Melted Marshmallow Brownies Recipe

These absolutely decadent melted marshmallow brownies deliver the ultimate indulgence by combining rich, fudgy chocolate brownies with gooey, melted marshmallows throughout that create pockets of pure comfort in every single bite. First, these incredible brownies feature a dense, fudgy brownie base that provides the perfect foundation for marshmallow surprises hidden throughout. Next, the straightforward preparation method requires only basic baking techniques and simple ingredients you likely already have on hand in your kitchen. Additionally, the combination of chocolate and marshmallow creates a flavor profile that feels nostalgic yet sophisticated, satisfying every chocolate craving imaginable. The gooey marshmallow centers create texture contrast that makes every bite genuinely exciting and impossible to stop eating. Furthermore, these brownies are perfect for satisfying intense chocolate cravings, impressing guests at gatherings, gift-giving, special occasions, or whenever you want something absolutely unforgettable and genuinely amazing.

Why Melted Marshmallow Brownies Are the Ultimate Chocolate Indulgence

Melted marshmallow brownies represent the pinnacle of chocolate indulgence, combining fudgy richness with marshmallow sweetness and gooey texture that creates an experience far more complex than standard brownies alone could provide. These brownies deliver what serious chocolate and marshmallow lovers dream about—dense, satisfying chocolate paired with nostalgic, melted marshmallow comfort. Meanwhile, the combination of textures creates eating interest that makes every bite genuinely exciting rather than repetitive. Furthermore, the visual appeal of marshmallow peeking through the brownie top creates Instagram-worthy presentations that look absolutely professional. Additionally, the technique of melting marshmallows directly in the brownies means no complicated assembly or layering required—just simple baking magic. The straightforward preparation makes achieving impressive results completely accessible to bakers of all skill levels. For anyone seeking to create seriously impressive, genuinely delicious treats that deliver pure indulgence, melted marshmallow brownies are absolutely the answer.

Ingredients (Makes 16 Brownies)

For the Brownie Base:

• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 4 ounces unsweetened chocolate, finely chopped
• ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (Dutch-process or natural)
• 1¾ cups granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon baking powder
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

For the Marshmallow Layer:

• 2 cups mini marshmallows (or 16 large marshmallows, cut in half)
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar (for dusting marshmallows, optional)

Optional Toppings:

• Extra chocolate chips
• Caramel drizzle
• Sea salt flakes
• Crushed graham crackers
• Chocolate sauce drizzle

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing Your Baking Equipment

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and position the rack in the center for even heat distribution and consistent brownie texture.
2. Line a 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, extending the parchment up the sides and over the edges.
3. The overhanging parchment makes it incredibly easy to lift the finished brownie square out of the pan for clean cutting.
4. Alternatively, line the pan with greased aluminum foil, creating a similar lifting system for convenience.
5. Gather all ingredients and equipment near your mixing station so everything is immediately accessible.
6. Finely chop the unsweetened chocolate into small, uniform pieces if using a chocolate bar; this ensures even, quick melting.
7. Have a whisk, wooden spoon, and medium saucepan ready for melting chocolate and butter.

Melting the Chocolate and Butter

8. Place the unsalted butter and finely chopped unsweetened chocolate in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
9. Stir occasionally with a wooden spoon as the mixture melts, taking about 3-4 minutes total.
10. Remove the saucepan from heat once the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth and glossy.
11. Allow the mixture to cool for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s warm but not piping hot.
12. If the mixture is too hot when you add eggs, it will scramble them rather than creating smooth batter.

Creating the Brownie Batter

13. Add the granulated sugar and brown sugar to the melted chocolate mixture, stirring well to combine.
14. The brown sugar adds moisture and creates fudgier texture, while granulated sugar adds sweetness and structure.
15. In a separate bowl, whisk together the three eggs with the vanilla extract until well combined and slightly frothy.
16. Slowly pour the egg mixture into the chocolate-sugar mixture, stirring constantly and thoroughly.
17. Stir vigorously for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture is completely smooth, uniform in color, and noticeably thickened.
18. The vigorous stirring develops the batter’s structure and ensures eggs incorporate fully without any visible streaks.

Adding Dry Ingredients

19. In another medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder.
20. This ensures the cocoa powder and other dry ingredients distribute evenly throughout the final batter.
21. Gently fold the dry ingredient mixture into the chocolate batter using a spatula, being careful not to overmix.
22. Stir just until the dry ingredients are incorporated and no streaks of flour or cocoa powder remain visible.
23. Overmixing develops gluten and creates tougher, more cake-like brownies instead of fudgy ones, so restraint is important.

Adding Chocolate Chips

24. Fold the semi-sweet chocolate chips into the batter gently but thoroughly.
25. Distribute the chips evenly throughout so every brownie receives multiple pockets of additional chocolate throughout.
26. The mixture should look like thick, rich chocolate batter studded with chocolate chips.

