Fluffernutter Bars Recipe

If you’ve ever dreamed of a dessert that perfectly blends nostalgic peanut butter cookies with a luscious marshmallow center, then this Fluffernutter Bars Recipe is your new best friend. It’s an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing treat that layers a rich peanut butter base with ooey-gooey marshmallow fluff, topped again with dollops of peanut butter dough baked to golden perfection. Each bite brings a dreamy balance of chewy, soft, and sweet textures that will keep you coming back for more. Trust me, once you try these bars, they’ll become a staple in your dessert rotation!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Fluffernutter Bars Recipe uses straightforward ingredients that work beautifully together to create incredible depth of flavor and texture. Each component plays a vital role, from the fluffy peanut butter base to the sweet marshmallow topping—you can practically taste nostalgia in every bite.

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the essential structure for the peanut butter cookie base, ensuring the bars hold together perfectly.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder: Adds just enough lift so the dough isn’t too dense, keeping the bars light.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out the richness of the peanut butter.
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter (softened): Adds creaminess and moisture, making the base tender and flavorful.
• 3/4 cup brown sugar: Brings a deep, caramel-like sweetness that complements the peanut butter beautifully.
• 1/3 cup white sugar: Enhances the sweetness and adds a touch of crispness to the crumb.
• 1 1/2 cups smooth peanut butter: The star of the show, bringing that nutty, creamy goodness we all love.
• 1 large egg: Helps bind everything together for that perfect chewy texture.
• 1 large egg yolk (in addition to the other egg): Adds extra richness and helps make the dough more tender.
• 7 oz jar marshmallow fluff: The magical ingredient that creates the signature gooey layer that makes these bars unforgettable.

How to Make Fluffernutter Bars Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan

Begin by heating your oven to 350°F and positioning the rack in the center. This sets the perfect environment for even baking. Line a 9×13 inch pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil, leaving an overhang for easy removal later. This simple step will ensure your bars come out cleanly and without sticking, making cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. Getting this done early helps you avoid overmixing later, which keeps the bars tender rather than tough. These dry ingredients form the backbone of your flaky peanut butter base.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, beat softened butter with both brown and white sugars until the mixture becomes soft and light. This creaming process is crucial—it creates air pockets that lead to a light-tender texture in your bars while balancing the peanut butter’s richness with sweetness.

Step 4: Add Peanut Butter and Eggs

Beat in the smooth peanut butter until fully incorporated, then add the whole egg plus the extra yolk. Mixing these well creates a smooth, luscious batter that will give you that classic peanut butter flavor and chewy consistency.

Step 5: Combine Flour Mixture with Wet Ingredients

Lower your mixer speed and gradually add the flour blend in two parts. This controlled mixing prevents overworking the dough, helping the bars stay tender. The result? A perfect crumb that holds together beautifully.

Step 6: Reserve a Portion of Dough and Press the Rest

Remove about 1 cup of dough and set it aside—this will top the marshmallow layer later. Press the remaining dough evenly into your prepared pan, forming the base layer. Pressing firmly ensures a solid foundation that bakes evenly.

Step 7: Bake the Peanut Butter Layer

Bake for 25 minutes or until the top looks fully set and just starting to turn golden. This step pre-bakes the base so it can support the marshmallow fluff without becoming soggy.

Step 8: Add Marshmallow Fluff Layer

Remove the pan carefully and keep the oven on. Spread the entire jar of marshmallow fluff evenly across the warm peanut butter base. The warmth helps the fluff spread smoothly and adhere well.

Step 9: Top with Reserved Dough

Pinch the reserved dough into small, flattened pieces about 1 inch wide and scatter them over the marshmallow layer. Don’t worry about full coverage—80 to 90 percent is perfect as it lets the fluff peek through, adding both texture and visual appeal.

Step 10: Final Bake

Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the top peanut butter pieces are just set. This finishing touch gives the bars a delightfully chewy top that adds contrast to the gooey middles.

Step 11: Cool and Slice

Once out of the oven, let the bars cool completely at room temperature for at least an hour before slicing. Use the parchment overhang to lift the whole slab onto a cutting board. For clean cuts, slightly grease a thin, sharp knife with cooking spray. This prevents sticking, especially on the marshmallow layer, and keeps your slices looking beautiful.

How to Serve Fluffernutter Bars Recipe

Garnishes

You can keep it classic by serving these bars plain to showcase their rich layers, or add a sprinkle of chopped roasted peanuts for added crunch and contrast. A light dusting of powdered sugar also adds a touch of elegance and sweetness that balances the peanut butter perfectly.

Side Dishes

Fluffernutter Bars are sweet and hearty enough to stand on their own, but pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream elevates the experience wonderfully. For a refreshing combo, fresh berries add a bright, juicy burst that cuts through the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking a few bars with alternating layers of peanut butter and marshmallow fluff for a dessert parfait twist. Alternatively, serve them warm with a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce to make an indulgent treat perfect for special occasions.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover Fluffernutter Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their chewy texture. For longer freshness, storing them in the fridge helps extend shelf life to about a week, though the bars may firm up slightly.

Freezing

These bars freeze beautifully! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil or place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Reheating

To bring back that fresh-baked warmth, reheat individual bars in the microwave for 10–15 seconds, or warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes. This softens the marshmallow fluff and peanut butter, making every bite just as delightful as when freshly baked.

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of smooth in this Fluffernutter Bars Recipe?

Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter will add a lovely texture contrast to the bars, giving you unexpected little bursts of nuttiness. Just keep in mind that it may make the bars slightly less smooth but deliciously interesting.

Is it necessary to use both an egg and an extra egg yolk?

Yes, using the whole egg plus an extra yolk adds richness and tenderness to the dough. The yolk helps create a moister, chewier texture which is perfect for these bars.

Can I make these Fluffernutter Bars gluten-free?

To make gluten-free versions, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Just make sure it contains xanthan gum or a binder to maintain the structure of the bars.

How do I prevent the marshmallow fluff from spreading too much during baking?

Baking the peanut butter base fully before adding the marshmallow fluff helps create a firm layer that holds the marshmallow well. Pinching the dough pieces on top also helps anchor the fluff and adds stability during the final bake.

Can I add chocolate chips or other mix-ins to this Fluffernutter Bars Recipe?

Definitely! Stirring in chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even mini marshmallows into the dough can add extra flavor and texture. Just be cautious not to overload the dough so it still bakes evenly.

Final Thoughts

There is something so comforting and satisfying about this Fluffernutter Bars Recipe that it instantly feels like a warm hug in dessert form. Whether you’re making it for a family gathering, a festive treat, or just because you deserve a little indulgence, these bars never fail to impress. I can’t wait for you to try them—get ready to fall head over heels for this peanut butter and marshmallow delight!

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