Mississippi Mud Cake Brownies are a decadent twist on a classic dessert, blending the rich flavors of a chocolate brownie with the gooey, indulgent elements of a Mississippi Mud Cake. This dessert offers layers of complex textures and flavors, making it a perfect choice for those who crave an over-the-top chocolate experience.
At the base, these brownies start with a moist, fudgy brownie layer made from a combination of melted butter, granulated and brown sugars, and rich cocoa powder. The result is a dense, chocolatey foundation that’s both sweet and satisfyingly chewy. The addition of eggs ensures a perfectly fudgy consistency, while a hint of baking powder adds just enough lift to give the brownies their characteristic density.
The brownies are topped with a generous layer of mini marshmallows that puff up and lightly brown when baked, creating a luscious, gooey texture that contrasts beautifully with the rich brownie base. This layer of marshmallows adds a playful, sweet element, reminiscent of classic s’mores.
To crown the dessert, a glossy, smooth chocolate ganache is poured over the top. Made from semi-sweet chocolate chips, heavy cream, and a touch of butter, the ganache adds an extra layer of decadence and a velvety texture that complements the marshmallows perfectly. When the ganache sets, it forms a rich, fudgy topping that adds to the overall indulgence of the brownies.
Each bite of Mississippi Mud Cake Brownies offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures—rich chocolate brownie, gooey marshmallow, and silky ganache. The layers meld together to create a dessert that’s both visually appealing and irresistibly delicious. Whether served at a party or enjoyed as a special treat, these brownies are sure to impress with their decadent, over-the-top charm.
Ingredients:
For the Brownies:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup cocoa powder
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
For the Marshmallow Layer:
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
For the Chocolate Ganache:
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Instructions:
- Prepare the Brownies:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Remove from heat and stir in the granulated sugar and brown sugar until well combined.
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then mix in the cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, and salt until smooth. Fold in the chopped nuts if using.
- Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Add the Marshmallow Layer:
- Remove the brownies from the oven and sprinkle the mini marshmallows evenly over the top.
- Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the marshmallows are puffed and lightly browned. Remove from the oven and let cool completely.
- Prepare the Chocolate Ganache:
- In a heatproof bowl, combine the chocolate chips and heavy cream. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the chocolate is melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Stir in the butter until fully incorporated and glossy.
- Finish the Brownies:
- Pour the chocolate ganache over the cooled marshmallow layer, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Allow the ganache to set at room temperature or refrigerate for faster setting.
- Cut and Serve:
- Once the ganache is set, lift the brownies out of the pan using the parchment paper. Cut into squares and serve.
Tips:
- Cooling: Let the brownies cool completely before cutting to ensure clean slices and to let the ganache set properly.
- Marshmallow Layer: For a more toasted marshmallow effect, you can use a kitchen torch to lightly toast the marshmallows after baking.
- Storage: Store the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- Customization: Feel free to add other mix-ins to the brownie batter, such as chocolate chunks or toffee bits, for added texture and flavor.
