Name: Heavenly Marshmallow Peanut Butter Brownies You’ll Crave
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 1 cup Bittersweet Chocolate (Can swap with semisweet chocolate); 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter (Replace with vegan butter for dairy-free); 1 cup Granulated Sugar (Can be replaced with coconut sugar); 1/2 cup Brown Sugar (Light or dark brown sugar can be used interchangeably); 3 large Eggs (Can substitute with a flax egg); 1 cup All-Purpose Flour (Can use gluten-free flour blend); 1/3 cup Dutch Process Cocoa Powder (Avoid natural cocoa for best results); 1/2 teaspoon Baking Powder (Baking soda can be used instead); 1/4 teaspoon Salt (Kosher or sea salt can be used); 1 cup Creamy Peanut Butter (Can substitute with almond butter); 1 cup Powdered Sugar (No direct substitute available); 1 cup Store-Bought Marshmallow Fluff (Homemade marshmallow cream can be used)

A quick glance at the calendar, and suddenly I find myself faced with a dessert dilemma: what to make for that gathering this weekend? Enter the Marshmallow Peanut Butter Brownies, a recipe from Sarah Kieffer’s beloved cookbook, “100 Cookies”. These delightful treats are not just a simple brownie; they’re a rich chocolatey experience, perfectly balanced with creamy peanut butter and light marshmallow fluff. The best part? You can whip them up in under an hour, making them a fantastic choice for last-minute sweet tooth cravings or a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone raving. Trust me, once you serve these beauties, you’ll be the star of the show! Are you ready to discover how to create your own batch of these enchanting brownies?

Why are these brownies so irresistible?

Decadence: These Marshmallow Peanut Butter Brownies are truly a luxurious dessert that combines rich chocolate with creamy peanut butter and fluffy marshmallow, creating an indulgent treat.

Ease of Preparation: With just a few simple steps, you can impress friends and family—rounding up ingredients and whipping up this recipe takes under an hour!

Crowd-Pleaser: Get ready for compliments! These brownies are bound to be a hit during gatherings, perfect for anyone tired of fast-food desserts.

Versatile: Feel free to mix things up! You can swirl in Nutella or add chocolate chips for an extra touch. You might also enjoy these heavenly brownies alongside a scoop of ice cream for a delightful pairing!

Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a special event or a random Tuesday, these brownies make any day feel extraordinary. Want more chocolatey goodness? Check out my Garlic Butter Brazilian recipe for an amazing savory counterpart!

Marshmallow Peanut Butter Brownies Ingredients

For the Brownie Base
• Bittersweet Chocolate – The main source of rich chocolate flavor; swap with semisweet chocolate if preferred.
• Unsalted Butter – Ensures control over salt content; replace with vegan butter for a dairy-free version.
• Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the brownies and contributes to the crust; can be replaced with coconut sugar for a more natural option.
• Brown Sugar – Adds moisture and depth of flavor; light or dark brown sugar can be used interchangeably.
• Large Eggs – Provides moisture and binds ingredients; for an egg-free option, use a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 2.5 tbsp water).
• All-Purpose Flour – Gives structure to the brownies; can be substituted with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free option.
• Dutch Process Cocoa Powder – Intensifies chocolate flavor; avoid natural cocoa for best results.
• Baking Powder – Acts as a leavening agent; baking soda can be used instead, but reduce quantity to 1/4 tsp.
• Salt – Enhances flavor; kosher or sea salt can be used as a substitute.

For the Peanut Butter Filling
• Creamy Peanut Butter – Adds richness and flavor; substitute with almond butter for a nutty alternative.
• Powdered Sugar – Provides sweetness and thickens the filling; no direct substitute available.

For the Topping
• Store-Bought Marshmallow Fluff – Provides a sweet, fluffy texture; homemade marshmallow cream can be used as an alternative.

Note: These ingredients work harmoniously to create the decadent Marshmallow Peanut Butter Brownies your guests will rave about!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Marshmallow Peanut Butter Brownies

Step 1: Prepare the Peanut Butter Filling
In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup of creamy peanut butter, 1 cup of powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Use a hand mixer or spatula to mix until smooth and creamy, with no lumps remaining. Once ready, set the bowl aside while you move on to the next steps for your Marshmallow Peanut Butter Brownies.

