These Easy Sno Ball Brownies are a chocolate lover’s dream! They’re rich brownies topped with a fluffy marshmallow layer and sprinkled with coconut for that perfect sweet touch.
Trust me, when you take a bite, you’ll feel like a kid again! I love serving these at parties; everyone always wants seconds. They’re super easy to whip up too—no complicated steps!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Brownie Mix: Using a box mix makes this recipe super easy. You can choose any brand you love, but you can also make brownies from scratch if you’re feeling adventurous. Just find a simple brownie recipe that uses basic ingredients like cocoa powder, sugar, and eggs.
Coconut: Sweetened shredded coconut is what gives these brownies their fun texture and flavor. If you can’t find sweetened coconut, unsweetened works too, but you might want to add a bit of sugar. For a nut-free option, you could also use crushed graham crackers or finely chopped nuts.
Mini Marshmallows: These add that classic fluffy texture. If you’re looking for a vegan option, consider using plant-based marshmallows, which can be found in grocery stores now.
Food Coloring: Pink and blue provide a festive touch, but feel free to get creative with other colors! Natural food dyes, like beet juice for pink, can be used for a healthier alternative.
How Do You Get the Perfect Layer of Marshmallow Topping?
Creating a smooth marshmallow topping is key for these brownies. Start by melting the butter on low heat to avoid burning it. Once melted, add the mini marshmallows and milk. Stir gently but consistently until everything is nice and smooth.
- Always keep the heat low to prevent scorching the marshmallows.
- Remove from heat as soon as the mixture is melted to avoid it thickening too much.
- Pour the marshmallow mix over the brownies while it’s still warm for easier spreading.
With these simple tips, you’ll be able to master the topping that makes these brownies really special. Enjoy making your festive dessert!
How to Make Easy Sno Ball Brownies with Marshmallow Coconut Topping
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Brownies:
- 1 box brownie mix (plus ingredients called for on the box, usually eggs, oil, and water)
For the Topping:
- 1 1/2 cups sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- Pink and blue food coloring
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups mini marshmallows (for melting)
- 1/4 cup milk
For Garnish:
- Chocolate shavings or curls
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes of preparation, plus 20-25 minutes to bake the brownies. After that, let them cool completely for about 30 minutes before adding the topping. You might want to chill them for about 15-20 minutes after assembling to set the topping nicely. Overall, be ready to enjoy your delightful creations in about 1 to 1.5 hours!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Brownies:
First things first: preheat your oven according to the instructions on your brownie mix box. Next, get that brownie mix ready! Follow the directions on the package, mixing in the ingredients like eggs, oil, and water as specified. Once mixed well, pour the brownie batter into a greased or parchment-lined 9×9-inch baking pan. Now, bake according to the package directions for fudgy brownies, which is usually around 20-25 minutes. When they’re done, let the brownies cool completely before adding your topping—this step is very important!
2. Prepare Colored Coconut:
While your brownies cool, let’s make the coconut colorful! Take 1 1/2 cups of shredded coconut and divide it into three small bowls. Keep one bowl plain white for simplicity. In the second bowl, add a few drops of pink food coloring, and in the third bowl, add a few drops of blue food coloring. Gently mix each bowl until the coconut is evenly tinted. Once done, set your colorful coconut aside.
3. Make Marshmallow Topping:
Now, let’s whip up the delicious marshmallow topping! In a saucepan, melt 1/4 cup of unsalted butter over low heat. Then, add 2 cups of mini marshmallows and 1/4 cup of milk to the melted butter. Stir continuously until everything is melted and smooth. Once it looks creamy and delicious, remove it from the heat.
4. Assemble Topping Layer:
With your brownies cooled down, it’s time to assemble! Carefully pour the melted marshmallow mixture over the brownies, spreading it out evenly. Then, quickly sprinkle the colorful shredded coconut over the marshmallow layer. Mix the pink, blue, and white coconut together gently as you do this to create that lovely pastel effect reminiscent of a “Sno Ball.”
5. Add Mini Marshmallows:
While the marshmallow topping is still sticky, scatter the remaining mini marshmallows over the coconut topping. Lightly press them in so that they stick well. This adds an extra fun texture!
6. Decorate:
Let’s make these brownies even more special! Garnish the top with chocolate shavings or curls for a beautiful finishing touch. This adds not just looks but also extra flavor!
7. Set and Serve:
Now it’s time to let everything set! Allow the topping to fully set at room temperature. If you want to speed things up, you can pop them in the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes. Once set, cut the brownies into squares and serve. Enjoy these festive, colorful Sno Ball Brownies with family and friends—they’re sure to be a hit!
Can I Use a Different Brownie Mix for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to use any brownie mix you prefer, whether it’s a fudge, classic, or even a gluten-free variety. Just follow the package instructions, and you’ll still get delicious results!
What Can I Substitute for Sweetened Shredded Coconut?
If you’re not a fan of coconut or need a substitute, you can use crushed graham crackers for a different texture. If you’re looking for a nut-free option, finely chopped nuts can also add a nice crunch!
How Should I Store Leftover Sno Ball Brownies?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you prefer them chilled, you can keep them in the fridge, but let them sit out for a few minutes to soften slightly before serving!
Can I Make These Brownies Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Bake the brownies and prepare the marshmallow topping a day in advance. Simply assemble the toppings right before you plan to serve them for the best freshness and taste!
