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! No-bake desserts are always a hit because there’s just so little wait time between mixing and devouring!
These quick and easy butterscotch squares are so simple that anyone can make them! Our girls mix these up for Chris – they’re one of his favorite gluten free desserts! Just like classic buckeyes candy, peanut butter marshmallow squares are delightfully sweet and salty!
Why You’ll Love Peanut Butter Marshmallow Squares
- 4 Ingredients
- So Easy
- Kids can Make Them
- No Oven Required
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 preference.
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.
Tools to Use
- Saucepan (You can also use a bowl in the microwave)
- Measuring Cups + Measuring Spoons
- 8″ square gold cake pan
- Parchment Paper
How to Make
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 From My Test Kitchen
- 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!
How to Store
- Room Temperature – Serve at room temperature. These no bake treats can be stored in an airtight container for up to three days .
- 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.
More No-Bake Recipes
No Bake Peanut Butter Marshmallow Bars
Ingredients
- ½ cup salted butter
- ¾ cup creamy peanut butter do not use natural
- 2 cups butterscotch chips 11 ounce bag
- 4 cups miniature marshmallows
Instructions
- Line a 8×8 baking pan with 2 sheets of parchment paper to create a t for easy removal. Set aside.
- In a large saucepan over medium heat add 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.½ cup salted butter, ¾ cup creamy peanut butter, 2 cups butterscotch chips
- Allow mixture to cool 5 minutes.
- Using a rubber spatula, fold in miniature marshmallows. Pour into lined pan.4 cups miniature marshmallows
- Refrigerate 1+ hours before cutting into squares and serving.
Julie’s Tips
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!