Fluffernutter Bars Recipe
Fluffernutter Bars are the ultimate sweet treat for anyone who loves the nostalgic charm of peanut butter and marshmallow combined in every irresistible bite. Imagine chewy golden bars, swirled with gooey marshmallow cream and peanut butter chips, all wrapped in a buttery cookie dough base—it’s comfort and pure delight in bar form! Every square is a celebration of irresistible flavors and contrasting textures, perfect for sharing or savoring solo. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a bake sale, or just to treat yourself, Fluffernutter Bars will surely conjure up smiles and seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines by using just a handful of pantry staples, each one playing a vital role in building the irresistible layers of texture and taste. While straightforward, the combination recreates that classic Fluffernutter nostalgia with a bakery-level upgrade.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Softens the dough and brings a rich, creamy base flavor to each bar.
- Creamy peanut butter (1 cup): For that deep peanutty flavor and a lush, tender crumb.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Adds sweetness and helps the bars get a beautifully golden exterior.
- Light brown sugar (1 cup, packed): Gives a subtle molasses warmth and soft chewiness.
- Large eggs (2): Bind the dough and provide structure, keeping bars moist and rich.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Rounds out all the flavors with a hint of aromatic sweetness.
- All-purpose flour (2 ½ cups): The backbone of the bars, creating a sturdy-yet-tender bite.
- Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Lifts the dough just enough for lightness and thickness.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances out the sweetness and intensifies every flavor.
- Mini marshmallows (1 ½ cups): Bring gooey, toasty pockets and playful texture.
- Peanut butter chips (1 cup): Dots of creaminess that amplify the peanut butter experience.
- Marshmallow creme (½ cup): Swirled for ribbons of sticky sweetness in every bite.
How to Make Fluffernutter Bars
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Preheat
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. For the easiest clean-up and best bar edges, grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or, even better, line it with parchment paper. This little step saves you from any sticky situations later.
Step 2: Cream the Butters and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and packed brown sugar. You’re aiming for a pale, fluffy, and creamy mixture—this gives your bars that perfect soft texture. Take a moment to enjoy the heavenly aroma!
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add your eggs one at a time, mixing well after each to ensure the batter stays smooth and cohesive. Then swirl in the vanilla extract for an extra layer of rich flavor—it always makes a difference.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing—just a gentle hand is all you need for tender Fluffernutter Bars.
Step 5: Fold in the Mix-Ins
Gently stir in the mini marshmallows and peanut butter chips. These mix-ins make each bite burst with gooey goodness and pops of peanut butter flavor, bringing the classic fluffernutter taste to life.
Step 6: Assemble with Marshmallow Creme
Spread half of your dough into the prepared pan. For the marshmallow creme, if it’s stubbornly sticky, zap it in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to make dolloping easier. Pipe or spoon the creme evenly over the dough, then carefully spread the rest of the dough on top. You don’t need perfection here—a few marshmallow swirls peeking through just adds to the charm!
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake for 28 to 32 minutes, until the bars are deeply golden at the edges, just set in the center, and your kitchen smells like pure happiness. Cool completely in the pan to let the layers set, then slice into generous bars and get ready to wow everyone.
How to Serve Fluffernutter Bars
Garnishes
While Fluffernutter Bars are show-stopping on their own, you can elevate your batch with easy, playful garnishes. Try a drizzle of melted peanut butter or extra bits of marshmallow on top. For extra crunch, a sprinkle of chopped peanuts or a dusting of powdered sugar adds texture and a pretty finish.
Side Dishes
If you’re serving these for dessert at a gathering, pair Fluffernutter Bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or even a glass of cold milk for that classic after-school vibe. For grown-up gatherings, coffee or a silky hot chocolate pairs beautifully with these bars.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation can be as simple or fun as you like! Stack the bars on a cake stand with mini flags, or cut them into bite-sized squares for a dessert platter. For parties, wrap individual bars in parchment and twine for a rustic, grab-and-go treat that’s sure to make everyone smile.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Fluffernutter Bars keep wonderfully at room temperature for up to 4 days if stored in an airtight container. This makes them ideal for bake sales, lunchboxes, or late-night snacks. They won’t dry out quickly, thanks to all the moisture from the peanut butter and marshmallow.
Freezing
If you want to make a batch ahead of time, these bars freeze like a dream! Wrap the bars individually or stack them between layers of parchment in an airtight container. Freeze for up to 2 months, and thaw at room temperature before serving—you’ll barely tell they weren’t freshly baked!
Reheating
If you’d like to enjoy your Fluffernutter Bars warm and gooey, pop one (or a few) in the microwave for about 10 seconds. The marshmallow gets extra melty, and the peanut butter aroma will make your kitchen smell like grandma’s cookie jar. Just be careful—they’re addictive!
FAQs
Can I use chunky peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Chunky peanut butter will give your Fluffernutter Bars extra peanut texture and a bit of a crunch, which many people love. The bars will still bake up beautifully chewy and rich.
How do I keep the marshmallow creme from sticking?
Lightly warming the marshmallow creme in the microwave makes it much easier to dollop and spread. Greasing your spoon or spatula with a little oil or butter also helps prevent sticking.
Is it okay to substitute regular marshmallows for mini?
Yes! If you only have large marshmallows, simply chop them into smaller pieces. The minis just ensure even distribution, but the gooey factor will still be there regardless of the size.
Can I bake these in a different size pan?
You can bake Fluffernutter Bars in a slightly smaller pan for thicker bars—just watch the bake time as they may need a few more minutes. For thinner bars, a larger pan will work, but check for doneness a bit earlier.
Are Fluffernutter Bars gluten free?
This recipe uses traditional all-purpose flour, so it’s not naturally gluten free. However, you can swap in your favorite cup-for-cup gluten-free baking flour, and the results will still be delicious!
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like making and sharing a batch of Fluffernutter Bars—each square is loaded with nostalgia, gooey goodness, and a double hit of peanut buttery bliss. Whether you’re treating the family, celebrating with friends, or sneaking a midnight snack, these bars never disappoint. Give them a try and let yourself fall in love with this playful twist on a childhood classic!
Print
Fluffernutter Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Fluffernutter Bars are a delightful treat combining the classic flavors of peanut butter and marshmallow in a chewy, gooey bar form. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth!
Ingredients
For the Bars:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups mini marshmallows
- 1 cup peanut butter chips
- ½ cup marshmallow creme
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Mix the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, cream together butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Add eggs and vanilla; mix well.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Add mix-ins: Fold in marshmallows and peanut butter chips.
- Assemble the bars: Spread half of the dough in the pan, top with marshmallow creme, then add the remaining dough on top.
- Bake: Bake for 28-32 minutes until golden brown and set.
- Cool and serve: Allow to cool completely before cutting into bars.
Notes
- For easier spreading, warm the marshmallow creme slightly before use.
- Store bars in an airtight container for up to 4 days at room temperature or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 26 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 39 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
