Oh wow, let me tell you about my all-time favorite treat: peanut butter marshmallow squares! These little gems are a sweet, chewy delight that always takes me back to my childhood. I remember making them with my grandma on rainy afternoons—her kitchen filled with the warm, nutty smell of peanut butter and the sweetness of melting marshmallows. And the best part? They’re no-bake, which means you can whip them up in no time! Seriously, if you’re looking for something easy yet oh-so-delicious, this recipe is for you. Picture biting into a square that’s perfectly gooey, with a hint of chocolate on top. Trust me, they’ll be gone before you know it, and everyone will be asking for the recipe! Let’s dive in and make these magical squares together!
Ingredients List
Gather these simple ingredients, and you’ll be on your way to making the most scrumptious peanut butter marshmallow squares! Here’s what you need:
- 2 cups creamy peanut butter
- 4 cups mini marshmallows
- 1 cup rice cereal
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
Make sure your peanut butter is nice and smooth for that perfect texture. And don’t skimp on the mini marshmallows; they’re the star of the show! The rice cereal adds a delightful crunch, balancing out the gooeyness of the marshmallows and peanut butter. Trust me, these flavors together are just heavenly!
How to Prepare Instructions
Alright, let’s get into the fun part of making these peanut butter marshmallow squares! Follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a delicious treat in no time.
Step 1: Mix Peanut Butter and Honey
First up, grab a large mixing bowl—something around 4-5 quarts should do the trick. You’ll want to mix the creamy peanut butter and honey together until it’s super smooth. This step is crucial because it creates a lovely base for all the other yummy ingredients. Use a sturdy spatula or a wooden spoon; it’ll make your life easier!
Step 2: Add Marshmallows and Rice Cereal
Now, it’s time to add those fluffy mini marshmallows and crunchy rice cereal. Gently fold them into the peanut butter mixture. You want to stir until everything is fully combined, making sure the marshmallows are evenly distributed. It’s okay if you get a bit of sticky goodness on your hands; that just means you’re doing it right!
Step 3: Press into Pan
Next, take your greased 9×9 inch pan and pour the mixture in. Use your hands or a spatula to press it down firmly, making sure it’s evenly distributed across the pan. This step is key for getting those perfect squares later on. Don’t rush it—take your time to really pack it in!
Step 4: Add Chocolate Chips
Now for the fun part: sprinkling chocolate chips on top! Just toss them over the surface of the mixture. Let them sit for a minute or two so they can melt slightly from the warmth of the mixture—it makes a delicious, gooey topping that you won’t want to miss!
Step 5: Cool and Cut
Finally, let the squares cool completely in the pan. This usually takes about 30 minutes to an hour. Once they’re set, grab a sharp knife and cut them into squares. I usually go for about 16 squares, but you can make them bigger or smaller depending on your mood. Enjoy every chewy, peanut buttery bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- **Quick and Easy**: With just a few simple steps, you can whip these up in no time—perfect for unexpected guests or a late-night snack!
- **No-Bake Delight**: No need to turn on the oven, which means less mess and more time to enjoy your treats.
- **Kid-Friendly Fun**: This recipe is great for kids to help with! They’ll love mixing and pressing down the ingredients (and sneaking a marshmallow or two!).
- **Customizable**: You can easily mix in your favorite add-ins, like nuts or dried fruit, or switch up the chocolate for something different.
- **Perfect for Any Occasion**: Whether it’s a picnic, a birthday party, or just a cozy night in, these squares are a hit every time.
- **Irresistible Flavor**: The combination of creamy peanut butter, sweet marshmallows, and rich chocolate is simply heavenly!
Tips for Success
To make sure your peanut butter marshmallow squares turn out absolutely perfect, here are some tried-and-true tips from my kitchen to yours!
- Use High-Quality Peanut Butter: I recommend using a creamy, natural peanut butter for the best flavor and texture. Avoid the super sugary kinds, as they can throw off the balance of sweetness!
