Easy Marshmallow Brownies with Pecans: A Decadent Treat for Any Occasion

Fudgy brownies, rich with deep chocolate flavor, are a universally loved sweet treat. While a basic brownie recipe always provides a wonderful foundation, the real magic happens when you start experimenting with variations. I’ve explored countless brownie creations, from vibrant raspberry brownie cakes and luscious caramel brownies to tangy cream cheese swirl brownies. As you can tell, brownies hold a special place in my heart as one of my absolute favorite desserts.

And now, allow me to introduce you to yet another irresistible brownie masterpiece: these exceptional Mississippi Mud Brownies. This recipe combines a deeply fudgy chocolate brownie base with a delightful middle layer of melted chocolate, toasted pecans, and gooey marshmallows, all crowned with a delicate yet crunchy meringue. This creation offers not just three spectacular layers of flavor, but also an incredible interplay of textures: the silky smooth fudginess of the brownie, the soft, sticky chewiness of the nutty marshmallow filling, and the crisp, airy crunch of the meringue topping. It’s a dessert experience that’s truly unforgettable and sure to become a new favorite in your repertoire. Don’t just take my word for it – try making them yourself!

What Makes Mississippi Mud Brownies So Special?

The secret to these brownies lies in their layered complexity. Each component is delicious on its own, but together, they create a harmonious blend of taste and texture. The chocolate in the brownie base is carefully selected to provide an intense, rich flavor without being overly sweet, allowing the other layers to shine. The marshmallow and pecan filling adds a delightful chew and nutty depth, perfectly complementing the chocolate. Finally, the meringue isn’t just a topping; it’s a light, airy, and slightly crisp crown that adds an elegant finish and a contrasting crunch that makes every bite truly exciting.

Key Ingredients for Chewy Mississippi Mud Brownies with Meringue, Marshmallows, and Pecans

Crafting these extraordinary Mississippi Mud Brownies requires a thoughtful selection of ingredients, each playing a vital role in achieving their signature taste and texture. Below, we delve into the essential components you’ll need. For precise measurements, please refer to the detailed recipe card at the bottom of this page.

• Baking Powder: While brownies are typically dense, a touch of baking powder here helps the brownie layer achieve a slightly lighter, fluffier texture, balancing the richness without making it cakey.
• Premium Chocolate and Cocoa Powder: To achieve a truly deep and complex chocolate flavor, this recipe calls for two types of dark chocolate: one with over 70% cocoa for intense bitterness and another with over 50% cocoa for a balanced sweetness. Additionally, Dutch-processed cocoa powder enhances the rich chocolate profile, ensuring every bite is packed with cocoa goodness. High-quality chocolate makes a noticeable difference, so choose wisely!
• Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted butter allows you to control the overall salt content of your brownies. It contributes to the rich, moist texture and luxurious mouthfeel of the brownie base.
• Vanilla Extract: A crucial flavor enhancer, vanilla extract adds a warm, aromatic note that complements and deepens the chocolate flavor. If you don’t have vanilla extract, a teaspoon of vanilla sugar can be used as a substitute, though the extract offers a more pronounced flavor.
• Variety of Sugars: The strategic use of three different sugars is what truly sets these brownies apart.
  • Granulated Sugar: Provides essential sweetness and helps create that coveted shiny, crackly top crust on the brownies.
  • Dark Brown Sugar: Contributes a rich, deep, molasses-like flavor and additional moisture, enhancing the fudgy texture of both the brownie and the meringue.
  • Dutch Sugar Syrup (or Golden Syrup): Adds a subtle caramel note and a wonderful chewiness to the brownie, creating an extra layer of flavor complexity. For variations, consider maple syrup or honey for different flavor profiles.
• Pecans: These provide a delightful nutty crunch and buttery flavor to the gooey filling. Their distinct taste pairs exceptionally well with chocolate and marshmallows. If pecans aren’t available, walnuts or almonds make excellent substitutes, offering slightly different but equally delicious textures and flavors.
• Marshmallows: The star of the gooey middle layer! Mini marshmallows are ideal as they distribute evenly and melt beautifully into a sticky, sweet layer during baking. If you only have larger marshmallows, simply cut them into smaller, bite-sized pieces to ensure even distribution and melt. The melted marshmallows create that signature “mud” effect.
• Eggs: Eggs are essential for structure and binding the ingredients in both the brownie batter and the meringue. For the brownies, they contribute to the fudgy texture, while for the meringue, egg whites are whipped to create a light and airy foam that bakes into a crisp topping. Using large (L) eggs is recommended for consistent results.
• All-Purpose Flour: The primary structural component of the brownie. Ensure you measure it correctly, preferably by weight, to avoid a dry or cakey brownie.
• Salt: Just a pinch of salt is vital for balancing the sweetness and enhancing all the other flavors, especially the chocolate.

