Old Fashioned Marshmallow Peanut Butter Squares

.Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is a childhood favorite for many and continues to win hearts with its creamy texture and perfect balance of salty and sweet. It requires minimal prep, no baking, and comes together quickly with just a few ingredients. Whether you’re craving a comfort treat or need a quick dessert for guests, these peanut butter squares are always a hit.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Creamy peanut butter

• Butterscotch chips

• Unsalted butter

• Mini marshmallows

• Vanilla extract (optional)

• Pinch of salt (optional)

Directions

1. Line an 8×8 or 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

2. In a large saucepan, melt the butterscotch chips, peanut butter, and butter over low heat. Stir constantly until smooth.

3. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool for 3–5 minutes so it doesn’t melt the marshmallows.

4. Stir in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt if using.

5. Gently fold in the mini marshmallows until evenly coated.

6. Pour the mixture into the prepared dish and press lightly into an even layer.

7. Refrigerate for 1–2 hours until firm.

8. Slice into squares and serve.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes approximately 16 squares.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Chill time: 1–2 hours
Total time: about 1 hour 15 minutes

Variations

• Chocolate Version: Add chocolate chips or drizzle melted chocolate on top.

• Crunchy Twist: Use crunchy peanut butter or stir in chopped peanuts for texture.

• Colorful Option: Use rainbow mini marshmallows for a fun, colorful look.

• Salty-Sweet: Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top before chilling.

• Gluten-Free: Ensure all ingredients are gluten-free certified if needed.

Storage/Reheating

Store these bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
They can also be frozen for up to 2 months; separate layers with parchment paper and thaw in the fridge before serving.
No reheating is necessary—serve chilled or at room temperature.

FAQs

Can I use natural peanut butter?

Yes, but make sure it’s well-stirred and not too oily or dry, or the texture may be affected.

Do I need to melt the marshmallows?

No, the marshmallows are folded in whole to create a chewy texture with pockets of marshmallow in every bite.

Why let the mixture cool before adding marshmallows?

This prevents the marshmallows from melting completely, which helps maintain the bar’s classic texture.

Can I use large marshmallows?

Mini marshmallows work best, but you can cut large ones into smaller pieces if needed.

Are these bars very sweet?

Yes, they are rich and sweet due to the butterscotch and marshmallows, balanced by the saltiness of the peanut butter.

Can I add other mix-ins?

Absolutely—try chopped pretzels, peanuts, or cereal for added crunch.

What can I use instead of butterscotch chips?

You can use white chocolate or peanut butter chips, but the flavor will change slightly.

Do these bars hold up well at room temperature?

They soften at room temperature, so they’re best served chilled, especially in warm climates.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, double the ingredients and use a 9×13-inch pan for a larger batch.

Is it okay to skip the butter?

Butter adds richness and helps smooth the mixture, but you can reduce the amount slightly if needed.

Conclusion

Old Fashioned Marshmallow Peanut Butter Squares are a quick, easy, and delightfully nostalgic treat. With their creamy peanut butter base, sweet butterscotch flavor, and chewy marshmallow pockets, they’re the perfect no-bake dessert for sharing—or for keeping all to yourself. Whether you’re revisiting a childhood favorite or discovering them for the first time, these squares are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

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