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Peanut Butter Marshmallow Squares – Confetti Squares

ByBailey Published Updated
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These Peanut Butter Marshmallow Squares – AKA Confetti 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

**This post was originally published December 13, 2016 and updated July 30, 2024**

You know that dessert your grandmother brought to every potluck in the ’90s that somehow disappeared in five seconds flat?

Yep, we’re talking about Peanut Butter Marshmallow Squares—the ultimate no-bake, gooey, rainbow-hued blast from the past. 

These babies are chewy, sweet, salty, and colorful—basically, everything you could ever want in a dessert. You only need a handful of ingredients (and no oven), which means they’re dangerously easy to whip up at any time. 

If you love no bake dessert recipes you may also enjoy my 4-Ingredient Peanut Butter Fudge or my No-Bake Banana Cream Pie.

easy no bake peanut butter marshmallow square recipe

SIMPLE INGREDIENTS YOU NEED FOR THE PEANUT BUTTER MARSHMALLOW SQUARES RECIPE -AKA CONFETTI 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 – 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 – 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
  • Optional – Rice Krispies for a crunch, brown sugar, dark chocolate chips, etc.

5 ingredient peanut butter butterscotch marshmallow bars

HOW TO MAKE THE PEANUT BUTTER MARSHMALLOW SQUARES

In a large pot over medium-low heat, combine the butterscotch chips, peanut butter and butter. Stir frequently until the mixture is completely melted.

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.

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 butterscotch marshmallow squares straight from the freezer).

easy peanut butter confetti bar recipe

TIPS AND TRICKS FOR THE PEANUT BUTTER MARSHMALLOW SQUARES

  • Freeze your marshmallows first – keeps them from melting when mixed with the warm peanut butter mixture.

  • Serve cold or frozen – the peanut butter + chilled marshmallow combo is unreal. Trust me, they’re even better straight from the freezer.

  • Use crunchy, salted peanut butter – adds the perfect crunch and balances the sweetness of the butterscotch chips.

  • Speed it up – pop them in the fridge (or if you’re in a cold climate like me… the porch = bonus fridge all winter).

  • Salty-sweet heaven – it’s that magical peanut butter + butterscotch combo that hits every time.

    marshmallow fudge dessert recipe

    STORING LEFTOVER CONFETTI SQUARES

    Leftover confetti squares should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. If you want to keep them longer, pop them in the freezer for up to three months — just layer parchment paper between the squares to prevent sticking.

    These bars are best enjoyed cold or even straight from the freezer, so no need to let them come to room temp before digging in!

    best ever 5 ingredient peanut butter marshmallow recipe

    Other Easy Recipes To Curb A Sweet Tooth!

    Yield: 20 pieces

    Peanut Butter Marshmallow Squares Recipe

    Close up view of peanut butter marshmallow squares with coloured marshmallows on parchment paper.

    These classic 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

    © admin
    Cuisine: American / Category: Christmas

    IF YOU TRIED THESE BUTTERSCOTCH SQUARES PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT AND STAR RATING. I LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOUR CREATIONS! YOU CAN PIN THESE PEANUT BUTTER MARSHMALLOW SQUARES 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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    123 Comments

    1. Love these treats, going to make them this week,

      Reply
    2. Mark R Fitzgerald says:

      Great recipe. I add 2 heaping cups of Rice Krispies and these disappear when put out.

      Reply

      1. Hi Mark,

        So happy to hear this! Thank you so much for the 5 star review!! 🙂

    3. Can you use peanut butter chips instead of butterscotch?

      Julie

      Reply

      1. Hi Julie,

        Yes you can, it will just alter the flavour of the dessert a lot. I would recommend white chocolate chips, or semi sweet chocolate chips instead! 🙂

    4. A family favourite that I get requested all the time. It’s so simple and so delicious!

      Reply

    5. If I dont have butterscotch chips is there something else I would be able to use instead? I was thinking maybe white chocolate chips and a butterscotch pudding mix. Don’t know if that would work or not.
      Thanks so much

      Reply

      1. Hi Jaclyn,

        White chocolate chips would probably be delicious and the recipe will set perfectly! Let me know if you try it!!

