Decadent Peanut Butter Marshmallow Krispie Brownies: An Easy, Irresistible Crowd-Pleaser
Get ready to discover your new favorite dessert: the ultimate Peanut Butter Marshmallow Krispie Brownies! This recipe first delighted friends and family back in 2008, quickly becoming a legendary hit at every potluck, bake sale, and party. The magic of these brownies lies in their perfect blend of textures and flavors: a rich, fudgy brownie base, topped with a gooey layer of melted marshmallows, all crowned with an irresistibly crunchy, peanut butter chocolate Krispie topping. What makes them truly special is their simplicity – starting with a convenient packaged brownie mix ensures a consistently delicious and almost foolproof outcome every time.
These Peanut Butter Marshmallow Krispie Topped Brownies truly have it all: an amazing interplay of textures, an explosion of complementary flavors, and a preparation process so easy it’s almost unbelievable. The brownie mix creates a foundation that is just sweet enough without being overly rich, allowing the star of the show – the peanut buttery, chocolatey, crispy topping – to shine without being overshadowed. This delightful combination ensures that these brownies will undoubtedly earn a permanent spot on your list of go-to homemade treats, cherished by everyone who tastes them.
Choosing Your Brownie Base: Maximizing Packaged Brownie Mixes
One of the brilliant aspects of this recipe is its reliance on a store-bought brownie mix for the base. This not only significantly cuts down on prep time but also guarantees a consistent, delicious result without the fuss of measuring multiple dry ingredients. Since originally sharing this beloved recipe, I’ve experimented with various brands and box sizes of brownie mixes, and the good news is that almost any standard packaged mix will work perfectly. The key is simply to follow the package directions for the brownie portion, using the eggs, oil, and water (or other ingredients) that your specific mix calls for. This flexibility means you can grab your favorite brand off the shelf and still achieve spectacular results.
When selecting your brownie mix, consider the flavor profile. While classic fudgy or chewy brownie mixes are ideal, you can also experiment with different varieties like dark chocolate or milk chocolate mixes to subtly alter the base flavor. Avoid “extra rich” or “triple chocolate” mixes for this particular recipe, as the indulgent topping provides plenty of richness. A standard brownie mix offers the perfect balance, allowing the vibrant flavors of peanut butter, marshmallow, and crispy rice to truly stand out. Whether you prefer a slightly thinner brownie or a thicker one, any size ranging from 18.3 oz to 21 oz will create a fantastic foundation for our incredible topping.
The Irresistible Topping: A Symphony of Sweet & Crunchy
The star of these brownies, beyond the fudgy base, is undoubtedly the incredible topping. It’s a masterful blend of gooey, chewy, creamy, and crunchy, delivering a multi-sensory experience with every bite. First, a layer of melted marshmallows creates a sweet, soft cushion over the warm brownies. This adds a delightful chewiness and a subtle sweetness that perfectly complements the rich chocolate base. But the true genius comes with the final Krispie layer – a luscious mixture of melted semi-sweet chocolate chips, creamy peanut butter, and a touch of butter, all folded with crispy rice cereal. This combination transforms into a delightful, hardened shell once chilled, offering an addictive crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft brownie and marshmallow layers beneath.
The choice of creamy peanut butter is crucial here; regular, processed peanut butter (like Jif or Skippy) works best for its consistency and sweetness. Natural peanut butter, while healthy, can sometimes be too oily or separate, affecting the texture of the topping. The semi-sweet chocolate chips provide a classic chocolate flavor that pairs harmoniously with the peanut butter, creating that timeless chocolate-peanut butter synergy that everyone loves. This entire topping requires no baking, making it a simple, stovetop or microwave creation that comes together in minutes. It’s a testament to how easily you can elevate a simple brownie into an extraordinary dessert.
