Meet your new favorite nostalgic treat: Sno Ball Brownies! These whimsical brownies bring together the fudgy decadence of classic brownies, a gooey homemade marshmallow swirl, and a blanket of snowy coconut for a dessert that’s as fun to look at as it is to eat. The playful pink or red coconut topping makes every slice a party, inviting you to dig in and relive those childhood snack cake memories—only better, because they’re homemade! Whether you’re baking for a celebration or just need an after-dinner pick-me-up, Sno Ball Brownies deliver joy in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t believe how easy it is to whip up these Sno Ball Brownies with a handful of simple, trusty ingredients. Each one is chosen for its unique role in creating the ultra-moist crumb, luscious marshmallow topping, and signature coconut finish.

Brownie mix box: The no-fail shortcut for perfectly chocolatey, chewy brownies in record time.
Ingredients from mix (eggs, oil, water): Essential for bringing your brownie base to life—just follow the amounts and instructions on your mix box.
Mini marshmallows (2 cups): Melt into the most glorious, pillowy topping you’ve ever tasted—don’t skimp!
Sweetened shredded coconut (1 cup): Adds that fluffy, classic Sno Ball finish and dreamy bite.
Granulated sugar (½ cup): Gives your marshmallow topping that perfect sweetness and glossy sheen.
Light corn syrup (½ cup): Guarantees a smooth, shiny, stretchy marshmallow layer that won’t crystallize.
Water (¼ cup): Helps dissolve the sugar for a perfect, pourable syrup base.
Vanilla extract (½ teaspoon): Adds irresistible warmth and depth to the marshmallow layer.
Red or pink food coloring (optional): For that signature Sno Ball color—just a few drops make it feel extra special.
Pinch of salt: Balances all the sweetness and gives your marshmallow topping a vibrant flavor lift.

How to Make Sno Ball Brownies

Step 1: Prepare and Bake the Brownie Base

Start by heating your oven according to your brownie mix instructions—usually 350°F is the magic number. Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment or give it a generous coating of nonstick spray. Whip up the brownie batter by following the package directions (don’t forget the eggs, oil, and water!). Pour the glossy, chocolatey batter into your prepped dish, smooth the top, and pop it into the oven. Bake until just set; you want those edges crackly and the center moist. While the brownies work their magic, get ready for the most lovable topping.

Step 2: Cook the Marshmallow Syrup

Now for the irresistibly gooey part! In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, light corn syrup, water, and just a pinch of salt. Heat everything over medium, stirring gently until the sugar dissolves. When it’s all clear, stop stirring and let the mixture bubble away. Keep a close eye and let the syrup cook until it reaches 240°F (that’s soft-ball stage), using a candy thermometer for best results.

Step 3: Mix in Vanilla and Color, Melt the Marshmallows

Once your syrup hits the right temp, take it off the heat—carefully! Stir in the vanilla extract and, if you’re after that iconic Sno Ball vibe, a few drops of red or pink food coloring. The color will instantly brighten things up! Quickly add in the mini marshmallows and stir until smooth and fluffy. You want every last bit to melt into a sweet, glossy cloud.

Step 4: Layer Marshmallow Topping on Brownies

When the brownies have finished baking and are just cool enough to handle (they should still be warm!), pour the marshmallow mixture evenly over the top. Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to spread the gooey cloud all the way to the edges. Don’t worry if it looks a little rustic—homemade charm is the goal!

Step 5: Add Coconut and Cool Completely

While the marshmallow topping is still warm and sticky, sprinkle the sweetened shredded coconut all over. Gently press it into the marshmallow to help it stick. For extra fun, feel free to tint your coconut pink with a drop of food coloring and a quick toss in a zip-top bag. Let the whole pan cool completely—this helps the layers set perfectly and makes slicing a breeze. Once cool, cut into squares and get ready to fall in love.

How to Serve Sno Ball Brownies

Sno Ball Brownies Garnishes

Got company coming or just want to add a little flair? Try an extra shower of pink-tinted coconut, a drizzle of melted chocolate, or a cherry on top! A few rainbow sprinkles will make these brownies a hit for birthdays or showers. If you’re feeling fancy, a dollop of whipped cream pushes them straight over the top.

