Fudgy Chocolate Marshmallow Dreams

Prepare to fall head over heels for these incredible Cocoa Marshmallow Brownies! If you’re a true aficionado of rich chocolate, incredibly fudgy brownies, and a generous topping of light, fluffy marshmallow frosting, then you’ve just found your new favorite dessert. What makes these brownies truly special is their delightful contrast: a dense, chewy chocolate base perfectly complemented by a cloud-like cocoa marshmallow frosting and a sprinkle of shaved chocolate. Plus, we’ve included a fantastic gluten-free option, ensuring everyone can enjoy this heavenly treat!

For even more delightful brownie inspiration, don’t miss our collection of 20 Valentine’s Day Brownies To Love!

Why These Cocoa Marshmallow Brownies Are Irresistible

These aren’t just any brownies; they’re an experience. Each bite delivers a symphony of textures and flavors that will captivate your taste buds. The base is a marvelously fudgy, yet slightly cake-like brownie, deeply infused with cocoa. It’s the kind of brownie that stays moist and chewy, delivering that intense chocolate hit we all crave.

But the real magic happens on top! A generous layer of light, fluffy cocoa frosting, studded with mini marshmallows, creates a soft, sweet pillow that melts in your mouth. The final flourish of shaved chocolate adds a touch of elegance and an extra layer of chocolatey goodness. This recipe truly takes the classic brownie to an elevated, utterly delicious level. It’s almost impossible to stop at just one, a fact we happily discovered!

Perfect for Every Celebration and Crowd

Baked in a standard 9×13 inch pan, these brownies yield a generous batch, making them absolutely ideal for feeding a crowd. They are the perfect centerpiece for holiday gatherings like Christmas parties and Easter feasts, delightful for romantic Valentine’s Day treats, and a guaranteed hit at birthday celebrations or casual potlucks. Imagine the smiles when you bring a tray of these show-stopping brownies!

Beyond special occasions, these Gluten-Free Marshmallow Brownies are a must-try for any extreme chocolate and marshmallow enthusiast. The rich cocoa flavor combined with the whimsical sweetness of marshmallows creates a magical dessert that brings pure joy with every bite. The fact that they can be easily adapted to be gluten-free means that those with dietary considerations don’t have to miss out on this fantastic confection.

Essential Ingredients for Your Cocoa Marshmallow Brownies

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating these unforgettable brownies. We’ve separated them into three distinct sections for clarity: the rich fudge brownies, the airy cocoa marshmallow frosting, and the delightful finishing touches.

For the Fudgy Brownies

• Unsalted butter
• Granulated sugar
• Large eggs
• Dutch-process cocoa or unsweetened cocoa powder (Dutch-process yields a darker, less acidic brownie)
• Salt
• Baking powder
• Vanilla extract
• All-Purpose Flour or Bob’s Red Mill Gluten-Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour (for the GF option)

For the Fluffy Marshmallow Cocoa Frosting

• Unsalted butter, softened
• Unsweetened cocoa powder
• Powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar)
• Vanilla extract
• Heavy cream or milk of your choice
• Salt
• Mini marshmallows (ensure they are gluten-free if making the GF version)

For the Decadent Topping

• Mini-marshmallows (again, gluten-free if needed)
• Chocolate bar, shaved or grated (for a beautiful and delicious garnish)

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make This Marshmallow Brownie Recipe

Creating these brownies is a straightforward and rewarding process. Follow these detailed instructions to bake your perfect batch.

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9″ x 13″ baking pan, or for easier removal, line it with parchment paper or aluminum foil, leaving an overhang on the sides, and then lightly grease the lining.

Baking the Fudgy Brownies

1. In a medium-sized microwave-safe bowl (or a saucepan over low heat), combine the unsalted butter and granulated sugar. Heat the mixture, stirring frequently, until the butter is completely melted and the sugar is mostly dissolved. Continue heating briefly until the mixture is hot to the touch (around 110°F to 120°F), but do not let it bubble. The mixture should appear smooth and glossy.
2. Using an electric mixer, beat the eggs at medium speed with the cocoa powder, salt, baking powder, and vanilla extract for approximately 1 minute, or until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
3. Gradually add the hot butter-sugar mixture into the egg-cocoa mixture, mixing continuously until fully incorporated and smooth. The warmth helps to create that signature fudgy texture.
4. Add the flour (either all-purpose or gluten-free 1-to-1 baking flour) to the batter, stirring gently until just combined and smooth. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tougher brownies.
5. Spoon the rich brownie batter evenly into your prepared 9″ x 13″ pan. Spread it out with a spatula to ensure an even layer.
6. Bake the brownies for 28 to 32 minutes. For perfect fudgy brownies, the edges should appear set, but the center should still look very moist and slightly wobbly, not fully cooked through. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter. Remove the pan from the oven and allow the brownies to cool completely on a wire rack before frosting. This is crucial for proper setting and frosting application.

Whipping Up the Fluffy Marshmallow Cocoa Frosting

1. Once the brownies are completely cool, it’s time to make the frosting. In a large bowl with an electric mixer, beat together the softened unsalted butter, powdered sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, heavy cream (or milk), salt, and vanilla extract. Start on low speed to prevent a cloud of powdered sugar, then increase to medium-high speed. Beat until the frosting is light, fluffy, and reaches your desired consistency. You can adjust the consistency by adding a little more powdered sugar for a thicker frosting or a splash more milk for a thinner one.
2. Finally, gently beat in ½ cup of mini marshmallows until just combined. Spread this delightful frosting evenly over the cooled brownies.

