If you’re a fan of the classic fluffernutter sandwich—a delightful combination of peanut butter and marshmallow fluff—then you’re going to love Fluffernutter Bars. These bars take all the flavors you love from the sandwich and transform them into a sweet, chewy, and utterly irresistible dessert. Perfect for bake sales, potlucks, or just a treat for yourself, these bars are easy to make and guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth. In this guide, you’ll learn how to make fluffernutter bars from scratch, explore creative variations, and get tips for serving and storing them.
What Are Fluffernutter Bars?
Fluffernutter bars are inspired by the beloved fluffernutter sandwich, which traditionally features peanut butter and marshmallow fluff spread between slices of bread. These bars capture that same delicious combination in a soft, chewy dessert form. They typically consist of a peanut butter cookie or blondie base, swirled with gooey marshmallow fluff and sometimes topped with chocolate or more peanut butter for an extra indulgent treat.
The classic fluffernutter sandwich was a staple in many childhood lunchboxes, beloved for its sweet and nutty flavor. By transforming this sandwich into a bar, you get all the nostalgia in a dessert that’s easy to share and even easier to enjoy. Whether you’re a long-time fan of the sandwich or new to the fluffernutter experience, these bars are a must-try.
Ingredients for Fluffernutter Bars
Creating the perfect fluffernutter bars starts with gathering the right ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
Basic Ingredients
- Peanut Butter: 1 cup, creamy or chunky depending on your preference. Peanut butter is the star of this recipe, providing that rich, nutty flavor that’s essential to fluffernutter bars.
- Butter: 1/2 cup (1 stick), softened. Butter adds moisture and a rich, tender texture to the bars.
- Brown Sugar: 3/4 cup. Brown sugar adds sweetness and a hint of molasses, enhancing the peanut butter flavor.
- Granulated Sugar: 1/4 cup. This adds extra sweetness to balance the peanut butter’s savory notes.
- Large Eggs: 2, at room temperature. Eggs help bind the ingredients together and add structure to the bars.
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon. Vanilla enhances the overall flavor, complementing the peanut butter.
- All-Purpose Flour: 1 1/2 cups. Flour provides the structure necessary for the bars to hold together.
- Baking Powder: 1 teaspoon. Baking powder helps the bars rise, giving them a light and chewy texture.
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon. Salt balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
- Marshmallow Fluff: 1 cup. This is the gooey component that gives fluffernutter bars their distinctive texture and flavor.
Optional Ingredients
- Chocolate Chips: 1/2 cup, for a chocolatey addition that pairs perfectly with peanut butter.
- Peanut Butter Chips: 1/2 cup, for an extra boost of peanut butter flavor.
- Crushed Peanuts: 1/4 cup, for a crunchy topping that adds texture and extra nutty flavor.
How to Make Fluffernutter Bars
Follow these steps to create your own batch of delicious fluffernutter bars:
1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
- Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare Baking Pan: Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal of the bars. Lightly grease the parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2: Make the Peanut Butter Batter
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, peanut butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until creamy and smooth. This should take about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract to enhance the flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bars tough.
3: Assemble the Bars
- Spread Batter: Spread about two-thirds of the peanut butter batter evenly in the prepared baking pan.
- Add Marshmallow Fluff: Drop spoonfuls of marshmallow fluff over the batter. Use a knife or spatula to gently swirl the fluff into the batter, creating a marbled effect. This gives the bars a beautiful, gooey texture throughout.
- Top with Remaining Batter: Dollop the remaining peanut butter batter over the top and gently spread it to cover most of the fluff. It’s okay if some of the fluff is still visible—this adds to the appeal of the finished bars.
4: Bake the Bars
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are set and the top is golden brown. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with a few moist crumbs attached, indicating the bars are done.
- Cool: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before cutting them into squares. Cooling fully helps the bars set, making them easier to slice and serve.
Delicious Variations
Fluffernutter bars are delicious as is, but these variations offer fun twists to the classic recipe:
Fluffernutter S’mores Bars
Add 1/2 cup of crushed graham crackers and 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the peanut butter batter. The graham crackers add a crunchy texture, while the chocolate chips provide that classic s’mores flavor. These bars are perfect for summer gatherings or as a nostalgic treat any time of year.
Fluffernutter Blondies
If you prefer a denser, more cake-like texture, use a blondie base instead of the peanut butter cookie base. Simply replace the peanut butter with melted butter and add an extra 1/4 cup of brown sugar for a rich, buttery flavor. These blondies are soft, chewy, and packed with flavor.
Chocolate-Dipped Fluffernutter Bars
Once the bars are cooled and cut, dip them halfway into melted chocolate. Let the chocolate set before serving for an extra indulgent treat that combines the flavors of peanut butter, marshmallow, and chocolate. These bars make for an elegant dessert or a special gift.
Peanut Butter and Jelly Fluffernutter Bars
For a PB&J twist, swirl in 1/4 cup of your favorite jelly or jam along with the marshmallow fluff. The sweet and fruity jelly pairs perfectly with the peanut butter and marshmallow for a fun variation on a classic flavor combination. These bars are a hit with kids and adults alike.
