batter. Ensure all other ingredients are also gluten-free to make the recipe entirely gluten-free.
- Mini S’mores Bites:
- For bite-sized treats, prepare the brownie batter and graham cracker crust in mini muffin tins. Press a small amount of graham cracker mixture into each muffin cup, top with brownie batter, and bake until set. Finish with mini marshmallows and chocolate chips for adorable mini S’mores Brownie bites.
With these creative variations, you can customize your Peanut Butter S’mores Brownies to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs, ensuring each batch is a unique and delicious treat!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
- Can I use natural peanut butter instead of peanut butter chips in this recipe?
- Absolutely! You can swap out peanut butter chips for an equal amount of natural peanut butter. Just be aware that natural peanut butter may alter the texture slightly, but it will still add that delicious peanut flavor to your brownies.
- Can I make these brownies ahead of time for a party?
- Yes, you can prepare the brownies ahead of time, but it’s best to add the marshmallows and toppings just before serving to ensure they stay fresh and gooey. You can bake the brownies and store them at room temperature or in the refrigerator, then broil them with the toppings right before your event.
- Can I omit the eggs for a vegan version of these brownies?
- Yes, you can make vegan-friendly brownies by substituting each egg with a flaxseed or chia seed “egg” (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed or chia seeds mixed with 3 tablespoons of water). Alternatively, you can use a commercial egg replacer according to package instructions.
- What can I use as a substitute for graham crackers in the crust?
- If you don’t have graham crackers on hand, you can use crushed digestive biscuits, vanilla wafers, or even crushed chocolate cookies for a different flavor twist in the crust.
- How can I prevent the marshmallows from burning under the broiler?
- Keep a close eye on the brownies while they’re under the broiler to prevent the marshmallows from burning. You can also rotate the baking dish to ensure even browning, and consider lowering the oven rack to keep the marshmallows further away from the broiler.
With its heavenly combination of flavors and textures, these Peanut Butter S’mores Brownies are sure to become a new favorite in your dessert repertoire. Whether you’re sharing them with friends and family or savoring them all to yourself, each bite is a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion. So go ahead, indulge in the ultimate dessert experience with these irresistible brownies!
