Chocolate Swirled Peanut Butter Marshmallow Squares

These Chocolate Swirled Peanut Butter Marshmallow Squares are the ultimate no-bake treat! Combining the creamy richness of peanut butter, the gooey sweetness of marshmallows, and the decadent depth of dark chocolate, these squares are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Perfect for potlucks, parties, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth, this recipe is surprisingly easy to make and requires minimal effort. Get ready to experience a delightful explosion of flavors and textures in every bite!

What You’ll Need

• 250 g (1 cup) Creamy Peanut Butter: We recommend using a natural, unsalted peanut butter for the purest peanut flavor. Natural peanut butter often requires stirring, ensuring a smooth and consistent texture. Unsalted allows you to control the overall saltiness of the squares.
• 100 g (½ cup) Unsalted Butter: Cut into pieces to help it melt evenly. Butter provides richness and helps bind the ingredients together. Using unsalted butter is crucial, as we’re adding salt separately to balance the sweetness.
• 300 g (1½ cups) Granulated Sugar: This provides the primary sweetness for the marshmallow base. Ensure it’s fully dissolved during the cooking process for a smooth texture.
• 120 ml (½ cup) Honey: Opt for a halal-certified honey if you prefer. Honey adds a unique floral sweetness and contributes to the chewy texture of the squares.
• 1 tsp Vanilla Extract: Alcohol-free vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor profile, adding warmth and depth.
• ¼ tsp Fine Sea Salt: A pinch of salt is essential to balance the sweetness and enhance the flavors of the peanut butter and chocolate. Fine sea salt dissolves easily and distributes evenly.
• 200 g (7 oz) Mini Marshmallows: Mini marshmallows melt beautifully and create a soft, gooey texture. They are the star of the show in the base layer!
• 150 g (5 oz) Dark Chocolate (70 % Cocoa): Choose a high-quality dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa content for a rich, intense chocolate flavor. Chopping the chocolate ensures it melts evenly.
• 2 Tbsp (30 ml) Coconut Oil: Used to thin the melted chocolate, creating a smooth and pourable consistency for the swirl. Coconut oil adds a subtle tropical note.
• 30 g (¼ cup) Roasted Peanuts: Coarsely chopped roasted peanuts provide a delightful crunch and nutty flavor as a garnish. Roasting the peanuts enhances their flavor and texture.

Substitutions & Variations

Peanut Butter: Almond butter or cashew butter can be used as a substitute for peanut butter, offering a different nutty flavor profile.

Dark Chocolate: Milk chocolate can be used if you prefer a sweeter taste, but it will alter the overall flavor balance. White chocolate is also an option for a unique twist.

Let’s Make Those Chocolate Swirled Peanut Butter Marshmallow Squares!

Now that you’ve gathered your ingredients, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of creating these irresistible squares. Follow along carefully for the best results!

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Pan: Begin by lining a 20 x 20 cm (8 x 8 in) square pan with parchment paper. Ensure the parchment paper extends slightly over the edges of the pan – this will make it much easier to lift the finished squares out later. Setting this up first streamlines the process.
2. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the butter, granulated sugar, honey, and sea salt. Stir constantly until the butter is completely melted and the sugar has fully dissolved. This usually takes around 3-4 minutes. Don’t rush this step; undissolved sugar can affect the texture.
3. Incorporate Peanut Butter: Remove the saucepan from the heat. This is crucial to prevent the peanut butter from seizing up. Whisk in the creamy peanut butter until the mixture is perfectly smooth and glossy. A smooth consistency is key for a beautiful swirl later on.
4. Add Vanilla & Marshmallows: Stir in the vanilla extract. Then, quickly but gently fold in the mini marshmallows until they are evenly distributed throughout the peanut butter mixture. Work quickly here, as the residual heat can start to melt the marshmallows.
5. Transfer & Flatten: Pour the marshmallow-peanut butter mixture into the prepared pan. Spread it evenly with a spatula. For an exceptionally smooth surface, place another piece of parchment paper over the top and gently press down.
6. Chill the Base: Place the pan in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or until the base is firm enough to handle. This chilling period is essential for creating a stable foundation for the chocolate swirl.
7. Melt the Chocolate: While the base is chilling, prepare the chocolate swirl. Combine the chopped dark chocolate and coconut oil in a heat-proof bowl. Melt them together using a double boiler (a bowl set over simmering water, ensuring the bowl doesn’t touch the water) or in short 15-second bursts in the microwave, stirring between each burst. Continue until the chocolate is completely smooth and glossy. The coconut oil adds shine and helps with a smoother pour.
8. Create the Swirl: Remove the chilled base from the refrigerator. Using a spoon, drizzle the melted chocolate over the surface in a zig-zag pattern. Then, using the back of a spoon or a small offset spatula, gently swirl the chocolate through the peanut butter layer, creating beautiful, visible ribbons. Don’t over-swirl, or the chocolate and peanut butter will blend too much.
9. Garnish with Peanuts: Sprinkle the coarsely chopped roasted peanuts evenly over the chocolate-swirled top while the chocolate is still soft. This adds a delightful crunch and visual appeal.
10. Final Chill & Cut: Return the pan to the refrigerator for an additional 15 minutes to allow the chocolate to set completely. Once set, lift the parchment paper and cut the slab into 12 equal squares with a sharp knife. Wipe the blade clean between each cut to ensure neat edges.

