Sno Ball Brownies: A Delightful Twist on a Classic Treat
Sno Ball Brownies bring a whimsical and delicious twist to the beloved Hostess snack cake, merging rich, fudgy brownies with the nostalgic flavors of marshmallow fluff and sweet pink coconut. This delightful dessert is a visual and culinary treat that is perfect for any occasion, be it a casual family gathering or an elaborate celebration. Let’s dive into the process of creating these scrumptious brownies that are sure to impress and satisfy any sweet tooth.
Ingredients and Preparation
For the Brownies:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter
- 2 ounces unsweetened chocolate, chopped
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Topping:
- 1 (7-ounce) jar marshmallow fluff or creme
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 3 to 5 drops pink food coloring
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Brownies
- Preheat and Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with aluminum foil, ensuring that the foil extends over the edges of the pan for easy removal later. Lightly spray the foil with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Melt the Butter and Chocolate: In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, combine the butter and chopped unsweetened chocolate. Stir continuously until both ingredients are completely melted and smooth. Remove the saucepan from the heat.
- Mix in the Sugar: Add the sugar to the melted chocolate and butter mixture, whisking until fully incorporated. The mixture will become thick and grainy.
- Incorporate the Eggs and Vanilla: Whisk in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully blended before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract. The batter should be smooth and glossy.
- Add the Dry Ingredients: Gently fold in the all-purpose flour and salt until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a dense brownie. Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Avoid overbaking to ensure the brownies remain fudgy.
Preparing the Topping
- Spread the Marshmallow Fluff: While the brownies are still warm, carefully spread the marshmallow fluff or creme evenly over the top. The warmth of the brownies will make the marshmallow fluff easier to spread.
- Color the Coconut: In a food processor, combine the sweetened shredded coconut, cornstarch, and pink food coloring. Pulse until the coconut is finely chopped and the color is evenly distributed. The cornstarch helps to prevent clumping and ensures a consistent color.
- Add the Coconut Topping: Sprinkle the pink coconut mixture generously over the marshmallow fluff, pressing it gently to adhere to the surface. Ensure that the coconut covers the entire top of the brownies for a beautiful, cohesive look.
Serving and Enjoying
Once the Sno Ball Brownies are fully assembled, allow them to cool completely before cutting into squares. Use the overhanging aluminum foil to lift the brownies out of the pan and onto a cutting board. Cut into 9 equal servings for a visually appealing presentation.
These brownies are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. The combination of fudgy brownie, gooey marshmallow, and crunchy coconut creates a symphony of textures and flavors that will delight any dessert lover.
Nutritional Information
Each serving of Sno Ball Brownies contains approximately:
- Calories: 365 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 51g
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
- Sodium: 204mg
- Potassium: 103mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 40g
- Vitamin A: 397 IU
- Calcium: 18mg
- Iron: 2mg
Tips and Variations
- Chocolate Options: For an extra layer of chocolate flavor, consider adding chocolate chips or chunks to the brownie batter before baking.
- Coconut Variation: If pink coconut isn’t your style, you can use white coconut or even toast the coconut for a different flavor and texture.
- Extra Toppings: Drizzle melted chocolate over the pink coconut for a decorative touch and additional chocolatey goodness.
- Marshmallow Layer: If you prefer a thicker marshmallow layer, feel free to add more marshmallow fluff. Just be prepared for a slightly messier but equally delicious experience.