Get ready to meet your new favorite dessert. These Marshmallow Peanut Butter Brownies are the perfect combination of rich, fudgy chocolate, creamy peanut butter, and toasted, gooey marshmallows. This recipe is surprisingly simple, delivering a decadent, crowd-pleasing treat that looks like it came straight from a gourmet bakery. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting, you’ll find these brownies are an absolute showstopper. They solve the craving for something that is simultaneously salty, sweet, rich, and wonderfully textured.
We’ve designed this recipe to be foolproof, ensuring you get that perfect, irresistible swirl of peanut butter and a beautifully melted marshmallow topping every single time. Say goodbye to dry, cakey brownies and hello to pure, chewy indulgence.
Why This Is the Best Brownie Recipe
There are countless brownie recipes out there, but this one truly stands out. It’s the ultimate comfort dessert, combining three universally loved flavors into one perfect square.
- Perfectly Fudgy Texture: We use melted butter and just the right amount of flour to create a dense, moist, and incredibly fudgy brownie base that melts in your mouth.
- Irresistible Flavor Combo: The deep flavor of semi-sweet chocolate is perfectly balanced by the salty creaminess of peanut butter and the sweet, light flavor of marshmallow. It’s a match made in dessert heaven.
- Gooey Marshmallow Topping: By adding the marshmallows in the last few minutes of baking, you get a perfectly toasted, gooey layer that doesn’t dissolve into the batter.
- Simple & Approachable: Don’t let the gourmet look fool you. The steps are straightforward and easy to follow, making this a great recipe for bakers of all skill levels. For another simple yet impressive dessert, check out these Salted Caramel Pretzel Cheesecake Balls.
Key Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of these Marshmallow Peanut Butter Brownies comes from using quality, simple ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to create this masterpiece.
For the Brownie Batter:
- Unsalted Butter: Melted butter is the foundation for a rich, fudgy texture.
- Granulated & Brown Sugar: A mix of both sugars provides the perfect sweetness and extra moisture.
- Eggs: Essential for binding the ingredients and creating a chewy bite.
- All-Purpose Flour: Provides the structure without making the brownies cakey.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: For that deep, rich chocolate flavor.
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: We use them both in the batter and sprinkled on top for extra chocolatey goodness.
For the Swirl & Topping:
- Creamy Peanut Butter: Choose a good quality, creamy peanut butter for the best swirl.
- Mini Marshmallows: These melt perfectly over the top to create that signature gooey layer.
Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect Marshmallow Peanut Butter Brownies
Follow these simple steps to bake the most amazing brownies of your life. We’ll break it down into three easy phases.
1. Preparing the Fudgy Brownie Base
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang to easily lift the brownies out later. In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until well combined. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined—be careful not to overmix! Finally, fold in 1/2 cup of the semi-sweet chocolate chips.
2. Creating the Layers
Pour the brownie batter into your prepared pan and spread it into an even layer. In a small, microwave-safe bowl, heat the peanut butter for about 20-30 seconds until it’s slightly runny and easy to drizzle. Drop spoonfuls of the warmed peanut butter over the brownie batter. Use a knife to gently swirl the peanut butter into the batter, creating a marbled effect. Don’t overdo it; you want distinct ribbons of peanut butter.
3. Baking to Gooey Perfection
Bake for 20-25 minutes. At this point, the brownies should be mostly set but still soft in the center. Remove them from the oven and evenly sprinkle the mini marshmallows and the remaining 1/2 cup of chocolate chips over the top. Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 3-5 minutes, or until the marshmallows are puffed and slightly golden. Keep a close eye on them, as marshmallows can burn quickly!
Pro Tips for The Best Results
Want to take your brownies from great to absolutely unforgettable? Here are a few expert tips.
- Don’t Overbake: The key to a fudgy brownie is to slightly underbake it. The brownies will continue to cook from residual heat as they cool in the pan.
- Cool Completely: This is the hardest part! You must let the brownies cool completely in the pan before slicing. This allows them to set properly, ensuring clean cuts. For a truly decadent experience, why not try our Hot Fudge Sundae Brownie Cheesecake next?
- Use Room Temperature Eggs: This helps them incorporate more smoothly into the batter, resulting in a more uniform texture.
- Lining the Pan is Key: Using parchment paper with an overhang is a non-negotiable step. It makes removing the brownies from the pan incredibly easy and mess-free.
Storing Your Brownies
These Marshmallow Peanut Butter Brownies are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored for later. Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. We don’t recommend refrigerating them, as it can dry out the brownie base and harden the marshmallow topping. If you love baking, you should also try our famous Amish White Bread recipe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! These brownies can be made a day in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their texture. They are just as delicious the next day.
Yes, you can use crunchy peanut butter if you prefer the extra texture. The swirls may not be as smooth, but it will taste just as delicious.
We recommend using mini marshmallows for the best texture and toasted topping. Marshmallow fluff (or creme) will create a different, stickier layer and won’t toast in the same way.
The key is to add the marshmallows during the last 3-5 minutes of baking. This allows them to get puffy and lightly toasted without burning or completely melting into the brownie batter.
You should bake the brownie base until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist, fudgy crumbs attached. It shouldn’t be wet batter, but it shouldn’t be completely clean either. This ensures a fudgy, not cakey, result.
The Ultimate Marshmallow Peanut Butter Brownies Recipe
Marshmallow Peanut Butter Brownies: The Ultimate Gooey Treat
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang to lift the brownies out later.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until well combined. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Do not overmix. Fold in 1/2 cup of the semi-sweet chocolate chips.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Warm the peanut butter in a microwave-safe bowl for 20-30 seconds until runny. Drop spoonfuls over the batter and use a knife to gently swirl it in.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the brownies are mostly set but still soft in the center.
- Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle the mini marshmallows and the remaining 1/2 cup of chocolate chips over the top.
- Return to the oven and bake for an additional 3-5 minutes, until the marshmallows are puffed and lightly golden. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Let the brownies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before using the parchment paper overhang to lift them out and slice into 16 squares.
Notes
Cooling is Crucial: Allowing the brownies to cool completely is essential for clean slices. Rushing this step will result in a gooey mess (though still a delicious one!).
Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days for the best texture.
We Hope You Love It!
We are so excited for you to try this incredible recipe for Marshmallow Peanut Butter Brownies! It’s a true fan-favorite and a guaranteed hit for any occasion. If you make it, we would love to see your creation! Please leave a comment below or share a photo on Pinterest. Happy baking!
