Cashew Peanut Butter Bars
Sweet and crunchy cashew peanut butter bars combine marshmallows, peanut butter chips, and chopped nuts, offering a delightful treat perfect for parties, snacks, or any sweet craving.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsifted flour ⓘ
- 1/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda ⓘ
- 1/2 cup cold butter, cut into small pieces ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract ⓘ
- 3 cups miniature marshmallows ⓘ
- 1 (14 oz.) can Eagle Brand sweetened condensed milk ⓘ
- 1 cup peanut butter flavored chips or 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter ⓘ
- 1 (3 oz.) can chow mein noodles ⓘ
- 1 cup coarsely chopped cashews or peanuts ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, baking powder, and baking soda.
- Cut in cold butter and 1 teaspoon vanilla until mixture resembles coarse cornmeal.
- Press firmly into the bottom of an ungreased 13 x 9-inch baking pan.
- Bake for 15 minutes or until lightly browned.
- Remove from oven and evenly top with miniature marshmallows.
- Bake for an additional 2 minutes or until marshmallows begin to puff.
- Remove from oven and allow to cool.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using light brown sugar instead of firmly packed brown sugar. If you want a nut-free version, substitute sunflower seed butter for peanut butter. Make sure to cut the butter into small pieces to ensure it blends well into the dry ingredients. If you don't have chow mein noodles, you can use crushed pretzels for added crunch.
Serving Suggestions
These Cashew Peanut Butter Bars are perfect for a sweet treat during gatherings or as an afternoon snack. They pair beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea. For a fun twist, serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzle with chocolate sauce for a decadent dessert experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. To reheat, place a bar in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to soften the marshmallows before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cashew Peanut Butter Bars contains roughly 1790 calories, with 44g protein, 114g carbohydrates, and 138g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (88% of the Daily Value), iron (51% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (51% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2546mg per serving (111% of the Daily Value).
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 different types of nuts in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute the cashews or peanuts with your favorite nuts, such as almonds or walnuts. Just be mindful of any nut allergies your guests may have and adjust accordingly.
What can I use instead of miniature marshmallows?
If you don't have miniature marshmallows on hand, you can chop up regular-sized marshmallows or use marshmallow fluff as a topping. Just spread the fluff evenly over the baked crust before adding the other toppings.
Can I freeze these bars for later?
Yes, these bars freeze well! Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil or place them in an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw them in the refrigerator before serving.
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).