The Ultimate Fudgy S’mores Brownie Pie: A Nostalgic Dream Come True

There’s something profoundly magical about the essence of a campfire s’more. The smoky char of the toasted marshmallow, the crisp snap of the graham cracker, and the melting hug of the chocolate – it’s a symphony of childhood joy. My earliest culinary memories are interwoven with these simple pleasures, those sticky-fingered evenings under a blanket of stars, the scent of woodsmoke and sugar filling the air. This Fudgy S’mores Brownie Pie isn’t just a dessert; it’s a portal back to those cherished moments, an elevated tribute to a beloved classic that manages to capture all the soul-satisfying elements in a sophisticated, yet utterly comforting, pie.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes (plus cooling time)
• Servings: 8
• Yield: 1 pie
• Dietary Type: Dessert

Ingredients

This pie brings together the best of a rich brownie with the iconic s’mores trio, all nestled within a convenient graham cracker crust.

For the Pie

• 1 (9-inch) graham cracker crust (store-bought is perfectly fine for ease)
• 1 (19-ounce) box Betty Crocker brownie mix
• 1 large egg
• 1/3 cup water
• 1/3 cup oil (vegetable or canola oil works well)
• 1/2 cup mini marshmallows
• 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

For the Ganache Topping

• 6 ounces semisweet mini chocolate chips
• 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream

Equipment Needed

To bring this delightful pie to life, you’ll want to have these essential tools ready:

• A 9-inch pie dish (if not using a pre-made crust)
• A medium mixing bowl
• A whisk or electric mixer
• A spatula or large spoon for folding
• A small saucepan
• A whisk for the ganache
• A stand mixer or handheld electric mixer (for whipping the ganache)
• A wire cooling rack
• A baking sheet (highly recommended for catching any potential overflow)

Instructions

Crafting this Fudgy S’mores Brownie Pie is a straightforward journey that yields incredibly rewarding results. Follow these steps carefully to achieve that perfect balance of fudgy brownie, gooey marshmallow, and luscious chocolate topping.

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). This is a crucial first step to ensure even baking.
2. Prepare the chocolate chips. In a small bowl, toss the 1/2 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips with 1 tablespoon of the brownie mix. This simple step is a chef’s trick to help prevent the chocolate chips from all sinking to the bottom of the brownie during baking, ensuring pockets of melted chocolate throughout.
3. Combine the brownie base. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the Betty Crocker brownie mix, the large egg, the 1/3 cup of oil, and the 1/3 cup of water.
4. Mix the batter. Using a whisk or an electric mixer on low to medium speed, mix the ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tougher brownies. A few small lumps are perfectly acceptable.
5. Fold in the goodies. Gently fold in the 1/2 cup of mini marshmallows and the chocolate chips (that you previously dusted with brownie mix) into the brownie batter using a spatula or large spoon. Distribute them as evenly as possible.
6. Assemble the pie. Pour the brownie mixture into the graham cracker crust. The crust will be quite full, so it’s a good idea to place the pie dish on a baking sheet before placing it in the oven. This will catch any potential overflow and make it easier to handle.
7. Bake the pie. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’re looking for the brownie to be set. It should appear firm around the edges, and a toothpick inserted near the center should come out with moist crumbs attached, but not wet batter. Remember, a slightly gooey center is desirable for a fudgy brownie. Do not overbake; a liquid center is bad, but a still-fudgy center is good.
8. Cool the pie. Once baked, carefully remove the pie from the oven and place it on a wire cooling rack. Let the pie cool completely. This is essential for the pie to firm up properly and for the ganache to be applied. Rushing this step can lead to a messy outcome.
9. Prepare the ganache. While the pie is baking or cooling, begin the ganache. Heat the heavy whipping cream in a small saucepan over medium heat. Heat it until the first bubbles appear around the edges, indicating it’s just about to boil. Do not bring it to a full boil.
10. Melt the chocolate. Immediately pour the hot cream over the 6 ounces of semisweet mini chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl. The mini chips will melt more readily than standard-sized chips, but finely chopped standard chocolate will also work.
11. Let it sit. Let the cream and chips stand for a minute or two to allow the heat to soften the chocolate.
12. Stir until smooth. Stir gently with a whisk until the mixture is completely smooth and glossy.
13. Cool and whip the ganache. The ganache needs to be at the right temperature to whip. For the best texture, it should be slightly cool, but not entirely chilled. You can either chill it completely in the refrigerator and then let it sit on the counter at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or you can pop it in the freezer for 15 to 30 minutes, checking frequently, and then let it sit at room temperature. Once the chocolate ganache has reached a slightly cool temperature, whip it on high speed using a stand mixer or handheld electric mixer. Whip until it becomes thick and fluffy, resembling the consistency of mousse.
14. Top the pie. Spread or pipe the whipped ganache evenly over the completely cooled brownie pie.
15. Decorate (Optional). For an extra touch of s’mores magic, you can decorate the top with extra mini marshmallows or chocolate candies. Hershey Kisses make a lovely and thematic addition. Alternatively, enjoy it as is, for a purer chocolate and marshmallow experience.

