I’ve been trying out this new, kid friendly recipe on everyone that I can think of, young and old and it has gotten rave reviews so I knew I just had to share it with you! Everyone needs a fun recipe that they can make with the kids to deliver to neighbors and take to fun holiday parties, but more importantly they need a recipe that is quick and easy because take it from me it can get really stressful and exhausting hanging out in the kitchen and slaving over the oven. It’s just not worth it. Instead, get the kids involved, have fun and make something totally gooey and delicious with half the work! And although they are really similar to these Reese’s Marshmallow bars I think this version is much more fun for the kids.
A long, long time ago I posted about marshmallow cookies, and then I did a guest post over at Is This Really My Life about them and how I learned who I was and what mattered most through being picked on. Years later I discovered something called Mississippi Mud Brownies or bars. Good crap those things are good. Have you had them? How had I not had them my whole life?! And how could I not make a kicked up version that’s totally popable so you can easily eat more and more?
My kids see marshmallows and they are instantly sold. And I mean, SOLD. Our youngest was not thrilled by the idea of sweet potatoes the first time I made them. She sat on the stool next to me utterly disgusted until I pulled out the marshmallows. By the end of dinner she didn’t even need the marshmallows. She totally loved the sweet potatoes alone. But let’s not try adding sugar to everything to get a kid to like it.
Those marshmallows were all carefully placed by our 7 year old and 3 year old. And I’ve never seen anyone so giddy about a dessert before. We all are Reese’s aholics, yes that’s a thing. I made it up, but it’s now a thing. Anyway, we love Reese’s so that already had everyone over the top excited.
Whoever thought up the whole chocolate peanut butter combination is a genius. In fact, whoever thought up peanut butter is my hero. I love that creamy goodness. That’s right, creamy, not crunchy. It’s probably why I love scotcheroos chex mix too. Peanut butter chocolate heaven. Tell me I’m not alone in this!
Is Peanut Butter Good For You?
Peanut butter is high in fat and calories (with around 190 calories and 16 grams of fat per 2 tablespoons).
But you get a lot of nutrition with those 190 calories.
Peanut butter is a great source of protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Can You Use Shortening In Place Of Butter In Baking?
You can generally use shortening instead of butter in baking.
Shortening results in higher, lighter-textured baked goods.
What Can You Substitute For Evaporated Milk?
You can substitute cream or half and half (or a combination of the two) for evaporated milk.
You could also simmer 2 1/4 cups of regular milk down until it becomes 1 cup.
Reese’s Mississippi Mud Bites
Reese's Mississippi Mud Bites
Ingredients
- 1 Box Chocolate Cake Mix
- 3/4 Cup Butter, melted
- 1/3 Cup Evaporated Milk
- 1/2 Bag Large marshmallows, cut in half
- 1 1/2 Bags Mini Reese's Peanut Butter Cups
Chocolate Frosting
- 2 1/2 Cups Powdered Sugar
- 2 Tablespoons Unsalted Butter, softened
- 1 1/2 Tablespoons Cocoa
- up to 1 tablespoon heavy cream if too thick
- pinch of salt
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 350 degrees.
- In a mixing bowl, mix together the cake mix, butter and evaporated milk.
- Spoon into a greased mini muffin tin, about 3/4 full. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until almost completely set.
- Remove from the oven and press in a reese's and top with half a marshmallow.
- Place back in the oven for an additional 2 to 3 minutes being careful to watch the marshmallows.
- Allow to cool and frost.
Chocolate Frosting
- In a large bowl, using a hand mixer, mix together the butter, powdered sugar, cocoa, salt and heavy cream until smooth but still stiff.
- Frost the brownies and enjoy!
Marla
I just added this to by recipe box, thanks!
Sweet Basil
Hope you enjoy them!
Edie S
I’m dying to make these, as they look soooo yummy. I’ve been saving the Reese’s we got for Christmas. Then I looked in the pantry and we don’t have any chocolate cake mix. What!!!! What’s a girl to do? I do have brownie mix, however. Do you think this would work? What would I have to remove? Thanks! Can’t wait….
Sweet Basil
You could totally just make the brownies in a muffin tin and follow the rest of the recipe!
Nutmeg Nanny
These look incredible and would be a treat I’d love to be on the receiving end of 😉 yum!
Diane
I think I got all the stuff to whip this up but I’m confused about one thing. In your ingredients you state CAKE mix but in your instructions you call them brownies? So I’ll wait to hear from you before I flub this one 😉 Look Yum-O
Sweet Basil
Hi Diane! So because we use the evaporated milk and butter they turn into little brownies instead of cake. It’s a little confusing to read so I added a note. [email protected]
Jocelyn @BruCrew Life
Can you just mail me a box of these? Holy yum! I think I’m in love with these brownie bites!
Christina @ The Beautiful Balance
My little cousin is the same way and will not eat anything unless it is sweet. Regardless, these mud bites look insanely delicious!
Sweet Basil
Thanks Christina!
Michelle
These look wonderful! I think my 3 year old will love helping me bake them! Also I was curious about your guest post you mentioned and found the link:
http://www.isthisreallymylife.com/2012/08/chocolate-marshmallow-cookies/
Sounds like you have a wonderful and spiritually ‘in tune’ mother:-) Thanks for sharing! Merry Christmas!
Sweet Basil
thanks, Michelle! I wonder why the link wasn’t working. I’m on it!
Ashley | Spoonful of Flavor
You can’t go wrong with reeses, marshmallows and chocolate!
Sweet Basil
Thanks Ashley!
Jessica @ A Kitchen Addiction
Yum! My nieces would love these!
Sweet Basil
I hope they do!
Liz @ Virtually Homemade
My Mom made a Mississippi Mud cake when I was younger that was my absolute favorite dessert ever!The picture of these took me right back and my mouth is watering! Thanks for recipe 🙂
Sweet Basil
It’s such a delicious conversation!
Kayle (The Cooking Actress)
omigosh how yummy and cute! I love how simple yet sinful these are 😀