If you have a soft spot for nostalgic treats and crave a mix of sweet and nutty flavors, this Fluffernutter Bars Recipe is about to become your new favorite dessert. Combining creamy peanut butter, marshmallow fluff, and a tender buttery base, these bars deliver that perfect balance of gooey and cakey in every bite. They’re incredibly simple to make but taste like something special from a bakery, making them a delightful treat to share with family and friends or to enjoy whenever you need a comforting pick-me-up.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses straightforward pantry staples that come together to create a luscious texture and rich flavor. Each ingredient is essential, adding either creaminess, sweetness, structure, or that classic peanut butter and marshmallow combo we all love.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Adds richness and a tender crumb to the bars, so be sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
- Creamy peanut butter (1 cup + 1/2 cup for swirling): Brings that nutty, irresistible flavor while keeping the texture creamy and smooth.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Provides sweetness and helps with the golden-baked color.
- Light brown sugar (1 cup, packed): Adds moisture and a hint of caramel flavor that deepens the taste.
- Large eggs (2): Bind everything together and give the bars structure.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors with a warm, fragrant note.
- All-purpose flour (2 1/2 cups): The backbone of the bars, providing that perfect cakey texture.
- Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Gives gentle lift so the bars aren’t dense.
- Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Works with the brown sugar to create tenderness and browning.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances the peanut butter’s flavor.
- Marshmallow fluff (1 1/2 cups): The star ingredient that adds gooey sweetness and classic fluffernutter charm.
How to Make Fluffernutter Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to easily lift out the bars later. Having the pan ready ensures a smooth start to your baking process.
Step 2: Cream Butter, Peanut Butter, and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, 1 cup creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key to creating a tender texture and blending the deep peanut butter flavor evenly throughout the bars.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
One at a time, add the eggs to the creamed mixture, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract to infuse that warm, inviting aroma that makes these bars so comforting.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures that the leavening agents distribute evenly for the right rise and texture.
Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients Into Wet Mixture
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Overmixing can make the bars tough, so a gentle hand here keeps everything tender and soft.
Step 6: Layer the Bars
Spread about two-thirds of the dough evenly into your prepared pan. Then gently spread the marshmallow fluff over the dough layer, creating that luscious gooey middle. Dollop the remaining 1/2 cup peanut butter on top of the fluff and softly swirl it in with a knife, giving a beautiful marbled effect and a punch of peanut butter flavor.
Step 7: Add the Final Dough Layer
Take the remaining dough and crumble it evenly over the marshmallow and peanut butter swirl. This creates a delightful textured top that bakes to a golden finish.
Step 8: Bake and Cool
Bake the bars for 25 to 30 minutes until the top is lightly golden and set in the center. Cooling completely before slicing helps the bars hold their shape and makes sure every square delivers that perfect balance of gooey and cakey goodness.
How to Serve Fluffernutter Bars Recipe
Garnishes
These bars are beautiful on their own, but you can sprinkle a few mini chocolate chips or chopped peanuts on top after baking for a crunchy contrast. A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a festive touch for special occasions.
Side Dishes
Serve these bars alongside a cold glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience. They also pair wonderfully with fresh fruit like sliced strawberries or banana for a fun flavor twist.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the bars into bite-sized squares and arrange them on a platter with colorful napkins for parties or potlucks. For a fun twist, serve them layered between slices of white bread for a grown-up take on the classic fluffernutter sandwich.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Fluffernutter Bars stay delicious at room temperature when stored in an airtight container for up to 4 days. This makes them perfect for making ahead to satisfy your sweet tooth all week long without losing any of their chewy, gooey magic.
Freezing
If you want to keep these bars longer, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving, and they’ll taste just as fresh as when you baked them.
Reheating
For a warm, melty treat, reheat the bars in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds per serving. This revives the softness and gooeyness of the marshmallow and peanut butter, making each bite feel freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use natural peanut butter for this Fluffernutter Bars Recipe?
Yes! You can substitute natural peanut butter, but be sure to stir it well before measuring since the oil tends to separate. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious and rich.
What can I use instead of marshmallow fluff?
If you don’t have marshmallow fluff, you can use mini marshmallows melted gently on the stove or in the microwave. Just spread the melted marshmallows quickly before they set for a similar gooey layer.
Are these Fluffernutter Bars gluten-free?
This recipe uses all-purpose flour, so it is not gluten-free by default. However, you can try substituting a gluten-free flour blend suited for baking, but results may vary slightly in texture.
How long do the bars keep their freshness?
When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these bars stay fresh for about 4 days. Beyond that, they might start to lose their gooey texture but can still be enjoyable if reheated.
Can I double the recipe to make a larger batch?
Absolutely! Just double all the ingredients and bake in a larger pan or two pans. Keep an eye on the baking time as it may need a few extra minutes depending on the pan’s depth.
Final Thoughts
Give this Fluffernutter Bars Recipe a try whenever you want a dessert that feels like a warm hug in every bite. Its nostalgic flavors combined with an easy-to-follow method make it a go-to treat for bakeries, potlucks, or simply a cozy night in. Once you make these bars, they’re sure to become a beloved classic in your recipe collection.
Print
Fluffernutter Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Fluffernutter Bars are a deliciously gooey and rich dessert featuring layers of peanut butter dough, fluffy marshmallow spread, and swirls of creamy peanut butter. These easy-to-make bars combine the nostalgic flavors of peanut butter and marshmallow fluff into a soft, baked treat that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Filling Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups marshmallow fluff
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter (for swirling)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, 1 cup of creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, ensuring an even texture for your dough.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Incorporate the eggs one at a time into the mixture, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract to add depth of flavor.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and salt.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined to avoid overworking the dough.
- Layer the Dough and Fluff: Spread about two-thirds of the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan, creating the base layer. Gently spread the marshmallow fluff evenly over this dough layer.
- Swirl Peanut Butter: Dollop the remaining 1/2 cup of creamy peanut butter over the marshmallow fluff and use a knife to lightly swirl it in, creating a marbled effect.
- Top with Remaining Dough: Crumble the remaining dough over the top as evenly as possible to cover the filling layer.
- Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the bars are lightly golden brown on top and set in the center.
- Cool and Slice: Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into 16 squares for serving.
Notes
- For easier spreading of dough and marshmallow fluff, lightly grease your hands or spatula.
- You can use natural peanut butter, but make sure to stir it well before measuring to blend the oils.
- Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh for up to 4 days.