How to Master the Mississippi Mud Brownie Recipe: Step-by-Step Guide

Creating these layered delights might seem intricate, but with clear steps, it’s a thoroughly enjoyable process. The full recipe with precise ingredient amounts and detailed instructions, easily printable, is available at the bottom of this blog post. Here’s a simplified overview of the journey to your perfect Mississippi Mud Brownies:

1. Crafting the Fudgy Brownie Base: The journey begins with preparing the rich, chocolatey brownie batter that forms the foundation of this dessert. For a visual guide to achieving perfectly fudgy brownies in four easy steps, you can refer to my dedicated fudgy brownies recipe. Once your batter is mixed to perfection, pour it evenly into your prepared baking tin.
2. Building the Gooey Filling Layer: This is where the “mud” magic happens! Generously sprinkle a combination of finely chopped milk chocolate (over 50% cocoa for extra richness), crunchy pecan nuts, and those delightful mini marshmallows evenly over the brownie batter. These ingredients will melt and meld together during baking, creating an incredibly gooey and flavorful layer.
3. Adding the Signature Meringue Topping: The final layer is the airy, sweet brown sugar meringue. Carefully spread the whipped meringue over the filling, gently smoothing it with the back of a spoon to create an even, fluffy cloud that will bake into a beautiful, crisp topping.
4. Baking and Patient Cooling: Bake your masterpiece until the brownie is cooked through and the meringue topping turns a gorgeous golden brown, signifying its perfect crispness. This step is crucial for both texture and flavor. Once baked, the most challenging part (but most important for the final texture!) is allowing the marshmallow brownie to cool completely to room temperature. This patience ensures that the brownies set properly, becoming perfectly fudgy and easy to cut.

Pro-Tips for Success

• Temperature Matters: Ensure your eggs and butter are at room temperature for optimal emulsification, leading to a smoother, more consistent brownie batter.
• Don’t Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients for the brownie, mix just until no streaks of flour remain. Overmixing develops gluten, which can lead to a tough, cakey brownie instead of a fudgy one.
• Grease and Line: Always line your baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. This makes it incredibly easy to lift the cooled brownies out of the pan for clean slicing.
• Achieving Meringue Perfection: For stiff meringue peaks, ensure your bowl and whisk are absolutely grease-free. Even a tiny bit of fat can prevent egg whites from whipping properly.

Did you make this delicious recipe? Tag #byandreajanssen via Instagram! I love to see what your creation looks like and regularly share the most beautiful photos of you! Did you like this recipe? Then leave a rating on the recipe card! Your feedback helps other home cooks and me enormously.

Need more inspiration?

• You can find video recipes on my YouTube channel.
• And don’t forget to save the recipes on Pinterest, so you can easily find them again next time!

Andréa

Serving and Storing Your Mississippi Mud Brownies

These Mississippi Mud Brownies are a treat best enjoyed when properly served and stored to maintain their incredible textures and flavors.

Serving Suggestions

While phenomenal on their own, these brownies are even more delightful with a few accompaniments:

• A Scoop of Ice Cream: A classic pairing! Vanilla bean or coffee ice cream would perfectly complement the rich chocolate and gooey textures.
• Drizzle of Caramel or Chocolate Sauce: For an extra layer of decadence, a light drizzle of warm caramel or a simple chocolate ganache can elevate the experience.
• Fresh Berries: The slight tartness of raspberries or strawberries can provide a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the brownies.
• Coffee or Milk: A hot cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk makes for a comforting and satisfying pairing.

Remember, always allow the brownies to cool completely before slicing for the cleanest cuts and the best fudgy consistency.

Storage Tips

Proper storage ensures your Mississippi Mud Brownies remain fresh and delicious:

• Room Temperature: Store cooled brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This helps maintain their soft, fudgy interior and crisp meringue.
• Refrigeration: While not strictly necessary, if you prefer a firmer brownie or live in a very warm climate, you can refrigerate them. Place them in an airtight container and they will keep for up to a week. Let them come to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving for optimal texture.
• Freezing for Longer Storage: These brownies freeze wonderfully! For best results, wrap individual brownies tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. To enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature for a few hours.

Why You’ll Love This Mississippi Mud Brownie Recipe

This Mississippi Mud Brownie recipe isn’t just another dessert; it’s an experience. It brings together the beloved elements of classic brownies with unexpected layers that create a truly gourmet treat. You’ll love the depth of flavor from using multiple types of chocolate and sugar, the playful texture of the gooey marshmallow and crunchy pecan layer, and the elegant finish of the meringue. It’s a recipe that impresses without being overly complicated, perfect for sharing at gatherings, holidays, or simply indulging yourself after a long week. The blend of rich, sweet, and nutty notes makes it universally appealing, guaranteeing smiles with every bite. If you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert that delivers on both taste and texture, these Mississippi Mud Brownies are an absolute must-try!

More Brownie & Blondie Inspiration

If you’re as passionate about brownies as I am, you’ll be thrilled to explore more delicious variations. From classic fudgy delights to innovative twists, there’s always a new brownie adventure waiting.