October 7, 2024
Review RecipeMarshmallow Peanut Butter Squares
Table of Contents
- Let’s Dish: About These Dessert Bars
- Butterscotch Marshmallow Bars Ingredients
- Substitutions And Additions
- How To Make This Butterscotch Marshmallow Bars Recipe
- How To Serve These Marshmallow Butterscotch Bars
- Storage
- Why We Love This Recipe
- Frequently Asked Questions
- More Dessert Bar Recipes
- JUMP TO RECIPE
- Even More Sweet Recipes
Our butterscotch marshmallow bars hit the sweet spot every time. They bring together the rich, melt-in-your-mouth goodness of butterscotch and peanut butter with marshmallows that stay perfectly soft. It’s that irresistible combo of creamy and chewy that makes you keep coming back for more. We’ve kept it simple, with no unnecessary extras to distract from the stars of the show.
Let’s Dish: About These Dessert Bars
Main Ingredients: Butterscotch morsels, creamy peanut butter, salted butter, heavy cream, vanilla extract, mini marshmallows.
Quick Steps: Melt butterscotch, peanut butter, butter, and cream; cool; mix with marshmallows; spread in a pan and chill.
Total Time & Yield: 1 hour 8 minutes; makes 16 bars.
Why This Recipe
- Our version focuses on simplicity with butterscotch, peanut butter, and mini marshmallows. This creates a perfectly smooth, melt-in-your-mouth bar without unnecessary add-ins that can distract from the primary flavors.
- Additionally, the recipe ensures the marshmallows retain their fluffiness by cooling the butterscotch mixture first, avoiding the common issue of marshmallows melting into the bars and losing their light texture. This attention to detail provides a better contrast between the creamy and chewy elements.
- In comparison to others that sometimes use rainbow-colored marshmallows or mix in cereals like Rice Krispies for crunch, this recipe sticks to the essentials, delivering a more consistent flavor profile.
Butterscotch Marshmallow Bars Ingredients
These delectable bars combine the creamy sweetness of marshmallows with the buttery flavor of butterscotch.
As you take a bite, the gooey texture of the marshmallows melts in your mouth, while the creamy butterscotch provides a flavor explosion.
You’ll need:
- 1 (11-ounce) package of butterscotch morsels (I used Toll House)
- 1 cup of creamy peanut butter (your favorite brand – I used Reese’s creamy peanut butter)
- ⅓ cup of salted sweet cream butter, cubed
- 2 tablespoons of heavy cream
- 1¼ teaspoons of pure vanilla extract
- 5½ cups (one 10-ounce bag) of mini marshmallows
Substitutions And Additions
PEANUT BUTTER: You can substitute crunchy peanut butter for creamy peanut butter in this delicious treat.
MARSHMALLOWS: If you want a colorful alternative for your tasty treats, you can substitute multi-colored mini marshmallows. This will turn them into peanut butter confetti marshmallow squares.
VANILLA EXTRACT: To change up the flavor profile, consider using almond extract, maple extract, or even a dash of bourbon instead of vanilla.
NUTS: Chopped nuts like pecans, walnuts, or almonds can be sprinkled on top for extra crunch and flavor.
They pair well with butterscotch and marshmallows and add a satisfying nutty element to your bars.
SPRINKLES: For a fun and colorful twist, add some sprinkles on top of the bars after they’ve been layered.
This is a great way to customize your bars for special occasions or to match a particular theme.
How To Make This Butterscotch Marshmallow Bars Recipe
Throw the bag of marshmallows in the freezer to chill for a bit before adding them to the mixture. This way, the marshmallows don’t melt when the peanut butter mixture is still slightly warm and hits them.
STEP ONE: Line a 9×9 baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for lifting the bars out of the baking dish.
Lightly spray with nonstick cooking spray. Set it aside.
STEP TWO: Add the butterscotch morsels, peanut butter, butter, and heavy cream to a 3 to 4-quart heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat on the stovetop.
Stir constantly until the butterscotch morsels and peanut butter are melted and smooth.
Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla. Allow the butterscotch and peanut butter mixture to cool for eight to ten minutes. Stir occasionally as the mixture cools.
STEP THREE: Stir in the miniature marshmallows. Spray your mixing spoon with a little bit of cooking spray so that the gooey mixture doesn’t stick to it.
STEP FOUR: Evenly spread the butterscotch mixture into the prepared baking dish.
Chill in the fridge for 45 minutes to one hour until set.
Score the top of the peanut butter butterscotch marshmallow bars with a sharp knife before chilling to make cutting easier.
STEP FIVE: Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the marshmallow butterscotch bars out of the pan.
Slice into 16 slices. Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.
How To Serve These Marshmallow Butterscotch Bars
There is no wrong time to enjoy these tasty peanut butter marshmallow bars.
Add a cold and refreshing glass of iced tea or an extra indulgent homemade hot chocolate to wash your treat down.
Consider pairing these bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, drizzled with caramel sauce and a sprinkle of sea salt for a truly decadent dessert.
For more ooey gooey treats, don’t forget to check out our classic rice Krispie treats and salted nut roll bars.
MORE BAR RECIPES
Storage
Having a gooey batch of these treats in the freezer is a great strategy to satisfy a craving for something sweet.
