Dessert Mashup: S'mores Brownies

Nothing says summer like S'mores. Synonymous with camping, the tasty treat featuring graham crackers, marshmallows and chocolate is traditionally cooked over a fire on a stick.

But this version  uses the oven, baby. And there is a layer of brownie in between the graham cracker and the marshmallow and chocolate chips. Amazing.

The best part is you don't have to actually sleep in a tent in a forest surrounded by creatures. Yay. But if that's how you roll, go for it, doll.

My pro-tips for this dish: Keep a watchful eye on your broiler. It can go to hell really fast when a broiler is involved. Let these cool for a long time before cutting into them. Be sure to check the bottoms of your treats for foil. And make sure you spray every inch of the foil with the cooking spray so that the brownies come off the foil nicely.

For another mind-blowing s'more-inspired recipe, check out my amazing S'mores Bars. These are the greatest dessert ever.

S'more Brownies
www.theverybestbaking.com

Makes 30 brownies

Nonstick cooking spray
9 broken in half (18 pieces) whole graham crackers, divided
1 package (18.3 oz.) traditional 13 x 9-inch chewy fudge brownie mix
1/4 cup water
2/3 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
2 cups (12-oz. pkg.) Nestle Toll House semi-sweet chocolate morsels, divided
2 cups miniature marshmallows

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Line 13 by 9-inch metal baking pan with foil leaving an overhand on two sides. Spray foil with nonstick cooking spray.

Place 15 graham cracker halves onto bottom of pan overlapping slightly. Break remaining graham cracker halves into 1/2-inch pieces; set aside.

Combine brownie mix, water, oil and eggs in medium bowl until blended. Stir in 1 cup morsels. Spread over graham crackers in pan.

Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until wooden pick inserted into center comes out still slightly sticky; remove from oven.

Preheat broiler.

Sprinkle remaining graham cracker pieces and marshmallows over warm brownies. Broil for 30 to 45 seconds or until marshmallows are light brown. Watch carefully as browning occurs very fast! A handheld kitchen butane torch can be used as well. Remove from oven to wire rack. Sprinkle immediately with remaining 1 cup morsels.

Cool for at least 1 hour at room temperature. Lift out by foil edges to cutting board. Carefully remove foil. Cut into bars with wet knife. Store in tightly covered container.

Summer Summer Summertime

If you want your peeps to bow down at your feet and cascade you with accolades, then this dish, dear lovely, patient readers is for you:

S'mores Bars.

Oh my goodness gracious. Even those crazies in your circle who claim they don't do sweets, will devour more than one of these chocolately marshmallowy graham-crackery delights while you roll your eyes and cackle in your best evil-cartoon-villain/domestic goddess Bwahhhhhhhhh.

Wait. You don't laugh at people who scoff at dessert? Oh well. My bad. I mean really, life is too short to skip dessert and to  not buy those fabulous shoes, so for the love of God, do both. Right?!?!

Not to be Braggy McBraggerson, but The Jersey Girl's family quite digs the S'mores Bars and in my attempt to be a responsible, timely blogger (ha ha ha ha), I am providing this recipe to you well before the official kickoff of summer, since word on the street is that the for reals S'mores snackypoof is supposed to be made by fireside while camping under late-night summer skies. Eek. Camping: Sleeping bags, canteens, bugs, flashlights. The horror...

Fortunately, this dessert can be made under your broiler in the comforts of your air-conditioned home. Leave the campfire for those outdoor aficionado loons.

I recommend letting the bars cool for a good hour. That way they firm up perfectly before cutting. The longer you wait to cut into them, the better.

My last batch was fan-freaking-tastic. I do think these are THE perfect dessert. My niece Sophia concurs.

S'mores Bars
From VeryBestBaking.com

22 whole graham crackers
8 cups miniature marshmallows, divided
2 cups (12-oz. pkg.) Nestle Toll House semi-sweet chocolate morsels, divided
5 Tbsp. butter
1/4 cup light corn syrup
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

Preheat broiler. Butter 13-by-9-inch baking pan.

Break graham crackers into small pieces. Combine graham cracker pieces, 4 cups marshmallows and 1/2 cup morsels in large bowl.

Heat remaining marshmallows, remaining morsels, butter and corn syrup in large saucepan over medium heat, stirring frequently until smooth. Remove from heat. Stir in vanilla extract. Pour over graham cracker mixture; toss well to coat. Firmly press mixture into prepared pan.

Broil for 1 to 2 minutes or until marshmallows are golden. Cut into bars.