Oh my goodness, if you haven’t tried making marshmallow brownies yet, you’re in for a real treat! There’s just something magical about biting into a rich chocolate brownie, only to discover that gooey, fluffy marshmallow topping waiting for you. Honestly, it’s like a little piece of heaven! The marriage of deep, chocolatey flavor with those sweet, pillowy marshmallows creates a delightful contrast that’ll have your taste buds dancing. I remember the first time I made these; my friends were practically fighting over the last piece! They’re perfect for potlucks, movie nights, or just a cozy evening at home. Trust me, once you whip up a batch, they’ll quickly become your go-to dessert. So, let’s dive into the deliciousness and get started on these marshmallow brownies together!
Ingredients List
- 1 cup unsalted butter – This is the base of your brownies, adding richness and moisture.
- 2 cups granulated sugar – Sweetness is key, and this helps create that lovely texture.
- 4 large eggs – Eggs provide structure and help bind everything together.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – A splash of vanilla enhances the chocolate flavor beautifully.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour – This is the backbone of your brownie batter, keeping it nice and chewy.
- 1 cup cocoa powder – Use a good quality cocoa for that intense chocolate flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and elevate the flavors.
- 2 cups mini marshmallows – These are the stars of the show, adding that gooey, fluffy topping!
How to Prepare Marshmallow Brownies
Preheat and Melt
First up, let’s get that oven preheating! Set it to 350°F (175°C), so it’s nice and hot by the time we’re ready to bake. While that’s warming up, grab a saucepan and melt your unsalted butter over low heat. I usually do this slowly, just to avoid burning it. We want it melted but not bubbling away, so keep an eye on it!
Combine Ingredients
Once your butter’s melted, take it off the heat and stir in the granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix it all together until it’s smooth and creamy. This is where the magic begins! Next, in a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Once that’s done, gently fold the dry ingredients into the butter mixture until just combined. Don’t overmix, or you’ll lose that lovely chewy texture!
Baking the Brownies
Now, it’s time to get that brownie batter into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan. Pour it in and spread it out evenly with a spatula. Bake your brownies for about 20 to 25 minutes. Here’s a little tip: check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs, but not wet batter. You want these brownies to be fudgy!
Adding the Marshmallows
Once the brownies are baking, take them out of the oven and immediately sprinkle those mini marshmallows on top. Pop them back in the oven for another 5 minutes. Keep an eye on them—you’ll know they’re ready when the marshmallows puff up and turn a lovely golden brown. Trust me, this is the part that makes them extra special! Let them cool a bit before cutting into squares, and enjoy that gooey goodness!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the typical nutritional breakdown for one of these delightful marshmallow brownies. Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary slightly based on the specific ingredients you use:
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
So, while these brownies are a bit of a treat, they’re perfect for satisfying that sweet tooth without going overboard. Enjoy responsibly!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: You can whip these up in no time—perfect for when those chocolate cravings hit unexpectedly!
- Rich Flavor: The deep chocolatey goodness paired with sweet marshmallows creates a flavor explosion in every bite.
- Gooey Texture: The marshmallows on top puff up beautifully, adding that irresistible gooeyness that makes these brownies stand out.
- Vegetarian-Friendly: These brownies are suitable for vegetarians, so everyone can enjoy a piece of this delicious treat.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday party, a cozy night in, or a potluck, these brownies are always a hit!
- Endless Customization: You can easily add in chocolate chips, nuts, or even swirls of peanut butter for a fun twist!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your marshmallow brownies turn out absolutely perfect! Here are my top tips that I’ve learned through my own baking adventures:
- Don’t Skip the Preheating: Always preheat your oven before you start mixing. This ensures even baking, so your brownies come out just right.
- Measure Ingredients Accurately: Baking is a science, so make sure to measure your ingredients properly. Too much flour or cocoa can change the texture drastically!
- Mix with Care: When combining the dry ingredients with the wet, mix just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can lead to dense brownies, and we definitely want that fudgy texture!
- Check for Doneness Wisely: Insert a toothpick in the center to check doneness—look for moist crumbs, not wet batter. Remember, they’ll continue to cook a bit while cooling!
- Timing is Key: Don’t rush adding the marshmallows. They need to go on right after you take the brownies out of the oven to ensure they melt and puff perfectly!
- Let Them Cool: I know it’s tempting to dive in right away, but giving the brownies some time to cool will help them set and make cutting them into squares a breeze.
- Store Properly: If you have leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and gooey for days!
Follow these tips, and you’ll be well on your way to creating the most delectable marshmallow brownies that everyone will be raving about!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous and want to mix things up a bit, here are some fun variations to take your marshmallow brownies to the next level!
