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Easy Peanut Butter Marshmallow Squares

These classic Butterscotch Peanut Butter Butterscotch Marshmallow Squares are one of my favourite nostalgic childhood treats. Creamy peanut butter and butterscotch chips mixed in with rainbow coloured marshmallows are truly a match made in heaven! 

best ever peanut butter butterscotch squares

These No Bake Peanut Butter Marshmallow Squares are from my repertoire of my Grandma Yvette’s recipes, she was the baking and cooking queen! Having treats ready for company at any time was really common in my grandma’s house. 

If you stopped by there would always be a fresh batch of her famous Chocolate Chip Cookies, her mouth watering Gluten Free Lemon Poppyseed Muffins, her amazing 5 Ingredient Peanut Butter Balls or these Peanut Butter Butterscotch Marshmallow Squares!

I’m actually not the biggest fan of butterscotch. But when it comes to these bars, I AM OBSESSED.

I’m convinced it has something to do with the salt in the peanut butter, which makes the butterscotch less sweet and butterscotch-y. Instead all I taste is creamy, marshmallow goodness!

This recipe goes by a lot of different names. Peanut butter marshmallow bars, confetti squares, confetti bars, no bake goodie bars, etc.

Whatever you choose to call them, they are extremely popular to make during the holiday season! Always one of my favorite no bake treats around Christmas time.

easy no bake peanut butter marshmallow square recipe

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THESE BUTTERSCOTCH CONFETTI SQUARES

You’re going to absolutely love this Peanut Butter Marshmallow Squares recipe. 

First off, they’re incredibly easy to make – you just need a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time. 

The combination of smooth peanut butter and fluffy marshmallows creates this amazing, melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s so satisfying. Plus, they’ve got that perfect balance of sweet and salty that makes them totally addictive. 

Whether you’re looking for a special treat to whip up for a party or just something fun to snack on at home, these squares are a real crowd-pleaser. 

Trust me, once you try them, they’ll become a go-to favorite. They’re also great for making with kids because there’s no baking involved, just some mixing and chilling. 

Give them a try – you won’t be disappointed!

5 ingredient peanut butter butterscotch marshmallow bars

SIMPLE INGREDIENTS YOU NEED FOR THE NO BAKE SQUARES

You will need the following ingredients listed below to make these delicious squares (the exact measurements, nutrition information and full recipe are in the printable recipe card at the end of this post):

  • Peanut Butter (Creamy or Crunchy) – for this recipe my grandmother used to always use creamy peanut butter. Can also use natural peanut butter, unsalted peanut butter, crunchy peanut butter, organic peanut butter or good old fashioned jif peanut butter. 
  • Butterscotch Chips – I typically use the Chipits butterscotch chips. There are lower sugar options like Lilys butterscotch candies, and I’m sure you could also find vegan butterscotch chips as well! Some individuals who have tested out this recipe have also substituted some of the butterscotch chips for regular chocolate chips to cut down the sweetness. 
  • Butter – my grandmother always used regular unsalted butter. You could try this recipe using vegan butter as well if you like or if you’re sensitive to dairy. 
  • Rainbow Marshmallows – rainbow mini marshmallows recipes have to be the best recipes around. You are more than welcome to use regular mini white marshmallows for this no bake bar, but it might not be as fun! 
  • Vanilla extract – because it just adds a little something something to marshmallow dessert recipes!
  • Optional – Rice Krispies for a crunch, brown sugar, dark chocolate chips, etc.

easy peanut butter confetti bar recipe

KITCHEN TOOLS REQUIRED

HOW TO MAKE

  1. In a large pot over medium-low heat, combine the butterscotch chips, peanut butter and butter. Stir frequently until the mixture is completely melted.
  2. Let cool, and fold in marshmallows and vanilla extract quickly. I like to throw my marshmallows in the freezer for 10 minutes before this step to prevent them from melting all together.
  3. Pour the mixture into a lined 8×8 or 9×9 inch square pan and spread evenly. Refrigerate for 1 hour minimum to set, then cut into bars. Store in refrigerator or freezer (I actually prefer my peanut butter squares straight from the freezer).

