The moment I took a nibble of these Salted Peanut Marshmallow Bars, a wave of nostalgia washed over me, reminiscent of childhood treats that always hit the spot. These bars cleverly combine the sweet, chewy delight of gooey marshmallows with a satisfying crunch from roasted peanuts, easily making them ideal for lunch packing or a quick afternoon snack. What’s more, this simple recipe uses a yellow cake mix, ensuring that you can whip up a batch in no time, perfect for those busy days. With every bite, you get the whimsical feel of a Payday candy bar, turning any moment into a sweet triumph. Curious about how to bring this irresistible treat into your kitchen? Let’s dive in!
Why Are These Bars So Irresistible?
Simplicity: You can whip up these Salted Peanut Marshmallow Bars effortlessly using a yellow cake mix, making it a breeze for those hectic days.
Nostalgic Flavor: With the flavor profile reminiscent of your favorite Payday candy bars, these treats spark joy and warm memories with every bite.
Textures Galore: The chewy marshmallows combined with crunchy peanuts and crispy rice cereal deliver a delightful variety of textures, making them a hit with family and friends.
Versatile Treats: Serve them chilled, at room temperature, or even as a lunchbox surprise for the kids! Want a more indulgent option? Try them paired with a dollop of whipped cream on the side.
Quick Satisfaction: Ready in less than 30 minutes, their instant gratification will satisfy your sweet tooth without the fuss, perfect for anyone looking to escape fast-food monotony.
Elevate your baking repertoire with these bars, and check out more delicious options like Salted Sage Honey rolls or Lucky Shamrock Buttery cookie bars for more inspiration!
Salted Peanut Marshmallow Bar Ingredients
For the Crust
• Yellow Cake Mix – Provides the base structure and sweetness for the bars; using a different flavor mix won’t replicate the Payday taste.
• Salted Butter (1/3 cup) – Adds richness and moisture to the crust; ensure it’s softened for easy mixing.
• Large Egg – Binds the crust mixture together; using room temperature eggs helps with blending.
For the Marshmallow Layer
• Miniature Marshmallows (3 cups) – Creates a chewy, gooey surface that’s reminiscent of classic treats; prep these to spread right after baking for best results.
For the Topping
• Light Corn Syrup (2/3 cup) – Sweetens and helps bind the topping; avoid using dark corn syrup, which alters the flavor.
• Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon) – Enhances flavor complexity; pure vanilla extract is best for a richer taste.
• Peanut Butter Baking Chips (10 ounces) – Provides that irresistible peanut flavor; feel free to swap with chocolate chips for a sweet twist.
• Crispy Rice Cereal (1 1/2 cups) – Adds a satisfying crunch; ensure it’s really crispy for the best texture.
• Dry Roasted Salted Peanuts (1 1/2 cups) – Infuses hearty crunch and saltiness throughout the bars; unsalted peanuts can be used if you prefer a milder flavor.
Gather these ingredients and get ready to bake your delicious Salted Peanut Marshmallow Bars!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Salted Peanut Marshmallow Bars
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms up, line a 9×13 baking pan with parchment paper, making sure it hangs over the edges for easy removal later. Lightly spray the parchment paper with baking spray to prevent sticking, ensuring your Salted Peanut Marshmallow Bars will come out flawlessly.
Step 2: Make the Crust
In a mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, 1/3 cup softened salted butter, and one large egg. Use a spatula or your hands to blend the ingredients until a thick, crumbly dough forms. This will take about 1-2 minutes. When done, the mixture should hold together but still be slightly crumbly, ready to be pressed into the pan.
Step 3: Bake the Crust
Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan, pressing it down to create a smooth layer. Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake the crust for 15-18 minutes, or until it turns lightly golden and firm to the touch. Keep an eye on the edges to ensure they don’t over-bake, giving you that perfect base for your bars.
