Salted Peanut Squares
Sweet and salty peanut squares combine crunchy peanuts with creamy peanut butter chips and marshmallows, creating a delightful treat perfect for snack lovers and casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place half of the salted peanuts in an ungreased 11 x 7 x 2-inch baking pan; set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt butter or margarine over low heat.
- Add peanut butter chips and stir until melted and smooth.
- Stir in sweetened condensed milk until well combined.
- Remove from heat and fold in miniature marshmallows until evenly coated.
- Pour the mixture over the peanuts in the pan and spread evenly.
- Sprinkle remaining peanuts on top, pressing them lightly into the mixture.
- Allow to cool completely before cutting into squares.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a combination of salted and unsalted peanuts. If you want to make these squares even more decadent, you can add chocolate chips or drizzle melted chocolate over the top before serving. To keep the marshmallows from sticking, lightly coat them in a bit of cornstarch before folding them into the mixture.
Serving Suggestions
These salted peanut squares are perfect for a sweet snack or dessert at gatherings. They pair beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea, making them a delightful treat for afternoon breaks. For a fun twist, serve them alongside Gingerbread Christmas Cookies during the holiday season or include them in a dessert platter.
Storage & Reheating
Store the salted peanut squares in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to two weeks. If you're looking to enjoy them later, you can also freeze the squares, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking, and thaw before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Salted Peanut Squares contains roughly 2611 calories, with 60g protein, 159g carbohydrates, and 202g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (120% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (74% of the Daily Value), and calcium (51% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1773mg per serving (77% 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! While salted peanuts are the star of this recipe, you can substitute or mix in other nuts like almonds or cashews for a different flavor profile. Just make sure to adjust the saltiness to your taste.
What can I do if my mixture is too thick?
If your mixture becomes too thick while combining the ingredients, you can gently reheat it on low until it softens enough to mix well. Just be careful not to overheat to prevent the marshmallows from melting too much.
Can I make these squares vegan?
Yes, you can make these squares vegan by using dairy-free margarine, vegan peanut butter chips, and ensuring the sweetened condensed milk is a plant-based variety. This way, you can enjoy a delicious vegan treat!
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).