Decadent Gluten-Free S’mores Brownies

Experience the ultimate dessert fusion with these decadent Gluten-Free S’mores Brownies! This recipe brings together the nostalgic flavors of a classic campfire treat and the rich, fudgy texture of homemade brownies. Every glorious bite delivers a delightful interplay of crispy graham cracker, intensely chocolatey brownie, and irresistibly gooey, toasted marshmallow. Prepare to discover your new favorite gluten-free dessert!

As passionate bakers, we’re always on the hunt for innovative dessert mash-ups that elevate classic flavors. The concept of blending the timeless charm of s’mores with the comforting richness of gluten-free brownies was an absolute stroke of genius. After the overwhelming success of our Gluten-Free S’mores Cookie Bars, we knew a dedicated s’mores brownie recipe was an essential addition to our collection. This recipe isn’t just a dessert; it’s a celebration of textures and flavors, thoughtfully crafted to be accessible for everyone.

Our homemade s’mores brownies are designed for maximum indulgence, starting with a deeply fudgy and intensely chocolatey brownie base. This foundation is then crowned with a lavish layer of plush, gooey marshmallow, generously scattered with crunchy fragments of gluten-free graham cracker, and finished with delectable pockets of melted chocolate. It’s truly a deconstructed s’more, reimagined in a gloriously rich brownie format. Imagine the smoky sweetness of toasted marshmallow, the crisp snap of graham cracker, and the profound depth of chocolate, all harmoniously united in one magnificent square.

These brownies are more than just a treat; they’re an experience. They are the perfect centerpiece for a summer barbecue, a comforting snack for a cozy sleepover, or the ultimate answer to any serious chocolate craving. Their versatility makes them ideal for any occasion where you want to impress without the fuss, offering a gourmet twist on a beloved classic that everyone can enjoy.

One of the many joys of this recipe is its accessibility. Just like our other treasured homemade brownie recipes, these s’mores brownies are built upon a foundation of simple, readily available ingredients. You don’t need exotic items or complicated techniques to achieve culinary perfection. Let’s dive into the essential components that bring this dream dessert to life, ensuring every baker, regardless of experience, can create these sensational treats with confidence.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Gluten-Free S’mores Brownies

Crafting the perfect gluten-free s’mores brownies starts with understanding the role of each ingredient. Here’s a detailed breakdown to ensure your brownies are nothing short of spectacular:

• Chocolate Chips or Chopped Chocolate: The very essence of fudgy brownies begins with quality chocolate. For ultimate convenience, dark chocolate chips are a fantastic choice, melting smoothly and providing a rich, deep chocolate flavor. Alternatively, finely chopped high-quality baking chocolate (dark or semi-sweet) will yield an even more luxurious, professional-grade fudginess. The better the chocolate, the more profound the brownie’s flavor.
• Butter & Neutral Oil: This dynamic duo is the secret to achieving both exceptional flavor and an ideal texture. Butter contributes a rich, classic flavor, while a neutral-tasting oil (such as vegetable, canola, or avocado oil) ensures a moist, tender crumb that stays soft for days. Avoid strong-flavored oils like coconut or olive oil, as they will distinctly alter the intended flavor profile of your brownies.
• Granulated Sugar & Brown Sugar: The combination of these two sugars is crucial for balance. Granulated sugar provides crispness and contributes to that desirable crackly top, while brown sugar adds moisture, chewiness, and a subtle caramel note that enhances the overall depth of flavor in the brownies.
• Eggs: Far more than just a binder, eggs are a cornerstone for that coveted fudgy texture and the beautiful, glossy, crackly crust characteristic of superior brownies. Whipping them with sugar is a critical step that incorporates air and dissolves sugar crystals, leading to a lighter yet dense brownie.
• Pure Vanilla Extract: A non-negotiable ingredient, vanilla extract amplifies and rounds out the chocolate flavor, adding a warm, aromatic dimension that makes the brownies truly irresistible. Don’t skip this!
• Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: For this recipe, we specifically recommend using natural cocoa powder (like Hershey’s or Ghirardelli). Natural cocoa has a brighter, fruitier chocolate flavor that allows the other s’mores elements to shine without being overshadowed. While the recipe is not leavened by baking soda, we prefer the taste profile of natural cocoa over Dutch-processed cocoa in this context for its vibrant chocolate notes.
• Gluten-Free Flour Blend: The choice of gluten-free flour is paramount for success. We highly endorse King Arthur Flour Measure-For-Measure Gluten-Free Flour blend due to its consistent performance and excellent taste and texture results. If you opt for another 1:1 gluten-free flour blend (such as Bob’s Red Mill), it is absolutely essential that it contains xanthan gum. Xanthan gum provides the necessary structure and elasticity typically found in gluten, preventing crumbly or dry brownies. Do not substitute with single-grain flours like almond, oat, or coconut flour, as they have different absorption rates and will drastically change the outcome.
• Kosher Salt: A pinch of salt is vital for balancing the sweetness and enhancing all the other flavors, particularly the rich chocolate. If you are using fine table salt or fine sea salt, remember to reduce the quantity as they are saltier by volume than kosher salt.
• Gluten-Free Graham Crackers: For a truly authentic s’mores experience, certified gluten-free graham crackers are a must. Our top recommendation for flavor and texture is Pamela’s gluten-free graham crackers. For a comprehensive guide to other reliable brands, check out our in-depth gluten-free graham cracker taste test.
• Marshmallows: The quintessential s’mores topping! For visual appeal and varied texture, we often use a combination of mini marshmallows and a few regular-sized marshmallows, cut in half. The minis melt beautifully, creating a soft, gooey blanket, while the larger pieces offer delightful pockets of toasted sweetness. You can certainly use all mini or all large marshmallows, but be aware that slicing through larger, cooled marshmallows can be a bit more challenging.
• Additional Chocolate Chips: Because you can never have too much chocolate! A generous amount of extra chocolate chips folded into the brownie batter ensures chocolatey goodness throughout, and a final sprinkle on top before broiling adds extra melty pockets and a beautiful finish.

