Fluffernutter bars take the classic combination of peanut butter and marshmallow and transform it into a rich, indulgent dessert that’s both gooey and satisfying. With a soft peanut butter-infused base, a creamy peanut butter filling, and a generous layer of marshmallow fluff on top, these bars offer the perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors.
Inspired by the famous fluffernutter sandwich, these bars elevate childhood nostalgia into a dessert that’s ideal for any occasion. Whether you’re making them for a bake sale, a weekend treat, or simply because you love peanut butter, this recipe is a must-try.
Why These Fluffernutter Bars Are So Irresistible
1. The Perfect Combination of Flavors
Few pairings are as timeless as peanut butter and marshmallow. The rich, nutty taste of peanut butter balances the sweetness of the marshmallow fluff, creating a harmonious bite every time.
2. A Trio of Textures
- The Base: A soft and chewy peanut butter cookie-like crust.
- The Filling: A smooth, creamy peanut butter layer that adds richness.
- The Topping: A fluffy marshmallow layer that melts into the other components, giving each bar a gooey finish.
3. Easy to Make, Impossible to Resist
Despite their impressive layers, these bars are surprisingly simple to prepare. The recipe requires only basic pantry ingredients, and the process is straightforward—making them accessible for both beginner and experienced bakers.
4. Great for Any Occasion
Fluffernutter bars are versatile and can be served for various occasions:
- A fun after-school snack
- A crowd-pleasing bake sale treat
- A sweet addition to holiday dessert tables
- A nostalgic dessert for peanut butter lovers
Ingredients: The Perfect Sweet and Salty Blend
For the Peanut Butter Bars:
- All-Purpose Flour – 2½ cups
- Baking Soda – ½ teaspoon
- Salt – 1 teaspoon
- Unsalted Butter (room temperature) – ¾ cup
- Smooth Peanut Butter – ¾ cup
- Granulated Sugar – ½ cup
- Light Brown Sugar (packed) – 1 cup
- Large Eggs (room temperature) – 2
- Vanilla Extract – 2 teaspoons
- Marshmallow Fluff – 1 (7-ounce) jar (for topping)
For the Peanut Butter Filling:
- Smooth Peanut Butter – ½ cup
- Unsalted Butter (room temperature) – 3 tablespoons
- Powdered Sugar (sifted) – 1½ cups
- Heavy Cream – 3 tablespoons
- Vanilla Extract – ½ teaspoon
Directions: Creating Layers of Sweet Perfection
- Prepare the Pan & Preheat: Heat oven to 350°F. Grease and line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter & Sugars: In a large bowl, beat butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Form the Dough: Gradually mix in dry ingredients until just combined.
- Bake the Bars: Press dough evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool slightly.
- Prepare the Peanut Butter Filling: Beat peanut butter and butter together until smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and 2 tablespoons of heavy cream, mixing until creamy. If needed, add an additional tablespoon of cream for a spreadable consistency.
- Layer the Filling: Spread the peanut butter filling over the warm bars using an offset spatula.
- Add the Fluff: Microwave the Marshmallow Fluff for a few seconds to soften, then spread it over the peanut butter layer.
- Cool & Serve: Let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares.
Nutritional Info: Indulgence in Every Bite
(Per serving, approximately)
- Calories: 320
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fat: 16g
- Protein: 6g
- Sugar: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
Baking Tips for the Best Fluffernutter Bars
Use High-Quality Peanut Butter
For the richest flavor, use a creamy peanut butter that has a smooth consistency. Natural peanut butter can be used, but it may alter the texture slightly due to its higher oil content.
Don’t Overbake the Base
The peanut butter bar base should be baked until just golden brown around the edges. Overbaking will result in a dry texture rather than the soft and chewy consistency you want.
Warm the Marshmallow Fluff for Easy Spreading
Marshmallow fluff can be sticky and difficult to spread evenly. A quick 10-second microwave zap will soften it, making it much easier to layer over the peanut butter filling.