Perfect for Any Occasion: A Versatile Dessert
These Peanut Butter Marshmallow Krispie Brownies are more than just a dessert; they are a celebration in a square. Their effortless preparation makes them an ideal choice for a wide array of occasions. Hosting a birthday party? These brownies are guaranteed to be devoured by kids and adults alike. Attending a potluck or family gathering? They travel wonderfully and are always a welcome addition to any dessert spread. Need a standout item for a school bake sale? Their unique appearance and irresistible flavor ensure they’ll sell out fast. Even for a quiet evening at home, a plate of these brownies paired with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk makes for the ultimate comforting treat.
Their popularity stems from their universal appeal. Who can resist the combination of chocolate, peanut butter, and marshmallows? The different textures – the soft brownie, the chewy marshmallow, and the crunchy Krispie topping – keep every bite interesting and satisfying. They strike that perfect balance of being indulgent yet approachable, homemade yet requiring minimal effort. This versatility and broad appeal mean you’ll find yourself turning to this recipe again and again, whether for special events or simply to brighten an ordinary day with a truly spectacular sweet treat.
Adapting for Different Pan Sizes: Scaling Your Sweetness
While the recipe provided below is specifically designed for a standard 13×9 inch baking pan, yielding a generous batch perfect for sharing, it’s incredibly versatile and can be easily adjusted to suit your needs. If you’re looking to make a smaller quantity, perhaps for a smaller gathering or just a few servings, you can effortlessly halve the entire recipe and bake it in an 8×8 inch square pan. When halving, remember to divide all ingredients for both the brownie base and the topping by two. If your packaged brownie mix is already designed for an 8-inch pan, you simply need to follow its instructions and then halve the amounts for the marshmallow and Krispie topping.
Adjusting the pan size might also slightly alter the baking time for the brownies. For a half batch in an 8-inch pan, the brownie base will typically bake faster, so start checking for doneness a few minutes earlier than suggested on the brownie mix box. The key is to watch for the edges to set and a toothpick inserted into the center to come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter. The topping components remain the same, just scaled down, ensuring the same delicious texture and flavor profile, regardless of whether you’re making a full pan or a smaller batch. This adaptability makes the recipe incredibly convenient, allowing you to enjoy these delectable brownies in any quantity you desire.
Storing Your Delicious Brownies: Keeping Them Fresh
Proper storage is essential to keep your Peanut Butter Marshmallow Krispie Brownies fresh and delicious for as long as possible. If you plan to serve them the next day, simply bake the brownies as directed, allow them to cool completely at room temperature, then cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Refrigerating them overnight will help the topping set even more firmly, making them easier to cut and serve. Just pull them out of the fridge about 30 minutes before serving to let them come closer to room temperature for the best texture.
For longer-term storage, these brownies freeze beautifully. Once fully prepared and completely cooled, lift the entire slab of brownies from the pan using the non-stick foil lining. Cut the large slab into two large squares or a few smaller blocks. Wrap each piece individually and tightly in plastic wrap, then place them inside a large freezer-safe bag or an airtight container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply remove them from the freezer. You’ll find that slicing them while they are still partially frozen makes for incredibly clean cuts, then let them thaw at room temperature for about 30-60 minutes before serving. This makes them a fantastic make-ahead option for future cravings or unexpected guests.
Pro Tips for Perfect Peanut Butter Marshmallow Krispie Brownies
- **Non-Stick Foil is Your Best Friend:** Using non-stick foil to line your baking pan is crucial. It ensures the gooey marshmallow layer and the firm Krispie topping don’t stick, allowing you to easily lift the entire batch out of the pan for clean slicing.
- **Don’t Overbake the Brownies:** Since they will be covered with a topping, it’s better to slightly underbake than overbake the brownies. They will continue to set as they cool, and an underbaked brownie is usually fudgier and more delicious for this recipe.
- **Spread Marshmallows Quickly:** Once you pull the brownies from the oven and sprinkle the marshmallows, return them for just 2 minutes to soften. Then, work quickly to spread the melted marshmallows evenly. They will cool and set fast!
