Why You’ll Love These SnoBall Brownies
These SnoBall Brownies are nothing short of a nostalgic dream come true.
Remember those packaged snack cakes with the marshmallow coating? I’ve transformed that childhood favorite into a decadent homemade treat that’ll make your taste buds dance.
The fudgy brownie base creates the perfect foundation, while the creamy coconut filling adds that unmistakable tropical sweetness.
And that chocolate-marshmallow topping? Pure magic. The contrast between the dense brownie and fluffy marshmallow creates texture heaven in every bite.
Perfect for potlucks, holiday gatherings, or just because it’s Tuesday. Trust me, these won’t last long.
What Ingredients are in SnoBall Brownies?
These SnoBall Brownies bring together all my favorite dessert elements in one irresistible treat. What makes them so special is the combination of rich chocolate, sweet coconut, and pillowy marshmallows—a trio that creates the perfect balance of flavors and textures.
I’ve carefully selected each ingredient to guarantee these brownies deliver that nostalgic SnoBall experience with every bite.
For the Brownie Layer:
- 1 cup (2 sticks/226g) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon non-alcoholic vanilla extract
- 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (80g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
For the Creamy Coconut Filling:
- 2 cups (160g) sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 can (14 oz/396g) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon non-alcoholic vanilla extract
For the Topping:
- 1½ cups (255g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1½ cups (120g) mini marshmallows
When shopping for these ingredients, quality matters—especially for the chocolate components. I recommend using a good quality cocoa powder for the richest brownie base.
And if you’re not a coconut fan? Well, these mightn’t be the brownies for you, as that distinctive coconut flavor is central to the authentic SnoBall experience.
Room temperature eggs will incorporate better into the batter, so take them out about 30 minutes before you plan to start baking.
How to Make These SnoBall Brownies
Making these SnoBall Brownies is a three-part process that’s absolutely worth the effort. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and preparing your 9×13-inch baking pan—grease it well and line with parchment paper for easy removal later.
For the brownie base, whisk together 1 cup of melted unsalted butter and 2 cups of granulated sugar until they’re well combined. Next, beat in 4 large eggs one at a time (this creates that perfect fudgy texture), then stir in 1 teaspoon of non-alcoholic vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, sift together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of baking powder—this prevents any lumps from forming. Gently fold this dry mixture into your wet ingredients until just combined. Don’t overmix, or you’ll end up with tough brownies, and nobody wants that.
Once your brownie batter is ready, spread it evenly in your prepared pan and bake for 28-32 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs—not completely clean (that would mean they’re overbaked) but not with wet batter either.
While the brownies are cooling, prepare your coconut filling by combining 2 cups of sweetened shredded coconut, a full can of sweetened condensed milk (about 14 oz), and 1 teaspoon of non-alcoholic vanilla extract. This creamy, sweet layer is what gives these brownies their distinctive SnoBall character. Spread this mixture over your cooled brownie layer, making sure to get it all the way to the edges.
For the finishing touch, melt 1½ cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips with 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter—you can do this in the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each, or use a double boiler if you’re feeling fancy.
Once smooth, fold in 1½ cups of mini marshmallows. The trick here is to only partially melt the marshmallows—they should still maintain some of their shape while being coated in chocolate. Spread this glorious, gooey mixture over the coconut layer, then refrigerate the whole thing until set, about 2 hours.
When you’re ready to serve, lift the brownies out using the parchment paper, and cut into squares. The contrast between the fudgy brownie, sweet coconut center, and chocolate-marshmallow topping creates that iconic SnoBall experience that’s simply irresistible.
SnoBall Brownies Substitutions and Variations
Now that you know the classic recipe, let’s explore the wonderful world of SnoBall Brownie variations!
I love swapping the semi-sweet chocolate for white chocolate in the topping for a striking contrast. You can also try dark chocolate for a more intense flavor.
Not a coconut fan? Replace it with crushed Oreos or chopped nuts in the middle layer.
For a mint twist, add peppermint extract to the filling, or sprinkle crushed candy canes on top.
Feeling fancy? Fold in a tablespoon of espresso powder to the brownie batter—it deepens the chocolate flavor without tasting like coffee.
What to Serve with SnoBall Brownies
When serving these decadent SnoBall Brownies, I like to pair them with complementary treats that balance their rich sweetness. A scoop of vanilla ice cream creates the perfect temperature contrast against the fudgy base, while fresh berries add a tart brightness that cuts through the chocolate.
For drinks, I’ve found that a glass of cold milk is the classic choice, but don’t overlook coffee or hot chocolate for grown-ups.
Sometimes I serve these with a simple vanilla custard sauce poured over top, which turns them into an elegant plated dessert. Trust me, your guests will be scraping their plates clean.
Final Thoughts
Although I’ve created many desserts over the years, these SnoBall Brownies remain one of my absolute favorites for special occasions. The combination of fudgy chocolate, creamy coconut filling, and that marshmallow-studded topping creates something truly magical on your plate.
I love watching people’s faces light up when they take their first bite. That moment of surprise, when all the textures and flavors come together? Priceless.
Don’t be intimidated by the multiple layers. Each component is straightforward, and the end result is worth every minute spent in the kitchen.
Trust me on this one.
SnoBall Brownies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan and line with parchment paper.
- For the brownie base, whisk together melted butter and granulated sugar until well combined.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder.
- Gently fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients until just combined. Don't overmix.
- Spread brownie batter evenly in prepared pan and bake for 28-32 minutes, until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- While brownies cool, prepare coconut filling by combining shredded coconut, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla extract.
- Spread coconut mixture over cooled brownie layer, ensuring it reaches the edges.
- For the topping, melt chocolate chips with butter in 30-second microwave bursts, stirring between each interval.
- Fold mini marshmallows into melted chocolate mixture, allowing them to partially melt while maintaining some shape.
- Spread chocolate-marshmallow mixture over coconut layer.
- Refrigerate until set, about 2 hours.
- Use parchment paper to lift brownies out and cut into squares before serving.
