Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these *marshmallow peanut butter squares*! They’re like a sweet hug from my childhood, and every time I make them, I’m transported back to those carefree summer days spent in my grandma’s kitchen. The way the gooey marshmallows melt into creamy peanut butter is just magical! I remember standing on a stool, watching her stir everything together, and trying to sneak bites of the warm mixture. Trust me, there’s nothing quite like biting into one of these squares—it’s a delightful combination of chewy, crunchy, and totally satisfying! Plus, they’re ridiculously easy to make, so you’ll find yourself whipping these up for snacks, parties, or just because you deserve a little treat. Get ready to enjoy some serious nostalgia with every bite!
Ingredients List
(You’ll find these simple ingredients come together to create a deliciously sweet treat!)
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 3 cups rice cereal
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup butter
Make sure to have everything measured out ahead of time—it’ll make the process smoother, and you won’t have to scramble around the kitchen looking for things while that butter melts! Trust me, it’s a game-changer. And don’t be afraid to get a little creative with these—substituting in crunchy peanut butter can give you that delightful texture contrast, or tossing in some chocolate chips can turn these squares into an even sweeter masterpiece! Enjoy the process, and happy cooking!
How to Prepare *Marshmallow Peanut Butter Squares*
Alright, let’s dive into the deliciousness and get these *marshmallow peanut butter squares* made! It’s super straightforward, and I promise you’ll be snacking on these in no time.
Step 1: Melt the Butter and Peanut Butter
First off, grab a saucepan and set it on low heat. Add your 1/4 cup of butter and 1 cup of creamy peanut butter into the pan. Stir them together gently as they melt—don’t rush it! We want that creamy goodness to blend smoothly without burning. It should take about 3-4 minutes until it’s all melted and mixed together. Just keep stirring—you’ll smell that amazing peanut butter aroma filling your kitchen!
Step 2: Incorporate Mini Marshmallows
Next, toss in the 2 cups of mini marshmallows. Keep stirring until they melt into that luscious peanut butter mixture. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Just a quick tip: if you notice any marshmallows starting to stick to the bottom, reduce the heat even more and keep stirring. We don’t want any burnt bits ruining our sweet treat!
Step 3: Mix in Powdered Sugar
Once the marshmallows are fully melted, it’s time to remove the saucepan from the heat. This is crucial because if you don’t, adding the 1/2 cup of powdered sugar can turn it into a sticky mess. So, off the heat, gently fold in the powdered sugar until everything is smooth and combined. You’ll love how it starts to get that fluffy texture!
Step 4: Add Rice Cereal
Now, here comes the fun part! Fold in the 3 cups of rice cereal. Make sure to do this gently—use a spatula to scoop it from the bottom and fold it over the marshmallow mixture. You want every piece of cereal to be coated in that gooey goodness, so take your time with it. This step should take about a minute or so.
Step 5: Press into the Pan
Once everything is well-mixed, grab a greased 9×9-inch pan. Pour the mixture in and use your hands (I like to dampen them a bit to avoid stickiness) to press it down evenly. Make sure it’s nice and compact—this helps the squares hold together when you cut them later. Aim for about 1-inch thickness for the best results!
Step 6: Cool and Cut
Let your squares cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes. If you’re impatient like me, you can pop them in the fridge for about 15 minutes to speed things up! Once they’re cool, use a sharp knife to cut them into squares. Wipe the knife between cuts for clean lines. And voila! You’ve got yourself a batch of deliciously chewy *marshmallow peanut butter squares* ready to be devoured!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- **Quick and Easy**: You can whip these up in just 25 minutes, making them perfect for last-minute cravings or surprise visitors!
- **Nostalgic Flavor**: Each bite takes you back to childhood, with that gooey marshmallow and creamy peanut butter combo that’s simply irresistible.
- **Customizable**: Feel free to mix it up! Add chocolate chips, nuts, or even drizzle some melted chocolate on top for a decadent twist.
- **No Baking Required**: That’s right! These squares come together on the stovetop, which means less mess and fewer dishes to wash.
- **Perfect for Sharing**: Cut them into squares and bring them to parties, picnics, or potlucks—everyone will love them!
- **Kid-Friendly**: They’re a hit with kids (and adults!), making them a great treat for family gatherings or after-school snacks.
- **Store Well**: Keep them in an airtight container, and they’ll stay fresh for days—if they last that long!
Tips for Success
Alright, my friend, let’s make sure your *marshmallow peanut butter squares* turn out perfectly every time! Here are some of my favorite tips to help you avoid any hiccups along the way:
- Keep the Heat Low: When melting the butter and peanut butter, patience is key! Always use low heat to avoid burning. If you notice any sticking, just lower the heat even more.
- Stir, Stir, Stir: Make sure to stir continuously while melting the marshmallows. This not only helps them melt evenly but also prevents any of those pesky burnt bits from forming.
- Don’t Rush the Mixing: When folding in the rice cereal, take your time! You want each piece to get coated without crushing them—gentle is the way to go.
- Use a Greased Pan: Greasing the pan is a must! It ensures that your squares come out easily and don’t stick to the sides. I like to use a little butter or cooking spray—whatever you have on hand.