- Be Patient with Mixing: When you’re combining the peanut butter and honey, take your time to get it really smooth. This will ensure a lovely, cohesive mixture that holds everything together.
- Watch the Marshmallow Melting: If you leave the chocolate chips on too long, they might melt too much. Just let them sit for a minute to achieve that perfect gooey topping without losing their shape!
- Grease the Pan Well: Don’t skip greasing the pan! This step is essential for getting those squares out easily once they’re set. I like to use a little cooking spray or a light coat of butter.
- Experiment with Add-Ins: Feel free to get creative! You can stir in some chopped nuts, dried fruit, or even swap out the chocolate chips for butterscotch or white chocolate for a fun twist.
- Store Properly: Keep your squares in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want them to last longer, pop them in the fridge! Just know they might get a little firmer.
Follow these tips, and you’ll be well on your way to making the most delicious peanut butter marshmallow squares that everyone will love! Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information Section
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional value of these delightful peanut butter marshmallow squares! Keep in mind that these are estimated values based on typical ingredient use, so the actual numbers might vary a bit depending on the brands you choose and any fun add-ins you decide to throw in.
Here’s a quick breakdown per square:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Sugar: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
So, while indulging in these sweet treats, you can enjoy a little bit of everything! Just remember to savor each bite and share with friends and family for an extra dose of happiness.
FAQ Section
Can I use crunchy peanut butter?
Absolutely! Using crunchy peanut butter adds a delightful texture to your peanut butter marshmallow squares. You’ll get those little bites of crunch that contrast beautifully with the gooey marshmallows. Just keep in mind that the overall consistency might be a bit thicker, but it’s totally worth it for that extra flavor and texture!
How do I store leftovers?
Storing your peanut butter marshmallow squares is super simple! Just pop them in an airtight container and keep them at room temperature for up to a week. If you want them to last a little longer, feel free to refrigerate them. Just know that they might get a bit firmer in the fridge, but they’ll still taste amazing! You can let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before enjoying for a softer bite.
Can I add other ingredients?
Oh, definitely! This recipe is so versatile. You can mix in your favorite add-ins, like chopped nuts, dried fruit, or even some mini chocolate chips for an extra chocolatey twist. Just make sure to keep the overall balance—if you add a lot of extras, you might need to adjust the peanut butter or marshmallow amounts slightly to keep that perfect chewy texture. Get creative and have fun with it!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your peanut butter marshmallow squares is a breeze, and it helps keep them fresh and delicious for longer! To store, simply place the squares in an airtight container. They’ll stay good at room temperature for about a week—perfect for snacking throughout the week!
If you want to extend their shelf life, you can pop them in the fridge. Just keep in mind that they might get a little firmer, so if you prefer a softer bite, let them sit out for about 10-15 minutes before enjoying. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!
As for reheating, these squares are best enjoyed at room temperature, so I don’t usually recommend reheating them in the microwave. However, if you’re feeling adventurous and want a gooey, melty treat, you can warm them up for just a few seconds in the microwave. Just be super careful not to overdo it—nobody wants a melted mess! Enjoy your sweet squares, and don’t forget to share (if you can resist the temptation)!
Print
Peanut Butter Marshmallow Squares: 5 Steps to Blissful Treats
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 16 squares 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A sweet and chewy treat made with peanut butter and marshmallows.
Ingredients
- 2 cups of peanut butter
- 4 cups of mini marshmallows
- 1 cup of rice cereal
- 1/2 cup of honey
- 1/2 cup of chocolate chips
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix peanut butter and honey until smooth.
- Add mini marshmallows and rice cereal. Stir until combined.
- Press the mixture into a greased 9×9 inch pan.
- Sprinkle chocolate chips on top and let them melt slightly.
- Allow to cool before cutting into squares.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container.
- Can be refrigerated for longer freshness.
- Use crunchy peanut butter for added texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: peanut butter marshmallow squares, no-bake dessert, sweet treats
