Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy no-bake dessert
- Sweet and chewy texture
- Packed with peanut butter flavor
- Perfect for parties and snacks
- Kid-friendly and fun to make
- Quick preparation with simple ingredients
- Great make-ahead treat
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 package mini marshmallows
- 5 cups crispy rice cereal
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Directions
- Lightly grease or line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a large saucepan over low heat, melt the butter and peanut butter together until smooth.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and salt.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly.
- Fold in the mini marshmallows and crispy rice cereal until evenly coated.
- Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Press gently into an even layer without packing too tightly.
- Allow the squares to cool and set for about 30 minutes.
- Slice into squares and serve.
Servings and timing
- Servings: 12 squares
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Chill Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Variations
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Squares: Add chocolate chips or drizzle melted chocolate on top.
- Crunchy Peanut Butter Version: Use crunchy peanut butter for extra texture.
- Holiday Style: Add festive sprinkles or colored marshmallows.
- Nutty Mix: Stir in chopped peanuts or almonds.
- S’mores Style: Add crushed graham crackers and extra marshmallows.
Storage/Reheating
Store Peanut Butter Marshmallow Squares in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
For a firmer texture, refrigerate the squares. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months and thawed before serving.
These bars do not require reheating.
FAQs
Are Peanut Butter Marshmallow Squares no-bake?
Yes, this recipe does not require baking.
What cereal works best?
Crispy rice cereal is the classic choice, though similar cereals also work.
Can I use large marshmallows?
Yes, cut them into smaller pieces if desired.
How do I keep the squares soft?
Do not overheat the peanut butter mixture and avoid pressing the mixture too firmly into the pan.
Can I add chocolate?
Yes, chocolate chips or chocolate drizzle pair perfectly with peanut butter.
Are these good for parties?
Absolutely, they are easy to make and great for sharing.
Can I make them ahead of time?
Yes, they store very well for several days.
Why are my squares hard?
Overheating the mixture or pressing too firmly can create a harder texture.
Can I use natural peanut butter?
Yes, though the texture may be slightly softer.
Are Peanut Butter Marshmallow Squares freezer-friendly?
Yes, they freeze very well when stored properly.
Conclusion
Peanut Butter Marshmallow Squares are a quick and delicious no-bake treat that combines creamy peanut butter, soft marshmallows, and crispy cereal into irresistible dessert bars. Perfect for snacks, parties, or nostalgic homemade treats, these easy squares deliver sweet flavor and chewy crunch in every bite. Simple to make and always crowd-pleasing, they’re a recipe worth keeping on hand year-round.
PrintPeanut Butter Marshmallow Squares
Peanut Butter Marshmallow Squares are sweet and chewy no-bake dessert bars made with creamy peanut butter, soft marshmallows, and crispy rice cereal. Perfect for parties, snacks, or nostalgic treats, these easy squares are packed with rich flavor and crunchy texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 squares
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 package mini marshmallows
- 5 cups crispy rice cereal
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Lightly grease or line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a large saucepan over low heat, melt the butter and peanut butter together until smooth.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and salt.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly.
- Fold in the mini marshmallows and crispy rice cereal until evenly coated.
- Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Press gently into an even layer without packing too tightly.
- Allow the squares to cool and set for about 30 minutes.
- Slice into squares and serve.
Notes
- Do not overheat the peanut butter mixture to keep the squares soft and chewy.
- Chocolate chips or melted chocolate drizzle make a delicious addition.
- Crunchy peanut butter can be used for extra texture.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- These bars can also be frozen for up to 2 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 260 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 170 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
