Name: Gooey S'mores Lava Brownies for Irresistible Sweet Moments
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 60 min
Ingredients: 1 cup Unsweetened cocoa powder (For rich chocolate flavor; dark chocolate works for deeper notes.); 1/2 cup Butter (Provides moisture and richness for a fudgy texture; substitute with coconut oil for a dairy-free option.); 1 cup Granulated sugar (Sweetens the brownies, enhancing their chocolate flavor; brown sugar adds moisture and caramel notes.); 2 large Eggs; 1 cup All-purpose flour (Creates the brownie structure; consider using a gluten-free flour blend if needed.); 1 cup Chocolate chips (Intensifies the chocolate flavor and adds texture; use milk, dark, or white chocolate based on your preference.); 1 cup Mini marshmallows (Key for the gooey 'lava' center; don't skip these.)

As I stood by the oven, the sweet aroma of melting chocolate and toasted marshmallows wafted through the air, instantly transporting me back to those carefree summer nights around the campfire. Enter S’mores Lava Brownies—a delicious twist on a classic favorite that beautifully marries the nostalgic flavors of s’mores with the rich decadence of fudgy brownies. With a gooey chocolate and marshmallow center, these brownies are not only a delightful crowd-pleaser but also incredibly easy to whip up in just a single bowl. Perfect for sharing at gatherings or indulging during a cozy movie night, they’re a must-try for any dessert lover. Are you ready to dive into this chocolatey goodness?

Why Will You Adore These Brownies?

Gooey Texture: With a fudgy exterior and a molten marshmallow center, every bite offers a delightful contrast that will satisfy your sweet cravings.

Simple Ingredients: Made using staple pantry items, these S’mores Lava Brownies allow you to create deliciousness without a lengthy shopping list.

Quick and Easy: Whipping up a batch takes just minutes! Perfect for last-minute gatherings or spontaneous sweet cravings.

Crowd-Pleasing Delight: No one can resist the charm of these brownies, making them ideal for parties or cozy movie nights.

Versatile Variations: Customize your brownies with different chocolate types or festive toppings, ensuring a treat for every occasion!

These brownies are not just a recipe; they’re a memory-maker—just like those campfire nights we all cherish!

S’mores Lava Brownies Ingredients

For the Brownie Batter

Unsweetened cocoa powder – For rich chocolate flavor; dark chocolate works for deeper notes.
Butter – Provides moisture and richness for a fudgy texture; substitute with coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
Granulated sugar – Sweetens the brownies, enhancing their chocolate flavor; brown sugar adds moisture and caramel notes.
Eggs – Adds structure and richness; replace with 1/4 cup applesauce or 1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with water per egg for an egg-free option.
All-purpose flour – Creates the brownie structure; consider using a gluten-free flour blend if needed.

For the Gooey Center

Chocolate chips – Intensifies the chocolate flavor and adds texture; use milk, dark, or white chocolate based on your preference.
Mini marshmallows – Key for the gooey “lava” center; don’t skip these as they are essential for that delightful melting aspect.

Get ready to savor every mouthful of these divine S’mores Lava Brownies!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for S’mores Lava Brownies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial for the perfect baking environment for your S’mores Lava Brownies. While the oven heats up, grab a non-stick baking dish and lightly grease it to prevent any stickiness later on. The anticipation of that chocolate aroma already begins to heighten!

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and granulated sugar. Whisk them together until the mixture is smooth and glossy, approximately 2-3 minutes. The warmth from the melted butter should help the sugar incorporate well, creating a lovely base for your brownies. This step is essential for that rich, fudgy texture we crave.

Step 3: Add the Eggs
Next, crack in the eggs, one at a time, and whisk until fully incorporated. This process adds the necessary structure to your S’mores Lava Brownies. Ensure that the eggs are at room temperature for smoother mixing—you can whisk for about a minute until everything is well blended, creating a luscious, creamy batter.

Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Now, it’s time to add the unsweetened cocoa powder and all-purpose flour to the bowl. Gently fold these dry ingredients into the wet mix to avoid overmixing, which could affect the texture. You’ll want to see a few flour streaks remaining, as this will ensure the brownies remain light and tender, bubbling with potential gooeyness.

Step 5: Fold in Chocolate and Marshmallows
Once your batter is smooth, it’s time to fold in the chocolate chips and mini marshmallows. Be gentle here—this fluffy addition creates the beautiful lava center that makes these brownies so special! Aim for an even distribution, taking care not to deflate the batter, so each brownie has that delightful gooeyness.

Step 6: Pour and Level the Batter
Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking dish, using a spatula to ensure an even layer across the surface. This will help the brownies bake uniformly, achieving that perfect crust on the outside while maintaining a molten center. Get ready for the oven magic as you spread it out!

Step 7: Bake and Test for Doneness
Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on the brownies; the edges should be set while the center remains soft and slightly jiggly. To test, insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out with moist batter clinging, you’ve achieved that coveted gooey center.

Step 8: Cool and Slice
After baking, remove your S’mores Lava Brownies from the oven and allow them to cool slightly in the dish for about 10-15 minutes. This waiting period is essential for perfect slicing. Use a sharp knife to cut into squares, and get ready to be transported back to campfire memories with every delicious bite!

What to Serve with S’mores Lava Brownies?

Indulging in a plate of S’mores Lava Brownies is a treat in itself, but pairing them with delightful accompaniments can elevate your dessert experience even more!

Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy, cool contrast to the warm brownies enhances the overall texture and taste, giving a decadent feel that’s hard to resist. A scoop melts on top for a delightful fusion of flavors.
Fresh Berries: Serve with ripe strawberries or raspberries to add a refreshing, tart balance to the rich chocolate, brightening up the plate and your palate.
Chocolate Sauce: Drizzle some extra chocolate sauce on top for those true chocolate lovers. It intensifies the dreamy chocolate experience and adds an eye-catching finish.
Marshmallow Fluff: A spoonful of marshmallow fluff on the side will mimic the nostalgic flavors of classic s’mores, complementing the gooey center in delightful harmony.
Nutty Caramel Sauce: An indulgent drizzle of caramel infused with roasted nuts introduces a delectable crunch and flavor complexity, enhancing the overall richness of the dessert.
Coffee or Espresso: Pairing these brownies with a hot cup of coffee or espresso creates a divine juxtaposition, balancing the sweetness with the rich, bold flavor of the coffee for a cozy treat.

S’mores Lava Brownies Variations

Feel free to explore these delightful twists to make your S’mores Lava Brownies your own masterpiece!

Dairy-Free: Substitute butter with coconut oil and use dairy-free chocolate chips for a creamy, rich experience without dairy.
Egg-Free: For a vegan version, use 1/4 cup applesauce per egg. This keeps your brownies moist while being entirely plant-based.
Gluten-Free: Swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, ensuring that your brownies are just as chewy and indulgent without the gluten.
Flavor Boost: Add a splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of espresso powder to enhance the chocolate flavor and bring a delightful depth.
Nutty Crunch: Incorporate chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans into the batter. Their earthy crunch pairs beautifully with the gooey chocolate center!
Spicy Kick: For those who love a bit of heat, mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder. It’ll surprise your taste buds with a warming finish.
Mini Treats: Pour your batter into muffin tins for charming individual servings. They bake quickly and are perfect for on-the-go indulgence.
Seasonal Fun: Top with festive sprinkles representing the season (like orange for Halloween). It adds a fun visual element to your delicious creation!

These variations allow you to create an array of delightful treats tailored to different tastes and dietary needs. For even more dessert inspiration, check out my guide on Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookies. Enjoy every bite of these lovely S’mores Lava Brownies!

Make Ahead Options

These S’mores Lava Brownies are perfect for meal prep, making your life a little sweeter on busy weeknights! You can prepare the brownie batter up to 24 hours in advance—simply mix all the ingredients until smooth, then cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. The mini marshmallows should be added right before baking to retain their gooey texture, so hold off on mixing those in until you’re ready to bake. When you’re set to indulge, pour the batter into your prepared dish and bake as directed, and you’ll be welcomed with that delightful, warm chocolaty goodness just as delicious as if made fresh!

Expert Tips for S’mores Lava Brownies

Avoid Overmixing: Gently fold in the flour and cocoa powder to maintain the brownies’ tender texture. Overmixing can lead to tough brownies instead of the perfect gooey center.
Check Doneness Accurately: The edges should be set, but the center must remain soft. A toothpick should come out with slight batter to ensure you hit that perfect lava consistency!
Greasing Matters: Use a high-quality non-stick baking dish or grease it well to prevent sticking. This guarantees you can enjoy every last morsel of your S’mores Lava Brownies without leaving some behind in the pan.
Quality Ingredients Make a Difference: Invest in high-quality chocolate and cocoa powder for a richer, more decadent flavor. You can really taste the difference in your brownies!
Customize Your Treats: Don’t hesitate to remix the recipe! Swap chocolate types or add nuts, or even sprinkle some sea salt on top before baking for a delightful contrast to the sweetness.

How to Store and Freeze S’mores Lava Brownies

Room Temperature: Store completely cooled brownies in an airtight container for up to 5 days. This keeps them fresh while allowing the gooey center to shine.

Refrigerator: For longer freshness, keep the brownies in the fridge for up to a week. Place them in a tightly sealed container to prevent drying out.

Freezer: S’mores Lava Brownies can be frozen for up to 3 months. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer bag for easy access later.

Reheating: To enjoy, thaw brownies overnight in the fridge and warm them in the microwave for 15-20 seconds. This way, you’ll revive that heavenly gooey texture!

S’mores Lava Brownies Recipe FAQs

What kind of cocoa powder should I use for S’mores Lava Brownies?
I recommend using unsweetened cocoa powder for a rich chocolate flavor. If you’re looking for a deeper chocolate experience, dark chocolate cocoa powder is an excellent substitute that adds intensity.

How should I store my S’mores Lava Brownies?
To keep your brownies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them for an entire week, ensuring they don’t dry out by sealing them tightly.

Can I freeze S’mores Lava Brownies?
Absolutely! You can freeze S’mores Lava Brownies for up to 3 months. Wrap each brownie individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw in the fridge overnight, and then warm them in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds to revive that irresistible gooey texture!

What if my brownies are too gooey?
If your brownies are too gooey in the middle, it might be due to underbaking. Make sure to bake them until the edges are set, but the center is still soft and slightly jiggly. A toothpick test should yield some moist batter—this indicates that they are perfectly lava-like!

Are S’mores Lava Brownies suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, these brownies are vegetarian-friendly! They contain eggs, but you can easily substitute with 1/4 cup of applesauce or a tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with water for an egg-free version without affecting the texture too much.

Can I customize the ingredients for dietary needs?
Definitely! If you need a gluten-free option, swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. For a dairy-free version, replace butter with coconut oil. There’s always room to mix and match based on your dietary preferences!