Butterscotch Marshmallow Bars

Imagine sinking your teeth into a gooey, sweet treat that perfectly balances the rich caramel notes of butterscotch with the pillowy softness of marshmallows. These irresistible Butterscotch Marshmallow Bars are the ultimate indulgence for anyone with a sweet tooth. The buttery, crunchy cereal base supports layers of velvety butterscotch and fluffy marshmallows, creating a dessert that’s both nostalgic and impossible to resist. You’ll learn how to create these no-bake wonders that are perfect for bake sales, family gatherings, or just satisfying your midnight cravings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Butterscotch Marshmallow Bars are about to become your new favorite treat for several compelling reasons. First, they require absolutely no baking, making them perfect for hot summer days or when you need a quick dessert without heating up the kitchen. The incredible textural contrast between the crispy cereal base, the smooth butterscotch layer, and the soft, chewy marshmallows creates a multisensory experience with every bite.

The sweet butterscotch flavor pairs beautifully with the subtle vanilla notes from the marshmallows, creating a balanced taste that’s indulgent without being overwhelming. These bars come together in under 30 minutes, and most ingredients are pantry staples you likely already have on hand. Plus, they’re incredibly customizable – you can adjust the thickness of each layer to suit your preference or add additional mix-ins for extra flavor and texture.

Whether you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing potluck contribution or a simple dessert to make with kids, these marshmallow butterscotch squares hit all the right notes of ease, deliciousness, and visual appeal.

Ingredients

For these delectable Butterscotch Marshmallow Bars, you’ll need:

• 3 tablespoons (42g) unsalted butter
• 1 package (11 oz/311g) butterscotch chips
• ¼ cup (60ml) creamy peanut butter (optional, but recommended for flavor depth)
• 4 cups (120g) crispy rice cereal (Rice Krispies or similar)
• 3 cups (150g) mini marshmallows, divided
• ½ teaspoon (2.5ml) vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon salt

The butterscotch chips are the star ingredient here, providing that distinctive caramel-like flavor that makes these bars so addictive. Make sure your marshmallows are fresh and soft for the best texture. The peanut butter, while optional, adds a wonderful nutty undertone that complements the butterscotch beautifully. Use unsalted butter to better control the overall saltiness of your butterscotch marshmallow treats.

Pro Tips

Melting Technique Matters: When melting the butterscotch chips, use a double boiler or microwave in short 15-second intervals, stirring between each. Butterscotch chips burn more easily than chocolate, so low, gentle heat is crucial. If using a microwave, reduce power to 50% for more control. Once the chips are about 80% melted, remove from heat and let residual warmth finish the job while stirring.

Perfect Marshmallow Distribution: For the ultimate Butterscotch Marshmallow Bars experience, reserve about 1 cup of mini marshmallows to fold in at the very end. This creates pockets of whole marshmallows throughout the bars rather than having them all melted. Allow the butterscotch mixture to cool slightly (about 2-3 minutes) before adding these reserved marshmallows so they maintain their shape.

Pressing Technique: When transferring the mixture to your pan, avoid pressing down too firmly. Use a piece of parchment paper or a silicone spatula lightly coated with cooking spray to gently press the mixture into an even layer. Too much pressure will result in overly dense, hard bars instead of the ideal chewy texture these butterscotch marshmallow treats are known for.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare your work area by lining an 8×8 or 9×9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the sides for easy removal. Lightly coat with cooking spray.

Step 2: In a large microwave-safe bowl or a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the butter completely. If using a saucepan, maintain a very gentle heat to avoid burning.

Step 3: Add the butterscotch chips to the melted butter. If using a microwave, heat in 15-second intervals at 50% power, stirring between each interval until the chips are mostly melted. In a saucepan, stir constantly over low heat until smooth. Remove from heat once melted.

Step 4: Immediately stir in the peanut butter (if using), vanilla extract, and salt until the mixture is completely smooth and well combined. This butterscotch base will be the binding agent for your Butterscotch Marshmallow Bars.

Step 5: Allow the mixture to cool for about 1 minute, then add 2 cups of the mini marshmallows. Stir gently until they begin to melt but still maintain some shape – this creates that perfect marshmallow swirl throughout the bars.

