Get ready to sink your teeth into pure chocolate bliss! Mississippi Mud Brownies are a legendary dessert, renowned for their incredible layers of fudgy brownie, gooey marshmallow, and rich chocolate frosting. This isn't just a brownie; it's an experience that transports you straight to dessert heaven with every bite.
Originating from the Deep South, much like the classic Mississippi Mud Pie, these brownies take all the best elements – intense chocolate, fluffy texture, and irresistible sweetness – and combine them into a portable, shareable square. They're perfect for potlucks, parties, or simply a cozy night in when only the most decadent treat will do.
Why You'll Love These Mississippi Mud Brownies
Our recipe for Mississippi Mud Brownies guarantees a dessert that's not only impressive but also incredibly simple to make. Here’s why this recipe will become your new go-to:
- Ultimate Fudgy Texture: We achieve that perfect dense, moist brownie base that melts in your mouth.
- Gooey Marshmallow Layer: A generous layer of melted mini marshmallows adds a sweet, chewy contrast.
- Rich Chocolate Frosting: A velvety smooth, homemade chocolate fudge frosting crowns these beauties, tying all the flavors together.
- Crowd-Pleaser: This dessert is a guaranteed hit for chocolate lovers of all ages!
The Secret to Perfect Mississippi Mud Brownies
While these brownies are straightforward, a few tips can elevate them from great to absolutely extraordinary:
Quality Ingredients Make a Difference
Using good quality cocoa powder and fresh butter will significantly impact the depth of flavor in your brownies and frosting. Don't skimp on the good stuff!
Don't Overbake the Brownies
For that signature fudgy texture, it's crucial not to overbake the brownie base. The edges should be set, but a toothpick inserted into the center should still come out with moist crumbs, not completely clean. The rich history of brownies often points to slight underbaking as a key to fudginess. For more on the origins of this beloved dessert, you can learn about the rich history of brownies.
Cool Completely Before Frosting
Patience is a virtue, especially when it comes to frosting! Ensure your brownies, including the marshmallow layer, are completely cool before spreading on the chocolate fudge. This prevents the frosting from melting and ensures clean, beautiful layers.
Serving Suggestions & Variations
These Mississippi Mud Brownies are fantastic on their own, but here are a few ideas to make them even more special:
- Serve them slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream.
- Dust with extra cocoa powder or chocolate shavings for an elegant touch.
- For a hint of coffee flavor, add 1 teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the brownie batter.
- Swap out pecans for walnuts, or omit nuts entirely if preferred.
Ready to bake a batch of these irresistible Mississippi Mud Brownies? Let's get to the recipe!
FAQs
What are Mississippi Mud Brownies?
Mississippi Mud Brownies are a decadent dessert featuring a rich, fudgy chocolate brownie base, topped with a gooey layer of melted marshmallows, and finished with a smooth, sweet chocolate fudge frosting. They are inspired by the classic Mississippi Mud Pie.
Can I make Mississippi Mud Brownies ahead of time?
Yes, these brownies are perfect for making ahead! They can be stored covered at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerated for up to a week. The flavors often deepen overnight, making them even more delicious the next day.
How do I store leftover Mississippi Mud Brownies?
To keep your Mississippi Mud Brownies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. You can also freeze individual brownies for up to 2-3 months, thawing them at room temperature before serving.
Can I skip the pecans in Mississippi Mud Brownies?
Absolutely! The chopped pecans add a lovely crunch and nutty flavor, but if you're not a fan of nuts or have allergies, you can easily omit them from the recipe without affecting the overall deliciousness of the brownies.
Mississippi Mud Brownies
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
- Diet: Standard
Description
A decadent dessert featuring fudgy chocolate brownies topped with a gooey marshmallow layer and a rich chocolate fudge frosting, inspired by the classic Mississippi Mud Pie.
Ingredients
1 cup butter
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup chopped pecans (optional)
4 cups mini marshmallows
1/2 cup butter (for frosting)
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (for frosting)
1/3 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan, or line with parchment paper leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
Step 2: In a large saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, melt 1 cup of butter. Remove from heat and stir in the granulated sugar until well combined.
Step 3: Beat in the 4 large eggs one at a time, then stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
Step 4: Gradually add the 1/3 cup cocoa powder, 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, and 1/4 teaspoon salt to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
Step 5: If using, fold in the 1 cup of chopped pecans. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
Step 6: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs. Do not overbake for fudgier brownies.
Step 7: Remove the brownies from the oven and immediately sprinkle the 4 cups of mini marshmallows evenly over the hot surface. Return to the oven for 3-5 minutes, or until marshmallows are puffed and lightly golden.
Step 8: While the brownies are cooling slightly, prepare the frosting: In a medium saucepan, melt 1/2 cup butter over medium heat. Stir in 1/3 cup cocoa powder and 1/3 cup milk, whisking until smooth. Bring to a gentle boil, then remove from heat.
Step 9: Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Gradually add the 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar, whisking until the frosting is smooth and lump-free. If too thick, add a tiny bit more milk; if too thin, add a bit more powdered sugar.
Step 10: Once the brownies have cooled completely (this is crucial for clean cuts and a stable frosting), pour the warm chocolate frosting over the marshmallow layer and spread evenly.
Step 11: Let the frosting set at room temperature for at least 1-2 hours before slicing and serving. For cleaner cuts, you can refrigerate for 30 minutes to speed up the setting process.
Notes
For extra crunch, you can lightly toast the pecans before adding them to the batter. Ensure brownies are completely cool before frosting for a clean, non-runny chocolate layer.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 50g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Leave a Reply