Craving a dessert that's both incredibly rich and surprisingly easy to make? Look no further than these irresistible Rocky Road Brownies! This recipe blends the fudgy goodness of classic brownies with the delightful crunch of marshmallows, the sweetness of chocolate chips, and the nutty goodness of roasted nuts. It’s the perfect homemade treat for any occasion, guaranteed to impress even the most discerning dessert lovers. This easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, making it a fantastic addition to your quick dinner ideas repertoire.
Ingredients:
- For the Brownies:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- For the Rocky Road Mix:
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup roasted salted peanuts (or your favorite nuts)
Instructions:
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan. This ensures your brownies will come out easily and prevents sticking.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until well combined. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Add Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
- Fold in Rocky Road Mix: Gently fold in the marshmallows, chocolate chips, and peanuts. Distribute them evenly throughout the batter.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs. Overbaking will result in dry brownies, so keep an eye on them.
- Cool & Cut: Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. This allows them to set properly and makes for cleaner cuts.
Tips for the Best Rocky Road Brownies:
- Use good quality chocolate: The better the chocolate, the better the brownies!
- Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing can lead to tough brownies. Mix until just combined.
- Check for doneness: Start checking for doneness around 25 minutes to avoid overbaking.
- Let them cool completely: Patience is key! Cooling completely ensures easier cutting and a better texture.
Variations:
- Add some crunch: Incorporate pretzels, toffee bits, or even dried cranberries for extra texture and flavor.
- Spice it up: A dash of cinnamon or a pinch of cayenne pepper can add an interesting twist.
- Nut-free option: Substitute the peanuts with sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or leave them out entirely.
- Make it vegan: Use vegan butter, eggs, and chocolate chips for a delicious plant-based version.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Fat: 20-25g
- Saturated Fat: 12-15g
- Sugar: 30-35g
- Protein: 4-5g
This delicious Rocky Road Brownie recipe is a perfect example of a healthy balance between indulgence and ease of preparation. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting out in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!