Step 6: Fold in the rice cereal using a folding motion rather than stirring vigorously. Make sure every piece gets coated with the butterscotch mixture but be gentle to avoid crushing the cereal.

Step 7: When the mixture is almost completely combined, fold in the remaining 1 cup of mini marshmallows. These should stay mostly intact, creating pockets of marshmallow goodness in your finished Butterscotch Marshmallow Bars.

Step 8: Transfer the mixture to your prepared pan and gently spread it into an even layer. Use a piece of parchment paper or greased hands to lightly press it down, but don’t compact it too firmly.

Step 9: Allow the bars to set completely at room temperature for about 1-2 hours, or speed up the process by refrigerating for 30-45 minutes until firm.

Step 10: Once set, lift the entire slab out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang, and cut into squares or rectangles with a sharp knife. For cleaner cuts, wipe the knife with a damp cloth between slices.

Variations

Chocolate Butterscotch Swirl Bars: Create an indulgent variation by replacing half the butterscotch chips with semi-sweet chocolate chips. This creates a marbled effect in your Butterscotch Marshmallow Bars and introduces a chocolate-caramel flavor profile that’s absolutely divine. You can also drizzle melted chocolate over the top of the set bars for an extra decadent touch.

Salted Butterscotch Marshmallow Bars: For those who love the sweet-and-salty combination, sprinkle flaky sea salt over the top of the bars before they set. The salt enhances the butterscotch flavor and creates a sophisticated flavor contrast that elevates these simple treats. Consider also adding a handful of salted peanuts or pretzels to the mixture for additional crunch and saltiness.

Fruity Butterscotch Bars: Add 1/2 cup of dried cranberries or chopped dried apricots to introduce a tangy fruit element that cuts through the sweetness of the butterscotch. This variation adds beautiful color, texture, and a welcome contrast to the rich marshmallow butterscotch mixture.

Storage and Serving

These Butterscotch Marshmallow Bars stay fresh when stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. Place parchment paper between layers if stacking to prevent sticking. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week – though they rarely last that long! While freezing is possible for up to 2 months (wrapped tightly in plastic and placed in a freezer bag), the texture is best when enjoyed fresh.

For serving, try warming the bars slightly (about 5-10 seconds in the microwave) for a gooey, just-made experience. These treats pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert. For an elevated presentation, cut them into small squares and arrange on a platter with fresh berries for contrast. They also make an excellent accompaniment to afternoon coffee or tea, especially when cut into finger-sized portions perfect for dipping.

FAQs

Why did my butterscotch chips seize or become grainy?
Butterscotch chips are sensitive to heat and moisture. Always melt them slowly over low heat and make sure your utensils are completely dry. If they do seize, try adding 1-2 teaspoons of vegetable oil and stirring gently.

Can I use regular marshmallows instead of mini marshmallows?
Yes, but you’ll need to chop them into smaller pieces. Mini marshmallows melt more evenly and create a better distribution throughout the Butterscotch Marshmallow Bars.

My bars turned out too hard. What went wrong?
You likely pressed the mixture too firmly into the pan or cooked the butterscotch mixture at too high a temperature. Remember to press gently and use low, controlled heat for melting.

Can I make these without peanut butter for allergies?
Absolutely! Simply omit the peanut butter or substitute with sunflower seed butter or cookie butter for a different but equally delicious flavor.

How far in advance can I make these for a party?
These bars are best made 1-2 days in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature, and they’ll stay perfectly chewy and delicious for your event.

Conclusion

These Butterscotch Marshmallow Bars are comfort food at its finest — a perfect blend of nostalgic flavors wrapped up in an effortlessly simple no-bake treat. The combination of crunchy cereal, velvety butterscotch, and soft marshmallows creates an irresistible texture that keeps you coming back for just one more piece. It’s the kind of dish that brings both children and adults to the dessert table with equal enthusiasm, making memories while satisfying sweet cravings. Whether for school lunches, holiday cookie platters, or just because it’s Tuesday, these bars deliver homemade happiness in every bite.

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