Expert Tips & Tricks

Elevating your Fudgy S’mores Brownie Pie experience is all about a few nuanced techniques and thoughtful considerations.

• The Chocolate Chip Secret: Don’t skip dusting the chocolate chips with a bit of brownie mix. It genuinely makes a difference in distributing them throughout the brownie, ensuring you get that delightful burst of melted chocolate in almost every bite.
• Don’t Overmix the Brownie Batter: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, leading to a tougher, cake-like brownie instead of the desired fudgy texture. Mix until just combined.
• Cooling is Key: Patience during the cooling process is paramount. A warm pie will make the ganache melt and slide right off. Letting it cool completely allows the brownie to set and provides a stable base for your luscious topping.
• Ganache Texture: The whipping stage for the ganache is critical. If it’s too warm, it won’t thicken properly. If it’s too cold, it might become grainy. Aim for that cool, but not cold, consistency for optimal fluffiness.
• Baking Sheet Savior: Seriously, use a baking sheet under your pie. Brownie batter is notoriously prone to bubbling over, and a baking sheet will save you a significant amount of oven cleaning.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This Fudgy S’mores Brownie Pie is a showstopper and best enjoyed at room temperature. When ready to serve, you can gently slice it with a sharp knife. For an extra decadent treat, a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream is a divine accompaniment.

Leftovers can be stored at room temperature, covered tightly, for up to 2 days. If the climate is warm, or if you prefer it chilled, store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The ganache will firm up considerably in the fridge. To enjoy chilled pie, let it sit at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes before serving to allow the brownie to soften slightly. For longer storage, individual slices can be wrapped tightly and frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

Nutritional Information

(Please note: This nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and brands used.)

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	787 kcal	39%
Total Fat	46 g	59%
Saturated Fat	16 g	80%
Cholesterol	54 mg	18%
Sodium	411 mg	18%
Total Carbohydrate	98 g	36%
Dietary Fiber	2 g	7%
Sugars	63 g	126%
Protein	7 g	14%

Variations & Substitutions

While this recipe is fantastic as is, feel free to get creative!

• Crust Alternatives: If graham crackers aren’t your favorite, a pre-made chocolate cookie crust or even a homemade Oreo crust would be an incredible substitution, doubling down on the chocolatey goodness.
• Chocolate Chip Varieties: Experiment with different chocolate chips! Milk chocolate chips will lend a sweeter profile, while dark chocolate chips will offer a more intense cocoa flavor. You could even mix them.
• Marshmallow Magic: If you can’t find mini marshmallows, you can chop up larger marshmallows, though they might not melt quite as evenly. For a truly gourmet touch, consider using toasted marshmallow fluff as a topping instead of whipped ganache.
• Gluten-Free Option: For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free brownie mix and a gluten-free graham cracker crust.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this pie ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can bake and cool the pie completely a day in advance. Prepare and whip the ganache just before you plan to serve for the freshest, fluffiest texture.

Q: My ganache isn’t whipping properly, what could be wrong?
A: The most common issues are temperature. If the ganache is too warm, it won’t thicken. If it’s too cold or has sat too long, it might seize up. Ensure it’s cooled to a “slightly cool to the touch” state before whipping.

Q: How do I know when the brownie pie is done baking?
A: A toothpick inserted near the center should come out with moist crumbs attached. The edges should look set, but the center should still have a slight wobble, indicating fudginess.

Q: Can I use regular sized chocolate chips instead of mini ones?
A: Yes, you can use regular sized chocolate chips. If using them in the brownie batter, consider chopping them slightly so they distribute more evenly. For the ganache, mini chips melt faster, but regular chips will work if you ensure they are finely chopped.

Q: Is it okay if my brownie pie is still a little gooey in the center?
A: Absolutely! That slight gooeyness is what makes a brownie fudgy and delicious. Avoid a completely liquid center, but don’t be afraid of moistness.

Final Thoughts

This Fudgy S’mores Brownie Pie is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to indulge in pure, unadulterated comfort and nostalgia. It’s a dessert that brings smiles, sparks conversations, and satisfies even the most ardent sweet tooth. Whether you’re recreating childhood memories or forging new ones, I encourage you to whip up this pie. Share it with loved ones, savor each fudgy, marshmallowy, chocolatey bite, and remember that sometimes, the best things in life are the simplest, elevated. Enjoy!