Crafting Gluten-Free S’mores Brownies: A Step-by-Step Guide

For precise ingredient measurements, detailed instructions, and helpful tips, please refer to the comprehensive recipe card located below.

Part One: Preparing the Fudgy Brownie Base

The foundation of these incredible s’mores brownies is a perfectly fudgy, gluten-free brownie. Follow these steps carefully for the best results:

1. Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan: Begin by preheating your oven to a steady 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch metal baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang on the sides to create “handles.” This makes for easy removal and cleaner slicing later. Set the prepared pan aside.
2. Melt Chocolate & Fats: In a medium microwave-safe bowl, combine your ½ cup chocolate chips, butter, and neutral oil. Microwave in short bursts of 20-30 seconds, stirring thoroughly after each interval, until the mixture is completely smooth, glossy, and beautifully melted. This gradual melting prevents scorching and ensures a consistent texture.
3. Whip Sugars & Eggs to Perfection: This step is crucial for achieving that characteristic shiny, crackly brownie top. In a large, preferably glass bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and large eggs. Using an electric hand mixer, beat this mixture on medium speed for a full 5-6 minutes. Do not shorten this time! You’re looking for the mixture to significantly increase in volume, becoming very light in color and thick. When you lift the beaters, the batter should drizzle back down in a smooth, ribbon-like stream and hold its shape briefly on the surface before disappearing. This extensive whipping dissolves the sugar crystals, creating a stable emulsion that leads to the desired glossy crust.
4. Combine Wet Ingredients: Gently add the warm, melted chocolate-butter-oil mixture to the whipped egg mixture. Use a rubber spatula to carefully fold and stir until just combined. Next, incorporate the pure vanilla extract, stirring until evenly distributed.
5. Sift in Dry Ingredients: Over the wet mixture, use a fine mesh sieve or sifter to add the unsweetened cocoa powder, gluten-free flour blend, and kosher salt. Sifting prevents lumps and ensures a light, airy texture. Stir gently with your spatula until the dry ingredients are almost fully incorporated, with just a few dry streaks remaining.
6. Fold in Chocolate Chips: Now, add the ⅔ cup of extra chocolate chips to the batter. Continue to gently fold with your spatula until the chocolate chips are evenly distributed and no dry flour patches remain. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough brownies.
7. Transfer to Pan: Pour the rich brownie batter into your prepared 8×8-inch baking pan. Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to spread the batter into an even layer, ensuring consistent thickness for even baking.
8. Bake the Brownies: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. The brownies are done when the top appears glossy and set, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached, but no wet batter. Over-baking can lead to dry brownies, so keep a close eye on them, especially during the last few minutes.

