Peanut Butter Marshmallow M&M Bars Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a no-fuss, crowd-pleasing treat that ticks all the boxes—sweet, salty, chewy, and a little bit crunchy—you’ve just struck gold with this Peanut Butter Marshmallow M&M Bars Recipe. I absolutely love how effortlessly it comes together, and every time I’ve made it, people go nuts for these bars. Seriously, once you try this recipe, it’ll probably become your new go-to for potlucks, snack time, or just when you need a delicious pick-me-up.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient plays its part to build these irresistible bars. I always grab good-quality chips and creamy peanut butter for the smoothest, richest texture. You’ll find that mini marshmallows melt perfectly into the mix, adding that fluffy, marshmallow goodness we all crave.

• Semi-sweet chocolate chips: These bring a touch of rich chocolatey sweetness without overpowering.
• Butterscotch chips: I love how their buttery flavor adds depth and a warm note to the bars.
• Creamy peanut butter: Smooth peanut butter blends best here—chunky can work but changes the texture.
• Mini marshmallows: Smaller marshmallows melt more evenly and help bind everything together.
• M&Ms: The colorful candies add crunch and a pop of fun; I usually stick to classic milk chocolate ones.

Variations

I’ve had so much fun tweaking this Peanut Butter Marshmallow M&M Bars Recipe to suit different tastes and occasions. Trust me, you can make it your own by switching up candies or adding mix-ins—you won’t go wrong!

• Using peanut M&Ms: When I swapped classic M&Ms for peanut ones, it kicked the peanut butter flavor up a notch and added crunch.
• Adding chopped nuts: I once threw in chopped roasted peanuts for an extra nutty bite—totally addictive.
• Dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet: For a richer, slightly less sweet bar, this swap was a winner in my house.
• Mini white marshmallows or flavored marshmallows: Experimenting here changed the flavor profile subtly but deliciously.

How to Make Peanut Butter Marshmallow M&M Bars Recipe

Step 1: Get Your Pan Ready

First things first: line a 9×13 inch baking dish with non-stick foil or parchment paper. This step is a life saver when it comes to getting your bars out cleanly. I like to lightly spray the foil with cooking spray so the bars lift out effortlessly.

Step 2: Melt the Chocolate, Butterscotch, and Peanut Butter

Next, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, and creamy peanut butter in a large microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second increments, stirring well after each, until everything is fully melted and silky smooth. This is the part where patience pays off—stirring ensures the heat distributes evenly, preventing burnt spots.

Step 3: Blend in the Marshmallows

Stir in the mini marshmallows quickly while the mix is still warm—this helps the marshmallows get coated and start melting just right without turning into a sticky mess. The marshmallows add that soft, pillowy texture that makes these bars so dreamy.

Step 4: Transfer, Top, and Chill

Pour the mixture into your prepared pan, spreading it out evenly. Then sprinkle the M&Ms over the top, pressing them down lightly so they stick into the surface but don’t get buried. Pop it in the fridge for about 2 hours until firmly set, then slice into squares. I find chilling is crucial for that perfect “bar” texture—no gooey faces here!

How to Serve Peanut Butter Marshmallow M&M Bars Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep it straightforward and let the colorful M&Ms be the star garnish. But on occasion, I add a drizzle of melted white chocolate or a sprinkle of sea salt flakes—those little touches bring out the peanut butter flavor beautifully.

Side Dishes

These bars are sweet enough to shine solo, but if serving at a get-together, I like pairing them with fresh fruit or a light yogurt dip to balance that richness. They also go great with a cold glass of milk or a cup of hot coffee.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve arranged them on a colorful platter with edible flowers or wrapped individual squares in parchment paper tied with twine for a cute, giftable vibe. Kids especially love when you turn these into little “rainbow bars” by using different colored candies!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftover bars in an airtight container in the fridge. This keeps them nice and firm, and they stay tasty for up to a week. Just remember to bring them back to room temp for a few minutes before digging in if you want that perfect chewy texture.

Freezing

If I want to stash some away for later, I wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and pop them in a freezer-safe bag. They freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

While these bars are best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, you can microwave a bar for about 10 seconds if you want it extra gooey. Just be careful not to overheat—marshmallows can get tough.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Honestly, the Peanut Butter Marshmallow M&M Bars Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen repertoire because it’s incredibly easy yet delivers big on flavor and texture. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just learning your way around the microwave, this recipe is foolproof and fun. Give it a try—I’m betting you’ll be making it again (and again!) like I do whenever I want a sweet pick-me-up that’s both nostalgic and totally satisfying.

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