Introduction
Imagine the delightful blend of rich, fudgy brownie topped with gooey chocolate and perfectly toasted marshmallows, all nestled within a graham cracker crust. Introducing the Best S’mores Brownie Pie Recipe – a delicious twist on the classic campfire treat! This decadent dessert is perfect for any occasion and guarantees to leave your guests in awe. Whether it’s a family gathering, a potluck, or a cozy evening at home, this recipe will make your sweet tooth dance with joy!
Overview of the Recipe
When you whip up this S’mores Brownie Pie, you can expect a symphony of flavors and textures. It’s a delightful dance between the rich chocolate brownie, crunchy graham cracker crust, and the sweet, sticky marshmallows that create a nostalgic experience reminiscent of summer campfires. The preparation is straightforward, making it a fun endeavor for home bakers of all levels. What’s more, it’s ready to serve in about an hour—perfect for a last-minute dessert idea!
History and Origin
S’mores have long been a beloved treat in the United States, with roots tracing back to Girl Scouts who began popularizing the recipe in the early 1900s. The name “s’mores” is derived from the phrase “some more,” as it became a common refrain among those enjoying this delicious snack by the campfire. In recent years, creative bakers have taken this traditional treat and given it a new life, resulting in inventive concoctions like the S’mores Brownie Pie. This recipe merges the gooey delight of s’mores with the richness of brownies, creating a dessert that’s both nostalgic and indulgent.
Ingredients
To create this mouth-watering S’mores Brownie Pie, you will need:
– 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks)
– 2 cups granulated sugar
– 4 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
– 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
– 1 cup mini marshmallows
– 1 cup milk chocolate bars (broken into pieces)
– Additional marshmallows for topping (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch pie dish or deep dish pie pan.
2. Make the Brownie Mixture: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Remove from heat and stir in the sugar until smooth. Mix in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the chocolate mixture, stirring gently to combine. Fold in the chocolate chips.
4. Prepare the Crust: In a bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs with a bit of melted butter (about 2 tablespoons) until it resembles wet sand. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom and up the sides of the prepared pie dish.
5. Add the Brownie Layer: Pour the brownie mixture over the graham cracker crust, smoothing it with a spatula.
6. Add the Chocolate Bars: Evenly distribute the pieces of milk chocolate bars over the brownie layer.
7. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
8. Add Marshmallows: Remove from the oven and scatter mini marshmallows over the top.
9. Broil: Switch the oven to broil and return the pie to the oven for 1-2 minutes until the marshmallows are toasty and golden brown—watch closely to prevent burning!
10. Cool & Serve: Allow the pie to cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature for the ultimate experience.
Pairing and Serving Suggestions
This S’mores Brownie Pie pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added creaminess. A dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of chocolate syrup on top also makes an enticing presentation. For beverages, try pairing it with a glass of cold milk or a rich hot chocolate, especially in cooler months. It’s perfect for outdoor barbecues or family game nights!
Variations of the Recipe
Feel free to get creative with your S’mores Brownie Pie! You can substitute the semisweet chocolate chips with dark chocolate for a richer flavor or use white chocolate for a different taste profile. For a nutty twist, add chopped walnuts or pecans to the brownie mixture. Additionally, if you’re looking for a gluten-free option, gluten-free graham crackers can easily be used.
Health Benefits and Notes
While this S’mores Brownie Pie is certainly a treat, it does include some beneficial ingredients like dark chocolate, which contains antioxidants. Reducing the sugar content to your preference can make it a bit healthier while still offering that rich flavor. Consider using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose for a slight nutritional boost.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this pie ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare the pie a day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. Just reheat gently before serving.
Q: Can I use different chocolate?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to mix and match your favorite chocolate varieties, such as using white, caramel, or even flavored chocolate bars.
Q: What if I can’t find graham cracker crumbs?
A: You can easily make your own by crushing whole graham crackers in a food processor or placing them in a ziplock bag and rolling them with a rolling pin.
Conclusion
The Best S’mores Brownie Pie Recipe is a delightful fusion of textures and flavors that you and your loved ones will cherish. With its gooey marshmallows, rich chocolate layers, and crisp graham cracker crust, it’s hard to resist taking just one more slice. Don’t hesitate to experiment with your own variations, and join the fun by trying this recipe today! We can’t wait to hear how your pie turns out!