Indulge in the ultimate dessert experience with our irresistible S’mores Brownies. Combining a crunchy cookie crust, rich chocolate brownie layer, and gooey vegan marshmallow topping, these S’mores Brownies are made with high-quality ingredients like dairy-free chocolate chips, almond butter, and grain-free cookies for a treat that satisfies every craving.
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Updated July 2023
S’mores Brownies: A Decadent and Irresistible Treat
If you’re a fan of the classic campfire treat, s’mores, then get ready to take your love to a whole new level with these indulgent S’mores Brownies. This recipe combines the irresistible flavors of a gooey marshmallow, rich chocolate, and a crunchy cookie crust, resulting in a dessert that is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Whether you’re hosting a party, planning a family gathering, or simply craving a delicious treat, these S’mores Brownies are the perfect choice.
Recipe Ingredients
Let’s take a closer look at the key ingredients used in this recipe and why they are crucial for achieving the perfect S’mores Brownies.
Cookie Crust Layer:
- The cookie crust provides a delicious and crunchy base for the brownies. In this recipe, we use Simple Mills Grain-Free Honey Cinnamon Sweet Thins (you’ll need (2 5.5 ounce boxes), but you can also opt for Simple Mills Crunchy Cinnamon Cookies or Hu’s Kitchen Grain-Free Snickerdoodles to keep this recipe grain-free, vegan and paleo-friendly. If you prefer a low-carb or keto version, High Key Snickerdoodles or my keto shortbread cookie are excellent alternatives. You may also sub with a homemade graham cracker crust or use regular or gluten-free graham crackers if not paleo.
For the Brownies:
- Coconut Oil or Vegan Butter: Melted coconut oil or vegan butter helps bind the cookie crust together, giving it a desirable texture.
- Coconut Sugar: Coconut sugar adds a subtle sweetness to the cookie crust, enhancing its overall flavor.
- Brownie Layer: The brownie layer is rich, fudgy, and loaded with chocolatey goodness.
- Dairy-Free Chocolate Chips or Chunks: Opt for high-quality dairy-free chocolate chips or chunks. Brands like Hu’s Kitchen Gems, Lily’s Sweets, or Pascha’s Chocolate work beautifully in this recipe.
- Drippy Unsalted Almond Butter: Almond butter adds a nutty flavor and moistness to the brownies, ensuring a soft and chewy texture.
- Refined Coconut Oil: Melted refined coconut oil lends moisture to the brownies without imparting a strong coconut flavor. If you’re not following a paleo diet, you can substitute it with vegan butter.
- Coconut Sugar and Maple Syrup: These natural sweeteners add sweetness and depth of flavor to the brownie layer.
- Eggs (or Vegan Substitution): Eggs provide structure and help bind the brownie batter together. For a vegan version, ground flaxseeds mixed with water can be used as an excellent egg substitute.
- Superfine Blanched Almond Flour: Almond flour contributes to the tender texture of the brownies while adding a subtle nutty taste.
- Cacao Powder: The cacao powder provides a rich, deep chocolate flavor to the brownie layer.
- Baking Soda and Fine Sea Salt: Baking soda helps the brownies rise slightly, while fine sea salt balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor profile.
Topping Layer:
The topping layer is what makes these brownies reminiscent of the classic s’mores.
- Vegan Marshmallows: Use vegan marshmallows to achieve that familiar gooey, toasted marshmallow topping. MyDandies marshmallows or Sweet Apricity are excellent options. If you prefer homemade marshmallows, you can try our homemade Paleo marshmallows recipe.
- Crushed Cookies: Adding more crushed cookies on top of the marshmallows adds a delightful crunch and an extra layer of flavor.
- Optional Paleo Caramel Sauce: If you’re feeling extra indulgent, you can drizzle your S’mores Brownies with a luscious caramel sauce. This optional sauce combines coconut cream, coconut sugar, coconut oil, vanilla extract, and a touch of flaky sea salt for a decadent caramel flavor.
How to make S’mores Brownies
- For the Cookie Crust: Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8’x8′ baking dish. Add cookies to a food processor & pulse a few times until chopped. Add oil & process again until a crumb forms and the mixture holds together when pressed. Transfer to pan & press down firmly into an even layer. Bake for 12 minutes, or until firm. Remove from oven & cool while you make the brownies.
- Make the Brownies: In a large bowl, melt 1/2 cup of the chocolate, almond butter & coconut oil over a double-boiler or in the microwave in 20 second increments, stirring well until chocolate is just melted & smooth. Remove from heat then whisk in coconut sugar, maple syrup & vanilla. Add eggs & whisk until incorporated. Stir in cocoa powder & almond flour until just combined. Fold in remaining chocolate. Spread batter over cooled cookie crust. Return pan to oven and bake at 325F for 28-32 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Marshmallow Layer: Top with marshmallows and broil on top rack in oven for 1-2 minutes or more, keeping a close eye on them every 30 seconds until toasted to your liking. Cool completely before slicing. Top with more crushed cookies + optional caramel sauce.