    6. I had a recipe that wasn’t as good. This recipe seems to be the one my Mom had!

      Reply

      1. Hi Marilyn,

        I’m so happy to hear that! Happy Holidays and thank you for the 5 star review!

    7. Are the coloured Marshmallows just like the white ones only coloured? The only coloured ones I can find here are fruit flavoured.

      Reply

      1. Hi Krista,

        They are fruit flavoured but you don’t really taste the fruit! It’s more for the looks! You can definitely substitute for white ones, I use whatever I have on hand!

    8. Wow I’m in awe these squares were so easy to make crazy they only require 5 ingredients! Makes for a perfect no bake day with the kids!! My great grandmother used to make these sadly she’s passed on but the nostalgia and the identical taste brought me to tears thank you so much for this recipe I’m so grateful 🧡🧡

      Reply

      1. Hi Angelica,

        Well this just made my entire day! I’m so glad you enjoyed them so much!! These remind me of my grandmother as well, my family and I make them every year!! Happy Holidays!!!

      1. Hi Ann,

        So glad you enjoyed it!! Thank you so much for the 5 star review!! 🙂

    10. Looks so yummy 😋! Also smells very good 😊

      Reply

      1. Hi Lindsey,

        Thank you so much for this 5 star review! They are just my favourite and I’m glad you enjoyed them too!! “)

    11. We have always made these with rice krispies.

      Reply

      1. Hi Veronica,

        YUM that would be such an amazing addition! I might need to try that next time!! 🙂

    12. Sabrina Ecker says:

      going to make them this year for cheistmas and new year….

      Reply

      1. Hi Sabrina,

        LOVE IT!! Can’t wait to hear what you think!! 🙂

    13. Great recipe make them every year. Really recommend them to people.

      Reply

      1. Hi Santino,

        Thank you SO much for this review! So glad you enjoy them!! 🙂

    14. I love this recipe! I do tweek it a bit tho! I make a graham cracker crust for the bottom. Makes true “Smore’s”. I use chocolate chips instead of the butterscotch. I have nothing against butterscotch! Just don’t crave it like chocolate!

      Reply

      1. Hi Eva,

        OKAY THIS SOUNDS DELICIOUS!! I may need to try this in the New Year!! **** drooling

    15. Hello Bails

      Thank you for the fabulous recipe! My granddaughter Bails (Bailey) loves these! Just waiting for them to “set up”! Yummy!!
      Merry Christmas and all the best in 2022! 🎄🎄

      Reply

      1. Hi Bonnie! Thank you so much for the 5 star review and I’m so glad you liked these! All the best to you in the New Year as well!!

    16. My daughter loves these and I have never made them. This recipe is very easy, loved the tip about putting the marshmallows in the freezer, it worked well. I used caramel extract instead of vanilla and they were very good. Thanks!

      Reply

      1. Hi Sandy,

        Thank you so much for the 5 star review! Those substitutions sound delicious! Happy Holidays and hope you have an amazing 2022! 🙂

    17. I put chopped up apples and cinnamon, extremely delicious.

      Reply

    18. These are absolutely incredible!!! Truly the best ones I’ve ever had and the freezing of the marshmallows was a very good tip! Thank you!!!!!!

      Reply

    19. We made these over Christmas, they were so easy to make and they are so good! Thank you for sharing this recipe!

      Reply
    20. Cheryl Enquist says:

      I’ve made these for years but have never heard of putting the marshmallows in the freezer first what a great idea. And the thought of adding vanilla just blew my mind. I making these with sunflower butter for my mother-in-law Hope she appreciates the different flavour and texture versus the peanut butter. Thank you very much for your recipe.

      Reply

      1. Hi Cheryl,

        Thank you so so much for this 5 star review!!