Layering and Creating Marshmallow Pockets

27. Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly into all corners with a spatula.
28. Tap the pan gently on the counter several times to release air bubbles trapped in the batter.
29. The batter should be spread into an even layer, about ¾ inch thick.
30. Press the mini marshmallows gently into the batter, distributing them evenly throughout.
31. For large marshmallows, cut them in half and press the halves into the batter with the cut side facing down.
32. Space the marshmallows so each brownie square (when cut) contains at least one marshmallow pocket.
33. Press the marshmallows down until they’re about halfway into the batter—not completely submerged but not sitting on top.
34. This positioning allows the marshmallows to melt beautifully and create gooey pockets while baking.

Baking to Perfection

35. Place the pan in the preheated 350°F oven on the center rack.
36. Bake for 28-32 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the chocolate portion (not through a marshmallow) comes out with just a few moist chocolate crumbs attached.
37. The brownies should still appear slightly underdone in the very center, and the marshmallows should look puffy and slightly golden.
38. The edges should look set and slightly pulled away from the pan sides, while the center still wobbles slightly.
39. Remove from the oven and place the pan on a wire cooling rack immediately.
40. Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for at least 45 minutes before attempting to cut.
41. Cooling is absolutely crucial—warm brownies are too soft to cut cleanly and won’t have achieved their full fudgy texture.

Cooling and Cutting

42. Once the brownies have cooled sufficiently and are no longer steaming, lift the parchment corners to remove the entire brownie square from the pan.
43. Place the brownie square on a cutting board and cut into 16 equal squares using a sharp, dry knife.
44. Wipe the knife clean between cuts with a damp paper towel to prevent chocolate from accumulating and creating messy cuts.
45. For the cleanest cuts, dip your knife in hot water and wipe dry between each cut, which melts the chocolate slightly for smooth edges.
46. Arrange the cut brownies on a serving plate or store them in an airtight container.
47. Optional: drizzle with caramel, chocolate sauce, or sprinkle with sea salt for extra indulgence and elegance.

Serving and Storing Tips

How to Serve and Enjoy

These luxurious melted marshmallow brownies are absolutely perfect for nearly every occasion where serious chocolate indulgence is celebrated and appreciated. First, serve them at room temperature or slightly warm with cold milk for the classic brownie experience that satisfies chocolate cravings completely. Next, pair them with hot beverages like coffee, hot chocolate, or specialty lattes for indulgent afternoon or evening treats. Additionally, serve them at dinner parties, potlucks, bake sales, or celebrations where impressive desserts are appreciated and quickly consumed. Furthermore, these brownies work beautifully as gifts when wrapped individually in cellophane or arranged in elegant bakery boxes with ribbon. You might also serve them à la mode with vanilla ice cream for a more indulgent dessert experience that transforms simple brownies into restaurant-quality presentations. Consider arranging them on a beautiful platter alongside other treats for stunning dessert table displays at parties and gatherings. These brownies are equally perfect for lunchbox surprises, afternoon snacks, late-night indulgences, or whenever chocolate cravings strike with intensity.

Storage for Maximum Fudginess and Freshness

To preserve these brownies at peak fudginess and chocolate flavor, store them in an airtight container at room temperature away from heat and direct sunlight. Layer brownies with parchment paper between them to prevent sticking and maintain individual brownie identity. Properly stored at room temperature, these brownies stay fresh and fudgy for up to 5 days, maintaining their incredible texture throughout. For extended storage, place the airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week, though the brownies may become slightly firmer and less fudgy; allow them to come to room temperature for 15 minutes before serving for optimal texture. Freezing is entirely acceptable for these brownies; place them in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag for up to 3 months—thaw them at room temperature for about 1 hour before serving, and they’ll taste nearly as fresh as the day they were baked. For gift-giving, wrap individual brownies in colorful tissue paper or cellophane, securing with pretty ribbon or tape for presentation. Store wrapped brownies in a cool location away from direct heat sources to prevent the chocolate from becoming greasy or developing bloom. If brownies become slightly hard during storage, microwave a single brownie for 15-20 seconds to restore fudginess, or simply allow them to reach room temperature before enjoying. Do not refrigerate brownies unless they’ll be stored for longer than 5 days, as cold temperatures accelerate staling and dry out the brownies.

