Hey there, I’m all about whipping up desserts that don’t leave you feeling like you’re missing out on the good stuff. I mean, who doesn’t love the idea of gooey s’mores and rich chocolatey brownies smashed into one glorious bite?
But if you’re like me and need to keep things gluten-free, that classic combo can feel a little off-limits.
That’s why I decided to level up and create my own gluten-free version with a cherry twist. Trust me, this one’s got the whole sweet-salty-tart balance down.
Perfect for a summer BBQ, a cozy night in, or honestly, any day that ends in Y.
Tips & Variations
- Cherries: No cherries? Try raspberries or blueberries for a different fruity vibe.
- Graham crackers: Can’t find gluten-free graham crackers? Use crushed gluten-free cookies instead.
- Marshmallows: Vegan marshmallows work great if you’re keeping it dairy-free.
- Chocolate boost: For extra chocolate goodness, throw in a handful of dark chocolate chunks into the batter.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of hot fudge sauce. You can also dust a little powdered sugar on top for a fun presentation. Perfect for sharing with friends or keeping all to yourself!
Gluten-Free Cherry S’mores Brownies
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 9-12 brownies 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These gluten-free brownies combine the rich chocolatey goodness of brownies with gooey marshmallows, tart cherries, and crunchy graham crackers for a dessert that’s decadent yet easy to make.
Ingredients
For the brownie base
- ½ cup unsalted butter (or coconut oil for dairy-free)
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¾ cup gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (with xanthan gum)
- ¼ cup cocoa powder
- ½ tsp salt
For the cherry layer
- 1½ cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted and halved
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
For the s’mores topping
- 1 cup mini gluten-free marshmallows
- ½ cup gluten-free graham cracker crumbs
- 2 tbsp melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat & Prep:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it. - Make the brownie batter:
Melt the butter and chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 20-second bursts, stirring in between, until smooth. Let it cool slightly.
Whisk in the sugar, eggs, and vanilla until well combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gently fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined—don’t overmix! - Prepare the cherry layer:
In a small saucepan, cook the cherries with honey and cornstarch over medium heat. Stir until the mixture thickens, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. - Assemble & Bake:
Pour half the brownie batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Spoon the cherry mixture over the batter, then top with the remaining brownie batter.
Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter). - Add the s’mores topping:
While the brownies are baking, mix the graham cracker crumbs with melted butter.
Once the brownies are done, immediately sprinkle marshmallows on top, followed by the graham crumb mixture. Place under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, just until the marshmallows turn golden brown—keep a close eye on it! - Cool & Serve:
Let the brownies cool completely before cutting. This helps everything set up nicely. Slice into squares and serve!
Notes
Let the brownies cool before slicing to keep the layers intact.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