- Cool Completely: Allowing the squares to cool completely before cutting is essential. If they’re still warm, they might fall apart, and we definitely don’t want that!
- Clean Cuts: For neat squares, wipe your knife with a damp cloth between cuts. This helps prevent sticking and gives you those clean, beautiful edges.
- Store Properly: Keep your squares in an airtight container at room temperature, and they’ll stay fresh for up to a week! Just try to hide them from snack-stealing hands!
With these tips, you’re set for success! Enjoy the process and get ready to savor every delicious bite of your homemade *marshmallow peanut butter squares*!
Ingredient Notes/Substitutions
Let’s talk about the fun part—getting creative with your ingredients! While the classic version of these *marshmallow peanut butter squares* is absolutely divine, there are some fantastic substitutions you can try to mix things up a bit.
- Creamy vs. Crunchy Peanut Butter: If you’re a fan of texture, go ahead and swap out creamy peanut butter for crunchy! It adds a delightful crunch that pairs beautifully with the soft marshmallows.
- Rice Cereal Alternatives: Don’t have rice cereal on hand? No problem! You can use cornflakes or even puffed quinoa for a fun twist. Just make sure they have a similar texture to keep that perfect chew.
- Sweetener Switch: If you’d like to cut down on sugar, you can replace the powdered sugar with a natural sweetener like powdered erythritol or coconut sugar. Just be mindful that it might slightly change the texture.
- Flavor Enhancements: Feeling adventurous? Add a splash of vanilla extract or even a pinch of cinnamon to the peanut butter mixture for an extra layer of flavor. It’s a small touch that makes a big difference!
- Chocolate Lovers: For those who can’t resist chocolate, toss in some mini chocolate chips or drizzle melted chocolate over the top before they set. It’s a decadent addition that elevates these squares to a whole new level!
- Nut Variations: If you want to add some nutty goodness, consider mixing in chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts. Just keep in mind this will change the texture a bit, but it’s so worth it!
These substitutions not only keep things interesting but also allow you to tailor the recipe to fit your tastes and what you have on hand. So don’t hesitate to experiment—after all, cooking is all about having fun in the kitchen!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about what you’re getting in each delicious square of these *marshmallow peanut butter squares*! Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional values based on the ingredients used. Remember, these are approximate values, so they can vary a bit depending on your specific brands and ingredients.
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 3g
These squares are definitely a sweet treat, but they also provide a bit of protein and fiber, thanks to the peanut butter and rice cereal. Just keep in mind to enjoy them in moderation, as they can be quite addictive! Happy snacking!
FAQ Section
Can I use regular marshmallows instead of mini marshmallows?
Absolutely! Regular marshmallows will work just fine, but you might want to cut them into smaller pieces to help them melt more easily. The mini ones just make it a little quicker and easier!
How do I store these squares?
Keep your *marshmallow peanut butter squares* in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for up to a week, but let’s be honest—they probably won’t last that long!
Can I freeze them?
Yes, you can! Just wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep well for about 2 months. Thaw them in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy!
What if I want to make a larger batch?
No problem! Just double the ingredients and use a larger pan, like a 9×13-inch one. Just keep an eye on the melting times, as they may vary slightly with a bigger batch.
Can I make these vegan?
You can make a vegan version by swapping out the butter for coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute and ensuring your peanut butter is dairy-free. Just check the powdered sugar to make sure it doesn’t contain any additives you want to avoid!
What can I add for extra flavor?
If you’re looking to jazz these up, try adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a dash of cinnamon to the peanut butter mixture. It’s a little touch that adds a big flavor boost!
Why did my squares turn out too sticky?
If your squares are sticky, it could be that the mixture was too warm when you pressed it into the pan or that you didn’t let them cool long enough. Just be patient and remember, cooling is key for that perfect texture!
Can I make these without rice cereal?
Sure! If you’re out of rice cereal, you can substitute it with cornflakes, or even use crushed graham crackers for a different twist. Just make sure whatever you use has a similar texture to keep that chewiness!
Marshmallow Peanut Butter Squares: 7 Steps to Sweet Bliss
- Temps Total: 25 minutes
- Rendement: 12 squares 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
A sweet treat made with marshmallows and peanut butter.
Ingrédients
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 3 cups rice cereal
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup butter
Instructions
- Melt butter and peanut butter together in a saucepan over low heat.
- Stir in mini marshmallows until melted.
- Remove from heat and mix in powdered sugar.
- Add rice cereal and mix well.
- Press mixture into a greased pan.
- Let cool and cut into squares.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container.
- Can substitute crunchy peanut butter for texture.
- Add chocolate chips for extra sweetness.
- Temps De Préparation: 15 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 10 minutes
- Catégorie: Dessert
- Méthode: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 square
- Calories: 150
- Sucre: 10g
- De Sodium: 50mg
- La graisse: 7g
- Graisses Saturées: 3g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 4g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 20g
- La fibre: 1g
- La protéine: 3g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 15mg
Mots-clés: marshmallow peanut butter squares
