Strawberry Marshmallow Brownie Bars

Strawberry Marshmallow Brownie Bars combine rich, fudgy brownies with a fluffy strawberry marshmallow layer for a fun and delicious treat. Topped with colorful sprinkles, these bars are perfect for parties, holidays, or whenever you crave a unique dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Decadent & Unique – Fudgy brownies meet soft, homemade strawberry marshmallow.
• Perfect for Celebrations – A colorful and fun dessert for birthdays or special occasions.
• Homemade Marshmallow Layer – A light and airy contrast to the rich brownie base.
• Customizable – Change the marshmallow flavor or add mix-ins to the brownies.
• Great Make-Ahead Dessert – Can be made in advance and stored for later.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Brownie Base:

• ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup cocoa powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ cup chocolate chips (optional)

For the Strawberry Marshmallow Layer:

• ½ cup water (divided)
• 1 tbsp unflavored gelatin
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup light corn syrup
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ cup freeze-dried strawberry powder or 1 tsp strawberry extract
• Pink food coloring (optional)

For Topping:

• Colorful sprinkles

Directions

Make the Brownie Base:

1. Preheat Oven – Set to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients – In a bowl, whisk together melted butter and sugar. Add eggs and vanilla extract, mixing well.
3. Incorporate Dry Ingredients – Sift in flour, cocoa powder, and salt, stirring until just combined. Fold in chocolate chips if using.
4. Bake – Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 20-25 minutes. Allow to cool completely.

Prepare the Strawberry Marshmallow Layer:

5. Bloom the Gelatin – In a mixing bowl, sprinkle gelatin over ¼ cup of water and let sit for 5 minutes.
6. Make the Syrup – In a saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, and remaining ¼ cup water. Heat over medium, stirring until sugar dissolves.
7. Boil the Mixture – Increase heat and let boil until the syrup reaches 240°F (soft-ball stage).
8. Beat the Marshmallow Mixture – Slowly pour the hot syrup into the gelatin while beating on low speed with an electric mixer. Gradually increase speed and beat for 8-10 minutes until fluffy.
9. Add Flavor & Color – Mix in vanilla, strawberry powder/extract, and pink food coloring until fully combined.

Assemble & Chill:

10. Spread the Marshmallow – Pour the fluffy marshmallow mixture over the cooled brownies and smooth the top.
11. Decorate – Sprinkle with colorful sprinkles for a festive touch.
12. Let Set – Allow the bars to set at room temperature for at least 4 hours.

Slice & Enjoy:

13. Cut Into Bars – Once fully set, slice into squares.
14. Serve & Enjoy – A fun and delicious treat perfect for any occasion!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12 bars
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Set Time: 4 hours
• Total Time: 4 hours 45 minutes

Variations

• Chocolate Strawberry Bars – Drizzle melted chocolate over the marshmallow layer.
• Nutty Crunch – Add chopped almonds or pecans to the brownie batter.
• S’mores Version – Swap the brownie base for a graham cracker crust.
• Extra Fruity – Use raspberry or blueberry powder instead of strawberry.
• Vegan Option – Use a vegan brownie recipe and agar-agar instead of gelatin.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
• Freezing: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Reheating: No reheating needed, but you can microwave for 5-10 seconds for a softer texture.

FAQs

Can I use a boxed brownie mix instead?

Yes, if you’re short on time, a boxed brownie mix works as a quick alternative.

How do I make the marshmallow layer firmer?

Increase the gelatin slightly for a firmer consistency.

Can I use fresh strawberries instead of freeze-dried powder?

No, fresh strawberries add too much moisture. Stick to freeze-dried powder or extract.

Why is my marshmallow layer too soft?

The mixture may not have been beaten long enough or didn’t reach 240°F. Ensure you follow the instructions carefully.

Can I skip the food coloring?

Yes, the strawberry powder will provide some color, but food coloring enhances the pastel effect.

How do I prevent the marshmallow from sticking to the knife when slicing?

Grease the knife with nonstick spray or butter before cutting.

Can I add different flavors to the marshmallow layer?

Yes, try vanilla, raspberry, or even citrus flavors for variety.

Do I need a candy thermometer for the marshmallow?

Yes, it’s recommended to accurately reach the 240°F soft-ball stage for the right texture.

How do I get clean slices?

Use a sharp, greased knife and wipe it clean between cuts for neat squares.

What’s the best way to serve these bars?

They are best served at room temperature with a glass of milk or coffee.

Conclusion

Strawberry Marshmallow Brownie Bars are a delightful combination of fudgy chocolate brownies and fluffy, fruity marshmallow. Perfect for celebrations, bake sales, or as a fun homemade treat, these bars are a must-try for any dessert lover!