Get ready to meet your new favorite dessert. These Marshmallow Peanut Butter Brownies are the perfect fusion of rich, fudgy chocolate, creamy peanut butter, and a gooey, toasted marshmallow topping. Every bite is an explosion of textures and classic flavors that will have everyone coming back for more. This recipe is surprisingly simple, yet it delivers a show-stopping result that’s perfect for bake sales, family gatherings, or just a decadent weeknight indulgence. If you love the classic combination of chocolate and peanut butter, this treat takes it to a whole new level.
We’re not just making a basic brownie; we’re creating an experience. Imagine a dense, chewy brownie base swirled with ribbons of savory peanut butter, all hiding under a fluffy blanket of perfectly toasted marshmallows. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that looks as incredible as it tastes. Plus, they store beautifully, so you can enjoy them for days—if they last that long! For another guaranteed crowd-pleaser, try these Hawaiian Roll Cheeseburger Sliders.
Why This Marshmallow Peanut Butter Brownies Recipe is a Must-Try
You’ll fall in love with this recipe for so many reasons. First, it hits all the right notes: the deep, satisfying flavor of chocolate, the salty kick of peanut butter, and the sweet, airy lightness of marshmallow. The texture is simply divine—fudgy, chewy, and gooey all at once. It’s a truly multi-layered dessert experience.
Beyond the taste, this recipe is incredibly straightforward. Using common pantry staples, it comes together quickly without any complicated steps. It’s the perfect recipe for bakers of all skill levels. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting, you can achieve perfect Marshmallow Peanut Butter Brownies with minimal effort. The result is a gourmet-looking dessert that’s as easy as it is delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple, easy-to-find ingredients to create its signature flavor. Here’s what you’ll need to gather.
For the Fudgy Brownie Base:
- Unsalted Butter: Melted, for that rich, fudgy texture.
- Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and contributes to the crackly top.
- Large Eggs: Binds the ingredients together.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the chocolate flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour: Gives the brownies structure.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: For a deep, intense chocolate taste.
- Baking Powder: Provides a slight lift.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness.
For the Peanut Butter Swirl & Topping:
- Creamy Peanut Butter: The star of the swirl. Use a standard creamy variety for best results.
- Powdered Sugar: To sweeten and thicken the peanut butter swirl.
- Mini Marshmallows: For the ultimate gooey topping.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create the most decadent Marshmallow Peanut Butter Brownies you’ve ever had. We’ll walk through making the batter, creating the swirl, and getting that perfectly toasted topping.
1. Prep Your Pan and Mix the Batter
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8 inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to act as handles. This will make lifting the brownies out later much easier. In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until well combined. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough brownies.
2. Create the Peanut Butter Swirl
In a small bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter and powdered sugar. Mix until smooth. If the mixture is too thick, you can add a teaspoon of milk or water to make it more spreadable. Pour the brownie batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly. Drop spoonfuls of the peanut butter mixture over the top of the batter. Use a knife or a skewer to gently swirl the peanut butter into the chocolate batter, creating a beautiful marbled effect.
3. Bake and Add the Marshmallow Topping
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached, but not wet batter. Remove the brownies from the oven and immediately sprinkle the mini marshmallows evenly over the top. Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 2-3 minutes, just until the marshmallows are puffed and slightly melted. For a more toasted flavor, switch the oven to the broil setting for 30-60 seconds, watching carefully to prevent burning. The marshmallows should be golden brown.
Pro Tips for the Best Marshmallow Peanut Butter Brownies
Want to ensure your brownies are absolutely perfect? Here are a few expert tips to elevate your baking.
- Don’t Overbake the Brownies: The key to a fudgy brownie is to slightly underbake them. The brownies will continue to cook from the residual heat in the pan after you take them out of the oven.
- Use Room Temperature Eggs: This helps the batter come together more smoothly and creates a more uniform texture.
- Chill for Clean Cuts: For those picture-perfect squares, let the brownies cool completely, then chill them in the refrigerator for at least an hour. The sticky marshmallow layer will be much easier to cut through cleanly.
- Get Creative with Toppings: Feel free to add a drizzle of melted chocolate or caramel over the toasted marshmallows for an extra layer of decadence. If you love caramel, you might also enjoy these Salted Caramel Truffles.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is fantastic as is, but you can easily customize it to your liking.
- Peanut Butter: Crunchy peanut butter can be used for added texture. Natural peanut butter may result in a different consistency, so standard creamy versions like Jif or Skippy are recommended.
- Chocolate Chips: For an even richer chocolate flavor, fold a cup of semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips into the brownie batter.
- Different Toppings: Not a fan of peanut butter? You can omit the swirl and make simple marshmallow brownies. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top also beautifully complements the sweetness. For another sweet treat, this Amish White Bread Recipe makes for amazing french toast.
How to Store Your Brownies
Storing these Marshmallow Peanut Butter Brownies properly will keep them fresh and delicious. Let the brownies cool completely before cutting and storing. You can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If you prefer them chilled, they can be kept in the refrigerator for up to a week. They are fantastic straight from the fridge, with an extra chewy texture!
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! These brownies are a great make-ahead dessert. You can bake them a day or two in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Their flavor and texture hold up very well.
Yes, you can use marshmallow fluff (or creme). After the initial 25-30 minute bake, remove the brownies and spread a layer of fluff over the top. Return it to the oven for 1-2 minutes or broil briefly to get it lightly browned, but watch it very carefully as it can burn in seconds.
The secret to clean cuts is to let the brownies cool completely, then chill them in the refrigerator for at least one hour. This solidifies the marshmallow topping, making it much easier to slice through without sticking. Wiping the knife with a damp paper towel between cuts also helps.
When toasting the marshmallow topping, do not walk away from the oven. If using the broil setting, it can take less than 30 seconds for them to go from golden brown to burnt. Keep a close eye on them for the best results.
A standard creamy peanut butter like Jif or Skippy works best as it has a consistent, smooth texture that’s perfect for swirling. Natural peanut butters can separate and may result in an oily swirl.
Share Your Creations!
I can’t wait to see your take on these incredible Marshmallow Peanut Butter Brownies! This recipe is a true testament to how a few simple ingredients can create something truly special. If you make them, be sure to leave a comment below and let me know how they turned out. And for more delicious dessert inspiration, don’t forget to share this recipe on Pinterest!
The Ultimate Marshmallow Peanut Butter Brownies Recipe
Marshmallow Peanut Butter Brownies: The Ultimate Gooey Treat
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper. In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, sift the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
- In a small bowl, mix the creamy peanut butter and powdered sugar until smooth. Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan. Drop spoonfuls of the peanut butter mixture over the batter, then use a knife to gently swirl it in.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs.
- Remove the brownies from the oven and immediately top with the mini marshmallows. Return to the oven for 2-3 minutes until the marshmallows are puffed. For a toasted top, broil for 30-60 seconds, watching closely.
- Let the brownies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before lifting them out with the parchment paper handles. For best results and clean cuts, chill for at least 1 hour before slicing.
Notes
Clean Slices: Chilling the brownies is the secret to clean, neat squares. The marshmallow topping can be very sticky when warm.
Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
