Mississippi Mud Brownies Recipe

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Hailing from the rich cultural depths of the American South, these Mississippi Mud Brownies are much more than a traditional chocolate treat. Imagine ultra-fudgy, brownie-like cake drowned in delectable warm chocolate sauce, hidden under a fluffy layer of marshmallow, and finished with a drizzle of even more chocolate. Our recipe explores this delightful combination of textures and flavors, resulting in an irresistible and indulgent delicacy. This is not just a recipe; it’s a lovely journey from my kitchen to the heart of Southern delicacies.

How to make Mississippi Mud Brownies

Mississippi Mud Brownies are a decadent dessert originating from the southern United States. They typically consist of a dense, rich brownie base topped with a layer of marshmallows and a thick chocolate icing or ganache resembling mud.

Ingredients:

For the Brownie:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
• 2 cups of granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 4 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
• 3 cups mini marshmallows

For the Chocolate Frosting:

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/3 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted

Instructions:

Preparing the Brownie:

1. Preheat the Oven and Prep the Pan: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Melt the Butter: In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the 1 cup of butter. Remove from heat and stir in the granulated sugar and cocoa powder until well combined.
3. Mix in the Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well with a spoon after each addition.
4. Add the Dry Ingredients: Stir in the flour, vanilla extract, and salt, mixing until smooth. If you are including nuts, fold them into the batter now.
5. Bake: Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached. Do not overbake.
6. Add the Marshmallows: As soon as you remove the brownies from the oven, sprinkle the mini marshmallows evenly over the top. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 3-5 minutes, or just until marshmallows are slightly melted and puffed.

Preparing the Chocolate Frosting:

1. Combine Ingredients: While the brownies cool, prepare the frosting. Melt the 1/2 cup of butter in a medium saucepan over low heat. Stir in the cocoa and milk, heating until the mixture starts to boil. Remove from heat immediately.
2. Finish the Frosting: Stir in the vanilla, then gradually beat in the powdered sugar until the frosting is smooth and spreadable. If it appears too thick, add a little more milk, a teaspoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.

Assembly:

• Spread the Frosting: Pour the warm frosting over the marshmallow layer, spreading evenly to cover.
• Cool Completely: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before cutting them into squares.

Tips for the Perfect Mississippi Mud Brownies:

• Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter just until the ingredients are combined to keep the brownies fudgy.
• Cut with a Plastic Knife: A plastic knife or a silicone spatula slices through marshmallow-topped brownies more cleanly than a metal knife.
• Serve Slightly Warm: For an extra gooey experience, microwave each brownie piece for a few seconds before serving.
• Customize: Feel free to customize your Mississippi Mud Brownies by adding chocolate chips to the brownie batter or sprinkling toasted coconut over the frosted layer.

What to serve with

Mississippi Mud Brownies, with their extravagant layers of chocolate, marshmallow, and nuts, are a sumptuous dessert that can hold their own at the end of a meal. However, when paired thoughtfully, you can elevate your dining experience, striking a delightful balance between richness and refreshment, decadence and simplicity. Here are some top pairing suggestions that complement the indulgent nature of Mississippi Mud Brownies and will impress your guests or simply make your indulgence more enjoyable.

1. Beverages

• Coffee: The robust, slightly bitter notes of coffee make it an excellent companion to the sweet richness of the brownies. A classic espresso or Americano can cleanse the palate between bites, while a latte or cappuccino can match the sweetness level for those who prefer a milder coffee taste.
• Milk: Sometimes, the simplest pairings are the most satisfying. A cold glass of milk, whether dairy or a nut-based alternative like almond or oat milk, perfectly complements the brownies’ gooey, chocolatey flavor profile.
• Ice-cold water: Never underestimate the refreshing simplicity of water in cleansing the palate and counterbalancing the sweetness of this dessert.

2. Dairy and Ice Cream

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside or atop a warm Mississippi Mud Brownie creates an irresistible contrast of temperatures and textures. The vanilla flavor enhances the chocolaty taste without overshadowing the brownie’s richness.
• Whipped Cream: A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream can add a luxurious texture and a subtle sweetness, making each bite of the brownie even more enjoyable.

