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So, this recipe you guys.
It’s my nemesis. I mean, the recipe itself is legit. I have no problems with it. It’s the photography of said recipe that is my issue.
I have made these brownies four different times and photographed them every time with dismal results.
Do you know how frustrating that is? I mean, yes, we get extra batches of brownies, but I want to spend my time coming up with a new recipe, not making the same freakin’ brownies over and over again only to get frustrated with the photographs I take of them!
If that’s not a first world problem, I don’t know what is. I basically just complained because I had to eat too many brownies. Never thought I’d see the day when too many brownies was a problem!
My kids sure didn’t complain about my failures though. Marshmallows are up there as one of their all time top favorite foods, so adding mallows to these deeply chocolate brownies and then topping it all with an easy chocolate frosting? Heaven. They’ll probably be insisting I make them some more of these tomorrow. And who am I to resist? They really are delicious!
This brownie recipe is my go to recipe. The flavor is intensely chocolate from the addition of a little espresso powder. If you don’t have any, you can leave it out, but it really does help amp up that chocolate flavor. And I promise there is no coffee taste at all! Purchase some from Amazon!
The texture of these always comes out perfect for us, too. Immensely fudgy and a bit chewy. There is nothing cakey about these brownies and that’s exactly the way I like it!
You’ll notice that my brownies are nearly black. This is because I use Hershey’s Special Dark cocoa powder. I love the flavor it adds and the deep dark color just makes me happy. I love it when my brownies look extra super chocolatey! Purchase that cocoa powder here.
Mississippi Mud Brownies
Ingredients
For the brownies:
- 1 cup butter 2 sticks
- 2 cups sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 1/4 cups cocoa powder I use Hershey's Special Dark
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon espresso powder optional
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 10 ounces mini marshmallows
For the frosting:
- 1/3 cup cocoa powder I use Hershey's Special Dark
- 1/2 cup butter
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- To make the brownies, pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees. Butter a 9x13 baking dish.
- In small saucepan over low heat, melt butter completely. Stir in sugar and continue cooking for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. Do not allow sugar mixture to boil.
- Pour butter mixture into a large bowl or stand mixer, beat in cocoa powder, eggs, salt, baking powder, espresso powder, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
- Stir in the flour until just combined.
- Spread into prepared pan (batter will be very thick and sticky) and bake for about 30 minutes, until a tester comes out mostly clean. The edges should be set and the center should still look slightly moist, but not uncooked.
- Sprinkle the marshmallows over the top of the brownies. Turn the oven to broil and return the pan to the oven, cooking just until the marshmallows begin to melt and brown, about 3 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and set aside to cool for 30 minutes.
- To make the frosting, melt the 1/2 cup of butter and stir in the cocoa. Remove from the heat. Whisk in the powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth. Pour over the brownies and smooth with an off-set spatula.
- Sprinkle the chopped pecans over the top.
Nutrition Information:
Nicole says
Ughhh. I have had the same issue trying to photograph brownies. I have to take about eleventy-million photos just to get a few usable ones. But, I would not mind a few extra batches of these brownies around my house 🙂
Joanne says
I find brownies in general to be IMPOSSIBLE to photograph. Like, they SHOULD look so good…and yet. They’re just so BROWN. Personally I think yours look awesome. I’d make them!
Kayle (The Cooking Actress) says
these pictures look totally gorgeous to me! the brownies are so goooey and full of the delicious that is marshmallows, pecans, and-duh-chocolate! love em!
Erin @ Miss Scrambled Egg says
These brownies are dangerous. I wouldn’t be able to stop at one.
Medeja says
They look rich and very good!
Joan Hayes says
Karly. These look TO DIE FOR! I loooooove Hershey’s dark cocoa, it really is the best. I will DEFINITELY be making these very soon! Thanks for the awesome recipe!
Thao @ In Good Flavor says
This brownie looks amazing! It’s so dark, rich, chocolaty, and moist. And I that marshmallow layer is yummy!
Stephanie | Worth Whisking says
Karly, have you been talking to my taste buds?! Wow, these brownies are straight-up fantastic! That chocolate is luscious! Trust me; the photos look great! I hear ya, though. I once made an absolutely delicious vanilla bean cheesecake with cinnamon crumb topping. Yeah. . .Never quite made it on the blog. Looked like a cheesecake with a bunch of dog food on top. Um, yum?
Karly says
Ha! Might appeal to the animal lovers?
Dorothy @ Crazy for Crust says
You’re frustrated with THESE photos? Oh honey, come on over to my house. But only if you bring these!
Shawn @ I Wash You Dry says
Well the pictures came out lovely! And that’s a lot of brownies! I love one or two pieces but four batches?! Dang girl!
Carlee says
I need to get some of that special dark cocoa. I love how dark these look! And this set of pictures was worth the torture of eating all the brownies, I am sure. They look wonderful!
Renee @ Tortillas and Honey says
I think your pictures came out beautiful! I find anything brown or white are hard to photograph. These brownies look absolutely fudgy and scrumptious, I’m craving these now!
Malinda@Countryside Cravings says
Well I am impressed with your pics! I want a brownie now, they look soo rich and chocolaty! Great job!
Julia @ Sprinkled With Jules says
These photos are definitely making me crave a slice! They look so decadent and delicious 🙂
Taylor @ Food Faith Fitness says
UGH, That is the WORST. I had a chicken dish that I remade 3 times because I just couldn’t get the photos down, so i FEEL ya.
But, these photos are GREAT and, I mean, the brownie? I would eat these amazing creations regardless…ALL THAT CHOCOLATE. Pinned!