Insanity Plea Nutty Marshmallow Bars
Nutty marshmallow bars combine crunchy nuts, sweet caramel, and marshmallow creme for a rich, satisfying treat perfect for snack lovers and parties alike.
Ingredients
- 1 cup salted, chopped, blanched nuts ⓘ
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 3/4 cup quick cooking or regular oats ⓘ
- 2/3 cup packed brown sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 (7 oz.) jar marshmallow creme ⓘ
- 2/3 cup caramel ice cream topping ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups salted blanched peanuts ⓘ
- 1 egg ⓘ
- 1/3 cup margarine, softened ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, stir together chopped nuts, flour, oats, brown sugar, baking soda, salt, and egg.
- Add softened margarine and mix with a fork until the mixture is crumbly.
- Press the mixture evenly into an ungreased 13 x 9 x 2-inch rectangular baking pan.
- Bake for 10 minutes and remove from oven.
- Immediately spoon marshmallow creme over the hot layer.
- Let stand for 1 minute, then spread the marshmallow evenly over the layer.
- Drizzle caramel ice cream topping over the marshmallow creme.
- Sprinkle with 1 1/2 cups salted blanched peanuts.
Tips & Substitutions
For a nut-free option, substitute the nuts with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds. You can also use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version. If you prefer a sweeter bar, increase the brown sugar to 3/4 cup. Make sure the margarine is softened to ensure even mixing and a crumbly texture.
Serving Suggestions
These Nutty Marshmallow Bars make a delightful dessert or snack. Pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of warm chocolate sauce for an indulgent treat. They are great for potlucks or as a sweet ending to a meal, especially with dishes like Ma Raines Macaroni And Cheese.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate for up to 2 weeks. To reheat, place individual bars in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds until warm, or enjoy them cold for a chewy treat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Insanity Plea Nutty Marshmallow Bars contains roughly 538 calories, with 5g protein, 54g carbohydrates, and 35g fat. It is a good source of protein (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 938mg per serving (41% 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! Feel free to mix and match your favorite nuts such as walnuts, pecans, or almonds. Just be mindful of the total quantity, ensuring it remains around 1 cup. Different nuts will impart their unique flavors and textures to the bars.
How can I make these bars vegan?
To make these bars vegan, substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water, let it sit for a few minutes to thicken). Additionally, use a plant-based margarine and ensure that the marshmallow creme is vegan-friendly, as some brands contain gelatin.
What can I serve with these bars for a party?
These bars pair well with a variety of desserts and beverages. Consider serving them alongside coffee or tea for a cozy gathering. You can also offer fruit salads or ice cream as refreshing complements. They are a hit at parties, just like Old Timey Chocolate Fudge Pie!
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).