    marshmallow fudge dessert recipe

    TIPS AND TRICKS FOR BEST RESULTS

    • Typically before I start making these butterscotch peanut butter marshmallow squares, I throw the bag of marshmallows in the freezer. This way the marshmallows don’t melt when the peanut butter mixture is still slightly warm and hits them.
    • Not only does refrigerating them help them firm up faster so you can eat them faster, but these squares taste way better cold. The combination of peanut butter with the cold marshmallows is just a match made in heaven!
    • Believe it or not, these are even BETTER when they are frozen.
    • I like using crunchy peanut butter for this recipe because it gives the bars a nice crunch. Also ensure to use a tasty peanut butter, preferably a salted one for this recipe!
    • The combo of the salt from the peanut butter and sweetness from the melted butterscotch chips is amazing.
    • It’s a quick recipe that comes together within 5 minutes and probably takes about 2-3 hours to set before you can cut them into bars. But you can speed up the cooling time by sticking the bars in the fridge!
    • Or if you live in a cold climate like me, stick them outside or on your porch, which acts as a second fridge all winter season.

    STORING LEFTOVER PEANUT BUTTER SQUARES

    1. Airtight Container: Place the squares in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
    2. Layering: If you need to stack the squares, place a piece of parchment paper or wax paper between each layer to prevent them from sticking together.
    3. Refrigerate: Store the container in the refrigerator. The squares will stay fresh for up to a week.
    4. Freeze for Longer Storage: For longer storage, you can freeze the squares. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, let them thaw at room temperature for a few minutes.

    best ever 5 ingredient peanut butter marshmallow recipe

    FAQS

    DO I REALLY NEED TO LET THE MIXTURE COOL BEFORE ADDING MARSHMALLOWS?

    Yes, let the mixture cool slightly to prevent the marshmallows from melting completely.

    ARE THESE TREATS SUITABLE FOR SUMMER MONTHS?

    Yes, they are perfect for summer as they don’t require baking.

    WHAT MAKES THESE SO PERFECT FOR PEANUT BUTTER LOVERS?

    The rich, creamy peanut butter base makes these squares a perfect treat for peanut butter enthusiasts.

    CAN I MAKE THESE SQUARES AHEAD OF TIME?

    Yes, you can make them a day or two in advance. Just store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.

    CAN I ADD OTHER MIX-INS TO THE PEANUT BUTTER MARSHMALLOW SQUARES?

    Absolutely! Feel free to add other mix-ins like chopped nuts, Rice Krispies, dried fruit, or even crushed pretzels for added texture and flavor.

    Other Easy Recipes To Curb A Sweet Tooth!

    Note: This post may contain affiliate links, so you can conveniently find the ingredients you need to make the peanut butter confetti squares.

    Yield: 20 pieces

    No Bake Peanut Butter Marshmallow Squares

    No Bake Peanut Butter Marshmallow Squares

    These classic Butterscotch Peanut Butter Butterscotch Marshmallow Squares are one of my favourite nostalgic childhood treats. Creamy peanut butter and butterscotch chips mixed in with rainbow coloured marshmallows are truly a match made in heaven!

    Prep Time 15 minutes
    Chill Time 1 hour
    Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes

    Ingredients

    • 1 package butterscotch chips, 300g package (I used Chipits)
    • 1 cup crunchy or creamy peanut butter
    • 1/2 cup butter
    • 1 package rainbow miniature marshmallows, 250g package
    • 1 tsp vanilla extract

    Instructions

    1. Put bag of marshmallows in the freezer and line an 8×8 pan with parchment paper.
    2. Melt butterscotch chips, peanut butter, and butter in a medium saucepan over low heat, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat, and let cool to ensure the marshmallows don't melt in next step.
    3. Quickly fold in vanilla and marshmallows.
    4. Spread mixture into 8×8 or 9x9 inch pan and gently spread with a spatula or spoon.
    5. Refrigerate until firm. Approximately 1 hour.
    6. Remove from pan and slice into squares. Store squares in refrigerator or freezer.

    Nutrition Information:

    Yield:

    20

    Serving Size:

    1 grams

    Amount Per Serving: Calories: 238Total Fat: 15gSaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 12mgSodium: 121mgCarbohydrates: 23gFiber: 1gSugar: 18gProtein: 3g

    The nutrition information provided is calculated based on industry-standard software and should be used as a general guide only. The information may vary depending on ingredient substitutions, cooking techniques, and individual serving sizes. It is the responsibility of the reader to ensure the accuracy and appropriateness of the nutritional information provided. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalized medical or nutritional advice.

    Did you make this recipe?

    Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Instagram

    IF YOU TRIED THESE BUTTERSCOTCH SQUARES PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT AND STAR RATING. I LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOUR CREATIONS! YOU CAN PIN THESE PAYDAY BARS ON PINTEREST OR SHARE ON INSTAGRAM BY TAGGING @basicswithbails and #basicswithbails

    bailey

    About Bailey

    I love to bake, cook, exercise, and document all of the above. Nutrition is not low fat. It is not low calorie. It’s not feeling deprived or being hungry all the time. It’s nourishing your body with real, whole foods so that you are consistently satisfied and energized to live your life to the fullest! Read more…

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    118 Comments

    1. So delicious!!! My mom use to make these. Reminds me of Home. Thank you!! 💞💞🫂

      1. Hi Joanne,

        They are so nostalgic for me as well because my grandmother used to make them for us all the time! Thanks so much for the 5 star review! 🙂

    2. Easy recipe and now my new favourite dessert! Thanks for sharing this recipe.
      ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

      1. Hi Eileen,

        Thank you so much for the 5 star review and I’m so happy to hear you loved them!!

    3. Can the butter be omitted

      1. Hi Elsie!

        No it cannot. You could use vegan butter as a replacement if you like! I haven’t tested with coconut oil or anything else! Happy baking!! 🙂

    4. I used chocolate chips with the butterscotch chipits. It cuts down on the sweetness. Also added slivered almonds and rice crispiest for that extra crunch. Taste amazing.

      1. Hi Katherine, thank you so much for the 5 star review! That sounds amazing! So glad you enjoyed them!!

    5. I seriously cannot get over these!! They bring me right back to my childhood. My nana made these for me when I was growing up and I always wished I got the recipe from her… so thank you so much!!!

      1. Hi Jenna, I’m so happy to hear that! They remind me so much of my grandmother as well! Happy baking! 🙂

    6. Word to the wise: if you double the recipe, don’t double the marshmallows as well…woops.

      1. Yes you do have to double the marshmallows otherwise the filling gets too sweet. Having said that…to each their own.

    7. Julie Vanderaegenbupcha @ shaw.ca says:

      Can you use Carmel chips..thanks…

      1. Hi Julie, yes you could, however it will yield a completely different flavour. The difference between caramel and butterscotch is that caramel is made with white sugar, but butterscotch is always made with brown sugar. The recipe will stay resemble the same and hold up great it just won’t taste the same!

    8. Delicious and easy! Just like my husbands mom used to make. Needed to make a third batch before Christmas!!!!

      1. Hi Janelle!

        I can relate they are always a favourite around Christmas time!! Thank you so much for the 5 star review!!

      2. Can you add coconut and if so how much would you recommend

    9. Had these.when I was at a camp job, 1st time making them at home. Delicious. Thank you for sharing your recipe. East straight forward.

      1. Hi Yvonne,

        You’re so welcome! So glad you enjoyed!! 🙂

    10. Christine says:

      Hi!
      Do you recommend using salted or unsalted butter? I’m excited to make these! Thank you. 😊

      1. Hi Christine,

        Either or will work just fine! I typically use salted! 🙂

    11. Hi Bailey,
      Thank you for sharing your recipe.
      Ive been making this peanut butter square but i just learned from you about the marshmallow!! Thank you. I never thought about that at all!
      No wonder that my marshmallows are kinda melting sometimes specially if i am so excited to mixed it all together 😂.
      Sometimes, if i am being patient and wait until it cool down then add up the marshmallows then i will not fail it.
      But doing ur recipe just now, 2 mins ago is just a solution of my stupidity . 😂
      Thanks a lot.. now i know…

      1. So happy to hear that!! So glad I could help!! 🙂

    12. Hi Bailey! Sorry might be a stupid question but should the butter be softened for this recipe?

      1. Hi Kaitlyn,

        Not a stupid question!! It doesn’t matter as you are melting everything anyways, so you can use softened or straight out of the fridge! 🙂

      2. Not required, everything will melt in the pot when heated

    13. Although this is traditionally an Xmas treat, I always keep a tray on hand in the freezer. I have made this a hundred times. Simple , no fail and GF. My boys are mad for this treat. Once it sets I cut it in squares in the tray and move it all to a zip lock bag along with the parchment lining to the freezer. Pieces only take minutes to thaw but the whole tray is a great send along treat when guesting (or pull out when the guys are over). The one thing I have found: I have made this in canada and in the US. US ingredients are WAY sweeter and makes the treat too sweet. I will work on a less sweet American version this winter.

    14. These are the best holiday dessert ever. We make them every year and they are always a number 1 hit. LOVE THIS RECIPE!!!