Finishing with the Decadent Topping

1. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mini marshmallows over the frosted brownies. Then, generously shave or grate your chocolate bar over the top for an elegant finish.
2. Cut the brownies into squares and serve them when ready. For clean cuts, you can chill the brownies for about 30 minutes before slicing.

Embracing Gluten-Free Goodness: Enjoying Cocoa Marshmallow Brownies without Gluten

Making these decadent Cocoa Marshmallow Brownies gluten-free is remarkably easy and yields equally delicious results. The key lies in selecting the right gluten-free flour and ensuring all other ingredients, especially marshmallows, are certified gluten-free. This allows everyone, regardless of dietary restrictions, to savor this delightful chocolate and marshmallow treat.

Choosing the Right Gluten-Free Flour

For this recipe, we highly recommend using Bob’s Red Mill Gluten-Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour. This particular blend is fantastic for baking because it’s formulated to be a direct substitute for traditional all-purpose flour without requiring additional ingredient adjustments. Many bakers have found great success with Bob’s Red Mill GF Flour, noting its consistent performance and excellent texture in baked goods. If you’re looking for a reliable gluten-free flour that performs comparably to its wheat counterpart, this is an excellent choice. Give it a try and discover how wonderfully your gluten-free brownies turn out!

Navigating Gluten-Free Marshmallows

It’s crucial to use gluten-free marshmallows if you are committed to a fully gluten-free dessert. While many conventional marshmallow brands available on store shelves are inherently gluten-free, some might contain trace amounts of gluten due to starches used in their processing or cross-contamination during manufacturing. Therefore, always make it a habit to **read the labels carefully before purchasing marshmallows** to ensure they meet your dietary needs.

Recommended Gluten-Free Marshmallow Brands

• The brand **Kraft** makes **Jet-Puffed** marshmallows, available in both mini and jumbo sizes. Most Jet-Puffed marshmallows are recognized as gluten-free, making them a safe and popular choice for many.

• **Doumak’s** marshmallows are generally all gluten-free. This company also produces marshmallows for various private store brands, including those found at Walmart and CVS. If you see Doumak as the manufacturer, you can usually proceed with confidence.

• **Marshmallow Peeps**, crafted by Just Born, are typically gluten-free. However, to be absolutely certain, always check the packaging for explicit “gluten-free” labeling to confirm their safety.

• **Smashmallow** is a gourmet marshmallow brand that specifically prides itself on producing naturally gluten-free marshmallows. They offer a delightful range of unique and fun flavors, perfect for adding an extra special touch to your brownies.

Tips for Brownie Perfection

Achieving the perfect brownie is an art, but these simple tips will help you bake a batch that’s truly extraordinary.

Achieving Fudgy vs. Cakey Texture

The bake time significantly influences your brownie’s final texture. For a truly fudgy brownie, err on the side of slightly underbaking. The center should still be a little moist and wobbly when you pull it from the oven. If you prefer a more cake-like texture, bake for an additional 2-3 minutes, but be careful not to dry them out.

Don’t Overbake!

This is arguably the most crucial tip for any brownie recipe. Overbaking is the quickest way to turn a delicious, fudgy brownie into a dry, crumbly one. Keep a close eye on your brownies, especially during the last few minutes of baking. Remember, residual heat will continue to cook them slightly even after they’re out of the oven.

Cooling is Key

Resist the temptation to cut into these brownies while they’re still warm! Allowing them to cool completely, preferably on a wire rack, is essential. This not only allows the brownies to set properly, making them easier to cut, but it also ensures the frosting won’t melt upon application. Patience truly pays off here.

Storage Tips

Store your Cocoa Marshmallow Brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If your kitchen is particularly warm, or if you prefer a firmer brownie and frosting, you can store them in the refrigerator. Just be sure to bring them back to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving for the best texture and flavor. These brownies also freeze beautifully for longer storage.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use store-bought frosting?

While our homemade marshmallow cocoa frosting is highly recommended for its unique light and fluffy texture, you can certainly use a good quality store-bought chocolate frosting in a pinch. Just ensure it’s thick enough to hold the marshmallows. You can even mix in some mini marshmallows into store-bought frosting for a similar effect.

How long do these brownies last?

When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these brownies will stay fresh and delicious for 3 to 4 days. If refrigerated, they can last up to a week, though the frosting might firm up a bit.

Can I freeze these brownies?

Absolutely! These brownies freeze wonderfully. To freeze, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight, freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. They can be stored for up to 2-3 months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.

You’ll quickly fall in love with these marshmallow frosted brownies loaded with chocolate and marshmallow flavor! Just wait until you taste them!

Other Cocoa, Chocolatey Marshmallow Delights You’ll Love

• Chocolate Covered Fluffy Marshmallow Brownies
• ‘Hubba-Hubba’ Brownie Chocolate Chip Marshmallow Cookies!
• Peppermint Crunch Buttercream Marshmallow Brownies
• M&M Easter Egg Marshmallow Fudge Brownies
• Ooh-la-la Chocolate Peppermint Marshmallow Bark
• Hot Chocolate Pie Obsession {Frozen or Icebox Style}
• SmashMallow Marshmallow Cookies