Step 2: Grease & Preheat
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) while you prepare your baking pan. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly, then line it with parchment paper for easy removal later. This parchment sling will help you lift the brownies out neatly, so be sure to leave some hanging over the edges of the pan.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a small mixing bowl, whisk together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt until evenly mixed. The dry mixture ensures that the brownies will rise just right, creating that fudgy texture we all love. Set the dry ingredients aside while you prepare the wet ingredients for the batter.

Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 3 large eggs, 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1/2 cup of brown sugar, 1/2 cup of canola oil, and 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract. Blend these ingredients until well combined, creating a smooth and creamy mixture that will provide moisture to your Marshmallow Peanut Butter Brownies.

Step 5: Melt Butter & Chocolate
In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine 1 cup of chopped bittersweet chocolate and 1/2 cup of unsalted butter. Stir gently until the mixture melts into a smooth, glossy texture. Once melted, remove from heat, and whisk in 1/3 cup of Dutch process cocoa powder until just blended. Allow this mixture to cool slightly before adding it to the wet ingredients.

Step 6: Combine Mixtures
Pour the melted chocolate mixture into the wet ingredients and whisk until fully combined. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, being careful not to overmix. Stop when you see just a few streaks of flour remaining. This will help maintain the fudgy texture of your Marshmallow Peanut Butter Brownies.

Step 7: Pour & Swirl
Spread the brownie batter evenly into the greased baking pan. Next, dollop spoonfuls of the prepared peanut butter filling and marshmallow fluff on top of the batter. Using a butter knife, gently swirl the fillings into the batter to create a beautiful marbled effect. Don’t overdo it; you want to see hints of both flavors.

Step 8: Bake
Place the brownie pan in your preheated oven and bake for 26 to 32 minutes. Keep an eye on the edges; they should be set while the center remains slightly soft, which ensures a fudgy consistency. Use a toothpick to check for doneness; it should come out with a few moist crumbs attached, but not wet batter.

Step 9: Cool & Serve
Once baked, remove the brownies from the oven and let them cool in the pan on a wire rack. After cooling completely, use the parchment sling to lift the brownies out of the pan. Cut them into squares or rectangles, and serve as a decadent treat that showcases the delightful layers of your Marshmallow Peanut Butter Brownies.

What to Serve with Marshmallow Peanut Butter Brownies

These rich brownies are not just a treat on their own; they pair beautifully with a variety of accompaniments that elevate your dessert experience.

Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing, the creamy ice cream complements the chewy texture of the brownies, balancing the richness with a smooth and refreshing contrast.
Chocolate Sauce Drizzle: A decadent pour of chocolate sauce enhances the chocolatey layers, creating a luscious indulgence that’s hard to resist. The added richness will leave everyone craving more!
Fresh Berries: Tart raspberries or strawberries add a pop of color and freshness, cutting through the sweetness of the brownies while adding a touch of spring. Their vibrant flavor enhances the chocolatey bite.
Whipped Cream: Light and airy, this topping offers a delightful contrast to the dense brownies while adding a touch of elegance to your presentation. Top it off with a sprinkle of cocoa for extra elegance!
Peanut Butter Swirl Milkshake: Blend together vanilla ice cream with a touch of peanut butter and milk for a creamy treat that echoes the flavors of the brownies, creating a rich dessert experience.
Espresso or Coffee: A warm cup of coffee or espresso enhances the flavors of chocolate and peanut butter, making each bite more satisfying and grounding. The contrast of hot and cool is dreamlike!

Immerse yourself in a delightful dessert moment by pairing your Marshmallow Peanut Butter Brownies with these delicious options!

Storage Tips for Marshmallow Peanut Butter Brownies

Room Temperature: Keep Marshmallow Peanut Butter Brownies in an airtight container for up to 2 days at room temperature to maintain their chewy texture and delicious layers.

Fridge: For longer storage, refrigerate the brownies in an airtight container for up to a week. Just be sure to let them come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.

Freezer: You can freeze these brownies for up to 3 months. Cut into squares, wrap individually in plastic wrap, and place in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

Reheating: To warm up a brownie, microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This will revive the fudgy texture and make the marshmallow fluff deliciously gooey!

