Peanut Butter Marshmallow Squares Recipe

Peanut butter: A creamy spread made from ground peanuts, providing a rich and nutty flavor.

Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps bind the ingredients together without adding extra salt.

Mini marshmallows: Small, fluffy confections that melt easily and add sweetness and chewiness to the squares.

Crispy rice cereal: Light and crunchy cereal that adds texture and a bit of structure to the squares.

When melting the butter and peanut butter together, make sure to use a low heat setting to prevent scorching. Stir continuously to ensure a smooth and creamy mixture. If the marshmallows are not melting evenly, you can add a splash of milk to help achieve a smoother consistency. When folding in the crispy rice cereal, do so gently to avoid crushing the cereal, ensuring each piece is well-coated for the perfect texture in your squares.

• peanut butter - Substitute with almond butter: Almond butter provides a similar creamy texture and nutty flavor, making it a great alternative for those with peanut allergies.

• unsalted butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil offers a similar fat content and can add a subtle coconut flavor, which complements the sweetness of the marshmallows.

• mini marshmallows - Substitute with marshmallow fluff: Marshmallow fluff can be used to achieve the same gooey consistency, though you may need to adjust the quantity slightly.

• crispy rice cereal - Substitute with cornflakes: Cornflakes provide a similar crunch and texture, making them a suitable alternative if crispy rice cereal is unavailable.

• Allow the peanut butter marshmallow squares to cool completely in the baking dish before attempting to store them. This ensures they set properly and maintain their shape.

• Once cooled, cut the squares into your desired size. Use a sharp knife to make clean cuts, which helps in maintaining their structure.

• For short-term storage, place the squares in an airtight container. Layer them with parchment paper or wax paper between each layer to prevent sticking.

• Store the container at room temperature if you plan to consume them within a few days. They will stay fresh and chewy for up to a week.

• If you need to store them for a longer period, place the squares in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them for about an hour. This initial freezing step prevents them from sticking together.

• Once the squares are frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or a resealable plastic bag. Again, use parchment paper or wax paper between layers to avoid sticking.

• Label the container or bag with the date so you can keep track of their freshness. Frozen peanut butter marshmallow squares can be stored for up to three months.

• When you're ready to enjoy them, simply remove the desired number of squares from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes. They will return to their chewy, delightful state.

• For an extra treat, you can warm the squares slightly in the microwave for a few seconds to make them gooey and soft, just like freshly made.

• Avoid storing the squares in the refrigerator, as the cold temperature can make them hard and less enjoyable to eat.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place a square on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Heat on medium power for 10-15 seconds. Check if it's warm enough.
  3. If needed, continue heating in 5-second intervals until desired warmth is achieved.
  4. Enjoy your gooey dessert!

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
  2. Place the squares on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  3. Cover loosely with aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out.
  4. Warm in the oven for about 5-7 minutes.
  5. Let them cool slightly before indulging in the warm, crispy treat.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Heat a non-stick skillet over low heat.
  2. Place a square in the skillet and cover with a lid.
  3. Heat for about 1-2 minutes, flipping halfway through.
  4. Remove from the skillet and let it cool slightly before enjoying the melty goodness.

• Toaster Oven Method:

  1. Preheat the toaster oven to 300°F (150°C).
  2. Place the squares on a toaster oven tray lined with parchment paper.
  3. Heat for about 3-5 minutes, keeping an eye on them to prevent burning.
  4. Let them cool slightly before savoring the warm snack.

• Saucepan: Used to melt the butter and peanut butter together over low heat.

• Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring the mixture of melted butter, peanut butter, and marshmallows until smooth.

• Mixing bowl: Useful for combining the melted mixture with the crispy rice cereal.

• Baking dish: The container where you press the final mixture to set and cool before cutting into squares.

• Spatula: Handy for pressing the mixture evenly into the baking dish.

• Measuring cups: Essential for accurately measuring the peanut butter, butter, and crispy rice cereal.

• Grease spray or butter: Used to grease the baking dish to prevent sticking.

Prepare ingredients in advance: Measure out the peanut butter, butter, mini marshmallows, and crispy rice cereal before you start cooking to streamline the process.

Use microwave: Melt the peanut butter and butter in the microwave in 30-second intervals to save time.

Line the baking dish: Use parchment paper to line the baking dish for easy removal and less cleanup.

Cool quickly: Place the baking dish in the fridge to cool the squares faster.