Let the Bars Cool Completely Before Slicing
These bars need time to set before cutting into them. Let them cool at room temperature or in the refrigerator to achieve clean, perfect slices.
Creative Variations to Try
Want to customize these bars? Here are a few fun ways to put a new twist on the classic recipe:
1. Chocolate Drizzle Fluffernutter Bars
Melt some chocolate chips and drizzle over the top for a peanut butter-chocolate-marshmallow masterpiece.
2. Crunchy Fluffernutter Bars
Mix in chopped peanuts into the peanut butter filling for extra crunch and texture.
3. S’mores Fluffernutter Bars
Add crushed graham crackers to the base or sprinkle them on top of the marshmallow layer for a s’mores-inspired version.
4. Nutella Fluffernutter Bars
Swap out the peanut butter filling for a Nutella layer to create a chocolate-hazelnut variation.
5. Salted Caramel Fluffernutter Bars
Drizzle salted caramel over the marshmallow topping to balance the sweetness with a rich, buttery depth.
How to Store and Serve Fluffernutter Bars
Storage Tips
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to three days.
- Refrigeration: If you prefer a firmer texture, store them in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Freezing: Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap and freeze for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Best Ways to Serve
- As-Is: These bars are perfect straight out of the pan.
- With Ice Cream: Pair with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream for a decadent dessert.
- With Coffee or Hot Chocolate: The sweetness pairs wonderfully with a warm beverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What Are Fluffernutter Bars?
Fluffernutter bars are dessert bars inspired by the classic fluffernutter sandwich, which consists of peanut butter and marshmallow fluff between slices of bread. This recipe transforms those flavors into a three-layered treat with a peanut butter cookie base, a peanut butter filling, and a marshmallow topping.
2. Can I Use Crunchy Peanut Butter Instead of Smooth?
Yes! Crunchy peanut butter will add bits of peanut texture throughout the bars, giving them an extra crunch.
3. Can I Use Homemade Marshmallow Fluff?
Absolutely! If you prefer homemade marshmallow fluff, you can substitute it for store-bought. Just be sure it has a spreadable consistency.
4. Why Is My Marshmallow Layer So Sticky?
Marshmallow fluff is naturally sticky, but warming it in the microwave for a few seconds makes it easier to spread evenly over the peanut butter layer.
5. How Do I Get Clean Slices?
For perfect slices, refrigerate the bars for about 30 minutes before cutting. Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts for neat edges.
6. Are These Bars Gluten-Free?
The recipe as written is not gluten-free because of the all-purpose flour in the base. However, you can substitute a gluten-free 1:1 baking flour to make a gluten-free version.
7. Can I Make These Without the Peanut Butter Filling?
Yes! If you prefer a simpler version, you can omit the peanut butter filling and just spread marshmallow fluff over the baked base.
8. How Can I Reduce the Sweetness?
If you want to tone down the sweetness, reduce the powdered sugar in the peanut butter filling or add a pinch of sea salt to balance the flavors.
9. Can I Make These Bars Vegan?
To make them vegan, use dairy-free butter, a plant-based peanut butter, and a vegan marshmallow fluff substitute.
10. Can I Add Other Toppings?
Of course! Some great toppings include crushed peanuts, mini chocolate chips, or a dusting of cocoa powder for added flavor and texture.
Conclusion: A Must-Try Dessert for Peanut Butter Lovers
Fluffernutter bars are the ultimate treat for anyone who loves peanut butter and marshmallow. Their soft, chewy base, rich peanut butter filling, and gooey marshmallow topping make them completely irresistible.
With simple ingredients and an easy-to-follow process, these bars are perfect for beginner bakers and seasoned pros alike. Whether you’re looking for a nostalgic dessert to share or just want to satisfy a peanut butter craving, this recipe delivers every time.
Try making a batch today, and enjoy the magic of peanut butter and marshmallow in every bite!