- **Chill Thoroughly:** The chilling step for the topping is non-negotiable. It allows the chocolate-peanut butter mixture to set and harden, giving you that satisfying crunch and making the brownies easy to cut into neat squares. Don’t rush this step!
- **Experiment with Cereal:** While crispy rice cereal is traditional, you could try other crunchy cereals like corn flakes or crushed graham crackers for a different twist on the topping’s texture and flavor.
- **Garnish for Extra Flair:** For a fancy touch, consider a light sprinkle of sea salt flakes over the top before the topping fully sets, or a drizzle of melted chocolate or peanut butter after chilling.
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Recipe: Easy Peanut Butter Marshmallow Krispie Topped Brownies
Easy Peanut Butter Marshmallow Krispie Topped Brownies
Anna
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 box (18.3 to 21 oz) brownie mix, plus ingredients as directed on box (e.g., eggs, oil, water)
- 4 cups miniature marshmallows
- 1 ⅓ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter (regular, not natural)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cups crispy rice cereal
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to the temperature specified on your brownie mix package. This is usually around 350°F (175°C).
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Line a 13×9 inch baking pan with non-stick aluminum foil, leaving an overhang on the sides. This will make lifting the brownies out much easier after they’ve chilled.
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Prepare the brownie batter according to the instructions on your chosen box mix, using the specified amounts of oil, eggs, and water. Pour the prepared batter evenly into your foil-lined 13×9 inch pan. Bake for the minimum time suggested on the package, then subtract 2 minutes. For example, if the box says 25-28 minutes, bake for 23 minutes. At this point, carefully pull the brownies from the oven and evenly sprinkle all 4 cups of miniature marshmallows across the top. Return the pan to the oven for precisely 2 more minutes to allow the marshmallows to soften and puff up. Remove from the oven and, using an offset spatula or the back of a spoon, gently spread the now soft and gooey marshmallows into an even layer over the brownies. Let the brownies cool completely on a wire rack at room temperature. This is important for the topping to set properly.
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While the brownies are cooling, prepare the irresistible Krispie topping. In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips, creamy peanut butter, and 3 tablespoons of butter. Heat the mixture on high for 30 seconds. Stir thoroughly. If the chocolate isn’t fully melted and the mixture isn’t smooth, continue heating in 15-second intervals, stirring well after each, until it reaches a smooth, pourable consistency. Be careful not to overheat. Once smooth, add the crispy rice cereal to the chocolate-peanut butter mixture and stir gently until the cereal is completely coated. Immediately drop spoonfuls of this delicious chocolate Krispie mixture over the cooled marshmallow layer on the brownies, working quickly to spread it as evenly as possible with the back of a spoon or spatula. Don’t worry if it looks a bit messy at this stage; it will firm up. At this point, the brownies will be very gooey, so resist the urge to cut them. Instead, place the entire pan of brownies into the refrigerator for at least a few hours, or until the topping is completely set and firm.
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Once thoroughly chilled and firm, lift the brownies out of the pan using the foil overhang. Transfer them to a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, score and cut into approximately 16 to 24 squares, depending on your desired serving size. Clean the knife between cuts for the neatest edges.
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**Half Batch Version for an 8-inch Pan:**
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This recipe adapts beautifully for a smaller 8×8 inch pan. Simply halve all the ingredient amounts listed above. For the brownie mix, roughly half a standard 18.3-21 oz box is about 2 cups of dry mix. Prepare the brownie batter and bake it in a non-stick foil-lined 8-inch square metal pan. The total bake time for an 8-inch pan will be approximately 22 minutes (again, pulling it out 2 minutes early to add marshmallows). Halve the marshmallow, chocolate chips, peanut butter, butter, and crispy rice cereal quantities for the topping. Proceed with the spreading and chilling steps as directed.
Notes