- Chocolate Lovers Dream: Swap out regular cocoa powder for dark cocoa powder or even try using melted chocolate instead. This will intensify that rich chocolate flavor and make your brownies even more decadent!
- Nutty Goodness: Fold in some chopped nuts like walnuts, pecans, or almonds for a delightful crunch. They add a lovely texture contrast to the gooey marshmallow topping.
- Peanut Butter Swirl: Drizzle some creamy or crunchy peanut butter on top of the brownie batter before baking and use a knife to create swirls. This adds a delicious nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with chocolate!
- Minty Fresh: Add a few drops of peppermint extract to the batter for a refreshing mint twist. You can also sprinkle crushed mint candies on top of the marshmallows after they puff up for an extra special touch.
- Caramel Surprise: Drizzle some caramel sauce over the brownie batter before baking, or add caramel bits that will melt and create gooey pockets of sweetness throughout the brownies.
- Fruit Fusion: Mix in some chopped fresh strawberries or raspberries into the batter for a fruity contrast. They’ll add a burst of flavor and a pop of color to your brownies!
- Cookie Dough Topping: For a fun twist, make a simple cookie dough (without eggs) and drop spoonfuls on top of the brownies before baking. This gives you that delicious cookie dough flavor paired with the brownie base.
Feel free to get creative and mix and match these ideas! Each variation brings its own unique flair, making your marshmallow brownies even more exciting and delicious. Enjoy experimenting!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve whipped up a batch of these heavenly marshmallow brownies, and now you’re left with some delicious leftovers (if you’re lucky!). Here’s how to store them properly to keep that gooey goodness intact.
First things first, let the brownies cool completely in the pan. Once they’re cooled, you can cut them into squares. I like to store them in an airtight container, layering parchment paper between the rows of brownies to prevent them from sticking together. This way, they stay fresh and ready for you to grab whenever that sweet craving strikes!
These brownies can be stored at room temperature for about 3 to 4 days, or you can pop them in the fridge if you want them to last a bit longer. Just keep in mind that refrigerating them might make them a tad firmer, so if you prefer that gooey texture, stick to room temperature storage.
If you want to save some for later (which I totally recommend), you can also freeze them! Just wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply let them thaw in the fridge or at room temperature.
Now, let’s talk about reheating! If you prefer your brownies warm, which who wouldn’t? You can pop a square in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Be careful not to overheat them, or you might lose that lovely gooeyness! You can also reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes. This will bring back that fresh-baked taste and melt those marshmallows just right!
There you have it! Follow these storage and reheating tips, and you’ll be able to savor your marshmallow brownies well beyond the baking day!
FAQ Section
Got questions about these scrumptious marshmallow brownies? Don’t worry; I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I hear, along with my helpful answers. Let’s dive in!
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, you can substitute margarine for unsalted butter if you need to. Just keep in mind that it might slightly change the flavor and texture, but they’ll still be delicious!
What if I don’t have mini marshmallows?
If you can’t find mini marshmallows, you can chop up regular marshmallows into smaller pieces. They’ll work just fine for that gooey topping!
Can I make these brownies gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure it’s a 1:1 replacement for the best results.
What’s the best way to serve marshmallow brownies?
These brownies are fantastic on their own, but if you want to elevate them, try serving them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. The contrast of warm brownies and cold ice cream is just heavenly!
How should I store leftovers?
Store your marshmallow brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for about 3 to 4 days. If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them or freeze them as I mentioned earlier!
Can I add other toppings?
Absolutely! Get creative! You can sprinkle some chopped nuts, drizzle caramel sauce, or even top with chocolate ganache for an extra indulgent treat!
What if my brownies come out too dry?
If your brownies end up dry, it might be a sign that they were overbaked. Always keep an eye on the baking time and do the toothpick test! If you find they’re too dry, try adding a scoop of ice cream or whipped cream to moisten them up!
Feel free to reach out if you have any other questions or need tips on making these brownies even more amazing. Happy baking!
Print
Marshmallow Brownies: 7 Reasons to Indulge Today
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 brownies 1x
Description
Delicious marshmallow brownies with a rich chocolate flavor and a gooey marshmallow topping.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over low heat.
- Remove from heat and stir in sugar, eggs, and vanilla.
- Mix in flour, cocoa, and salt until well combined.
- Pour the batter into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle marshmallows on top.
- Return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes or until marshmallows are puffed.
- Allow to cool before cutting into squares.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- These brownies can be served warm or at room temperature.
- Add chocolate chips for extra richness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: marshmallow brownies, chocolate brownies, dessert recipes