Hi guys! How was your weekend? B and I took a quick, one-night getaway to Catalina Island on a whim. Catalina Island is situated a little over twenty miles off the coast of California in Los Angeles County. And it’s insanely gorgeous.
Neither of us knew what to expect, but we had a great time. It was wild to have our toes in the sand on a remote, tropical island after just a car ride and an hour-long ferry trip. At lunch, I had taken a sip of the water on the table and had a momentary panic that I shouldn’t be drinking the local water…then I remembered I was still in California. Haha! It really does feel like you’re in a different country.
B and I plan to take a few more trips around California in the near future before we hit the road, but now that it’s finally June we’re buckling down and planning the details of our big road trip/move. Thankfully we’ve gotten one big thing squared away (got the apartment – woohoo!), but geez are there infinite logistics to think about. Maybe sometimes I feel a bit overwhelmed between pouring over the atlas for road trip routes and compiling piles of things to pack. Coordinating moving pick-ups/drop-offs and taking care of car maintenance before our 2,000+ mile trip. Scouring Craigslist for a washer and dryer because…uh, just remembered we need one on the other end. Eeesh.
So under the disguise of “getting together my cookbooks”, my mind took a little siesta from the “boring” logistics of moving companies and car transportation and escaped to do some necessary research on brownies. Super imperative, right? I thought so. B thought so too…once he ate the end result.
These chocolate raspberry brownies are really moist and fudgy, thanks to the addition of an extra egg and middle layer that’s bursting with raspberry jam. I initially wanted the middle layer to be a raspberry/marshmallow combination. Actually, I did that. Don’t you see the marshmallows?
….yeah, they all but disappeared mid-bake. Except for a few that bubbled up to the surface and became all toasty delicious. Despite their no-show in the finished product, the marshmallow slivers added to the middle layer melted into the brownie and added sweetness and even more moisture. I guess I can call them my secret ingredient for these fudgy, fudgy brownies.
Now that it’s June and summer is right around the corner, I made a few swimsuit-conscious modifications without sacrificing taste. I replaced half of the butter the original recipe called for with the equivalent of vanilla yogurt. Plain-flavored will also do. Then I replaced the cup of sugar with a cup of stevia, no problemo. And the raspberry jam? Reduced-sugar! Sure these brownies feature chocolate as a main ingredient (how could they not?), but by the taste alone, you’d never know steps were taken to lighten them up.
Ingredients
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup bittersweet chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup yogurt plain or vanilla regular/Greek
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter cut into small pieces
- 1 cup stevia
- 3 eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- pinch of salt
- 1 1/2 tbsp instant espresso powder
- 7-8 jumbo marshmallows cut into 1/4"-thick slices*
- 1 cup raspberry jam I used low-sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease an 8" x 8" pan with cooking spray and set aside.
- Place chocolate chips (semisweet and bittersweet) in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave in 20- or 30-second intervals until chips are melted. Be sure to stir after each interval in the microwave.
- Once chocolate chips are melted, pour melted chocolate into a medium-sized mixing bowl. Add the yogurt, butter, stevia, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir with a whisk until all wet ingredients are fully integrated.
- To the chocolate mixture, add flour, salt, and espresso powder. Stir until all dry ingredients are just mixed in.
- Pour half of the batter into the prepared baking dish. Layer marshmallow slices side-by-side on top of the brownie layer to fully cover it. Spread raspberry jam over top of marshmallows in an even layer. Pour second half of the batter over top of marshmallows/jam and spread evenly.
- Bake brownies for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the tallest part comes out just about clean (a few crumbs are okay). Let pan cool completely on a wire rack.
- Once brownies are entirely cool, loosen edges with a knife and cut into 16 squares. Store brownies in an airtight container with pieces of parchment between each layer.
Notes
Nutritional information is provided as an estimate. As it can vary due to many factors (brands used, quantities, etc.), we cannot guarantee its accuracy.
Jessica @ Jessiker Bakes says
So glad you had so much fun! P.S. these brownies..umm YUM?! The raspberry is screaming my name!
Alyssa says
Haha thanks Jessica! These chocolate raspberry brownies were definitely screaming my name too….loudly! 🙂
Helen @ Scrummy Lane says
I remember the first few times I made brownies, Alyssa, being pretty horrified by how much sugar and other bad stuff I was putting into them. So … fantastic to have this lightened-up version that don’t look lightened-up in the slightest. I bet that ‘secret ingredient’ does actually make a difference, as well. I would keep those in! 😉
P.S. Your trip sounds sooo exciting and I definitely hear you on all the organising. Hard work but it will be so worth it for that fantastic adventure you have lined up!
Alyssa says
Thanks Helen! None of my audience was the wiser that these were lightened up in ways. That’s a win in my book! And I agree – those disappearing marshmallows, while unexpected, certainly worked in my favor. I feel as if I’m bursting at the seams with excitement for our trip! We’re not taking the most direct route, but along the way we’re planning to see several U.S. landmarks and visit friends. We’ll be meandering, but it’ll be so worth it!
Tina @ Tina's Chic Corner says
I can never have enough of fudgy brownies and I love how you added raspberries to them! They do look uber fudgy. 🙂 Sounds like you had a nice weekend and view is gorgeous.
Alyssa says
Thanks Tina! Fudgy brownies are my favorite, and adding the raspberry layer took them to the next level!
