Disappearing Marshmallow Brownies II: A Decadent Twist on a Classic!

Get ready to experience brownie bliss like never before with Disappearing Marshmallow Brownies II! Building upon the magic of the original disappearing marshmallow brownies, this recipe introduces a delightful twist that elevates the classic treat to a whole new level of indulgence. Imagine rich, fudgy brownies, studded with gooey marshmallows that seemingly vanish into the batter during baking, leaving behind pockets of sweet, caramelized perfection. Now, imagine all of that with an added layer of chocolatey goodness and a hint of salt to perfectly balance the sweetness. This recipe is not just about baking; it’s about creating a sensory experience that will have everyone begging for more.

These brownies are perfect for any occasion, from casual weeknight desserts to special celebrations. They’re easy to make, require minimal ingredients, and are guaranteed to impress. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, this recipe is foolproof and will deliver consistently delicious results. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to embark on a baking adventure that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more. This is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to create memories and share the joy of baking with loved ones.

Why ‘Disappearing’ Marshmallows?

The name of these brownies comes from the fascinating way the marshmallows behave during baking. Instead of holding their shape, they melt and partially dissolve into the brownie batter, creating a unique texture and flavor. This results in pockets of gooey, caramelized sweetness scattered throughout the brownies, adding a delightful surprise to every bite. It’s a magical transformation that makes these brownies truly special.

The magic happens because the heat of the oven causes the sugar in the marshmallows to melt and caramelize. This creates a sticky, gooey texture that blends seamlessly with the brownie batter. The marshmallows don’t completely disappear, but they do transform into something entirely new and delicious. The result is a brownie that is both fudgy and gooey, with a hint of toasted marshmallow flavor.

The Secret Ingredient (and the II in the Title!)

While the original disappearing marshmallow brownies are already amazing, this version adds a special touch: a layer of melted chocolate folded into the batter. This intensifies the chocolate flavor and creates a richer, more decadent brownie experience. A sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking adds a final touch of sophistication, balancing the sweetness and enhancing the overall flavor profile.

The addition of melted chocolate elevates the brownies to another level of chocolatey indulgence. The sea salt acts as a flavor enhancer, bringing out the richness of the chocolate and the sweetness of the marshmallows. It’s a subtle touch that makes a big difference in the final result.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, melted
• 2 cups mini marshmallows
• Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling (optional)

Let’s break down why each ingredient is important:

• Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted butter allows you to control the amount of salt in the recipe. The melted butter contributes to the fudgy texture of the brownies.
• Granulated Sugar: Sugar adds sweetness and helps to create the moist, tender crumb of the brownies.
• Eggs: Eggs bind the ingredients together and contribute to the structure and richness of the brownies.
• Vanilla Extract: Vanilla extract enhances the flavor of the chocolate and adds a touch of warmth.
• Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Cocoa powder provides the deep, chocolatey flavor that we all love in brownies.
• All-Purpose Flour: Flour provides structure to the brownies. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can result in tough brownies.
• Salt: Salt enhances the flavors of the other ingredients and balances the sweetness.
• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: The melted chocolate chips add an extra layer of chocolate intensity and contribute to the fudgy texture.
• Mini Marshmallows: These are the stars of the show! They melt and create gooey pockets of sweetness throughout the brownies.
• Flaky Sea Salt: A sprinkle of sea salt on top adds a touch of sophistication and enhances the overall flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions to create perfect Disappearing Marshmallow Brownies II every time:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. This prevents the brownies from sticking and ensures easy removal. You can also line the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang, for even easier removal.
2. Melt the butter. In a large bowl, melt the butter in the microwave or in a saucepan over low heat. Be careful not to burn the butter.
3. Add sugar and eggs. Stir in the granulated sugar until well combined. Then, beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Make sure the mixture is smooth and creamy.
4. Incorporate dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, flour, and salt. This ensures that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
5. Melt Chocolate Chips. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt semi-sweet chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth. Ensure not to burn the chocolate chips.
6. Fold in Melted Chocolate Chips. Gently fold the melted chocolate chips into the batter, ensuring it’s evenly distributed.
7. Add marshmallows. Gently fold in the mini marshmallows. Don’t overmix, as this can cause the marshmallows to dissolve too much before baking.
8. Pour into pan. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
9. Sprinkle with sea salt. If desired, sprinkle the top of the batter with flaky sea salt. This adds a touch of sophistication and enhances the overall flavor.
10. Bake. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with fudgy crumbs attached. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on the brownies and adjust accordingly.
11. Cool and cut. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. This allows them to set properly and prevents them from crumbling. For cleaner cuts, use a plastic knife.

