Decadent Chocolate Marshmallow Bars Recipe

Craving a delightful treat that combines the rich flavors of chocolate, the gooey goodness of marshmallows, and the satisfying sweetness of cake? Look no further than these mouthwatering Tasty Chocolate Marshmallow Bars! Perfect for any occasion, these bars are a delightful reminiscent of the classic Ding Dongs we all adored growing up. With layers of soft chocolate cake, fluffy marshmallow filling, and a luscious chocolate ganache topping, these bars are sure to be a hit with everyone.

To achieve the perfect blend of textures and flavors in these Tasty Chocolate Marshmallow Bars, it’s essential to take your time with each layer and allow them to set properly. This patience will pay off with bars that are not only visually appealing but also incredibly delicious. Store them in the fridge for up to 5 days in a sealed container, or individually wrap and freeze them for later enjoyment. Just remember to let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before indulging to experience their full softness and flavor. So, roll up your sleeves, follow the recipe, and treat yourself to these irresistible bars that are bound to become a new favorite in your dessert repertoire.

Quick Benefits

Decadent and indulgent treat that reminds you of classic Ding Dongs from childhood
Layers of soft chocolate cake, puffy marshmallow, and smooth chocolate ganache create a delightful mix of textures
Can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days, or individually wrapped and frozen for up to 3 months for longer enjoyment

Why You’ll Love This Decadent Chocolate Marshmallow Bars Recipe Recipe

Decadent Combination: Indulge in the perfect trio of soft chocolate cake, puffy marshmallow filling, and smooth chocolate ganache.
Nostalgic Flavors: Reminisce about classic Ding Dongs with these bars that bring back childhood memories.
Easy to Make: Utilize a simple chocolate cake mix as the base for a sophisticated dessert that looks and tastes gourmet.
Make Ahead: Perfect for prepping in advance, these bars can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months for a convenient treat.
Textural Delight: Enjoy a mix of textures with each layer, from the soft cake base to the fluffy marshmallow and the rich ganache on top.
Customizable: Experiment with different variations like adding nuts, sprinkles, or a touch of mint extract to suit your taste preferences.
Satisfying Treat: The patience required to let each layer set properly pays off with a delicious final product that is worth the wait.

Ingredients for Decadent Chocolate Marshmallow Bars Recipe

Cake Layer

1 package (15.25 ounces) chocolate cake mix
Eggs, water, and oil as mentioned on the cake mix package

Filling

16 ounces marshmallow fluff
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
2 sticks (8 ounces) softened unsalted butter
2 cups confectioners’ sugar
¼ teaspoon sea salt

Ganache

1 cup whipping cream
1⅓ cups (8 ounces) semisweet chocolate morsels

Pro Tips for Decadent Chocolate Marshmallow Bars Recipe

For perfect Chocolate Marshmallow Bars, ensure to let each layer set up properly by allowing enough time for chilling between each step. This will help achieve the distinct layers and textures that make these bars so special.

To enhance the flavor of these bars, consider adding a hint of espresso powder to the chocolate cake mix for a richer taste. This small addition can elevate the chocolate flavor and create a more complex dessert.

When storing the bars, individually wrap them before freezing to maintain freshness and prevent them from sticking together. Thaw them in the refrigerator for best results and allow them to sit at room temperature briefly before serving to soften slightly.

How to Make Decadent Chocolate Marshmallow Bars Recipe

Step 1: Get Ready

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang, and grease the paper.

Step 2: Bake Cake

Prepare the cake batter according to the instructions on the box. Pour into a prepared pan and bake for approximately 25 minutes until fully cooked. Allow the cake to cool completely.

Step 3: Create Ganache

Combine chocolate morsels and cream in a bowl. Microwave in 15-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Chill in the fridge for about 45 minutes until thickened.

Step 4: Whip Filling

Beat butter until fluffy. Stir in sugar and salt until combined. Gently fold in marshmallow fluff and vanilla until smooth.

Step 5: Put Together

Spread the whipped filling over the cooled cake and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Top with the ganache layer and chill for another hour until set. Cut into 18 pieces.

Storage Tips

Once you have made the Tasty Chocolate Marshmallow Bars, it is essential to store them properly to maintain their freshness and texture. These bars should be kept in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This will help preserve the layers of soft chocolate cake, marshmallow filling, and chocolate ganache. Before enjoying the bars, allow them to sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes to soften slightly.

If you wish to store the bars for a longer period, you can individually wrap each bar and freeze them. When frozen properly, these bars can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn and maintain their quality. Thaw the bars in the refrigerator before serving to retain their delicious taste and texture. Remember that patience in layering and chilling each component is key to achieving the perfect combination of flavors and textures in these delightful Chocolate Marshmallow Bars.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a gluten-free option, you can substitute the chocolate cake mix with a gluten-free chocolate cake mix. Ensure to follow the instructions on the gluten-free cake mix package for the additional ingredients needed.

To make this recipe vegan-friendly, you can replace the eggs with a suitable egg replacer like applesauce, mashed bananas, or commercial egg replacers. For the butter, use a plant-based butter substitute, and opt for dairy-free chocolate morsels and whipping cream.

If you prefer a different flavor profile, you can experiment with different cake mix flavors such as vanilla or red velvet. Additionally, you can personalize the filling by using flavored marshmallow fluff or adding in chopped nuts, coconut flakes, or dried fruits for added texture and taste.

Serving Suggestions

For a fun twist on serving these Tasty Chocolate Marshmallow Bars, try cutting them into smaller, bite-sized pieces and placing them on skewers for a dessert kebab display. Alternate the bars with fresh strawberries or marshmallows for a colorful and playful presentation that will delight your guests.

Another creative serving suggestion for these bars is to crumble them up and layer them in a glass with alternating layers of whipped cream and chocolate shavings to create a delicious trifle dessert. Top it off with a sprinkle of cocoa powder or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an elegant and decadent treat that is sure to impress at your next dinner party.

FAQs for Decadent Chocolate Marshmallow Bars Recipe

Can I use a different flavor of cake mix for this recipe?

Yes, you can definitely experiment with different flavors of cake mix to create unique variations of these bars. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile will change accordingly.

Can I substitute marshmallows for marshmallow fluff?

Using marshmallows instead of marshmallow fluff may alter the texture of the bars. The fluff provides a smoother and creamier consistency, but you can try melting marshmallows to see if it works for you.

How do I know when each layer has set up properly?

Allow each layer to chill for the recommended time in the recipe or until it is firm to the touch. For the best results, refrigerate the bars between adding each layer to ensure they set up properly.

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make these bars ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you want to save them longer, individually wrap each bar and freeze them for up to 3 months. Just remember to let them sit out for a bit before serving to soften up.

Conclusion

Creating these Tasty Chocolate Marshmallow Bars is a labor of love that truly pays off in every decadent bite. The process of layering the cake, marshmallow, and chocolate ganache is well worth the effort when you sink your teeth into these indulgent treats. Remember, patience is key to achieving that perfect combination of flavors and textures in each bar.

Whether you’re making these bars for a special occasion or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth, the end result is sure to impress. Store them in the fridge for a delightful treat that lasts up to 5 days, or freeze them for later enjoyment. So go ahead, take your time in the kitchen and savor the process of creating these Tasty Chocolate Marshmallow Bars that will surely become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.