Quick & Easy Dessert Bar Recipe

No bake peanut butter marshmallow bars are an easy dessert that you can whip up quickly and without any hassle. I love the fact that they’re perfect for dessert, an afternoon snack, or an after school treat for your kids.

If your children are big enough to see the top of the counter, either standing on the floor or on a stool, they can help you make them. Some of my favorite memories are those times when my daughters and then my granddaughters helped with treats such as this. And they were always so proud of the delicious results!

Easy but Delicious Peanut Butter Marshmallow Squares

This recipe comes in handy because you only need a few basic ingredients. The prep time is short because you can use your microwave. Or if you prefer, you can use the stovetop.

I typically have the ingredients in my pantry, so I can make them whenever someone in the house has a “sweet tooth.” The texture is satisfying, with the creaminess of the peanut butter, gooeyness of the marshmallows, and crunch from the peanuts.

Ingredients

As I mentioned, you only need a few ingredients. You probably have some of them in your pantry and fridge, so they are also budget friendly.

Here is what you’ll need:

• Softened butter
• Creamy peanut butter
• Peanut halves
• Butterscotch chips (half of standard size package)
• Mini marshmallows

If you have crunchy peanut butter, you can use that as well. I prefer to use creamy peanut butter and add the peanuts to get the ratio I like. We always have some sort of peanut butter at our house.

You can also use chocolate chips instead of butterscotch. Or use peanut butter chips. If you have time, make a variety. This is one of those times when more is better.

Prepare the Tools and Ingredients

Before I get started, I like to get all of the tools and ingredients ready. Spray the interior of an 8” x 8” or 7” x 11” pan with your favorite nonstick cooking spray. I used the rectangular pan instead of a square one because that was what I had closest to me.

When I’m making these no bake peanut butter marshmallow bars for a larger crowd, I double the recipe. And I use a 9” x 13” baking pan to accommodate the larger batch.

How to Make No Bake Peanut Butter Marshmallow Bars

Now combine the butter and peanut butter in a microwave safe bowl.

Stir until the 2 ingredients are blended. Add the butterscotch chips and stir. Place the bowl in the microwave for 1 minute. Remove the bowl and stir the mixture.

Chances are, the butterscotch chips won’t be melted, so return the bowl to the microwave for 30 more seconds and then stir again. Continue to repeat the process until the butterscotch chips have melted, and all of the ingredients are well mixed. It should only take about 3 or 4 minutes total time.

Now set the mixture aside to cool for about 5 minutes. You don’t want the marshmallows to melt when you add them.

After the mixture has cooled to the point of being warm to touch but not hot, add the marshmallows and peanuts. Stir the mixture until everything is coated.

Spread the mixture into the greased pan and smooth the top until it is as even as you can get it. It will have a bumpy texture from the marshmallows and peanuts, and that’s fine.

Stick the pan in the refrigerator and walk away for about an hour or two. I know it’s hard, but this step is very important. After the mixture has set, it’s ready to be cut into bars. Enjoy!

More Delicious Peanut Butter Dessert Recipes

If you enjoy peanut butter as much as I do, you’ll enjoy some of our favorite delicious peanut butter recipes, such as these flourless Peanut Butter Cookies or some yummy Peanut Butter Cocoa Krispie Treats.

What to Do with Leftover No Bake Peanut Butter Marshmallow Bars

If you have any of these delicious bars left, place them in an airtight container and put them in the freezer. I like to use freezer bags that I can label with the date. These yummy treats will be good for up to 3 months.

When you’re ready to eat them, remove them from the freezer and allow them to thaw for about an hour. Then they’ll be as good as the day you made them!

Please feel free to share!