If you’re looking for a sweet treat that’s as easy to whip up as it is delicious, let me introduce you to my absolute favorite: marshmallow peanut butter squares! These little bites of joy are like a soft, chewy hug for your taste buds. With that creamy peanut butter, fluffy mini marshmallows, and a hint of cocoa, they’re simply irresistible. The best part? You don’t even need to turn on the oven! Just a few simple steps and a little time in the fridge, and you’ve got a no-bake dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll be hooked! They’re great for parties, family gatherings, or just a cozy night in. Yum! Let’s dive into how to make these delightful squares!
Ingredients for Marshmallow Peanut Butter Squares
- 2 cups of graham cracker crumbs
- 1 cup of creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup of powdered sugar
- 2 cups of mini marshmallows
- 1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup of butter, melted
How to Prepare Marshmallow Peanut Butter Squares
Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients
First things first, grab a big mixing bowl and toss in your 2 cups of graham cracker crumbs, 1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, and 1 cup of powdered sugar. Give it a good stir until everything is combined. You want those dry ingredients to be evenly mixed so every bite is bursting with flavor. It should smell sweet and chocolatey already—yum!
Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients
Now, let’s make it creamy! Add in 1/4 cup of melted butter and 1 cup of creamy peanut butter to the dry mixture. Using a spatula or a sturdy spoon, mix it all together until it’s smooth and well-blended. Don’t be shy! You want to really incorporate those wet ingredients with the dry ones until it’s a deliciously thick batter.
Step 3: Fold in Mini Marshmallows
Here comes the fun part! Gently fold in the 2 cups of mini marshmallows. Be careful not to squish them too much—those fluffy little bites are what make these squares delightful. Just use a spatula and fold them in until they’re evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
Step 4: Press into Baking Dish
Next, grab a greased square baking dish (about 9×9 inches works great) and spoon your mixture into it. Use your hands or the back of a spoon to press it down evenly. You want it to be packed tight, so it holds together nicely when you cut it later. The more even you press it down, the better it’ll set!
Step 5: Refrigerate
Now, it’s time for some patience! Pop that baking dish into the fridge and let it chill for at least 2 hours. This will help everything set up perfectly, so you can cut those squares without a mess. Just think about how good they’ll taste while you wait!
Step 6: Cut and Serve
Once they’ve chilled and set, take them out of the fridge and use a sharp knife to cut them into squares. I like to make them about 2 inches, but you can decide how big or small you want them. Serve them right away, or keep them in an airtight container for later. Trust me, they won’t last long!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to make—you’re just 15 minutes away from a delicious dessert!
- No baking required, which means less mess and more time to enjoy!
- Rich peanut butter flavor perfectly balanced with sweet marshmallows.
- Chocolatey goodness from the cocoa powder adds a delightful twist.
- Great for sharing at parties or keeping all to yourself—no judgment here!
- Kid-friendly and perfect for little hands to help with the mixing.
- Customizable with add-ins like chocolate chips or nuts for extra crunch!
- Store them easily and enjoy them all week long—if they last that long!
Tips for Success
- Use room temperature ingredients: Make sure your peanut butter is at room temperature for easier mixing. It’ll blend in smoothly and make everything come together beautifully!
- Don’t skip the refrigeration: It’s crucial to let those squares chill for at least 2 hours. This step helps them firm up so they hold their shape when you cut them.
- Grease your dish well: A little cooking spray or butter goes a long way in preventing sticking. You want those squares to come out easily without tearing!
- Experiment with flavors: If you’re feeling adventurous, try swapping out creamy peanut butter for crunchy for a fun texture. You can also add a sprinkle of sea salt on top for a sweet-savory twist!
- Chop the marshmallows: If you want smaller bites, feel free to chop the mini marshmallows in half. It’ll make them easier to mix in and give a nice even distribution.
- Keep it cool: If your kitchen is warm, consider chilling the mixture for a short time before pressing it into the baking dish. It’ll help keep everything from getting too gooey!
- Use a sharp knife: When it’s time to cut, use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts for neat edges. You want those squares to look as good as they taste!
Variations of Marshmallow Peanut Butter Squares
- Chocolate Chip Delight: For a rich chocolatey twist, add 1 cup of chocolate chips into the mix. They’ll melt slightly and create little pockets of gooey goodness in every square.
- Crunchy Peanut Butter: Swap out creamy peanut butter for crunchy peanut butter for an extra textural contrast. Those little peanut bits add a delightful crunch and enhance the flavor!
- Nutty Additions: Feel free to toss in some chopped nuts, like walnuts or almonds, for a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor. Just a half cup will do!
- Marshmallow Swirl: Instead of folding in mini marshmallows, try swirling in marshmallow fluff for an ultra-sweet and creamy consistency. It’s like a marshmallow explosion in each bite!
- Peanut Butter Drizzle: Melt some extra peanut butter and drizzle it on top of the squares before serving. It adds a beautiful finish and amplifies that peanut buttery goodness!
- Snack Bar Style: Add a layer of crushed graham crackers on top for a fun, layered effect. It adds a nice crunch and looks super appealing when you cut the squares.
- Mint Chocolate: For a refreshing twist, mix in some mint extract (just a teaspoon) and add chocolate chips for a mint chocolate flavor that’s perfect for the holidays!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your marshmallow peanut butter squares is super easy! Just place the leftover squares in an airtight container. Make sure they’re fully cooled before you pop them in, as this helps keep them fresh and prevents any condensation. They’ll last in the fridge for up to a week—if they last that long, which is a big if around here!
Now, about reheating—actually, you don’t need to! These squares are best enjoyed chilled right out of the fridge. The cool, creamy texture is part of their charm! But if you find yourself longing for a warm treat, you can pop a square in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Just be careful not to overdo it, or you’ll end up with a gooey mess. Trust me, they’re delightful either way! Enjoy your sweet treats!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about what’s going on inside these delicious marshmallow peanut butter squares! These numbers are estimates, but they’ll give you a good idea of what you’re indulging in. Each square is packed with flavor and a bit of nutrition, too!
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 150
- Total Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 3g
These sweet squares strike a lovely balance between indulgence and enjoyment. So go ahead, treat yourself—just remember, moderation is key! Happy snacking!
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Marshmallow Peanut Butter Squares: 6 Steps to Pure Bliss
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 16 squares 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious marshmallow peanut butter squares.
Ingredients
- 2 cups of graham cracker crumbs
- 1 cup of creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup of powdered sugar
- 2 cups of mini marshmallows
- 1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup of butter, melted
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, cocoa powder, and powdered sugar.
- Add melted butter and peanut butter to the dry ingredients and mix well.
- Fold in mini marshmallows until evenly distributed.
- Press the mixture into a greased square baking dish.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- Cut into squares and serve.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container.
- Can substitute crunchy peanut butter for a different texture.
- Add chocolate chips for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: marshmallow peanut butter squares, no-bake dessert, easy dessert