Tips for Perfect Brownies

Here are some tips to ensure your Disappearing Marshmallow Brownies II turn out perfectly every time:

• Use high-quality ingredients. The better the quality of your ingredients, the better your brownies will taste.
• Don’t overmix the batter. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough brownies. Mix until just combined.
• Don’t overbake the brownies. Overbaking will result in dry, crumbly brownies. Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with fudgy crumbs attached.
• Let the brownies cool completely before cutting. This allows them to set properly and prevents them from crumbling.
• Store the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature. This will keep them fresh and moist.

Variations and Add-ins

Want to customize your Disappearing Marshmallow Brownies II? Here are some variations and add-ins to try:

• Nuts: Add chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds to the batter for a crunchy texture.
• Chocolate chips: Use different types of chocolate chips, such as milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or white chocolate.
• Peanut butter chips: Add peanut butter chips for a delicious peanut butter and chocolate combination.
• Espresso powder: Add a teaspoon of espresso powder to the batter to enhance the chocolate flavor.
• Caramel: Drizzle caramel sauce over the brownies before baking for an extra layer of sweetness.
• Pretzels: Add crushed pretzels to the batter for a salty-sweet combination.
• Candy: Add chopped candy bars, such as Snickers or Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, to the batter for a decadent treat.
• Different Marshmallows: Use flavored marshmallows or large marshmallows cut into smaller pieces.
• Swirls: Create swirls of peanut butter, Nutella, or caramel into the batter before baking.

Serving Suggestions

Disappearing Marshmallow Brownies II are delicious on their own, but here are some serving suggestions to take them to the next level:

• With ice cream: Serve warm brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic dessert pairing.
• With whipped cream: Top the brownies with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder.
• With chocolate sauce: Drizzle chocolate sauce over the brownies for an extra dose of chocolate.
• With berries: Serve the brownies with fresh berries, such as strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries.
• As a sundae: Create a brownie sundae with ice cream, whipped cream, chocolate sauce, and sprinkles.
• Cut into smaller pieces and add to a milkshake: For an over-the-top dessert, blend brownie pieces into your favorite milkshake.
• Garnish with edible glitter: For a festive touch, sprinkle the brownies with edible glitter.

Troubleshooting

Here are some common brownie problems and how to solve them:

• Brownies are too dry: This could be due to overbaking. Be sure to bake the brownies until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with fudgy crumbs attached.
• Brownies are too gooey: This could be due to underbaking. Bake the brownies for a few more minutes until they are set in the center.
• Brownies are tough: This could be due to overmixing the batter. Be sure to mix until just combined.
• Brownies are too crumbly: This could be due to using too much flour. Be sure to measure the flour accurately.
• Marshmallows melted completely: This can happen if the oven temperature is too high or the marshmallows are too close to the heating element. Reduce the oven temperature or move the pan to a lower rack. Also, folding in the marshmallows gently and just before pouring the batter into the pan can help.

Storage Instructions

To keep your Disappearing Marshmallow Brownies II fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months. To freeze, wrap the brownies individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw the brownies at room temperature before serving.

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe is a success because of the carefully balanced ingredients and the specific techniques used. The melted butter contributes to the fudgy texture, while the eggs provide richness and structure. The cocoa powder and melted chocolate chips create a deep, chocolatey flavor, and the marshmallows add pockets of gooey sweetness. The addition of sea salt balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor profile. The recipe is also easy to follow, making it accessible to bakers of all skill levels. The key is to not overmix the batter and to bake the brownies until they are just set in the center.

Final Thoughts

Disappearing Marshmallow Brownies II are a delightful twist on a classic dessert. The combination of rich, fudgy brownies, gooey marshmallows, and a hint of sea salt is irresistible. This recipe is perfect for any occasion and is sure to impress your friends and family. So, grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience brownie bliss like never before!

These brownies are more than just a treat; they’re an experience. The magic of the disappearing marshmallows, the richness of the chocolate, and the balance of flavors create a symphony of taste and texture that will leave you wanting more. Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion or simply to satisfy a craving, Disappearing Marshmallow Brownies II are guaranteed to bring joy to your kitchen and smiles to your loved ones.

Happy Baking!