Peanut Marshmallow Bars
Rich peanut marshmallow bars combine creamy peanut butter, marshmallow creme, chocolate chips, and chopped peanuts for a sweet, crunchy treat perfect for sharing at parties or as a snack.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed ⓘ
- 1/2 cup butter, softened ⓘ
- 1 egg ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups flour ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 (7 oz.) jar Marshmallow Creme ⓘ
- 1 (6 oz.) package semi-sweet chocolate chips ⓘ
- 3/4 cup salted peanuts, chopped coarse ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cream sugar, brown sugar, butter, and peanut butter together.
- Add egg and vanilla; beat well.
- Stir in flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
- Press mixture into the bottom and 1/4 inch up the sides of an ungreased 10 x 15-inch jelly roll pan.
- Spread Marshmallow Creme evenly over the crust, using a wet knife to smooth it to 1/2 inch from the edge.
- Sprinkle chocolate chips and chopped peanuts over the Marshmallow Creme.
- Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until light golden brown.
- Cool completely before cutting into bars.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy. If you don’t have Marshmallow Creme, you can substitute it with melted marshmallows mixed with a bit of corn syrup. Ensure the butter is softened at room temperature for easier mixing. If you find the mixture too sticky, lightly flour your hands while pressing it into the pan.
Serving Suggestions
These Peanut Marshmallow Bars are perfect on their own, but they also pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert. Serve them alongside a warm cup of coffee or hot chocolate for a cozy treat. For a festive touch, consider drizzling melted chocolate over the top before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, refrigerate them; they can last up to two weeks in the fridge. To reheat, place bars in a microwave for 10-15 seconds to soften before enjoying again. They can also be served cold or at room temperature.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Peanut Marshmallow Bars contains roughly 226 calories, with 5g protein, 11g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is a good source of protein (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 511mg per serving (22% 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 natural peanut butter instead of creamy?
Yes, you can use natural peanut butter, but it may alter the texture slightly, making it denser. Be sure to stir it well before measuring to ensure it's smooth. Natural peanut butter might also have less sweetness, so you could consider adjusting the sugar to balance the flavors.
What can I substitute for semi-sweet chocolate chips?
If you don't have semi-sweet chocolate chips, you can use milk chocolate chips for a sweeter taste, or dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor. Chopped chocolate bars or even white chocolate can also be used depending on your preference, but keep in mind it will change the overall taste.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The bars are done when they are light golden brown around the edges and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Be careful not to overbake, as they can become dry. Cool completely in the pan before cutting for the best texture.
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).