There’s something irresistibly nostalgic and downright delicious about this Fluffernutter Bars Recipe that instantly transports you back to carefree afternoons and lunchbox favorites. Combining the rich, creamy peanut butter with the sweet, fluffy marshmallow frosting, these bars balance indulgence with a cozy, homemade feel. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with friends, this recipe produces bars that are perfectly soft, chewy, and loaded with classic flavors that everyone will love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering just a handful of simple ingredients, this recipe relies on the perfect harmony between butter, sugars, peanut butter, and marshmallow fluff to create those dreamy little squares that taste like a warm hug. Every element plays a role in the flavor profile and texture, making your baking experience feel both effortless and rewarding.
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: This adds richness and moisture, creating the soft base for your bars.
- 1 cup brown sugar: Gives a deep caramel-like sweetness and helps with that chewy texture.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Balances the sweetness and contributes to structure.
- 2 eggs: Bind everything together and provide stability.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor and brings warmth to the bars.
- 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter: The star ingredient that delivers that classic, nutty essence.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: A pinch to amplify all the sweet flavors perfectly.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Gives the bars their body while keeping them tender.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Used in the frosting for a smooth, creamy spread.
- 1 (7-ounce) container marshmallow fluff: Provides the iconic fluffy topping packed with sweetness.
- 2 cups powdered sugar: Thickens and sweetens the frosting beautifully.
- 1/2 cup chopped peanuts: Adds a delightful crunch and extra peanut flavor on top.
How to Make Fluffernutter Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Then grease a 9×13 inch pan generously with nonstick cooking spray. This simple prep step ensures your bars won’t stick and bake evenly, setting the stage for baking success.
Step 2: Combine Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, use a hand mixer to blend your melted butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and cohesive. This step creates a luscious, caramel-infused base that the rest of your ingredients will build on.
Step 3: Add Eggs, Vanilla, and Peanut Butter
Next, beat in the eggs and vanilla extract until everything is incorporated. Then stir in the creamy peanut butter, mixing until your batter is velvety and uniform—this is where your bars start to develop their unmistakable, irresistible peanut flavor.
Step 4: Mix Flour and Salt, Then Combine
In a separate bowl, whisk together the salt and all-purpose flour. Slowly add this to your wet mixture and gently mix until just combined. Avoid overmixing here as you want your bars to stay tender, soft, and melt-in-your-mouth perfect.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Spread the batter evenly into your prepared pan and place it in the oven. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the edges turn golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the bars cool completely — this will make frosting application a breeze.
Step 6: Make the Marshmallow Peanut Butter Frosting
Using a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and marshmallow fluff until creamy and fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating until smooth and spreadable. This frosting is the cloud-soft crown on your bars.
Step 7: Frost and Finish with Peanuts
Spread your luscious frosting liberally over the cooled bars and sprinkle with chopped peanuts. This final touch adds the perfect nutty crunch to balance the fluffy sweetness. Cut into bars, and you’re ready to indulge!
How to Serve Fluffernutter Bars Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling chopped peanuts on top adds a lovely crunch and visual appeal, but you can also try a drizzle of melted chocolate or a light dusting of cocoa powder to enhance the flavor profile and give your bars a gourmet twist.
Side Dishes
Pair these bars with a cold glass of milk for a classic combo, or enjoy alongside fresh fruit like apple slices or berries for a bright contrast to the rich, sweet bites.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or potluck, stack the bars on a pretty platter and decorate with a few whole peanuts or miniature peanut butter cups. For gift-giving, wrap bars individually in parchment paper tied with twine for a charming homemade treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Fluffernutter Bars Recipe leftovers stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps them soft and fresh, maintaining that delightful chewy texture.
Freezing
If you want to save these for later, you can freeze the bars in a tightly sealed container for up to two months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving to enjoy that fresh-baked goodness anytime.
Reheating
For a warm treat, microwave an individual bar for about 10 to 15 seconds. The frosting will soften, and the flavors become even more comforting and melty, perfect for cozy cravings.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter will add even more texture and peanutty bits within the bars, which can be a delightful twist if you love a bit of extra crunch throughout.
Is there a gluten-free way to make these bars?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Just be sure it includes xanthan gum or a similar binding agent to maintain the right texture.
Can I make the frosting without marshmallow fluff?
You could use homemade marshmallow cream or a marshmallow creme alternative, but marshmallow fluff gives that iconic Fluffernutter Bars Recipe its unique light and airy frosting texture that’s hard to replicate exactly.
How long do these bars stay fresh?
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these bars stay fresh and tasty for about three days. Beyond that, their texture starts to shift, so consider freezing for longer storage.
Are these bars suitable for kids’ lunchboxes?
Definitely! These bars are a fun, nostalgic treat that kids love. Just be mindful of the peanut butter for schools with nut restrictions, or substitute with sunflower seed butter if needed.
Final Thoughts
Whipping up this Fluffernutter Bars Recipe is like capturing a little piece of comfort food magic in every bite. Whether for yourself or to share, these bars bring a perfect blend of nostalgia, sweetness, and peanut butter goodness that always hits the spot. Give them a try, and I bet they’ll become one of your all-time favorite treats too!
Print
Fluffernutter Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 15 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these sweet and creamy Fluffernutter Bars, combining the classic flavors of peanut butter and marshmallow fluff in a soft, chewy bar. With a buttery peanut butter base and a fluffy, sweet frosting topped with crunchy peanuts, these bars are perfect for a nostalgic treat or an anytime dessert.
Ingredients
Base
- 3/4 Cup Unsalted Butter, (Melted)
- 1 Cup Brown Sugar
- 1/2 Cup Granulated Sugar
- 2 Eggs
- 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract
- 3/4 Cup Creamy Peanut Butter
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1 1/2 Cups All Purpose Flour
Frosting and Topping
- 1/2 Cup Unsalted Butter, (Softened)
- 1 7 Ounce Container Marshmallow Fluff
- 2 Cups Powdered Sugar
- 1/2 Cup Chopped Peanuts
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and set aside.
- Make the Base Mixture: In a large bowl, use a hand mixer to blend melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated. Then beat in creamy peanut butter until the mixture is thoroughly combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together salt and all-purpose flour. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined to avoid overmixing and maintain a tender texture.
- Bake the Bars: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove and let the bars cool completely in the pan.
- Prepare the Frosting: In a large bowl, beat softened butter together with marshmallow fluff until smooth and fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition to achieve a creamy frosting consistency.
- Assemble and Garnish: Spread the marshmallow frosting evenly over the cooled bars. Sprinkle chopped peanuts on top for a crunchy finish. Cut into squares and serve.
Notes
- You can substitute natural peanut butter, but the texture and taste may differ slightly.
- For a nut-free version, omit the peanuts topping and use sunflower seed butter in place of peanut butter.
- Bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
- Allow bars to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting the frosting.