Make Ahead Options

These Marshmallow Peanut Butter Brownies are a dream for busy cooks looking to save time on dessert prep! You can make the peanut butter filling and brownie batter up to 24 hours in advance. Simply prepare the peanut butter filling, cover it tightly, and refrigerate until ready to use. Additionally, you can mix the dry ingredients for the brownies and keep them in a separate container (up to 3 days) to streamline your baking process. When you’re ready to bake, simply combine the wet and dry ingredients, swirl in the fillings, and bake as instructed. This way, you can whip up these decadent brownies with minimal effort, ensuring they taste just as delicious as if made fresh!

Helpful Tricks for Marshmallow Peanut Butter Brownies

Warm the Fluff: Microwaving the marshmallow fluff for just 15 seconds makes it easier to dollop onto the brownie batter, ensuring a beautiful swirl.
Melt Uniformly: Be sure to melt the butter and chocolate slowly and thoroughly to avoid clumps. This will give your brownies their rich texture.
Use Parchment: The parchment sling not only helps with lifting the brownies out of the pan but also makes cutting them a cleaner and easier task!
Don’t Overmix: After incorporating the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mix just until you see no flour streaks to maintain a tender, fudgy brownie.
Cool Completely: Patience is key! Let the brownies cool entirely before cutting to achieve neat and appealing squares of your delicious Marshmallow Peanut Butter Brownies.

Marshmallow Peanut Butter Brownies Variations

Feel free to personalize these brownies to create your own delicious twist on a classic treat!

Nutty Crunch: Substitute creamy peanut butter with crunchy peanut butter for delightful texture in every bite. The extra crunch brings a lovely surprise to your fudgy brownies!
Flavor Explosion: Add a swirl of Nutella or flavored frosting for a fun twist. Imagine your friends’ faces when they discover this new delicious dimension to each bite of brownie!
Choco-Nuts: Toss in some chocolate chips or nuts into the brownie batter for added taste and crunch. This variation will amplify the chocolatey goodness and add a delightful crunch!
Dairy-Free Delight: Use almond butter and coconut-based topping to keep it dairy-free. Served warm, these brownies will be just as indulgent, providing all the satisfaction without the dairy!
Gluten-Free Goodness: Swap out all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. Even those with gluten sensitivities won’t be able to resist these decadent brownies!
Coconut Twist: Introduce shredded coconut to the batter for a tropical essence. Each bite will be reminiscent of a comforting coconut dessert, perfect for giving your brownies a unique flair.
Spicy Kick: Incorporate a dash of cayenne pepper or chili powder in the brownie mix for a surprising hint of heat. The blend of chocolate and spice is sure to get taste buds dancing!
Swirled Cheesecake: Add a simple cream cheese mixture on top of the brownie batter for a luscious cheesecake swirl. This irresistible combination will make these brownies a gourmet masterpiece!

For even more flavor inspiration, try pairing your brownies with a yummy scoop of ice cream, or venture into savory treats with my Garlic Butter Brazilian recipe for a full meal experience. Happy baking!

Marshmallow Peanut Butter Brownies Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the best peanut butter for the filling?
Absolutely! For the best flavor, use creamy peanut butter that you enjoy, as it ensures smooth mixing. If you’re after a nutty crunch, opt for crunchy peanut butter instead. Just keep in mind that it will change the texture a bit!

What is the best way to store leftover brownies?
Very simple! Store your Marshmallow Peanut Butter Brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you need them to last longer, refrigerate them for up to a week. Just allow the brownies to warm a bit at room temperature before serving to maximize their delicious flavors!

Can I freeze these brownies and how?
Of course! To freeze your brownies, cut them into squares and wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped brownies in a freezer-safe bag, ensuring you squeeze out as much air as possible. They can be frozen for up to 3 months! When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature or microwave for 10-15 seconds to bring back that gooey goodness.

What should I do if my marshmallow fluff isn’t spreading well?
I recommend warming the marshmallow fluff briefly in the microwave for 15 seconds. This slight warming will soften it, making it much easier to dollop and swirl onto your brownie batter. Just be careful not to overheat, as you want it to remain fluffy!

Are these brownies safe for my furry friends?
No, unfortunately, the ingredients in Marshmallow Peanut Butter Brownies, particularly chocolate and sugar, are not suitable for pets, especially dogs. It’s always best to keep human desserts away from your furry companions to ensure their safety!

What can I substitute for eggs in this recipe if needed?
Great question! For an egg-free version, use a flax egg by mixing 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water. Let this mixture sit for about 5 minutes until it thickens. It acts as a perfect binder in your brownies just like eggs would!