Fluffernutter Brownie Bars
Combine the rich flavor of brownies with the sweet nuttiness of fluffernutter by using a brownie base. Layer the marshmallow fluff and peanut butter batter on top of a partially baked brownie base and bake until everything is set and gooey. These bars are decadent and perfect for chocolate lovers.
Tips for Perfect Fluffernutter Bars
Creating the perfect fluffernutter bars is all about paying attention to the details. Here are some tips to ensure your bars turn out perfectly every time:
Use Room Temperature Ingredients
For the best texture and consistency, ensure that your butter, eggs, and peanut butter are at room temperature before mixing. This helps the ingredients combine more smoothly and creates a more uniform batter. Cold ingredients can cause the batter to curdle or be uneven, leading to less than perfect bars.
Don’t Overmix the Batter
When adding the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough bars, so it’s important to stop mixing as soon as the flour is incorporated. This will help keep your bars soft and chewy.
Use a Sharp Knife for Cutting
To get clean edges when cutting your fluffernutter bars, use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts. You can also chill the bars in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before cutting to make them firmer and easier to slice. This ensures your bars look as good as they taste.
Let the Bars Cool Completely
It’s tempting to dive into these gooey bars as soon as they come out of the oven, but allowing them to cool completely ensures that they set properly and are easier to cut. This also helps the flavors develop, making the bars even more delicious. Patience pays off when it comes to fluffernutter bars.
Customize the Toppings
Get creative with your toppings! Crushed peanuts, sprinkles, or even a drizzle of melted chocolate can add a fun and tasty finishing touch to your fluffernutter bars. Experiment with different combinations to find your favorite.
Serving Suggestions
Fluffernutter bars are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:
Perfect for Parties
Fluffernutter bars are a great choice for parties, potlucks, and bake sales. Their sweet and nutty flavor is sure to be a hit with both kids and adults. Serve them on a platter with other finger foods and desserts for a delicious spread that’s guaranteed to please.
Paired with Ice Cream
For an extra indulgent dessert, serve these bars warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. The combination of the warm, gooey bars and cold, creamy ice cream is absolutely irresistible. This is the perfect dessert for a cozy night in or a special treat after dinner.
As a Lunchbox Treat
Pack these bars in lunchboxes for a fun and tasty treat. They’re portable, easy to eat, and sure to brighten up any lunch break. Your kids (and you) will look forward to this sweet surprise.
Gift Giving
Wrap individual bars in parchment paper and tie with a ribbon for a homemade gift that’s perfect for holidays, birthdays, or just because. Add a personalized tag for an extra special touch. These bars make a thoughtful and delicious gift that anyone would be happy to receive.
Storing and Freezing Fluffernutter Bars
Whether you’re saving some for later or making a big batch, here’s how to store and freeze your fluffernutter bars:
Storing Bars
- Room Temperature: Store fluffernutter bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. Place a piece of parchment paper between layers to prevent them from sticking together.
- Refrigeration: If you prefer a firmer texture or live in a warm climate, store the bars in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to a week. Just be sure to bring them to room temperature before serving to enjoy their full flavor.
Freezing Bars
- How to Freeze: To freeze fluffernutter bars, allow them to cool completely, then wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped bars in a freezer-safe bag or container to protect them from freezer burn.
- Thawing: When ready to enjoy, thaw the bars at room temperature or in the refrigerator. You can also warm them in the microwave for a few seconds to enjoy a warm, gooey treat. Frozen fluffernutter bars can be stored for up to 3 months.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use natural peanut butter? While natural peanut butter can be used, it may result in a slightly different texture due to its higher oil content. For best results, use a commercial creamy peanut butter that doesn’t separate.
Can I use marshmallows instead of marshmallow fluff? Marshmallow fluff is recommended because it spreads easily and creates a smooth, gooey texture. However, if you only have marshmallows on hand, you can melt them down with a little butter and spread the mixture over the batter.
How can I make these bars gluten-free? To make gluten-free fluffernutter bars, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that your other ingredients, such as peanut butter and marshmallow fluff, are also gluten-free.
Can I add more mix-ins? Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with mix-ins like chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, or even chopped candy bars. Just be sure not to overload the batter so that the bars bake evenly.
Why are my bars too dry? If your bars turned out dry, it could be due to overbaking. Check for doneness a few minutes before the end of the suggested baking time, and remove the bars from the oven as soon as the edges are set and the top is golden brown.
Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can easily double the recipe and bake it in a 9×13-inch pan. Just be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly, checking for doneness after about 25-30 minutes.
Conclusion
Fluffernutter Bars are a delightful, easy-to-make treat that combines the sweet and nutty flavors of peanut butter and marshmallow fluff into a chewy, gooey dessert. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just because you’re craving something sweet, these bars are sure to satisfy. With the tips, variations, and serving suggestions provided in this guide, you’ll be able to create the perfect batch of fluffernutter bars every time. So grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a batch of these delicious, nostalgic treats!
