These Easy Sno Ball Brownies are a fun treat that combines rich brownies with a fluffy marshmallow coconut topping. They’re sweet, soft, and perfect for chocolate lovers!
Honestly, who can resist that cute, snowy topping? I love serving these at parties, and they disappear faster than I can say, “Who wants dessert?” 😂 You’ve got to try making them!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Brownie Mix: A box mix makes this recipe quick and easy. If you prefer homemade brown batter, go for a classic recipe using cocoa powder, sugar, butter, eggs, and flour. This can bring a richer flavor, but it requires more time.
Marshmallow Creme: If you can’t find marshmallow creme, you can substitute it with mini marshmallows. Just melt them slightly and mix. Some like to whip up a homemade marshmallow fluff using egg whites—it’s a fun project!
Coconut: Shredded sweetened coconut is essential for that classic texture. If you’re looking for an alternative, use unsweetened coconut or even crushed cookies for a unique crunch. You can also skip it altogether if you’re not a fan.
Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet is the best choice for depth of flavor, but dark chocolate or milk chocolate chips work too! If you’re dairy-free, try dark chocolate or dairy-free chips instead, and feel free to use different flavors like mint chocolate for a twist.
How Do You Make a Smooth Ganache?
Creating a smooth ganache can be tricky, but here’s how to nail it! The key is to melt the chocolate chips gradually. If using a microwave, heat it in short bursts of 20 seconds:
- Add 1 cup chocolate chips and 3 tablespoons butter in a microwave-safe bowl.
- Heat for 20 seconds; stir, then repeat until fully melted (this usually takes about 1-2 minutes).
- Make sure no lumps remain and the mixture is silky before pouring it onto the brownies.
A personal tip: if you have a little bit of heavy cream, mix in 1-2 tablespoons to make the ganache even creamier!
How to Get the Perfect Drizzle?
The chocolate drizzle adds charm to your brownies. Here’s how to achieve that perfect drizzle:
- Melt 1/2 cup chocolate chips and 1 teaspoon vegetable oil or butter together.
- Use a fork or a squeeze bottle to drizzle over the coconut topping. Start from one end and go back and forth.
- Make sure the drizzle is warm enough to flow easily, but not too hot that it melts the topping underneath.
This little detail can elevate your brownies to a whole new level!
Easy Sno Ball Brownies with Marshmallow Coconut Topping
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Brownies:
- 1 box of brownie mix (about 18.3 oz) or homemade brownie batter equivalent
- Ingredients as per brownie mix (usually eggs, oil, water)
For the Marshmallow Coconut Topping:
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 (7 oz) jar marshmallow creme or fluff
- 2 cups shredded sweetened coconut (plus extra for topping)
For the Drizzle and Garnish:
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (for drizzle)
- 1 teaspoon vegetable oil or butter
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty treat takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 25-30 minutes to bake the brownies. Plus, you’ll need at least 1 hour to chill in the fridge for everything to set. So in total, plan for about 2 hours for this fun and decadent dessert!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare and Bake Brownies:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Next, prepare the brownie batter according to the instructions on the box or your favorite homemade recipe. Pour that delicious batter into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Bake in the oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Once they are done, take them out and let them cool slightly.
2. Make the Chocolate Ganache Layer:
While the brownies are baking, grab a microwave-safe bowl and melt 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips with 3 tablespoons of butter. Do this in 20-second increments, stirring each time, until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Once melted, pour the warm ganache over the baked brownies, spreading it evenly across the surface. Allow it to set for a few minutes while you prepare the topping.
3. Prepare the Marshmallow Coconut Topping:
In a mixing bowl, gently fold together the marshmallow creme and the shredded sweetened coconut until everything is well combined. Carefully spread this fluffy mixture over the chocolate ganache layer, making sure to cover it evenly. Don’t forget to sprinkle some extra shredded coconut on top for that charming look!
4. Prepare the Chocolate Drizzle:
For an extra special touch, melt 1/2 cup of chocolate chips together with 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil or butter until the mixture is smooth. Once ready, drizzle this melted chocolate over the marshmallow coconut topping, creating a lovely pattern that is as fun to look at as it is to eat!
5. Chill and Serve:
Now, it’s time for the brownies to chill! Place the entire pan in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. This helps set all those yummy layers. Once set, cut them into squares and serve up these delightful Easy Sno Ball Brownies with Marshmallow Coconut Topping. Enjoy your sweet creation!
Can I Use a Different Type of Chocolate Chips?
Absolutely! While semi-sweet chocolate chips create a classic flavor, you can substitute them with dark chocolate chips for a richer taste or milk chocolate chips for a sweeter option. If you want a dairy-free version, look for vegan chocolate chips!
How Should I Store Leftover Brownies?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them fresh for longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap them well before freezing!
Can I Make These Brownies Gluten-Free?
Yes! You can use a gluten-free brownie mix instead of the regular one. Just make sure to check that all other ingredients, like the chocolate chips and marshmallow creme, are also gluten-free to maintain the integrity of the recipe.
What Can I Do If the Ganache is Too Thick?
If your ganache turns out too thick, you can stir in a bit of warm milk or heavy cream, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency. Make sure not to overdo it so that it remains spreadable and doesn’t become too runny!