MAKE AHEAD: If you’re planning to prepare these bars ahead of time, you can absolutely do so.
After baking and cooling, tightly wrap the bars in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store them at room temperature for up to two days.
IN THE FRIDGE: Store any leftover butterscotch marshmallow squares in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 14 days.
IN THE FREEZER: You can freeze these no-bake treats for up to three months.
Wrap the uncut butterscotch bars with marshmallows in wax paper, then tightly wrap them in plastic wrap.
This will help keep the butterscotch from crystallizing. Allow the butterscotch squares to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before slicing and serving.
Why We Love This Recipe
EASY TO MAKE: This recipe is a breeze to put together, making it perfect for both novice and experienced cooks.
IRRESISTIBLE FLAVOR COMBINATION: The combination of creamy peanut butter and sweet marshmallows creates a flavor profile that’s both nutty and indulgent. The addition of butterscotch chips adds a delightful twist that keeps you coming back for more.
MAKE AHEAD AND FREEZER FRIENDLY: You can prepare these squares ahead of time and store them in the freezer, so you always have a sweet treat on hand. This makes them a convenient go-to option for busy days or unexpected guests.
Frequently Asked Questions
This happens when you heat the butterscotch over too high of heat. Once your morsels “freeze up” and won’t melt, you will need to start over with a fresh batch. Make sure to melt your butterscotch morsels over low to medium heat to prevent this.
I don’t recommend this. Your ratio of marshmallow to butterscotch will be off. Always use mini marshmallows for this no-bake recipe. You can use confetti-colored marshmallows for a pop of color!
The butterscotch peanut butter marshmallow squares can be frozen for up to three months. Wrap them in wax paper and then in plastic wrap before freezing them.
Whether you’re looking for a nostalgic treat or a simple dessert that’s guaranteed to impress, our butterscotch marshmallow bars are the perfect choice. With their rich, creamy flavor and satisfying texture, these bars bring together everything you love about classic sweets in one irresistible bite.
Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, they’re sure to become a go-to favorite for any occasion. Give them a try—you won’t be disappointed.
More Dessert Bar Recipes
- Buckeye Bars
- Cherry Pie Bars
- Twix Bars
- Coconut Cream Pie Bars
- 7 Layer Bars
- S’mores Bars
- Lemon Cheesecake Bars
- Almond Joy Bars
- Five Star Bars
- Snickerdoodle Cheesecake Bars
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownies
- Marshmallow Brownies
Marshmallow Peanut Butter Squares
Ingredients
- 11 ounces butterscotch morsels (I used Toll House)
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter, your favorite brand – I used Reese’s creamy peanut butter
- ⅓ cup salted sweet cream butter, cubed
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1¼ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 5½ cups mini marshmallows, one 10 ounces
Instructions
- Line a 9×9 baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for lifting the bars out of the baking dish. Lightly spray with nonstick cooking spray. Set it aside.
- Add the butterscotch morsels, peanut butter, butter, and heavy cream to a 3 to 4-quart heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly until the butterscotch morsels and peanut butter are melted and smooth. Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla. Allow the butterscotch mixture to cool for 8 to 10 minutes. Stir occasionally as the mixture cools.
- Stir in the miniature marshmallows.
- Evenly spread the butterscotch mixture into the prepared baking dish. Chill in the fridge for 45 minutes to 1 hour until set.
- Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Slice into 16 slices. Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.
Notes
- Throw the bag of marshmallows in the freezer to chill for a bit before adding them to the mixture. This way, the marshmallows don’t melt when the peanut butter mixture is still slightly warm and hits them.
- Spray your mixing spoon with a little bit of cooking spray so that the gooey mixture doesn’t stick to it.
- Score the top of the peanut butter butterscotch marshmallow bars with a sharp knife before chilling to make cutting easier.
Nutrition
Even More Sweet Recipes
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- Brownie Bottom Cheesecake
- Peanut Butter Ritz Crackers Dipped in White Chocolate
- Peeps Rice Krispie Squares
- Peanut Marshmallow Clusters
- Easy 15-Minute Maple Bars
- Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats
- Indoor S’mores
- Butterscotch Haystacks
- Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies
- Marshmallow Cookies
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- Butterscotch Cool Whip Pie
- Easy S’mores Cookies
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- Butterscotch Cookies
Comments
Doris says
Recipe sounds delicious – am anxious to try it. Am wondering if I can melt the chips, peanut butter, etc in the microwave. Thanks
Layne Kangas says
Hi, Doris – we haven’t tested it in the microwave so I’m not sure how that would turn out. I would be worried they might overheat and impact the final product, as heating up in the microwave can be inconsistent sometimes as opposed to stove top. Please let me know if you try them!
Marilyn Gallagher says
Hi, these look very tasty and would no doubt be liked by everyone from kids to adults. But because I have had thyroid cancer as well as being allergic to soy, could I substitute the butterscotch chips for an allergy-free chocolate chip such as the Enjoy Life brand? I wish they would make the butterscotch flavor with no soy.
Layne Kangas says
Hi, Marilyn – we haven’t tried that but I think it would be yummy! Enjoy!
Laura says
Our family is obsessed with this delicious treat!