Dorothy @ Crazy for Crust says
I’ve never been to Catalina but I’ve always wanted to go! My husband used to do summer camp out there a looooong time ago. 🙂 These brownies look fudgy and marvelous!
Alyssa says
Thanks Dorothy! Catalina was a treat – a tropical getaway so close to home! Going to camp there sounds like a unique, awesome experience for your husband. Definitely a fun trip to do if you’re visiting Southern California. 🙂
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says
Catilan Island looks beautiful! Sounds like you had a great time! And I LOVE these brownies! I’ve never tried raspberry ones before, but these look delicious!
Alyssa says
Our little trip was great – so nice to get away for a bit! And I don’t think I’ve met a brownie that I didn’t like, but chocolate/raspberry ones are especially nice in my opinion! 🙂
Anna Johnston says
Oh bless your cotton socks Missy, I appreciate the ‘swimsuit’ modifications. Its flippin freezing here, but if I am conscious of what goes in now, Ill have some hope of making it to Summer and not resembling a hippo. Im jealous of your weekend escape, how magical and wonderful you can do that. Looked like a great little adventure. I am in the midst of finding a ridiculously chocolate cake to feed boys. This might be the winning recipe. 🙂
Alyssa says
Oh gosh, winter for you! I’m sure come “winter” here I’ll be dreaming of the sunny warm days you’re experiencing! And boys always love anything with loads and loads of chocolate in it, right? The key to a man’s heart is through their stomach I’ve heard. And chocolate certainly sweetens the deal. 🙂
Danielle says
It should be a requirement that all brownies are moist a fudgy. These look absolutely delicious! I’m pinning these for later, I love that you used stevia in them.
Alyssa says
I agree, Danielle! And thanks for the pin! 🙂
Kristi @ Inspiration Kitchen says
Oh my gosh – these look AMAZING! My mouth watered with the “really moist and fudgy” and then when I saw that ooey, gooey marshmallows were in the mix – I just know that these are going to be good!!!
Alyssa says
Thanks Kristi! Yesss, I am definitely a “fudgy” brownie girl over “cake-y” ones. I was initially a little disappointed that the marshmallows completely melted into the brownies, but tasting how ooey gooey they made them, how could I be upset? 🙂
Erin | The Law Student's Wife says
I’ve always wanted to go to Catilina. It looks gorgeous! You know what else is gorgeous? FUDGE. I love that I can see just how gooey and chocolatey these brownies are.
Alyssa says
Pretty islands and fudge…our minds are wired the same. Both gorgeous! 🙂
Deb says
Such a wonderful weekend trip! I never been to Catalina Island, but have always wanted too. Brownies are a family favorite, especially with my resident chocolate lover. He would devour most of the scrumptious batch without any apologies!
Alyssa says
It is a beautiful trip, Deb, if you’re ever down this way in Southern California! And brownies are a popular treat in my house, too. This batch disappeared in record time! 🙂
Cindy @ Pick Fresh Foods says
Alyssa, we lived in Newport Beach and could see Catalina on a clear day from our condo. Sadly, we never made it out there. It looks absolutely beautiful. I’m happy to hear that you found an apartment. Check one thing off your list, right?
These brownies look so creamy, fudge, chocolately, and delicious!! Chocolate and raspberries sound fantastic and I love that you made them a little more figure friendly. I feel that swimsuit season hanging over my head every time I take a bite of a treat. Haha
Alyssa says
Very cool, Cindy! We took the ferry over from Dana Point. What a beautiful area. And YES, so glad to have an apartment locked down. Couldn’t really finalize the rest of our plans without knowing we had a place to stay on the other end! I love chocolate paired with just about anything really, but the chocolate/raspberry combo is one of my favorites. And I hear you about swimsuit season! These brownies definitely still qualify as dessert, but at least they are lightened up in little ways. Lessens the guilt. 🙂
Monica says
I’ve only seen Catalina Island on TV and it sounds like a great outing. But these raspberry brownies! Oh my – that moistness is oozing off the screen!
Alyssa says
It was a great getaway, definitely! And thanks! I love chocolate and raspberry together. 🙂
Natalie @ Tastes Lovely says
I’ve always wanted to go to Catalina! Sounds like such a fun place to visit! These raspberry brownies sound delicious : )
Alyssa says
Thanks girl! And Catalina was a really nice getaway! We were only there for a night so we didn’t have the opportunity to explore the whole island, but there are a whole bunch of activities that look like fun (kayaking, camping, zip-lining). Plus just hanging around the beach!
Chris @ Shared Appetite says
Wait, is this the Catalina Island where the “Catalina Wine Mixer” takes place in the movie Step Brothers?? And what’s this?? You’re moving? I feel your pain.. we are too!
These brownies make everything right in the world. They are beyond gooey and fudgy! Just how I like them!
Alyssa says
Haha – yes, Chris! I’d never seen Step Brothers before and had no clue what B was talking about when he kept mentioning a wine mixer! Obviously he had to play me a Youtube clip of that scene so now I’m in the loop haha. And yup we are moving! All the way from San Diego to Nashville later this month. Can’t wait! (…also can’t wait for all the preparation/packing/driving/hauling/unpacking to be finished and for us to be completely settled!) I think I need a gooey brownie like this to take my mind off of everything. 🙂 Best of luck with your move, too!
Lynette says
Delicious. They look almost like lava brownies. Great post!
Alyssa says
Thank you! And yes – super, super fudgy!