Combine store-bought brownie mix into a baked, cooled square and cut into 24 bite-sized squares. Thread each skewer with a brownie square, a hulled strawberry and a marshmallow (two sets per skewer) then arrange on a platter. Drizzle melted chocolate and add sprinkles if desired. Ready in about 45 minutes; yields 12 kabobs, great for parties and easy to customize.
The first time I made these Sweet Strawberry Brownie Kabobs, I found myself laughing at how something so vibrant could come together so quickly while a favorite playlist echoed through the kitchen. The combination of fudgy brownie, juicy berries, and pillowy marshmallows seemed almost too playful to be true, and yet I couldn't stop stealing tastes as I threaded the skewers. As the scent of warm brownies cooled on the counter, my curiosity grew for that final drizzle of chocolate. You don't need a special occasion for desserts this inviting—just a few extra hands (and a little patience not to eat the pieces as you go).
I first brought a tray of these kabobs to a neighborhood barbeque, and within minutes the teens were lining up, debating the best bite order (some swore by brownie first, others marshmallow). Even my friend who claims to "not eat dessert" ended up with two skewers—caught with melty chocolate on his chin. There's just something about handing someone a treat on a stick that turns anyone into an instant kid.
Ingredients
- Brownie mix: Use your favorite boxed mix for convenience, and don't over-bake—slightly gooey makes for the best texture.
- Fresh strawberries: Pick ripe, glossy berries and hull them carefully for the prettiest presentation and easiest threading.
- Large marshmallows: Go for the classic size so they stay soft and toasty without overpowering the bite.
- Chocolate for drizzling: Melt dark or milk chocolate gently so it glides over the kabobs without seizing (microwave in short bursts works best).
- Sprinkles: Confetti-hued sprinkles add playful crunch and instantly make these feel festive.
Instructions
- Bake the brownies:
- Preheat your oven and stir up the brownie batter as directed, pouring it into a lined square pan. Bake until a toothpick comes out with a few fudgy crumbs and let cool completely—don't rush this step, or you'll have a gooey mess when slicing.
- Slice into cubes:
- Once cooled, lift the brownies out and cut into 24 bite-sized squares with a sharp knife, wiping it between cuts for clean edges.
- Prep the fruit and marshmallows:
- Hull the strawberries and line up the marshmallows so the kabob assembly is a breeze.
- Thread the kabobs:
- Alternate brownie, strawberry, and marshmallow on each skewer, repeating until there are two of each per stick—press gently so nothing crumbles.
- Add the finishing touches:
- Set the kabobs on a platter, drizzle with the melted chocolate, and scatter on sprinkles if you're feeling extra. Let the chocolate set for a few minutes before serving (if you can wait that long).
There was a moment when my niece, hands sticky with chocolate, looked up and declared these kabobs the "most fun food," and suddenly the kitchen filled with giggles. It's that rare treat where the act of making and eating is equally joyful.
Kabob Assembly Memories
Every time we make these, someone gets competitive about creating the prettiest kabob—does the marshmallow go on top or middle, should the strawberries be whole or halved? Usually, the answer is that however you stack them, someone ends up crowned Kabob Artist of the Kitchen (prize: first dibs, obviously).
Customizing for a Crowd
Adding blueberries, banana slices, or even raspberries is a snap, and each skewer turns out like a tiny dessert bouquet. For a twist, we once layered in cubes of pound cake with the brownies at a summer potluck, and suddenly we had an entire dessert platter on sticks.
Extra Finishing Touches
For gatherings, I sometimes line the platter with parchment and set out bowls of whipped cream or extra chocolate sauce for dipping—it always draws a crowd. A quick chill in the fridge turns the chocolate drizzle into a shell, making kabobs handy and less messy for kids. Leftovers (rare as they are) keep well covered in the fridge for a late night sweet fix.
- Swap in vegetarian marshmallows if needed.
- If using wooden skewers, soak them so they don’t splinter.
- Always let your chocolate cool slightly before drizzling so the marshmallows don’t melt.
These kabobs are pure edible cheer—perfect for sharing, laughing, and letting a bit of chocolate end up on your fingers. I hope they bring as much fun to your kitchen as they do to mine!
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use homemade brownies instead of a mix?
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Yes. Any dense, fudgy brownie sliced into bite-sized squares works well—just be sure they are fully cooled so they hold together on the skewer.
- → Are there vegetarian marshmallow options?
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Look for marshmallows labeled vegetarian or gelatin-free; they use plant-based gelling agents and perform the same when threaded or toasted lightly.
- → How do I melt chocolate without burning it?
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Melt chocolate gently over a double boiler or in short bursts in the microwave, stirring between intervals. Use a little neutral oil or butter to loosen for drizzling if needed.
- → What fruits work well besides strawberries?
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Banana slices, blueberries, raspberries or diced pineapple add variety. Choose firm pieces that won’t release too much juice when threaded.
- → How should I store leftover kabobs?
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Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. If drizzled with chocolate, allow the coating to set first and separate layers with parchment to prevent sticking.
- → Any tips for safe skewer handling?
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Use wooden skewers soaked briefly in water if you plan to grill, and handle metal skewers with care—wrap ends or use holders to avoid poking when arranging on a platter.