Side Dishes

While Sno Ball Brownies are definitely the star of dessert hour, they play nicely alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a bowl of fresh strawberries. For a fun, retro vibe, serve with cold glasses of milk or strawberry milkshakes. These brownies are perfect with coffee, too—the bitterness balances all that sweet, pillowy goodness.

Creative Ways to Present

Get creative and cut your Sno Ball Brownies into circles with a large cookie cutter for a real throwback look. Wrap individual squares in parchment and tie with pink ribbon for adorable party favors. For a bake sale or festive gathering, layer bite-size pieces in dessert cups with extra sprinkles and chocolate drizzle. The only rule is to have fun!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Sno Ball Brownies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’re at their best within the first two days, when the marshmallow is still plush and the coconut is fluffy, but they’re definitely delicious for up to 3 days. No need for the fridge, just keep them away from heat or direct sun.

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze these brownies! Once fully cooled and cut, wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap and stash them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months—just let them thaw on the counter for a couple of hours before serving. The marshmallow and coconut hold up surprisingly well, staying soft and sweet.

Reheating

To bring Sno Ball Brownies back to their fudgy, gooey best, you can zap individual slices in the microwave for 8-10 seconds. This wakes up the marshmallow layer and melts the coconut just a touch. If you prefer them extra chilled and chewy, serve straight from the fridge or even enjoy frozen for a refreshing twist.

FAQs

Can I make Sno Ball Brownies from scratch without a box mix?

Absolutely! If you have a favorite homemade brownie recipe, go ahead and use it as your base. The marshmallow and coconut toppings work just as well, so you can take these brownies from shortcut-easy to 100 percent from-scratch if you prefer.

How do I tint the coconut for the classic pink look?

Just place your sweetened coconut in a zip-top bag, add a drop or two of pink or red food coloring, seal the bag, and shake it up until everything is evenly colored. Let it dry for a few minutes before sprinkling on top of the brownies for that signature Sno Ball look!

Do Sno Ball Brownies need to be refrigerated?

No refrigeration is needed—these brownies keep best at room temperature in a sealed container. If your kitchen is especially warm or humid, you can refrigerate them for up to 4 days, but bring them back to room temperature before enjoying for softest texture.

What if I don’t have a candy thermometer?

You can still make the marshmallow topping! Watch for the syrup to bubble steadily and carefully spoon a little into cold water; if it forms a soft, pliable ball, you’re at the right stage. Or, just keep an extra close eye and aim for about 7-9 minutes at a gentle boil.

Can I make Sno Ball Brownies gluten-free?

Definitely! Just grab your favorite gluten-free brownie mix and proceed as directed. The marshmallow and coconut layers are naturally gluten-free, making these brownies easily adaptable for most diets.

Final Thoughts

If you love brownies, marshmallows, and a dash of retro charm, I know you’ll be as smitten with Sno Ball Brownies as I am. They’re the kind of treat that sparks smiles and starts conversations—so gather your ingredients, invite a friend to help, and don’t be surprised if you end up making these again and again!

Sno Ball Brownies Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 14 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour (including cooling)
Yield: 16 brownies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in these decadent Sno Ball Brownies that combine the fudgy goodness of brownies with a fluffy marshmallow and coconut topping, reminiscent of the iconic snack cake.

Ingredients

Scale

Brownies:

1 box brownie mix (plus ingredients listed on box, usually eggs, oil, and water)

Marshmallow Coconut Topping:

2 cups mini marshmallows
1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
½ cup granulated sugar
½ cup light corn syrup
¼ cup water
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
red or pink food coloring (optional, for classic Sno Ball color)
pinch of salt

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Prepare Brownies: Preheat the oven and prepare the brownie batter according to the package instructions. Pour into a greased or parchment-lined 9×13-inch baking dish and bake as directed.
Make Marshmallow Topping: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar, corn syrup, water, and salt. Stir until sugar is dissolved, then bring to a boil. Continue cooking until the mixture reaches 240°F on a candy thermometer. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla and food coloring. Mix in mini marshmallows until smooth.
Assemble: Pour marshmallow mixture over warm brownies. Sprinkle coconut on top, press gently to adhere. Cool completely before cutting into squares.