If you are craving a nostalgic treat that combines peanut butter and marshmallow in the most delightful way, the Fluffernutter Bars Recipe is your new best friend. These bars capture the playful charm of the classic fluffernutter sandwich but in a fun, crunchy bar form that’s perfect for snacks, lunchboxes, or anytime indulgence. The crispy rice cereal creates a wonderful texture contrast, while the creamy peanut butter and fluffy marshmallow blend ensure every bite is irresistibly gooey and sweet. Whether you’re making these for kids or for an afternoon pick-me-up, this recipe brings a smile with every square.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Fluffernutter Bars Recipe lies in its simplicity—just a handful of ingredients that each play a vital role in building texture, flavor, and the perfect visual appeal. These items are easy to find, and their combination guarantees the perfect gooey, crunchy balance every time.
- Crispy rice cereal: Provides the essential crunch and lightness to balance the chewy sweetness.
- Creamy peanut butter: Adds rich, savory depth and silkiness throughout the bars.
- Marshmallow fluff (marshmallow creme): Brings that classic, sticky sweetness and fluffy texture that defines a fluffernutter.
- Unsalted butter: Helps melt and bind everything together while adding a subtle richness.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with a warm, fragrant note.
How to Make Fluffernutter Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
Begin by lining a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or giving it a light coat of grease. This step is key to ensuring your bars come out cleanly without sticking, making cleanup a breeze and preserving the perfect bar shape.
Step 2: Melt the Butter
In a large saucepan over medium heat, gently melt the unsalted butter. This creates the smooth base for your peanut butter and marshmallow mixture, ensuring they blend seamlessly without any lumps.
Step 3: Combine Peanut Butter and Marshmallow Fluff
Add the creamy peanut butter and marshmallow fluff to the melted butter. Stir continuously until you achieve a luscious, uniform mixture that’s ready to coat the cereal. This step is where the magic starts to form your signature fluffy and nutty combo.
Step 4: Flavor with Vanilla
Remove the pan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. This little addition elevates the overall taste, tying together the peanut butter and marshmallow with a fragrant sweetness that feels homemade.
Step 5: Fold in the Cereal
Gently fold the crispy rice cereal into the peanut butter marshmallow mixture until every bit is nicely coated. This careful folding keeps the cereal from breaking too much and ensures even distribution throughout the bars.
Step 6: Press the Mixture into the Pan
Now comes the satisfying step: firmly press the entire mixture into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly so that the bars will hold their shape perfectly once set. Using a spatula or your hands (lightly greased or sprayed) works wonders here.
Step 7: Cool and Set
Allow the bars to cool at room temperature for at least one hour, giving the marshmallow and peanut butter mixture time to firm up. This patience pays off with bars that slice cleanly and hold together without crumbling.
Step 8: Slice and Enjoy
Once fully set, lift the block from the pan using the parchment paper edges. Cut into 12 bars and get ready to dig in. Trust me, these bars disappear fast once you serve them!
How to Serve Fluffernutter Bars Recipe
Garnishes
To amp up the presentation and flavor, sprinkle chopped peanuts or a drizzle of melted chocolate on top before the mixture sets. These garnishes add a delightful crunch and an extra layer of indulgence that makes the bars look as good as they taste.
Side Dishes
Fluffernutter Bars pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an impressive dessert twist. Fresh fruit like strawberries or apple slices are also fantastic for balancing the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Wrap individual bars in wax paper tied with rustic twine for a charming snack gift or pack them alongside a lunchbox note to brighten someone’s day. For parties, cut smaller bite-sized pieces and serve them on a colorful platter to invite sharing and conversation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Fluffernutter Bars tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh for up to 3 days and maintain their chewy, crispy texture perfectly.
Freezing
If you want to stock up, these bars freeze beautifully. Wrap each bar individually in plastic and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw at room temperature for 30-60 minutes.
Reheating
While these bars are best enjoyed as is, a quick 10-second zap in the microwave softens them slightly, reviving that gooey marshmallow warmth. Just be careful not to overheat, or they may become too sticky to handle.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter will add extra texture and a nutty surprise in every bite, making the bars even more interesting. Just keep in mind it may affect how smooth the mixture blends.
Is there a substitute for marshmallow fluff?
You can use mini marshmallows melted with butter as a substitute for marshmallow fluff. Just melt them slowly over low heat until smooth, then proceed with the recipe as usual.
Can these bars be made gluten-free?
Yes! Just ensure you use a certified gluten-free crispy rice cereal. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this an easy treat to adapt.
How long do Fluffernutter Bars last?
Stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, these bars last about 3 days. For longer storage, freezing is your best option.
Can I add chocolate chips or other mix-ins?
Definitely! Adding mini chocolate chips or even a handful of dried fruit can customize these bars to your liking. Stir them in when mixing the cereal to distribute evenly.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Fluffernutter Bars Recipe — it’s the perfect combination of simple ingredients creating an extraordinary treat that brings back warm memories and delights with each bite. Whether you’re new to this nostalgic snack or a lifelong fan, I highly encourage you to try making these bars at home. They’re quick, tasty, and endlessly satisfying. Happy baking and happy snacking!
Print
Fluffernutter Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars
- Category: Snack
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Fluffernutter Bars are a nostalgic, sweet treat combining crispy rice cereal with creamy peanut butter and marshmallow fluff, resulting in chewy, melt-in-your-mouth bars perfect for a quick snack or dessert.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 cups crispy rice cereal
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup marshmallow fluff (marshmallow creme)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or grease it lightly to prevent sticking and make it easier to remove the bars later.
- Melt Butter: In a large saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat, ensuring it fully liquefies without browning.
- Add Peanut Butter and Marshmallow Fluff: Stir in the creamy peanut butter and marshmallow fluff to the melted butter, mixing continuously until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
- Add Vanilla Extract: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract to infuse flavor into the mixture.
- Combine with Cereal: Fold in the crispy rice cereal carefully until each piece is evenly coated with the peanut butter and marshmallow mixture, ensuring a uniform texture.
- Press Mixture into Pan: Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish and press it down firmly and evenly to compact the bars and create a flat surface.
- Let Cool and Set: Allow the bars to cool at room temperature for at least 1 hour or until they are completely set and firm enough to cut.
- Cut and Serve: Once set, cut into 12 bars and serve. Store any leftovers in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Use creamy peanut butter for smooth texture; natural peanut butter may affect setting.
- Ensure marshmallow fluff is well mixed for even sweetness and texture.
- Pressing the mixture firmly helps bars hold together better and makes cutting easier.
- These bars store well at room temperature for up to 3 days or can be refrigerated for longer freshness.
- For a nut-free version, substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter.
