Marshmallow brownies are the perfect mix of gooey chocolate and soft marshmallows. They’re easy to make and taste amazing, making them the ideal treat for any occasion. Whether you’re craving something sweet or need a quick dessert, these brownies are a must-try.
Why We Love This
Marshmallow brownies are the ultimate dessert that combines two irresistible textures: fudgy, chocolatey brownies and chewy, gooey marshmallows. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, this recipe is a must-try. Here’s why:
- Irresistible Texture: The thick, fudgy base gives way to the soft, melt-in-your-mouth marshmallows. It’s a perfect balance of chewy and gooey that will have you coming back for more.
- Simple Ingredients: You don’t need anything fancy to make these delicious brownies. Just a few pantry staples like butter, sugar, and flour, plus a handful of marshmallows, and you’re good to go. Perfect for when you’re in the mood for something sweet but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.
- Easy to Make: You’ll love how simple this recipe is. Mix, bake, and top with marshmallows. That’s it! In under an hour, you’ll have a batch of brownies that taste like they came from a bakery.
- Versatile and Fun: Marshmallow brownies are perfect for every occasion – from an afternoon snack to a dessert at a family gathering. You can even customize them with chocolate chips, nuts, or a swirl of peanut butter for extra flavor. They’re also an ideal dessert for kids to help with – there’s something magical about watching marshmallows puff up in the oven.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re serving them at a party or a casual get-together, marshmallow brownies are sure to impress. They combine classic flavors with a fun twist, making them the kind of treat that everyone will love.
Ingredients
To make these marshmallow brownies, you don’t need any fancy ingredients—just a few simple pantry staples will do the trick. Here’s everything you’ll need:
Butter – Adds richness and moisture. Use unsalted butter for the best flavor.
Sugar – Sweetens the brownies and helps create a chewy texture.
Eggs – Bind the ingredients together and help give the brownies their texture.
Vanilla Extract – Adds a nice flavor that complements the chocolate.
Cocoa Powder – Gives the brownies their rich chocolate flavor.
Flour – Provides structure and helps hold the brownies together.
Baking Powder – Helps the brownies rise slightly and stay soft.
Salt – Enhances flavor without making the brownies salty.
Mini Marshmallows – Melt into a gooey topping for the brownies.
Chocolate Chips (optional) – Adds extra chocolate flavor if desired.
Instructions
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the simple steps to create these marshmallow brownies. Don’t worry, it’s easy—just follow these directions, and you’ll have a batch of brownies that’s sure to wow everyone.
Preheat the Oven:
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper.
Mix Wet Ingredients:
Whisk together melted butter and sugar. Add eggs and vanilla, whisking until smooth.
Add Dry Ingredients:
Sift cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. Fold it into the wet mixture until just combined.
Fold in Chocolate Chips (Optional):
Add chocolate chips for extra richness, if desired.
Pour and Bake:
Pour the batter into the pan and spread evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs.
Add Marshmallows:
Sprinkle marshmallows on top and bake for 5 more minutes until golden and gooey.
Cool and Cut:
Let the brownies cool for 10 minutes before cutting into squares.
Pro Tips
To take your marshmallow brownies to the next level and ensure perfect results every time, here are some expert tips that will make a big difference in your baking experience.
Don’t Overmix the Batter: When combining the dry and wet ingredients, be sure to mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to dense brownies, and we want them to be light, fudgy, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
Use Fresh Marshmallows: Fresh marshmallows will melt beautifully and give that gorgeous, gooey texture that makes these brownies special. Stale marshmallows won’t puff up as much, which can affect the final look and texture.
Test with a Toothpick: When baking the brownies, always test for doneness with a toothpick. Stick it in the center of the brownies—if it comes out with a few moist crumbs, they’re done. If it’s wet with batter, bake for another 2-3 minutes.
Let Them Cool Before Cutting: After baking, allow the brownies to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This helps the marshmallows set slightly and makes it easier to cut clean squares. If you cut them too soon, the marshmallows might ooze out too much.
Chill for Extra Fudginess: If you want the brownies to be extra fudgy, pop them in the fridge for about 30 minutes after they cool down. This gives them time to firm up and makes the texture even richer.
