Marshmallow Crunch Brownies

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Marshmallow Crunch Brownies are the ultimate three-layer brownie!! They start with a box of fudgy brownies followed by a chewy marshmallow layer and are topped with a chocolate peanut butter Rice Krispie topping. Three layers of flavor, texture, and brownie perfection!!

Two Marshmallow Crunch Brownies stacked up on eachother with mini marshmallows around it.
Kelsey Byrnes in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These brownies are so easy to make and has simple ingredients (just 5 of them plus the oil/eggs for the brownies) you likely already have on hand!!

They’re perfect for lots of occasions. Potlucks, bake sales, tailgates, birthday parties, and any time you need to feed a crowd….just be prepared for recipe requests, and lots of ’em!

You’ll also love that it all starts with a boxed brownie mix, which saves time and gets these brownies in the oven ASAP! And that crunchy topping is everything (and why some people call these Killer Crunch Brownies)…give it a try and you’ll be hooked! 😉

The ingredients needed to make Marshmallow Crunch Brownies on a white marble background.

Ingredients Needed (Full list with amounts in recipe card below)

  • Brownie Mix – You can use your favorite box mix (just be sure it’ll work in a 9×13 inch pan) or make your own homemade brownies!
  • Mini Marshmallows – Make sure they’re fresh; nobody wants dried-out marshmallows in their brownies!
  • Chocolate Chips – Semi-sweet is my preference (as it balances out the sweetness of the marshmallows) but milk chocolate is good too (reminds me of a Star Crunch treat!).
  • Peanut Butter – Use regular creamy peanut butter (don’t use natural peanut butter as it won’t have the same texture.
  • Rice Krispies Cereal – Or whatever brand of “crispy rice cereal” you have available;)
Several marshmallow crunch brownies laying on their side to show the layers of brownie, marshmallow, and crunchy rice krispie layer.

How to Make Marshmallow Crunch Brownies

Mix Up and Bake the Brownies

You’ll follow the instructions on your boxed brownie mix to make these in a 9×13-inch pan.

Add the Marshmallows

Then you’ll add the marshmallows and return the pan to the oven for just a couple minutes. The marshmallows will soften and puff up a bit to make a nice even layer. Give the brownies some time to cool while you make the topping.

Add the Peanut Butter Chocolate Rice Krispie Topping

In a microwave-safe bowl, you’ll melt the chocolate and peanut butter together. Be sure to stir frequently so the chocolate doesn’t burn and become gritty.

When the chocolate is totally melted, stir in the cereal. Once coated, spoon the mixture over the marshmallows and spread to an even layer.

Let the brownies cool completely before cutting into squares so you have nice clean cuts and optimal texture. You can let them cool at room temperature or chill in the fridge to speed it up! (I know, I’m impatient, too!)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these without peanut butter?

You can make these with almond butter or sunbutter in place of the peanut butter! If you’re wanting to steer clear of any peanut allergy situation, double-check the brownie mix to ensure it’s made in a peanut-free facility.

Can I use marshmallow fluff (or marshmallow creme) in place of the mini marshmallows?

Yes, but it will change the texture. They’ll be more gooey and more challenging to cut into nice squares due to the softness of the fluff.

Can I use crunchy peanut butter?

Yes, but if you do, I’d reduce the cereal to 2 1/2 cups to ensure you have enough chocolate to mix-in ratio! If you’re looking for something similar with more peanut crunch, I highly recommend my Rocky Road Brownies!!

Storage Instructions

Store at room temperature or in the fridge for up to 5 days in an airtight container. I personally prefer these refrigerated so the marshmallows are extra chewy!

You can also store them in the freezer! Just place the brownies in freezer baggies for up to 2 months!

A hand pulling apart of Marshmallow Crunch Brownie to show the gooey marshmallow being pulled apart.

Other Brownie Recipes To Try!

Two marshmallow crunch brownies on a gray stone background with a glass of milk behind it.

Marshmallow Crunch Brownies

Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
24 brownies
Marshmallow Crunch Brownies are the ultimate three-layer brownie!! They start with a box of fudgy brownies followed by a chewy marshmallow layer and are topped with a chocolate peanut butter Rice Krispie topping. Three layers of flavor, texture, and brownie perfection!

Equipment

  • 1 9×13-inch pan

Ingredients
 

  • 1 box brownie mix plus ingredients called for on the box mix
  • 3 cups mini marshmallows
  • 12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips (2 cups)
  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 3 cups Rice Krispies cereal

Instructions

  • Prepare the brownie mix according to the box instructions. (Be sure that you’re preparing it in a 9×13 pan – some brownie mixes these days only fit an 8×8 square pan.)
    1 box brownie mix
  • Remove the brownies from the oven and immediately put sprinkle the marshmallows over-top; return to the oven for 3 minutes.
    3 cups mini marshmallows
  • While the brownies cool a bit, make the topping. 
  • In a microwave-safe bowl, stir together the chocolate chips and peanut butter; microwave in 30 second intervals, stirring after each one, until smooth.
    12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips, 1 cup creamy peanut butter
  • Add the Rice Krispies stir until evenly coated.  
    3 cups Rice Krispies cereal
  • Carefully spoon the mixture over the marshmallow-covered brownies and use a rubber spatula or knife to spread it out evenly.
  • Cool the bars completely before cutting and enjoy! (You can put them in the fridge to help set the bars more quickly!)

Notes

Ingredient Substitutions
  • Peanut Butter – Use almond butter or sunbutter in place for a good peanut-free option.
  • Mini Marshmallows – You can cut regular-sized marshmallows in half to cover the brownies or use marshmallow creme (though it’ll much a much softer texture and less chewy).
Storage
The brownies can be stored at room temperature or in the fridge (I love the chewiness of the refrigerated brownies!).  They can also be kept in the freezer to store for a longer period of time.

Nutrition

Serving: 1brownie | Calories: 299kcal | Carbohydrates: 35g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 17mg | Sodium: 170mg | Potassium: 135mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 24g | Vitamin A: 70IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 6mg | Iron: 3mg
“Dance Around the Kitchen” is not a dietitian or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.

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