Cooktop Cove: Grew up eating Hostess. These babies bring back the best memories!
By Holly Owens
Ever since I was little, I've had a soft spot for those pink, coconut-covered, marshmallow-y treats known as Sno Balls. There's something about them that's just so fun and whimsical! So, what could be better than combining them with another one of my beloved treats? Enter Sno Ball Brownies, a decadent twist that brings together the rich, chocolatey goodness of brownies with the nostalgic coconut and marshmallow flavors of a classic Sno Ball. These are perfect for when you want to shake things up for a bake sale, need to wow at a potluck, or just crave a walk down memory lane with a bit of a grown-up twist.
Sno Ball Brownies are incredibly rich and festive all on their own, so I usually like to serve them with something light and simple like a cold glass of milk or a cup of strong coffee for contrast. If you're feeling especially indulgent, a scoop of vanilla ice cream pairs beautifully, as the creaminess complements that dense brownie and fluffy marshmallow.
Sno Ball Brownies
Servings: Makes about 16 brownies
Ingredients:
- 1 box of your favorite brownie mix (plus required oil, water, and eggs as directed on the box)
- 6 ounces of marshmallow fluff
- 1 1/2 cups of shredded sweetened coconut
- 2-3 drops of pink or red food coloring (optional for that classic Sno Ball look)
- 1 can of cream cheese or cake frosting (or homemade if you're up for it!)
Directions:
1. Preheat your oven according to the brownie mix instructions, and prepare an 8x8 inch baking dish by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it.
2. Mix and bake your brownies according to the package directions. You want them fully cooked, but still moist and fudgy!
3. Mix fluff and cake frosting in bowl.
4. Place your shredded coconut in a zip-close bag with the food coloring, seal it, and shake until the coconut reaches your desired hue of pink.
5. Remove brownies from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Then, spread the cream mixture over brownies.
6. Finally, sprinkle your pink coconut over the frosting, press down gently to adhere, and voilà—you've got Sno Ball Brownies!
Variations & Tips:
- For an even more pronounced coconut flavor, try adding 1/2 teaspoon of coconut extract to your brownie batter.
- If you're not a fan of food coloring or want to keep things simple, feel free to use plain shredded coconut instead. The taste will be there, even without the pink!
- These brownies are super indulgent, so cut them into smaller squares if you're serving a larger crowd or just want a tiny bit of sweetness.
Trust me, these Sno Ball Brownies are bound to be a hit at any gathering or just a special treat for yourself after a long day. Because sometimes, you just need to treat yourself, right?
Copyright 2016 Cooktop Cove