Add a Twist of Flavor: Feel free to get creative with your marshmallow brownies! Add a handful of chopped nuts, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or even a pinch of sea salt on top to enhance the flavor and texture.
Variations
Marshmallow brownies are already a delicious treat, but if you’re in the mood to experiment, there are plenty of ways to put your own spin on this recipe. Here are some fun variations to try that will give your brownies an extra twist.
S’mores Brownies: If you love the classic campfire treat, you can turn these brownies into a s’mores-inspired dessert. Simply top the brownies with graham cracker crumbs before baking and layer extra chocolate bars with the marshmallows for a true s’mores experience.
Peanut Butter Marshmallow Brownies: Swirl in a little creamy peanut butter into the brownie batter before baking. The combination of chocolate, peanut butter, and marshmallows is unbeatable. You could even sprinkle some crushed peanuts on top for extra crunch!
Mint Chocolate Marshmallow Brownies: Add a few drops of mint extract to the batter for a refreshing minty flavor. Pair it with dark chocolate chips or mint chocolate chips and marshmallows for a mint-chocolate delight.
Serving Suggestions
These marshmallow brownies are a treat on their own, but if you’re looking to elevate the experience or serve them at a special gathering, here are a few simple yet delightful ways to present them:
With a Scoop of Ice Cream: Pair these warm brownies with a scoop of your favorite vanilla ice cream or even a rich chocolate ice cream. The combination of warm, gooey brownies and cold, creamy ice cream is simply irresistible.
Drizzle with Caramel or Chocolate Sauce: Take your brownies up a notch by drizzling some caramel sauce or chocolate syrup on top. This adds a bit of sweetness and makes the presentation even more mouthwatering.
Fresh Berries on the Side: For a fresh, juicy contrast, serve your marshmallow brownies with a side of raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries. The fruity tartness complements the richness of the brownies perfectly.
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FAQs
Can I make marshmallow brownies ahead of time?
Yes! Marshmallow brownies can be made ahead of time, and in fact, letting them sit for a few hours or overnight allows the flavors to meld even more. If you’re planning to serve them for a special event, this is a great way to save time on the day of. Just be sure to store them properly so they stay fresh.
Why do marshmallows melt on top of brownies?
Marshmallows melt on top of the brownies during baking due to the heat in the oven. As they melt, they become soft and gooey, creating that delightful, gooey topping. To prevent them from burning, be sure to watch the brownies closely near the end of baking and remove them once the marshmallows are golden and bubbly.
Can I use mini marshmallows instead of regular-sized ones?
Absolutely! Mini marshmallows work just as well, and in some cases, they may be even easier to spread evenly across the brownies. Just keep an eye on them while baking, as they may melt a little faster than regular-sized marshmallows.
How can I make these brownies gluten-free?
To make these marshmallow brownies gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to choose a blend that works well for baking, and check the ingredients to ensure they’re suitable for your dietary needs. You can also double-check that your marshmallows are gluten-free (most are, but it’s always good to verify).
marshmallow brownies
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter melted
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup mini marshmallows or regular marshmallows cut into small pieces
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips optional, for extra chocolatey goodness
Instructions
Preheat the Oven:
- Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. This ensures your brownies come out easily without sticking.
Mix the Wet Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter and sugar until smooth. Add the eggs and vanilla extract and continue whisking until fully combined.
Add the Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, sift together the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix—it’s okay if the batter is a little thick.
Fold in the Chocolate Chips (Optional):
- For an extra dose of chocolate, fold in the chocolate chips. This step is optional but highly recommended for a richer, chocolatey experience.
Pour and Bake:
- Pour the brownie batter into your prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Keep in mind that the brownies will continue to cook slightly after you remove them from the oven.
Add the Marshmallows:
- As soon as the brownies come out of the oven, sprinkle the mini marshmallows evenly over the top. Return the pan to the oven for another 5 minutes to allow the marshmallows to puff up and melt into the brownies. The marshmallows should be golden and gooey.
Cool and Cut:
- Let the brownies cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before cutting them into squares. This will help the marshmallows set just enough to hold their shape without losing that gooey texture.