Nutty Marshmallow Bars
Nutty Marshmallow Bars combine crunchy peanuts, sweet caramel, and marshmallow creme in a chewy, golden treat perfect for sharing at parties or family gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, stir together chopped peanuts, flour, oats, brown sugar, baking soda, salt, and egg.
- Stir in softened margarine or butter with a fork until the mixture is crumbly.
- Press the mixture into an ungreased 13 x 9-inch (33 x 23 cm) baking pan.
- Bake for 10 minutes.
- Remove from oven and spoon marshmallow creme over the hot layer.
- Let stand for 1 minute, then spread evenly.
- Drizzle caramel ice cream topping over the marshmallow layer.
- Sprinkle with 1 1/4 cups chopped nuts.
- Bake until golden brown, about 20 minutes.
- Allow to cool until set, then loosen edges from the pan with a knife.
- Cut into bars with a wet knife and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using unsalted peanuts or a mix of nuts. If you're in a pinch, substitute the margarine with coconut oil for a dairy-free option. Make sure to mix the ingredients just until combined to avoid a tough texture. You can add chocolate chips for extra sweetness or use an alternative sweetener for a healthier version.
Serving Suggestions
These Nutty Marshmallow Bars are perfect for a sweet afternoon snack or dessert. They pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a glass of cold milk. For a fun twist, serve them with a drizzle of chocolate sauce or alongside Aunt Lydia'S Molasses Bread for a delightful dessert spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Nutty Marshmallow Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you prefer, you can refrigerate them for longer freshness. To reheat, simply microwave a bar for a few seconds for a warm treat, or enjoy them chilled straight from the fridge.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Nutty Marshmallow Bars contains roughly 191 calories, with 2g protein, 33g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1130mg per serving (49% 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 salted blanched peanuts with any nuts you prefer, such as almonds, walnuts, or pecans. Just keep in mind that this may alter the overall flavor and texture slightly, but it can create a delicious variation of the bars.
Is there a way to make these bars gluten-free?
Yes! To make Nutty Marshmallow Bars gluten-free, simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that the oats you use are certified gluten-free as well, to avoid any cross-contamination.
How can I make these bars more indulgent?
For an extra indulgent treat, consider adding chocolate chips or chunks to the mixture before baking. You can also top the bars with a layer of melted chocolate after they cool, creating a delicious chocolate-covered version of this recipe.
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).