Step 4: Add the Marshmallows
Once baked, remove the crust from the oven and keep it warm. Immediately sprinkle 3 cups of miniature marshmallows over the hot crust. As the marshmallows soften, they will begin to melt slightly. If necessary, return the pan to the oven for an additional 3-5 minutes, just until the marshmallows puff up but don’t melt completely, creating a delicious gooey layer.
Step 5: Prepare the Topping
In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, combine 1/4 cup of butter and 2/3 cup of light corn syrup. Stir until the butter has melted completely, which should take around 2-3 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 10 ounces of peanut butter baking chips. Mix until smooth and creamy, creating a rich topping.
Step 6: Combine Topping Ingredients
Add 1 1/2 cups of dry roasted salted peanuts and 1 1/2 cups of crispy rice cereal to the melted peanut butter mixture in the saucepan. Gently stir until every piece is well-coated in the creamy mixture, ensuring that the topping will be crunchy and flavorful. The combination will add the perfect finishing touch to your Salted Peanut Marshmallow Bars.
Step 7: Assemble the Bars
Carefully spoon the peanut topping over the softened marshmallows, using a spatula to spread it evenly across the layer. Make sure to cover the marshmallows completely so that every bite has that delightful mix of textures. Once you’ve evenly spread the mixture, set the pan aside to cool for approximately 30 minutes at room temperature.
Step 8: Slice and Serve
After cooling, use the parchment paper edges to lift the entire slab out of the pan. Place it on a cutting board and slice into 24 pieces using a sharp knife. For a cleaner cut, you may want to run your knife under warm water before each slice. Your Salted Peanut Marshmallow Bars are now ready to enjoy as a delightful sweet treat!
How to Store and Freeze Salted Peanut Marshmallow Bars
Room Temperature: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days. This keeps them fresh and ready for your next snack craving.
Fridge: For longer freshness, refrigerate the Salted Peanut Marshmallow Bars in an airtight container, where they’ll stay delicious for up to 2 weeks.
Freezer: Freeze the bars by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap, then placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature before enjoying!
Reheating: If you prefer them slightly warm, reheat individual bars in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Enjoy the gooey deliciousness!
What to Serve with Salted Peanut Marshmallow Bars
These delightful treats are perfect for creating a memorable dessert experience that the whole family will adore.
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Cold Glass of Milk: This timeless pairing enhances the sweetness and provides a satisfying contrast to the chewy bars.
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Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side offers a delightful creaminess and cools down the sweetness perfectly.
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Fresh Fruit Salad: The zestiness of fresh fruits adds a refreshing, light element, balancing the rich flavors of the bars.
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Chocolate Sauce Drizzle: Drizzling warm chocolate sauce over the bars elevates them to luxurious desserts, perfect for special occasions.
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Honey Roasted Nuts: Pairing with honey-roasted nuts brings an extra crunch and sweetness, complementing the peanuts in the bars wonderfully.
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Caramel Sauce Dipping: For an indulgent treat, serve with warm caramel sauce, inviting everyone to dip and enjoy a sweet experience.
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Coffee or Espresso: A warm cup of coffee or espresso contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the bars, making it an ideal afternoon pick-me-up.
With these delightful suggestions, you’ll create the perfect spread to showcase your Salted Peanut Marshmallow Bars, ensuring everyone leaves the table happy!
Expert Tips for Salted Peanut Marshmallow Bars
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Parchment Prep: Ensure all edges of the baking pan are covered with parchment paper to make removing your bars a breeze after baking.
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Room Temperature Butter: Use softened butter for both the crust and the topping to achieve an even blend and prevent lumps in your Salted Peanut Marshmallow Bars.
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Quick Assembly: Work quickly when adding the peanut topping to avoid the marshmallows cooling and hardening; this will keep your layers cohesive.
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Damp Hands: Use damp hands to evenly spread the crust dough into the pan; it prevents sticking and makes for beautiful bars.