Part Two: Adding the Signature S’mores Toppings

Once your brownies are baked, it’s time for the magical transformation into s’mores perfection:

1. Crown with S’mores Goodies: As soon as the brownies emerge from the oven, while they are still piping hot, generously sprinkle the surface with your chosen marshmallows, chopped gluten-free graham cracker pieces, and the remaining chocolate chips. The residual heat from the brownies will start to soften the marshmallows and melt the chocolate, preparing them for the next step.
2. Broil for Golden Perfection – Watch Carefully!: Switch your oven’s setting to BROIL. Carefully return the pan to the oven for a very short period, typically just 1-3 minutes. This step requires your undivided attention. Marshmallows can transition from perfectly toasted to burnt in mere seconds. Watch them constantly; remove the pan as soon as the marshmallows achieve a beautiful golden-brown hue and become wonderfully gooey to your liking. In our testing, about 2 minutes usually yields ideal results.
3. Cool Completely Before Slicing: This is a critical step for clean cuts! Transfer the pan to a wire rack and allow the s’mores brownies to cool completely to room temperature. This patience ensures the fudgy brownie firms up and the melted marshmallows set slightly, making them much easier to slice without tearing.
4. Serve & Store: Once cooled, slice and serve these glorious brownies! Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days to maintain their freshness and chewiness. For longer storage, freeze individual brownies in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm briefly for a fresh-baked experience.

Frequently Asked Questions & Pro Tips for Gluten-Free S’mores Brownies

Achieving perfect s’mores brownies every time is easy with a few insider tips:

• The Right Baking Pan Makes All the Difference! We strongly advocate for using a light-colored metal baking pan for these brownies. Metal pans are superior because they conduct heat gently and evenly, ensuring your brownies bake consistently without overly crispy edges or undercooked centers. Furthermore, they help achieve those desirable sharp, square corners. If you opt for a glass or ceramic pan, be aware that baking times will likely be longer, and your brownies might “climb” the sides more, potentially leading to a slight sinking in the center upon cooling, rather than maintaining an even, level layer.
• Prioritize Gluten-Free Safety! It’s crucial to remember that traditional graham crackers contain gluten. To ensure these delicious treats are safe for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities, always use certified gluten-free graham crackers. Double-check labels to confirm they meet your dietary needs.
• Can I Use a Boxed Brownie Mix for Convenience? Absolutely! While our homemade brownie base is truly special, we understand that time is often a luxury. If you’re looking to simplify the process, your favorite gluten-free brownie mix can be a fantastic shortcut. Just prepare the brownie mix according to the package directions, then proceed with our recipe’s instructions for adding the s’mores toppings. Our top recommendation for a store-bought option is the King Arthur gluten-free brownie mix for its excellent flavor and texture.
• The Importance of Accurate Measurement – Weigh Your Ingredients! For baking, especially gluten-free baking, precision is key to consistent and reliable results. We highly recommend using a digital kitchen scale to weigh your ingredients, particularly flour. This method eliminates variability and ensures your proportions are always spot-on. If a scale isn’t available, make sure to use the scoop and level method for flour: gently spoon the flour into your measuring cup until it overflows, then level it off with a straight edge. Never scoop directly with the measuring cup, as this can compact the flour, leading to an excess amount that results in dry, dense brownies.

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Gluten-Free S’mores Brownies Recipe Card

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Gluten-Free S’mores Brownies

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• 
  Author: Emily Dixon, Sweets & Thank You
• 
  Total Time: 52 minutes
• 
  Yield: 9-16 Brownies
• 
  Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Our Gluten-Free S’mores Brownies combine crispy graham cracker, fudgy chocolate brownie & gooey toasted marshmallow in every delicious bite! 

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Ingredients

For The Brownies:

• 1/2 cup butter (1 stick/113 grams)
• 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (3 oz./85 grams)
• 1/4 cup canola or vegetable oil (60 ml)
• 1 cup granulated sugar (200 grams)
• 2/3 cup light brown sugar (133 grams)
• 3 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup unsweetened natural cocoa powder, like Hershey’s (96 grams)
• 3/4 cup gluten-free measure-for-measure flour (90 grams)
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 2/3 cup (4 oz./113 grams) additional chocolate chips, for folding in

For The S’mores Topping:

• 1 1/2 cups marshmallows*
• 2–3 gluten-free graham crackers, roughly chopped
• 1/3–1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (or roughly chopped chocolate bars)