3. Fruits

• Fresh Berries: The acidity and slight tartness of fresh berries, such as strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries, can cut through the richness of the brownies, offering a refreshing burst of flavor and a vibrant color contrast.
• Citrus Fruits: Think beyond the berries; lightly candied orange zest sprinkled over the brownies or a side of orange segments can add a bright, tangy flavor that pairs wonderfully with dark chocolate.

4. Spirits and Liqueurs

• Dessert Wines: A sweet dessert wine like a Port, Sauternes, or a late-harvest Riesling can complement the brownies’ complexity with its own nuanced flavors and sweetness.
• Whiskey or Bourbon: For a more adult gathering, a small glass of whiskey or bourbon can pair beautifully with the brownies, offering a smoky, oak-aged contrast to the sweet, dense dessert.

5. Nuts and Cheese

• Salted Nuts: A scattering of salted nuts (almonds, pecans, or walnuts) around the brownies on the serving plate can add a crunchy texture and a savory note that contrasts pleasantly with the sweetness.
• Cheese: For a sophisticated twist, pair your brownies with a mild, creamy cheese like Brie or Mascarpone. The creaminess of the cheese balances the intensity of the chocolate and adds a refined touch to your dessert palette.

Ingredients Substitutes

Making a batch of Mississippi Mud Brownies requires an assortment of ingredients that might sometimes be unavailable or unsuitable for your dietary preferences. Fear not, as there are ample substitutes that can help you whip up this decadent dessert without a hitch.

For the Brownie:

• Unsalted Butter: If you don’t have unsalted butter, you can use salted butter and omit the additional salt in the recipe. For a dairy-free alternative, try using coconut oil or a plant-based butter substitute.
• Granulated Sugar: To reduce the refined sugar, consider substitutes like coconut sugar or a granulated sugar substitute that measures like sugar. Just be aware that some sugar substitutes can have an aftertaste and may alter the texture slightly.
• Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: A good substitute for cocoa powder is unsweetened chocolate, but it will need to be melted with the butter. For every 3 tablespoons of cocoa powder, use 1 ounce of unsweetened chocolate.
• Eggs: For an egg-free version, use a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg, let it sit for 15 minutes) or an egg replacer available in the market.
• All-Purpose Flour: To make gluten-free Mississippi Mud Brownies, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in a one-to-one ratio. Be sure it includes xanthan gum or another binder.
• Vanilla Extract: If you’re out of vanilla extract, you can use maple syrup or almond extract. Maple syrup can be used in a 1:1 ratio, while almond extract should only be used in half the amount because it’s stronger.
• Salt: Salt enhances the flavor of the chocolate. If you need a substitute due to dietary restrictions, you can omit it, although the flavor profile might be slightly affected.
• Pecans or Walnuts: Any nuts like almonds or cashews can be substituted, or for a nut-free option, you might use pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds. You can also leave out the nuts altogether.
• Mini Marshmallows: If you can’t find mini marshmallows, cut regular marshmallows into smaller pieces. For a gelatin-free alternative, look for vegan marshmallows.

For the Chocolate Frosting:

• Unsalted Butter: Just as with the brownie, you can swap unsalted butter with salted butter (omit extra salt), coconut oil, or plant-based butter. Keep in mind the frosting consistency may vary slightly.
• Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: In the frosting, if you must exchange cocoa powder, the best substitute is melted unsweetened chocolate. For every 3 tablespoons of cocoa, use 1 ounce of unsweetened chocolate and reduce the fat in the recipe a little.
• Milk: Any dairy-free milk (almond, soy, oat, coconut) can be used as a straight swap for regular milk in the frosting for those who are lactose intolerant or vegan.
• Vanilla Extract: The same substitutes apply here as for the brownies – maple syrup or almond extract can be suitable alternatives.
• Powdered Sugar: For powdered sugar, you could grind granulated sugar in a blender to achieve a finer texture, though it may not be as fine as store-bought powdered sugar. A sugar-free powdered sweetener could also work, but it can change the frosting’s consistency.

Final Thoughts

This recipe captures the essence of Southern hospitality in each decadent, chocolatey bite. Whether it’s for a family gathering, a special celebration, or a comforting treat, these Mississippi Mud Brownies promise to be a crowd-pleaser.