Mississippi Mud Pie Brownies Recipe

If you are craving a decadent treat that truly satisfies your chocolate fantasies, the Mississippi Mud Pie Brownies Recipe is your new best friend. This luscious dessert layers rich, fudgy brownie batter with gooey marshmallows and a silky chocolate-cocoa icing, delivering a wonderfully indulgent experience every time. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply want to spoil yourself and loved ones, these brownies capture the perfect balance of textures and flavors that’ll keep everyone coming back for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients may seem simple, but each one plays a crucial role in creating the signature taste, moist texture, and rich color that make the Mississippi Mud Pie Brownies Recipe so unforgettable.

• 1 cup unsalted butter: Using quality butter like Kerrygold ensures a creamy base and rich flavor.
• 2½ cups granulated sugar: Adds the perfect sweetness to the batter for that classic brownie taste.
• 2 tablespoons canola oil: Keeps the brownies moist and tender without overpowering the other flavors.
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract: Adds a warm, aromatic depth to the chocolate blend.
• 5 large eggs: Eggs provide structure and a dense, fudgy texture.
• 1 cup all-purpose flour: Just enough to hold the brownies together without making them cakey.
• ¾ cup + 1 tablespoon Dutch-process cocoa powder: Boosts the intense chocolate flavor and rich color.
• ¾ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the chocolatey notes.
• 8 ounces dark or milk chocolate: Half a Trader Joe’s Pound of Chocolate bar works beautifully for melting and chunks.
• 6 cups mini marshmallows: Creates a gooey, sticky topping that’s irresistible.
• 6 tablespoons salted butter: For luscious and creamy chocolate icing.
• 2½ cups powdered sugar: Gives the icing its smooth sweetness and structure.
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds chocolate richness to the icing without extra sweetness.
• ¼ cup whole milk: Helps achieve the perfect consistency in the icing.
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Adds that final fragrant touch to the chocolate icing.

How to Make Mississippi Mud Pie Brownies Recipe

Step 1: Preparing the Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line a metal 9×13-inch cake pan with parchment paper, ensuring the edges hang over the sides for easy brownie removal later. Lightly spray with cooking spray for that non-stick confidence. Using two sheets of parchment in a cross shape is a clever trick to fit the pan perfectly and make clean slicing easier.

Step 2: Creating the Butter and Sugar Base

In a heavy-bottomed saucepan over low heat, melt 1 cup of unsalted butter. When melted, add 2½ cups granulated sugar and stir until smooth and fully combined. This emulsification step is crucial; you want the butter and sugar to blend without separation. Cool the mixture for about five minutes, stirring frequently to release heat and avoid scrambling the eggs later.

Step 3: Incorporating Oil and Vanilla

Stir in 2 tablespoons of canola oil and 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract with a rubber spatula until completely mixed, and the surface looks smooth. This step ensures your brownies stay moist and infused with that classic vanilla aroma.

Step 4: Adding the Eggs for Fudgy Texture

Beat in the 5 large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This builds structure and richness, setting the foundation for those dense, fudgy brownies we all love.

Step 5: Mixing Dry Ingredients

Sift together the flour, Dutch-process cocoa powder, and salt. Gently fold these into the wet butter mixture with a rubber spatula, stirring just until no dry streaks remain. Overmixing can toughen the brownies, so a delicate hand here keeps the texture perfect.

Step 6: Adding Chocolate Chunks

Fold most of the 8 ounces of chopped dark or milk chocolate into the batter, saving some chunks to sprinkle on top. These melted pockets of chocolate imbue depth and chewy surprises inside the brownies.

Step 7: Baking the Brownie Base

Pour the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing the surface. Sprinkle the reserved chocolate chunks evenly on top. Bake for 25 minutes, allowing the brownies to set but stay moist and fudgy underneath.

Step 8: Adding Marshmallows for Gooey Goodness

Remove the brownies from the oven and generously cover the surface with 6 cups of mini marshmallows. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 3 minutes, just enough to slightly melt the marshmallows into a sticky cloud-like topping.

Step 9: Cooling Time Before the Icing

Take the brownies out again, and let them cool for a few minutes while you prepare the luscious icing that finishes this masterpiece.

Step 10: Preparing the Chocolate Icing

Melt 6 tablespoons of salted butter over medium heat in a saucepan. Once melted, sift in powdered sugar and cocoa powder, whisking until smooth. Gradually whisk in the milk and vanilla extract, creating a glossy, pourable chocolate icing.

Step 11: Topping Your Brownies

Remove icing from heat and pour it immediately over the warm marshmallow layer, gently spreading with a rubber spatula to cover evenly. This silky layer sets quickly, sealing in all the gooey goodness.

Step 12: Final Set and Slice

Allow the icing to set completely before lifting the brownies out of the pan using the parchment edges. Using a plastic knife prevents marshmallows from sticking, giving you clean, perfect squares to serve.

How to Serve Mississippi Mud Pie Brownies Recipe

Garnishes

For an extra touch, sprinkle a little flaky sea salt on top after the icing sets to balance the sweetness. You can also add a few toasted pecans or walnuts for crunch and a buttery note that pairs beautifully with the rich chocolate.

Side Dishes

Serve these brownies alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. Fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries add a bright, tart contrast that keeps the dessert feeling fresh and balanced.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut the brownies into small bite-sized squares for party platters or layer them with whipped cream and chocolate shavings in individual glass jars for a charming dessert parfait. Wrapping each square in parchment paper tied with twine makes them perfect for gift-giving!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Mississippi Mud Pie Brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Keeping them covered preserves the moisture, ensuring they stay fudgy and delicious.

Freezing

For longer storage, wrap cooled brownies tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before bringing to room temperature for the best texture.

Reheating

Warm individual pieces in the microwave for about 15 seconds to revive that gooey marshmallow topping and soften the chocolate icing without melting it away completely. This brings back that freshly-baked feeling every time.

FAQs

Can I use regular cocoa powder instead of Dutch-process?

While regular cocoa powder works in a pinch, Dutch-process cocoa has a smoother, less acidic flavor that really elevates the brownies. Using Dutch-process cocoa will give you the rich taste and deep color that the Mississippi Mud Pie Brownies Recipe is known for.

Do I have to use both butter and oil in the recipe?

Yes! The butter adds richness and flavor, while the canola oil helps keep the brownies moist and tender. Together, they create the perfect fudgy texture without being greasy.

Can I substitute mini marshmallows with regular-sized ones?

Regular-sized marshmallows may work, but mini marshmallows melt more evenly and create that iconic gooey blanket on top. If using large marshmallows, chopping them down to smaller pieces is recommended.

Is it okay to use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?

Absolutely! Using milk chocolate will make the brownies sweeter and creamier, while dark chocolate adds a more intense cocoa flavor. Many love mixing both for a balanced flavor, just like in this recipe.

How do I get clean slices without the marshmallows sticking to the knife?

Using a plastic knife or lightly spraying and wiping a metal chef’s knife with nonstick spray prevents sticking. Cutting when the brownies and icing are completely set also helps keep your slices neat and tidy.

Final Thoughts

Making the Mississippi Mud Pie Brownies Recipe is like giving yourself a warm chocolate hug that’s impossible to resist. From that fudgy base to the sticky marshmallow topping and creamy icing, every bite feels like a little celebration. I can’t recommend enough grabbing your ingredients and baking this beloved dessert—it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that makes any occasion feel special.

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