These four ingredient sweet and salty butterscotch peanut butter marshmallow squares come together in just minutes.
Made with mini marshmallows, creamy peanut butter, butterscotch chips and butter, these tasty little no bake treats are as much fun to make as they are to eat!
Get this incredible no bake butterscotch bars recipe for an indulgent treat that tastes like old-fashioned butterscotch candy.
In my never-ending search to quench my sweet tooth cravings, I bring you another no bake treat! No bake desserts are always a hit because there’s just so little wait time!
It’s such a great feeling to pull together a few (in this case, only FOUR) ingredients to put together something delicious and fun. These butterscotch peanut butter marshmallow squares are perfectly sweet and salty – a satisfying way to indulge your craving for something yummy!
My girls love anything with marshmallows – that’s just a simple fact! It makes me wonder – do marshmallows make everything better?
These quick and easy butterscotch squares are a simple concept that anyone can make. In fact, this is one of those treats that your kids will need very little help with in the kitchen. For my girls, there’s nothing better than the satisfaction of creating and eating something from scratch.
As they grow, they are getting more confident in the kitchen, and I’m so proud! Of course…what kid (or adult) can argue with the combination of peanut butter, butterscotch and marshmallows? Not this girl!
Get my favorite old-fashioned butterscotch sheet cake recipe for another butterscotch dessert you’re going to love!
Why You’ll Love these Peanut Butter Marshmallow Squares
- Four Ingredients
- So Easy
- Kids can Make Them
- No Oven Required
The combination of butterscotch and peanut butter creates a creamy, rich buttery flavor that is going to get your taste buds singing!
Ingredients and Substitutions
- Peanut Butter – I used creamy because that’s what I had on hand. However, you can also use crunchy peanut butter for a little added texture and crunch.
- Marshmallows – Mini sized marshmallows work best for this recipe.
- Butterscotch Chips – Found in the baking section with chocolate chips and the like, butterscotch chips have a distinctive flavor all their own!
- Butter – Salted or unsalted, your choice. I’m a fan of all things sweet and salty so I use salted butter in much of my baking.
Variations
- Add cereal. These no bake butterscotch treats commonly have rice krispies cereal in them.
- Use chocolate chips instead of butterscotch for an entirely different flavor.
- Add a teaspoon of vanilla for more fragrance and flavor.
How to Make Easy Peanut Butter Marshmallow Bars
For the full printable recipe, see the printable recipe card at the end of this post.
- Line your pan with parchment paper for easy removal of the butterscotch squares.
- Melt – Next, in a saucepan on your stove top, add peanut butter and butterscotch chips. Slowly melt over medium heat, stirring occasionally. You can also do this in the microwave in a medium microwave safe bowl. Melt with 30 second increments, stirring in between until completely melted.
- Pour into your baking pan. Allow melted mixture to cool slightly before folding in the marshmallows.
- Set – Finally, after this no bake dessert has cooled completely, cut into squares and enjoy!
Tips
- Use creamy peanut butter (avoid natural as sometimes the oils don’t blend well).
- Don’t add the marshmallows to the bars right after the liquid mixture comes off the stove – you’ll risk melting the marshmallows. Let it cool just a bit before adding them.
- Refrigerate these bars to help them set faster.
Frequently Asked Questions
Butterscotch and caramel are often used interchangeably, but butterscotch is probably best differentiated by the absence of milk or cream.
Toffee is generally considered to be butterscotch that is cooked for longer to create a sticky, rich sweet sauce that pairs beautifully with all kinds of old-fashioned butterscotch candy or butterscotch squares.
It could be a balance of temperatures. Try placing these no bake peanut butter marshmallow squares in the refrigerator to set up faster!
Dietary Considerations
- Gluten Free
- Vegetarian
How to Store
- Room Temperature – Serve at room temperature. These no bake treats can sit out for up to two hours.
- Refrigerator – Enjoy up to a week! Simply store refrigerated in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
- Freezer – You can freeze these treats for up to three months in the freezer in an airtight container. Ideally, flash freeze these bars on a baking sheet before you store them in a freezer safe container, with parchment stacked between to prevent sticking.
What’s your favorite no bake dessert? As you can see, we love them all! I don’t think I’ve ever eaten a butterscotch dessert or butterscotch candy that I didn’t love.
No Bake Peanut Butter Marshmallow Squares
Ingredients
- ½ cup butter salted
- ¾ cup peanut butter creamy (not natural)
- 2 cups butterscotch chips (11 ounce bag)
- 4 cups miniature marshmallows
Instructions
- Line a 8×8 baking pan.
- In a saucepan over medium heat combine butter, peanut butter and butterscotch chips stirring frequently. Alternatively combine in a bowl and microwave in 30 second increments, reducing to 15 second increments until melted and combined stirring between.
- Allow to cool 5 minutes.
- Fold in miniature marshmallows and pour into lined pan.
- Refrigerate 1+ hours before cutting into squares and serving.
Tips
Tips
- Add in peanuts or candy coated chocolates like M&M’s, Peanut Butter M&M’s, or Reese’s Pieces.
- Use creamy peanut butter (avoid natural as sometimes the oils don’t blend well).
- Don’t add the marshmallows to the bars right after the liquid mixture comes off the stove – you’ll risk melting the marshmallows. Let it cool just a bit before adding them.
- Refrigerate these bars to help them set faster.
Estimated nutrition information is provided as a courtesy and is not guaranteed.
Are we melting this on the stove or in the microwave? On stove is it over medium heat or should I use a double boiler?
Hi Cindy! Please see the printable recipe card at the end of the post for stovetop instructions.
How many peanuts would I add to this recipe?
I would start with a half cup, but up to 1 cup.
The first time I made these they turned out perfect, the second time I made them they turned out dry and crumbly. I don’t know what I did wrong, can you help me with this please?
Thank you
Hi Susan,
I wonder if you got your butterscotch chips and peanut butter too hot while melting it down? That’s the only thing I can think of that might cause that to happen, as these have always worked beautifully for us!
Best wishes and good luck with your next round!
Julie
That happened to me once, my butterscotch chips were old, and when I tried to melt it went dry.
Just awesome!
I haven’t made it yet, but my aunt gifted me a box of them and they are amazing!!! She said they are easy to make.
I can’t wait to make me a batch!!! Delicious
The sweetest gifts are homemade – I’m so glad you enjoyed them!