Homemade Peanut Butter Mallow Bars
Ah, the sweet embrace of nostalgia! Homemade Peanut Butter Mallow Bars have a special place in my heart, reminding me of lazy afternoons spent with family in the kitchen. As a child, I always looked forward to those weekends when my mom would whip up these heavenly treats. The great thing about these bars? They blend the rich, nutty goodness of peanut butter with the gooey sweetness of marshmallow fluff, creating a delightful combo that brings a smile to my face every time I take a bite. Who wouldn’t want to wrap their taste buds around that?
These bars are not just delicious; they have a knack for making any gathering feel festive. Whether it’s a potluck with friends, a cozy movie night, or simply a snack while lounging on the couch, these Peanut Butter Mallow Bars are sure to be the star of the show. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and dive into this recipe! Trust me, your taste buds will thank you.
What’s in Homemade Peanut Butter Mallow Bars?
– Creamy Peanut Butter (1 cup): The heart of this recipe, creamy peanut butter adds a rich flavor and that signature nutty goodness. I personally love using Jif or Skippy for their smooth texture.
– Unsalted Butter (1/2 cup, softened): This brings a lovely creaminess to the bars without adding extra saltiness. You’ll want it softened so it mixes seamlessly with the sugars.
– Brown Sugar (3/4 cup, packed): This sugar not only sweetens the bars but also enhances the moisture and adds that lovely caramel undertone.
– Granulated Sugar (1/2 cup): Because we want our bars to have that perfect sweetness!
– Rolled Oats (1 cup): These provide structure while also adding a chewy texture. Always go for old-fashioned rolled oats! The instant ones just won’t cut it.
– All-Purpose Flour (1 1/2 cups): The baking staple that holds everything together, ensuring our bars have just the right thickness.
– Salt (1/4 tsp): A little pinch goes a long way in enhancing the flavors of our dessert.
– Baking Soda (1/2 tsp): This gives a slight lift to the bars, ensuring they’re not too dense.
– Vanilla Extract (1 tsp): A splash of vanilla makes everything better, am I right?
– Marshmallow Fluff (2 cups): The star that pulls it all together – creamy, sweet, and oh-so-gooey!
– Crushed Peanuts (1/2 cup, for topping): These provide a delightful crunch and extra peanut flavor. I love using honey-roasted peanuts for a sweet twist!
Is Homemade Peanut Butter Mallow Bars Good for You?
Let’s chat about the health benefits and considerations of these oh-so-delicious bars! First off, peanut butter is packed with protein, which is fantastic for those of us needing that extra energy boost. Plus, it contains healthy fats that keep you feeling satisfied. However, moderation is key; if you’re watching your caloric intake, just be mindful of how many bars you indulge in!
On the sweeter side of things, brown sugar and granulated sugar do bring the sweetness but can spike those sugar levels, so it’s best to enjoy these bars as an occasional treat rather than a daily snack. Also, if you’re looking to lighten up the bars, you’re welcome to swap some of the peanut butter or sugar with natural substitutes. Just don’t blame me if they don’t taste quite like mom’s!
Ingredients List
– Creamy Peanut Butter – 1 cup
– Unsalted Butter (softened) – 1/2 cup
– Brown Sugar (packed) – 3/4 cup
– Granulated Sugar – 1/2 cup
– Rolled Oats – 1 cup
– All-Purpose Flour – 1 1/2 cups
– Salt – 1/4 tsp
– Baking Soda – 1/2 tsp
– Vanilla Extract – 1 tsp
– Marshmallow Fluff – 2 cups
– Crushed Peanuts (for topping) – 1/2 cup
How to Make Homemade Peanut Butter Mallow Bars?
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper—my go-to for easy cleanup!
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until it becomes smooth and fluffy. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s light in color and beautifully creamy.
3. Mix in the vanilla extract until well combined—ah, the aroma!
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, rolled oats, salt, and baking soda. This will ensure everything is evenly distributed.
5. Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. The dough should look crumbly.
6. Reserve about 1/2 cup of the dough for your topping. Press the remainder evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to create your crust.
7. Spread the marshmallow fluff evenly over the crust layer, covering it completely. It’s okay if you lick the spoon—no judgment here!
8. Crumble the reserved dough over the marshmallow fluff, then sprinkle crushed peanuts on top for that delightful crunch.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and slightly puffed at the edges.
10. Once baked, remove the bars from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before cutting them into squares.
Peanut Butter Passion Notes
– For an extra touch, drizzle some melted chocolate over the cooled bars before serving. It’s the cherry on top (well, chocolate in this case)!
– These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. But trust me, they won’t last that long!
– Feel free to experiment! Add a pinch of cinnamon or some chocolate chips into the crust for a flavor twist.
I hope you give these Homemade Peanut Butter Mallow Bars a whirl—I promise they’ll be a hit with friends, family, and likely yourself! Once you try them, don’t be shy; I’d love to hear about your experience in the kitchen. Happy baking!
