Fluffernutter Bars Recipe
If you have a soft spot for nostalgic flavors wrapped up in one irresistibly gooey treat, these Fluffernutter Bars are about to become your new obsession. Imagine the perfect marriage of rich peanut butter, fluffy marshmallow, and a buttery, tender base all baked together into delightfully chewy bars. They’re simple yet utterly satisfying, channeling the classic peanut butter and marshmallow sandwich into a decadent dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making them for a quick afternoon pick-me-up or sharing with friends, Fluffernutter Bars deliver a sweet, comforting hug in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward and thoughtfully come together to build the complex flavor and texture of the bars. Each element plays a starring role, from the creamy peanut butter that lends richness, the fluffy marshmallow topping for sweetness, to the tender baked base that holds everything perfectly.
- All purpose flour (2 1/2 cups): The sturdy backbone providing structure and a tender crumb to the bars.
- Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Helps the bars rise just enough for a light texture without collapsing.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors throughout the bars.
- Unsalted butter (3/4 cup plus 3 tablespoons): Adds rich moisture and creaminess both in the dough and peanut butter filling.
- Smooth peanut butter (1 1/4 cups total): The star flavor that delivers nutty depth and a velvety mouthfeel.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Sweetens the base while helping to create a slight crispness around the edges.
- Light brown sugar (1 cup packed): Contributes a subtle caramel note and moist texture to the bars.
- Large eggs (2): Bind everything together and add natural richness.
- Vanilla extract (2 1/2 teaspoons): Wakes up the flavors with its sweet, fragrant warmth.
- Marshmallow Fluff (1 jar, 7 ounces): The iconic silky, cloud-like topping that makes these bars truly unforgettable.
- Powdered sugar (1 1/2 cups, sifted): Provides smooth sweetness for the peanut butter filling.
- Heavy cream (3 tablespoons): Ensures the peanut butter filling is luxuriously creamy and spreadable.
How to Make Fluffernutter Bars
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat
Start by heating your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×9 inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, making sure to leave an overhang on the sides. This little tip guarantees easy removal of your bars once baked, so you don’t risk breaking them apart while trying to get them out.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This step ensures the rising agent and flavors are evenly distributed throughout the flour, setting you up for perfectly textured Fluffernutter Bars.
Step 3: Cream Butter, Peanut Butter, and Sugars
Using a large bowl, beat together the butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes. This process incorporates air for a lighter base and harmonizes sweet and nutty flavors beautifully. Then add the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully combined before adding the next, followed by the vanilla extract for that warming aroma.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry
Gradually add the flour mixture into the wet ingredients. Mix just until everything is combined to avoid overworking the dough, which can lead to tough bars. This delicate approach keeps your Fluffernutter Bars tender and chewy in all the right places.
Step 5: Bake the Base
Press the dough evenly into your prepared pan to form the base layer. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until it’s lightly browned and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. This baked layer is the comforting canvas that holds the luscious toppings — let it cool slightly before moving on.
Step 6: Prepare the Peanut Butter Filling
While the base cools, whip up the creamy peanut butter filling. Beat together peanut butter and butter until perfectly smooth, then incorporate the sifted powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and 2 tablespoons of heavy cream. If needed, add the extra tablespoon of cream to get a spreadable, dreamy consistency that melts in your mouth.
Step 7: Spread the Peanut Butter Layer
Using an offset spatula or the back of a spoon, spread this luscious filling evenly over the warm base. The warmth helps the filling gently meld with the dough, creating the iconic rich layer that makes Fluffernutter Bars so addicting.
Step 8: Top with Marshmallow Fluff
Warm your Marshmallow Fluff slightly in the microwave — just a few seconds will do — to make it easier to spread. Then generously coat the peanut butter layer with the fluff, creating that iconic pillowy topping that makes these bars unforgettable.
Step 9: Cool and Slice
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing. This step is key; it lets each layer set perfectly so your bars hold together beautifully when cut and served at room temperature.
How to Serve Fluffernutter Bars
Garnishes
When serving, a light dusting of powdered sugar adds a lovely visual touch and a whisper of sweetness. For a festive twist, sprinkle chopped roasted peanuts on top to add a satisfying crunch and highlight the peanut flavor even more.
