Easy S’mores Brownie Bites
Introduction
Easy S’mores Brownie Bites combine three classic dessert flavors into one irresistible little treat: rich fudgy brownies, buttery graham crackers, and soft toasted marshmallows with melted milk chocolate. Each bite has a slightly crisp graham cracker base, a moist chocolate brownie center, and a warm, gooey s’mores topping.
These brownie bites are especially convenient because they use a boxed brownie mix while still creating a homemade-style dessert. They are perfect for parties, bake sales, family gatherings, holidays, school events, or simply when you want something chocolatey without making a full-size pan of brownies.
Ingredients
For the Graham Cracker Base
- 1 cup Honey Maid graham cracker crumbs
- 3 tablespoons Land O’Lakes butter, melted
For the Brownie Layer
- 1 box (18.3 oz) Betty Crocker Fudge Brownie Mix
- Eggs, water, and oil as directed on the brownie mix package
For the S’mores Topping
- 24 Kraft Jet-Puffed Marshmallows, cut in half
- 1/2 cup Hershey’s milk chocolate chips
Equipment
- 24-cup mini muffin tin
- Nonstick cooking spray
- Mixing bowls
- Small spoon or cookie scoop
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wire cooling rack
History and Inspiration
S’mores are a beloved American campfire treat traditionally made with graham crackers, chocolate, and toasted marshmallows. The combination became especially popular as an outdoor dessert because the three ingredients are simple to carry and easy to assemble around a campfire.
Brownies, meanwhile, became one of America’s most popular chocolate desserts during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Their dense, fudgy texture makes them an excellent foundation for other dessert flavors.
S’mores Brownie Bites bring these two traditions together in a miniature format. Instead of roasting marshmallows over a campfire and assembling individual s’mores, the graham cracker, brownie, chocolate, and marshmallow are baked together in small portions.
Formation of the Brownie Bites
The dessert is built in three simple layers.
First layer: A buttery graham cracker mixture forms a flavorful base.
Second layer: Fudge brownie batter is added over the crumbs, creating the rich chocolate center.
Third layer: A marshmallow half and milk chocolate chips are placed on the warm brownie after baking. A brief return to the oven softens and puffs the marshmallow while allowing the chocolate to become deliciously melty.
The result is a miniature dessert with contrasting textures: crumbly graham cracker, fudgy brownie, soft marshmallow, and melted chocolate.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Lightly grease a 24-cup mini muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray. Make sure the sides of each cup are lightly coated so the brownie bites are easier to remove.
Step 2: Make the Graham Cracker Base
Place the graham cracker crumbs in a small bowl.
Add the melted butter and stir thoroughly until the crumbs are evenly moistened. The mixture should resemble damp sand and hold together when gently pressed.
Place a small spoonful of the mixture into the bottom of each mini muffin cup.
Using the back of a small spoon, gently press the crumbs into an even layer.
Avoid pressing them too firmly, because an extremely compact layer can make the finished bites harder to remove.
Step 3: Prepare the Brownie Batter
Prepare the Betty Crocker Fudge Brownie Mix according to the package directions, adding the required eggs, water, and oil.
Stir only until the ingredients are combined. Avoid excessive mixing, as overmixing can affect the texture of the brownies.
The batter should be smooth and thick.
Step 4: Fill the Muffin Cups
Spoon the brownie batter over the graham cracker bases.
Fill each mini muffin cup approximately three-quarters full.
Try to divide the batter evenly among all 24 cups so the brownie bites bake at the same rate.
Step 5: Bake the Brownies
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven.
Bake for approximately 15 minutes, or until the brownie centers are set.
Because ovens and brownie mixes vary, begin checking toward the end of the recommended baking time. The brownies should remain moist and fudgy rather than becoming dry.
Step 6: Add the Marshmallows and Chocolate
Remove the muffin tin from the oven.
Immediately place one marshmallow half on top of each warm brownie, with the sticky side facing down.
Sprinkle several milk chocolate chips over each brownie bite.
The warmth from the freshly baked brownies will begin melting the chocolate.
Step 7: Finish the S’mores Topping
Return the muffin tin to the oven.
Bake for approximately 2 minutes, just until the marshmallows puff up and soften and the chocolate begins to melt.
Watch them carefully during this stage. Marshmallows can brown quickly.
For a more toasted appearance, you can briefly use the oven’s broiler after baking, but watch continuously because the marshmallows can burn very quickly.