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Warm Knife: For cleaner cuts, run your knife under warm water before slicing the bars; this will help achieve those neat, beautiful pieces.
Salted Peanut Marshmallow Bars Variations
Feel free to get creative with these Salted Peanut Marshmallow Bars, making them truly your own with delicious twists!
- Almond Butter: Swap peanut butter for almond butter for a delightful nutty flavor.
- Chocolate Chips: Replace peanut butter baking chips with chocolate chips for a rich, indulgent twist that chocolate lovers will adore.
- Crushed Pretzels: Layer crushed pretzels on top for an added salty crunch that perfectly complements the sweet bars.
- Dried Fruit: Stir in some dried cranberries or cherries for a tart sweetness that balances the richness of the bars.
- Coconut Flakes: Add shredded coconut to the topping for a tropical touch that enhances texture and flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Sprinkle in a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder for a surprising hint of heat that’ll excite your taste buds.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free yellow cake mix to make these bars suitable for wheat-sensitive friends.
- Nut-Free: Simply omit the roasted peanuts and substitute with pumpkin seeds for a nut-free option that’s still satisfying.
Explore these variations to elevate your baking experience! Enjoy every bite, and don’t forget to check out our Salted Sage Honey rolls or Lucky Shamrock Buttery cookie bars for more family-friendly recipes.
Make Ahead Options
These Salted Peanut Marshmallow Bars are perfect for meal prep! You can prepare the crust and bake it up to 24 hours in advance; just let it cool completely before storing in an airtight container at room temperature. The topping can also be mixed and stored separately in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply sprinkle the marshmallows over the crust, heat them in the oven for a few minutes to soften, and then spread the peanut topping over the top. This way, you maintain that delicious combination of textures and ensure every bite remains just as heavenly as when freshly made!
Salted Peanut Marshmallow Bars Recipe FAQs
What type of yellow cake mix should I use?
You can use any brand of yellow cake mix, as they typically work best for this recipe. However, for an authentic Payday flavor profile, it’s best to stick with a true yellow flavor mix rather than experimenting with chocolate or other flavors.
How should I store Salted Peanut Marshmallow Bars?
Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days. If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them, where they will stay fresh for up to 2 weeks. For maximum freshness, I recommend keeping them in the refrigerator.
Can I freeze these bars?
Absolutely! Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving. For a slightly warm treat, microwave for 10-15 seconds.
What if my marshmallows don’t melt properly?
If the marshmallows don’t melt properly after baking, don’t worry! Just return the pan to the oven for an extra 3-5 minutes. The heat will help soften the marshmallows enough to spread them out evenly across the crust.
Are there any allergy concerns with this recipe?
Yes, this recipe contains peanuts and can pose an allergy concern for those with nut allergies. If you’re looking to avoid peanuts, I often suggest substituting the peanut butter baking chips with chocolate chips, and using unsalted nuts or omitting them altogether for a non-nut version.
Can I use other types of syrup besides corn syrup?
While light corn syrup is ideal for this recipe since it contributes to the delightful gooey texture and sweetness, you can experiment with substitutes like pancake syrup or agave syrup in a pinch. Just keep in mind that they may alter the flavor slightly!
Salted Peanut Marshmallow Bars: A Sweet Treat for Everyone
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13 baking pan with parchment paper and spray it with baking spray.
- In a mixing bowl, combine yellow cake mix, softened butter, and one egg. Blend until a thick dough forms.
- Spread the dough evenly into the pan and bake for 15-18 minutes until lightly golden.
- Immediately sprinkle marshmallows over the hot crust, return to the oven if necessary to puff them up.
- In a saucepan, melt butter and corn syrup. Stir in vanilla and peanut butter chips until smooth.
- Add peanuts and crispy rice cereal to the mixture and stir until well-coated.
- Spoon the topping over marshmallows and spread evenly. Let cool for about 30 minutes.
- Lift from the pan using parchment paper and slice into 24 pieces.