Side Dishes
Fluffernutter Bars are a treat on their own, but pairing them with a tall glass of cold milk or a cup of robust coffee really elevates the experience. For an extra indulgent touch, serve alongside fresh berries to balance the sweetness with a burst of tartness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the bars into bite-size squares for a party platter or wrap them individually in parchment paper for adorable, grab-and-go gifts. You could even layer the bars in parfait glasses alternating with whipped cream for a pretty Fluffernutter-inspired dessert cup.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Fluffernutter Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them fresher longer, refrigeration will extend their life to about a week, just be sure to bring them back to room temperature before serving so they regain their perfect chewiness.
Freezing
These bars freeze beautifully. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and then bring to room temperature before serving for best flavor and texture.
Reheating
If you prefer warm bars, gently microwave individual pieces for 10 to 15 seconds or warm in a low oven for a few minutes. This brings the peanut butter and marshmallow layers back to their luscious, gooey glory without melting the bars too much.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of smooth?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter adds an extra layer of texture that some people love. Just keep in mind this will give your Fluffernutter Bars a bit more bite and crunch throughout.
Is Marshmallow Fluff necessary, or can I substitute?
Marshmallow Fluff is what really gives these bars their signature fluffy topping, but you could try using homemade marshmallow cream or even mini marshmallows melted gently. The texture might vary slightly, but the sweet marshmallow flavor will still shine.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, switching the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend works wonderfully here. Just make sure your blend includes xanthan gum or another binding agent for the best texture.
How long do Fluffernutter Bars keep fresh?
When stored properly, they stay fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature, or up to a week refrigerated. Freezing lets you enjoy them for up to 2 months with minimal flavor loss.
Can I double this recipe for a larger batch?
Definitely! Just double all ingredients and use a larger pan, like a 9×13 inch, adjusting baking time as needed (usually 5-10 minutes longer). Keep an eye on them so they don’t overbake.
Final Thoughts
Fluffernutter Bars are pure joy wrapped in peanut butter and marshmallow sweetness, and I can’t recommend them enough to anyone craving a nostalgic yet freshly delightful treat. They’re easy to make, endlessly satisfying, and perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself. Give them a try, and I promise they’ll bring a smile and maybe even a little happy dance your way.
Print
Fluffernutter Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Fluffernutter Bars are a deliciously indulgent treat combining a soft peanut butter cookie base with a creamy peanut butter filling and a fluffy marshmallow topping. These bars offer the classic nostalgic flavor of a fluffernutter sandwich in easy-to-serve dessert form, perfect for peanut butter lovers and anyone craving a sweet, creamy, and chewy bar.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
Cookie Base
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 3/4 cup smooth peanut butter
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Peanut Butter Filling
- 1/2 cup smooth peanut butter
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 3 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Topping
- 1 (7 ounce) jar Marshmallow Fluff
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal of the bars later.
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt until well combined. Set this mixture aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, use a mixer to cream together the unsalted butter, smooth peanut butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overmixing, which can make the bars tough.
- Press Dough Into Pan: Evenly press the dough into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the surface for uniform baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Then remove from the oven and let the bars cool slightly.
- Prepare Peanut Butter Filling: While the bars cool, beat together the peanut butter and unsalted butter in a medium bowl until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and two tablespoons of heavy cream, beating until creamy. Add the remaining tablespoon of heavy cream if needed to reach a spreadable consistency.
- Spread Filling: Use the back of a spoon or an offset spatula to spread the peanut butter filling carefully over the warm bars in the pan, smoothing it evenly.
- Top with Marshmallow Fluff: Warm the Marshmallow Fluff in the microwave for a few seconds to soften it, making it easier to spread. Then, spread the Fluff evenly over the peanut butter layer.
- Cool Completely and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan at room temperature to set the layers before slicing into squares. Serve at room temperature for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature to improve mixing and final texture.
- Line the pan with parchment paper for easy removal and cleaner edges.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the bars tender.
- Adjust heavy cream in the filling gradually to achieve the right spreadable consistency.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate to extend freshness.
- For a nuttier flavor, use freshly ground peanut butter if preferred.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (about 2×2 inch square)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: Fluffernutter bars, peanut butter dessert, marshmallow bars, easy dessert bars, peanut butter bars, no-bake peanut butter bars alternative