Tips for Success
To ensure your S’mores Brownies turn out perfect every time, follow these helpful tips:
- When pressing the cookie crust into the baking dish, make sure to press it down firmly to create an even layer.
- Be mindful of the baking time for the brownie layer. Insert a toothpick into the center, and if it comes out clean, your brownies are ready.
- Keep a close eye on the marshmallows when broiling them. They can quickly go from perfectly toasted to burnt, so monitor them closely to achieve the desired level of toasting.
More s’mores recipes you will love:
These S'mores Brownies are a delicious twist on the classic campfire s'mores and make the perfect summer treat. Made with a grain-free graham cracker crust, a fudgy brownie middle topped with toasted marshmallows. Gluten-free, paleo, refined-sugar free, dairy-free with a vegan option.
- 12 ounces Simple Mills Grain-Free Honey Cinnamon Sweet Thins (you'll need (2 5.5 ounce boxes) , You can also use Simple Mills Crunchy Cinnamon Cookies or Hu's Kitchen Grain-Free Snickerdoodles to keep this recipe grain-free, vegan and paleo-friendly. For a low carb / keto version, use High Key Snickerdoodles or my keto shortbread cookie recipe. You may also sub with a homemade graham cracker crust or use regular or gluten-free graham crackers if not paleo.
- 4-6 TBS refined coconut oil OR vegan butter, melted
- 2 TBS coconut sugar
- 2/3 cup dairy-free chocolate chips or chunks , we like Hu's Kitchen Gems, Lily's Sweets or Pascha's Chocolate
- 1/3 cup drippy unsalted almond butter
- 1/3 cup refined coconut oil , melted. Use refined to avoid any coconut flavor or sub with vegan butter if not paleo
- 1/4 cup coconut sugar
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
- 2 large eggs , (may sub with 3 Tbs ground flaxseeds + 8 Tbs water for vegan)
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup superfine blanched almond flour
- 1/3 cup cacao powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/8 tsp fine sea salt
- 7-8 oz. vegan marshmallows , We like MyDandies Vegan Marshmallows or Sweet Apricity for strict paleo. I also have a homemade marshmallow recipe
- more crushed cookies
- 1 cup canned coconut cream , be sure to only use brands (likeTrader Joe’s, Aroy-D) containing coconut milk & water. Do not use brands with Guar gum or other fillers or the ice cream will not turn out properly). If you don’t have coconut cream, you can also spoon out the thick part of a chilled can of full-fat coconut milk.
- 1/3 cup coconut sugar , sub with Lakanto golden monk fruit sweetener or preferred brown sugar substitute of choice for low carb / keto / lower sugar. Maple syrup or other liquid sweetener can also be used but you may have to adjust the amount depending on sweetness desired.
- 2 tsps coconut oil , use refined to avoid any coconut flavor or sub with vegan butter if not paleo
- 1 1/2 tsps pure vanilla extract
- 1/8 tsp flaky sea salt
Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8'x8' baking dish.
Add cookies to a food processor & pulse a few times until chopped. Add oil & process again until a crumb forms and the mixture holds together when pressed.
Transfer to pan & press down firmly into an even layer.
Bake for 12 minutes, or until firm. Remove from oven & cool while you make the brownies.
In a large bowl, melt 1/2 cup of the chocolate, almond butter & coconut oil over a double-boiler or in the microwave in 20 second increments, stirring well until chocolate is just melted & smooth.
Remove from heat then whisk in coconut sugar, maple syrup & vanilla. Add eggs & whisk until incorporated.
Stir in cocoa powder & almond flour until just combined. Fold in remaining chocolate.
Spread batter over cooled cookie crust.
Return pan to oven and bake at 325F for 28-32 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Top with marshmallows and broil on top rack in oven for 1-2 minutes or more, keeping a close eye on them every 30 seconds until toasted to your liking.
Cool completely before slicing. Top with more crushed cookies + optional caramel sauce.
Storage info
Allow brownies to cool then place in an airtight container on the counter overnight or in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
How to freeze brownies
Allow brownies to cool then place them in an air tight container and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you're ready to eat and want to thaw out your brownies, place them in the refrigerator overnight.
Then warm them up in the oven at 350F for 10 minutes or in the microwave on high for 30 seconds to 1 minute.
Disclaimer: This updated post was generated on July 11, 2023 by ChatGPT, an AI language model, and all info should be reviewed and validated by a human for accuracy and relevancy before implementation.
Lynna -
yum loved these