Tips for the Perfect Swirl

Achieving a beautiful chocolate swirl is all about technique. The key is to work quickly and gently. Don’t overwork the chocolate into the peanut butter; you want distinct ribbons, not a homogenous blend. Using a slightly cooled, but still fluid, chocolate mixture will also help maintain the swirl’s definition. Experiment with different swirling patterns for a unique look each time!

Why This Recipe Works: The Science of Marshmallow Squares

Marshmallow squares rely on a simple yet effective principle: the binding power of melted marshmallows and sugar. When heated, marshmallows become incredibly sticky, creating a cohesive matrix that holds everything together. The sugar adds structure and sweetness, while the peanut butter provides richness and flavor. The chilling process solidifies this matrix, resulting in a chewy, satisfying treat. The addition of dark chocolate not only enhances the flavor profile but also adds a contrasting texture and visual appeal.

Choosing the Right Chocolate

The quality of your dark chocolate significantly impacts the final flavor of these squares. We recommend using a 70% cocoa dark chocolate for a balanced sweetness and intense chocolate flavor. However, feel free to experiment with different percentages to suit your preference. A higher cocoa percentage will result in a more bitter, sophisticated flavor, while a lower percentage will be sweeter and milder.

Storage Instructions

These Chocolate Swirled Peanut Butter Marshmallow Squares are best enjoyed within 3-5 days. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Avoid storing them in the refrigerator, as this can make them overly firm and less chewy. If you live in a warm climate, you may need to store them in the refrigerator to prevent them from becoming too soft.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Can I use a different type of nut butter? Yes, you can! Almond butter or cashew butter would be delicious alternatives to peanut butter.
• Can I make these squares vegan? To make this recipe vegan, use vegan marshmallows, vegan butter, and ensure your chocolate is dairy-free.
• Can I add other toppings? Absolutely! Sprinkles, chopped pretzels, or even a drizzle of caramel would be fantastic additions.

Enjoy Your Homemade Treats!

Congratulations! You’ve successfully created a batch of decadent Chocolate Swirled Peanut Butter Marshmallow Squares. These squares are perfect for sharing with friends and family, or simply indulging in a sweet treat yourself. Don’t forget to save this recipe to Pinterest so you can easily find it again later!

Chocolate Swirled Peanut Butter Marshmallow Squares

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• Author: Liana Brooks
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 12 squares 1x
• Diet: General

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Description

These no-bake Chocolate Swirled Peanut Butter Marshmallow Squares are a delightful combination of creamy peanut butter, gooey marshmallows, and rich dark chocolate. They’re perfect for parties or a sweet treat!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup (250 g) Creamy Peanut Butter, natural, unsalted
• ½ cup (100 g) Unsalted Butter, cut into pieces
• 1½ cups (300 g) Granulated Sugar
• ½ cup (120 ml) Honey, halal-certified optional
• 1 tsp Vanilla Extract, alcohol-free
• ¼ tsp Fine Sea Salt
• 7 oz (200 g) Mini Marshmallows
• 5 oz (150 g) Dark Chocolate (70% Cocoa), chopped
• 2 Tbsp (30 ml) Coconut Oil
• ¼ cup (30 g) Roasted Peanuts, coarsely chopped

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Instructions

1. Prepare Pan: Line an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang.
2. Combine Wet Ingredients: Melt butter, sugar, honey, and salt in a saucepan.
3. Incorporate Peanut Butter: Whisk in peanut butter until smooth.
4. Add Vanilla & Marshmallows: Stir in vanilla, then fold in marshmallows.
5. Transfer & Flatten: Pour into pan, spread evenly, and chill for 30 minutes.
6. Melt Chocolate: Melt chocolate and coconut oil using a double boiler or microwave.
7. Create Swirl: Drizzle melted chocolate over chilled base and gently swirl.
8. Garnish with Peanuts: Sprinkle with chopped peanuts.
9. Final Chill & Cut: Chill for 15 minutes, then cut into 12 squares.

Notes

For a smoother swirl, use slightly cooled chocolate and avoid overmixing. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for optimal chewiness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: No-bake
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 square
• Calories: 250 kcal
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg

Keywords: peanut butter,marshmallow,chocolate,no-bake,squares,dessert,easy,treat