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Instructions

First, Make The Brownies:

1. Preheat & Prep. To start, preheat the oven temperature to 350 degrees F (175°C). Line a metal 8×8 baking pan with parchment paper, allowing an overhang on the sides for easy removal, and set aside.
2. Melt. In a medium microwave-safe bowl, combine 1/2 cup chocolate chips, the butter, and the oil. Melt in 20-30 second intervals, stirring well between each interval, until the chocolate is smooth and glossy.
3. Whip Sugar & Eggs. In a large bowl (preferably glass), combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, and eggs. Use an electric hand mixer to beat the mixture on medium speed for 5-6 minutes, or until it has doubled in volume and is very light in color. When lifting the beaters, the batter should drizzle down in a smooth stream and hold its shape briefly before dissolving. Do NOT rush this step, as it’s vital for dissolving sugar crystals and achieving that glossy, crackly brownie top.
4. Add Chocolate Mixture to Egg Mixture and use a spatula to stir until just combined. Mix In Vanilla extract and stir to fully combine.
5. Sift In Dry Ingredients. Use a fine mesh sieve or sifter to incorporate the cocoa powder, gluten-free flour, and salt over the wet ingredients. Stir gently until almost fully combined, with only a few dry patches remaining.
6. Fold In The Chocolate Chips. Then, use your spatula to gently fold in the 2/3 cup of additional chocolate chips. Mix until they are evenly distributed and no floury patches are visible. Avoid overmixing.
7. Pour Batter Into The Prepared Pan and use an offset spatula to smooth the surface of the brownies into an even layer.
8. Bake Brownies in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is glossy and set, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with some moist crumbs (but not wet batter).

Then, Finish With The S’mores Topping:

1. Top With S’mores Goodies. When the brownies are done baking, immediately remove the pan from the oven. Evenly sprinkle the warm brownies with marshmallows, chopped graham cracker pieces, and the remaining chocolate chips. (You may not use all of the topping ingredients, adjust to your preference.)
2. Broil WHILE YOU WATCH. Switch the oven’s heat setting to BROIL. Place the pan back in the oven for a very short duration, just 1-3 minutes. It is crucial to WATCH THE BROWNIES CONTINUOUSLY, as marshmallows can burn extremely quickly. Remove the pan as soon as the marshmallows are toasted to a beautiful golden brown, or to your desired level of toastiness. In all test batches, achieving the perfect toast typically takes around the 2-minute mark.
3. Cool Completely Before Slicing. Transfer the pan to a wire rack and allow the s’mores brownies to cool completely to room temperature before attempting to slice them. This step is essential for clean, neat cuts.
4. Serve & Store. Enjoy your delectable brownies! Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. For longer preservation, freeze them in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months.

Notes

• TRICKS FOR CUTTING! Slicing through warm, gooey marshmallows can be the trickiest part of this recipe, but these tips will make it much easier. First, for effortless cuts, lightly oil the knife you’re using or mist it with cooking spray. Second, to maintain clean slices, clean the knife off and re-oil it between each cut. It might seem fussy, but it’s incredibly helpful for preventing sticky residue. Third, chilling the brownies first (after they’ve cooled to room temperature) can make them significantly easier to slice into neat squares. Lastly: GO SLOW. When cutting, lift the knife straight up after each cut instead of dragging it towards you, which can pull the marshmallow and tear the brownie.
• Marshmallows. For an appealing look and varied texture, we often use a combination of mini marshmallows and a few larger marshmallows cut in half. You are welcome to use all mini or all large marshmallows, but note that the larger pieces will be harder to slice through once cooled.
• Gluten-Free Flour. We highly recommend King Arthur’s Measure-For-Measure Gluten-Free Flour blend for its consistent results. If you choose another 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, ensure it contains xanthan gum for proper structure. Always WEIGH your flour or use the SCOOP & LEVEL method to spoon flour into the measuring cup, rather than scooping directly with the measuring cup (which can pack in too much flour).
• Gluten-Free Graham Crackers. For a truly gluten-free and Celiac-safe dessert, remember that conventional graham crackers (like Honey Maid) are not suitable. Be sure to use certified gluten-free graham crackers. Our favorites include Pamela’s brand or Simple Mills Honey Cinnamon Sweet Thins for their flavor and texture.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 32 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Oven
• Cuisine: American