Broadway Brownie Bars
Rich and indulgent brownie bars with cream cheese and chocolate layers, topped with pecans and marshmallows, perfect for dessert lovers and special occasions.
Ingredients
- 8 oz. cream cheese, softened ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups sugar, divided ⓘ
- 1 cup + 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, divided ⓘ
- 3 eggs, divided ⓘ
- 2 1/2 teaspoons vanilla, divided ⓘ
- 2 ounces unsweetened chocolate, divided ⓘ
- 1 1/4 cups chopped pecans, divided ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon baking powder ⓘ
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips ⓘ
- 2 cups miniature marshmallows ⓘ
- 1/4 cup milk
- 3 c. confectioners sugar ⓘ
Instructions
- In a small mixing bowl, blend 6 ounces of softened cream cheese, 1/2 cup of sugar, 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup of butter, 1 egg, and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla until smooth. Set aside.
- Prepare the brownie layer by combining remaining all-purpose flour, baking powder, and the other half of sugar, eggs, vanilla, and unsweetened chocolate as directed in the full recipe.
- Pour the brownie batter into a greased baking pan and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture over the cooled brownie layer.
- Top with chopped pecans, mini marshmallows, and semi-sweet chocolate chips.
- In a small saucepan, heat the milk and remaining unsweetened chocolate until melted and smooth, then pour over the layered bars.
- Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until marshmallows are golden.
- Allow to cool completely before cutting into bars and serving.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the brownie flavor, consider using high-quality unsweetened chocolate. If you're short on time, you can replace the homemade brownie layer with a box mix, just make sure to adjust the baking time accordingly. For a nut-free version, simply omit the pecans or substitute with your favorite seeds.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Broadway Brownie Bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert experience. They pair beautifully with a cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk. For a festive touch, consider adding a drizzle of chocolate sauce or a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover brownie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. To reheat, warm individual bars in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, ensuring they remain soft and gooey.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Broadway Brownie Bars contains roughly 1045 calories, with 5g protein, 76g carbohydrates, and 73g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (21% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin C.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of nut in this recipe?
Absolutely! While pecans add a lovely crunch, feel free to use walnuts or almonds as a substitute. Just chop them roughly and follow the same instructions for topping the bars.
What can I do if I don't have cream cheese?
If you don't have cream cheese on hand, you can substitute it with Greek yogurt or mascarpone cheese for a similar creamy texture. This will slightly alter the flavor but still provide a delicious result.
How can I make these brownie bars gluten-free?
To make these brownie bars gluten-free, simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to check that all other ingredients, particularly baking powder and chocolate, are also gluten-free.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).