In the vibrant world of culinary creativity, few collaborations spark as much excitement as those between beloved household names. Recently, Betty Crocker teamed up with Hershey’s to unleash a delightful new line of baking products, inviting food bloggers like myself to explore their potential and conjure up some truly memorable treats. This particular recipe marks my second adventure with these fantastic new offerings, and I’m thrilled to share a dessert that perfectly encapsulates the joy of a classic campfire staple: S’mores Swirl Brownies!
It’s almost unbelievable that after more than seven years of blogging about countless desserts, I’ve never before dedicated a recipe to the quintessential s’more. How could such a delightful omission occur? Well, that changes definitively today! Get ready to dive into a gooey, chocolatey, marshmallow-infused experience that will redefine your appreciation for this iconic combination.
By now, you’ve likely started to spot the vibrant packaging of the new Betty Crocker & Hershey’s product line gracing the shelves of your local grocery stores. I had an absolute blast experimenting with these versatile mixes, and for these show-stopping brownies, I specifically chose their ingenious S’mores Cupcake Mix. This isn’t just a cupcake mix; it’s a foundation for endless s’mores-inspired possibilities, and today, we’re turning it into something truly extraordinary.
The Irresistible Allure of S’mores: From Campfire to Kitchen
There’s a certain magic to s’mores, isn’t there? That perfect trifecta of crunchy graham cracker, melty chocolate, and toasted marshmallow evokes memories of crackling campfires, starlit nights, and shared laughter. It’s a flavor profile that transports you back to simpler times, a comforting blend of textures and sweetness that appeals to nearly everyone. The challenge often lies in recreating that nostalgic experience without the need for an actual bonfire. That’s where these S’mores Swirl Brownies shine. They capture every beloved element of a traditional s’more, reimagining it into a decadent, easy-to-make brownie bar that’s perfect for any occasion, no campfire required.
Crafting Your S’mores Swirl Brownies: A Layered Delight
I have an enduring fondness for layered dessert bars of all kinds, and brownies, in particular, lend themselves beautifully to this multi-textured approach. For this recipe, I decided to embrace that layered philosophy, beginning with a robust and flavorful graham cracker crust that provides the essential crunchy base of any good s’more. This foundational layer is simple to prepare and sets the stage for the rich chocolate goodness to come.
The innovation truly comes into play when we transform the Betty Crocker Hershey’s S’mores Cupcake Mix into a luscious brownie batter. This isn’t just about convenience; it’s about leveraging the expertly balanced flavors within the mix to create a deeply satisfying chocolate brownie that perfectly complements the s’mores theme. With just a few additional ingredients, the mix quickly becomes a smooth, rich batter, ready to be spread over our crisp graham cracker base.
And, of course, a s’more, whether traditional or in brownie form, simply isn’t complete without marshmallows! The brilliance of the Betty Crocker S’mores Cupcake Mix is that it comes thoughtfully equipped with its own package of marshmallow filling. This isn’t your average fluffy topping; it’s a gooey, sweet component designed to melt and swirl beautifully. I dolloped this delightful filling generously right on top of the brownie mixture, then expertly swirled it in using a knife, creating mesmerizing patterns that promise pockets of melted marshmallow in every bite. While I opted not to use every last bit of the filling, that’s entirely a matter of personal preference. Feel free to use as much or as little as your heart desires to achieve your perfect level of marshmallowy bliss.
Essential Tips for Baking Perfection
Achieving brownie perfection is simpler than you might think, especially with the right guidance. First, ensure your oven is accurately preheated to 350°F (175°C). An even oven temperature is crucial for uniform baking. Don’t skimp on greasing your 8-inch square baking pan; this ensures your beautiful brownies can be easily removed and cut cleanly once cooled.
When preparing the graham cracker crust, mixing it thoroughly with the melted butter until all crumbs are moistened is key. Then, press it firmly and evenly into the bottom of the pan. A flat-bottomed glass or the back of a spoon works wonders for creating a compact, sturdy crust that won’t crumble when cut. For the brownie batter, once you combine the cupcake mix, melted butter, and eggs, mix until just blended and smooth. Overmixing can lead to tougher brownies, so stop as soon as the ingredients are incorporated.
The marshmallow swirl is where you can truly get creative. Before cutting the corner off the pouch, give the marshmallow filling a few squeezes to soften it. This makes it easier to pipe and swirl. Once squeezed onto the batter, use a thin knife or a skewer to gently swirl the filling into the brownie batter. Avoid over-swirling; you want distinct ribbons of marshmallow, not a fully incorporated mixture. Finally, for baking, keep an eye on your brownies. They are typically done when a pick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs, not wet batter. A few moist crumbs indicate a perfectly fudgy brownie. Overbaking can lead to dry brownies, so err on the side of slightly underbaked for that desirable gooey texture.
Beyond the Bake: Serving & Customization Ideas
The end result of your efforts is a truly wonderful brownie that embodies all the beloved elements of s’mores baked right in. You’ll be rewarded with a delightful graham cracker crust, a rich, fudgy brownie layer, and plenty of gooey, sweet marshmallows swirled throughout. The best part? With the convenience of the Betty Crocker Hershey’s S’mores Cupcake Mix, you only need a couple more simple ingredients to whip these up and get them into the oven, making them an ideal treat for busy bakers or spontaneous cravings.
Once cooled completely (and resisting the urge to cut into them warm is the hardest part!), these brownies are fantastic on their own. However, for an extra special treat, consider serving them slightly warmed with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, perhaps drizzled with a touch of chocolate syrup. You can also customize them further by sprinkling a few mini chocolate chips or crushed graham cracker pieces on top immediately after they come out of the oven, allowing them to gently melt and adhere for added texture and flavor.
These over-the-top brownies are sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection, perfect for potlucks, parties, or simply a cozy night in. They bring the fun and flavor of s’mores to your kitchen with incredible ease and impressive results. Don’t wait for a campfire; create your own s’mores magic today!
S’mores Swirl Brownies
16 2-inch brownies
20 minutes
35 minutes
These over-the-top brownies are sure to become a new favorite!
Ingredients
- 1 17.9-ounce box Betty Crocker Hershey’s S’mores Cupcake Mix
- 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°. Grease an 8-inch square baking pan.
- Combine Graham Crust mix (found in the cupcake mix box) with 2 tablespoons melted butter, stirring until all the crumbs are moistened. Press crust firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Place the Cupcake Mix (brownie batter portion from the box), 1/2 cup melted butter, and eggs in a large mixing bowl. Mix until the mixture is well blended and smooth, scraping down the sides as needed. Pour the batter evenly on top of the prepared graham cracker crust in the pan and spread to the edges.
- Squeeze the Marshmallow Filling pouch several times to soften its contents and make it easier to work with. Carefully cut off a small corner of the pouch. Squeeze your desired amount of marshmallow filling onto the top of the brownie batter in dollops or lines. Use a knife or a skewer to gently swirl the marshmallow filling into the brownie batter, creating beautiful patterns.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden pick or toothpick inserted into the center of the brownies comes out with moist crumbs attached (not completely clean, which would indicate overbaking).
- Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before attempting to cut them into bars. This is crucial for clean, neat slices and the best texture.
Show off your baking masterpiece!
Snap a pic, tag @bakeorbreak, and use #bakeorbreak on Instagram. Can’t wait to see your creation!
Disclosure: Betty Crocker provided me with products and compensation for recipe development. All opinions and the passion for these S’mores Swirl Brownies are entirely my own.