Helpful Notes and Tips

Several practical considerations will help you create perfectly fudgy, delicious melted marshmallow brownies that turn out beautifully every single time. First, the quality of chocolate dramatically affects the final result—use chocolate you genuinely enjoy eating, as the chocolate flavor becomes the primary component. Next, do not overbake these brownies; slightly underdone brownies cool to perfect fudginess, while overbaked brownies become cakey and dry regardless of other factors. Additionally, the toothpick test is crucial—insert it into the chocolate portion and look for just a few moist crumbs, not wet batter but not completely clean either. Meanwhile, the marshmallows are what make these special; don’t skip them or substitute with other toppings, though you can use large marshmallows cut in half instead of mini marshmallows. The brown sugar is genuinely important for fudgy texture; don’t skip it or substitute with additional granulated sugar, as the molasses contributes crucial moisture. For darker, more intense chocolate flavor, use dark cocoa powder instead of natural cocoa, though this creates slightly less sweet brownies. Those preferring extra fudgy brownies can reduce the baking time by 1-2 minutes, though exercise caution that they’re still set enough around the edges. For cake-like brownies, increase baking time by 2-3 minutes and remove when a toothpick comes out almost completely clean. Using both semi-sweet chocolate chips and unsweetened chocolate provides flavor complexity that single-source chocolate cannot achieve. The cocoa powder is essential; it intensifies chocolate flavor and contributes to brownie texture, so don’t attempt to substitute or omit it. For the deepest chocolate flavor development, cool brownies completely before cutting and serving—the flavor actually improves as brownies reach room temperature.

Chef Tips

Press the marshmallows into the batter about halfway deep—this position allows them to melt beautifully and create gooey pockets while remaining partially embedded, creating the perfect texture contrast throughout.

Remove brownies from the oven when a toothpick inserted into the chocolate portion (avoiding marshmallows) comes out with just a few moist crumbs—this ensures maximum fudginess as they cool without requiring the difficult task of removing them while perfectly gooey.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are my brownies coming out cakey instead of fudgy? You may be overbaking them; remove them when a toothpick inserted in the chocolate comes out with just a few moist crumbs, and ensure you’re using brown sugar for moisture.

Can I use large marshmallows instead of mini marshmallows? Absolutely! Cut large marshmallows in half and press the flat side into the batter; they’ll melt beautifully and create gorgeous gooey centers.

What if the marshmallows burn on top? This usually means the oven temperature is too high; try reducing it by 25°F and checking at the minimum baking time, or cover marshmallows loosely with foil if they’re browning too quickly.

Can I add other toppings or mix-ins? Yes! Salted pretzels, additional chocolate chips, caramel bits, or nuts all work beautifully mixed into the batter before baking.

How do I know when the marshmallows are done melting? The marshmallows should look puffy and slightly golden, but not burned or completely deflated; they continue melting slightly as the brownies cool.

The Indulgence of Chocolate and Marshmallow Perfection

These melted marshmallow brownies represent what happens when classic comfort combinations receive thoughtful technique—resulting in something genuinely transcendent that satisfies every chocolate and marshmallow craving simultaneously. From the moment you begin folding marshmallows into the batter through that first bite of fudgy chocolate surrounding melted, gooey marshmallow goodness, you’ll understand why these brownies are genuinely unforgettable. The recipe delivers consistent, impressive results that feel luxurious and indulgent without requiring any complicated techniques or special skills.

What makes these brownies truly special is the harmonious combination of rich chocolate with nostalgic marshmallow sweetness and gooey texture. First, the fudgy brownie base provides the perfect canvas for marshmallow pockets to shine. Next, the melted marshmallows create surprising pockets of gooey sweetness that make eating these genuinely exciting. Additionally, the texture contrast between dense brownie and light marshmallow creates complexity that single-layer brownies cannot achieve. Furthermore, the combination of unsweetened and semi-sweet chocolate creates sophisticated depth that elevates these beyond ordinary brownies.

Whether you’re satisfying intense chocolate cravings, impressing guests with genuinely special brownies, gift-giving to serious chocolate lovers, or simply because you want something absolutely indulgent and unforgettable, melted marshmallow brownies deliver genuine magic from your own kitchen. The combination of rich chocolate, gooey marshmallows, and straightforward preparation creates something truly memorable that impresses everyone fortunate enough to enjoy them. Every brownie promises fudgy texture, melted marshmallow surprises, and the absolute satisfaction that comes from creating homemade treats that deliver pure indulgence.

We’d absolutely love to hear if you try these melted marshmallow brownies! Did they become your new favorite brownie recipe for serious chocolate indulgence? Please save this recipe for future baking sessions, share it with friends and family members who appreciate genuinely decadent chocolate treats, and pin it to your favorite brownie and dessert boards. Your feedback, comments, and shares truly motivate us to continue creating delicious, accessible recipes that bring people together and make home baking feel joyful and achievable. Drop a comment below telling us your favorite toppings, how you served them, or how your loved ones reacted to these incredible brownies—we absolutely cherish hearing about your baking adventures and the joy our recipes bring to your kitchen!