Step 8: Cool
Remove the brownie bites from the oven and allow them to cool in the muffin tin for several minutes.
Once they have firmed slightly, carefully loosen the edges with a small butter knife or offset spatula and transfer them to a wire rack.
They are delicious while slightly warm, when the chocolate and marshmallow are still soft.
Helpful Baking Methods and Tips
Keep the Brownies Fudgy
Do not overbake the brownie bites. Mini brownies cook much faster than a full-size pan of brownies, so keeping a close eye on them is important.
Use Even Portions
A small cookie scoop is useful for dividing the brownie batter evenly. Equal portions help all the bites finish baking at approximately the same time.
Prevent Sticking
Grease the mini muffin tin generously, especially around the sides. The melted marshmallow can become sticky as it cools.
For even easier removal, you can use mini cupcake liners, although the exposed graham cracker and brownie edges may become slightly less crisp.
Don’t Add the Marshmallows Too Early
The marshmallows are added after the brownies have initially baked. This prevents them from completely melting into the brownie batter during the main baking period.
Use Different Chocolate
Milk chocolate gives these bites a classic s’mores flavor, but you can substitute semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips if you prefer a less-sweet dessert.
Make the Graham Cracker Layer More Flavorful
For extra flavor, add a small pinch of cinnamon to the graham cracker crumbs. A little vanilla extract can also be mixed into the melted butter.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these brownie bites slightly warm for the best gooey texture.
They are wonderful arranged on a dessert platter for:
- Birthday parties
- Family gatherings
- Picnics
- Potlucks
- Bake sales
- Holiday dessert tables
- Movie nights
- Camping-themed parties
- Afternoon treats
For an extra indulgent presentation, serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
You can also drizzle the finished brownie bites with melted chocolate or sprinkle a few extra graham cracker crumbs over the marshmallow topping.
Variations
Peanut Butter S’mores Brownie Bites
Add a small amount of creamy peanut butter between the brownie and marshmallow topping. Chocolate, peanut butter, graham crackers, and marshmallow make an especially rich combination.
Dark Chocolate S’mores Bites
Replace the milk chocolate chips with dark chocolate chips for a deeper chocolate flavor.
Caramel S’mores Bites
Add a small drizzle of caramel sauce over the baked brownie before placing the marshmallow on top.
Extra Chocolate Version
Mix a handful of chocolate chips directly into the brownie batter before filling the muffin cups.
Cinnamon Graham S’mores
Add 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the graham cracker crumbs for a warm, slightly spiced flavor.
Storage
Allow the brownie bites to cool completely before storing.
Place them in an airtight container and keep them at room temperature for a short period. For longer storage, refrigerate them in a tightly sealed container.
Before serving refrigerated brownie bites, allow them to come closer to room temperature or warm them briefly so the chocolate and marshmallow become soft again.
For the best texture, these treats are particularly enjoyable fresh on the day they are made.
Why Lovers of S’mores Will Love This Recipe
S’mores lovers will appreciate how this recipe captures the familiar campfire combination in a convenient bite-sized dessert.
The graham cracker base provides a buttery, slightly crunchy foundation. The fudgy brownie adds intense chocolate flavor and moisture. The marshmallow becomes soft and pillowy, while the milk chocolate chips melt into the topping.
Instead of needing a campfire, skewers, and separate ingredients, everything comes together in a mini muffin tin.
Method at a Glance
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Grease a 24-cup mini muffin tin.
- Combine graham cracker crumbs with melted butter.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of each cup.
- Prepare brownie mix according to package directions.
- Fill each cup about three-quarters full with brownie batter.
- Bake for approximately 15 minutes.
- Remove from the oven.
- Immediately add a marshmallow half and chocolate chips to each brownie.
- Return to the oven for about 2 minutes.
- Allow the bites to cool slightly.
- Carefully remove and serve warm or at room temperature.
Conclusion
Easy S’mores Brownie Bites are a simple way to transform a familiar boxed brownie mix into an impressive homemade-style dessert. With a buttery graham cracker foundation, a rich fudgy brownie center, soft marshmallow, and melted milk chocolate, every bite delivers the comforting flavors of a classic s’more.
They are small enough to serve individually, easy enough for beginner bakers, and delicious enough to become a favorite at parties and family gatherings. Whether enjoyed warm from the oven or served on a dessert platter, these brownie bites bring the nostalgic taste of campfire s’mores into the kitchen all year long.