Fluffernutter Bars

Fluffernutter Bars: A Nostalgic Dessert with Sweet and Salty Charm

Fluffernutter Bars take the beloved childhood sandwich and elevate it into a rich, indulgent dessert. These soft, chewy peanut butter bars are topped with a fluffy marshmallow buttercream frosting and finished with a sprinkle of chopped peanuts for a satisfying crunch. Perfect for bake sales, parties, or simply treating yourself, these bars are easy to make with pantry staples and deliver that nostalgic flavor everyone loves.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

No Fancy Equipment: Just basic baking tools—no stand mixer required.
Simple Ingredients: You likely have everything you need in your pantry already.
Sweet and Salty Perfection: The creamy peanut butter base and marshmallow frosting create a balanced flavor profile.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Great for gatherings, bake sales, or potlucks.

I first whipped up these bars for my nephew’s birthday party, and they were the first dessert to disappear from the table. Now, they’re requested at every family gathering, especially during summer when we’re all reminiscing about childhood treats.

Ingredients

For the Base

¾ cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup brown sugar
½ cup granulated sugar
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
¾ cup creamy peanut butter (use a commercial brand like Jif or Skippy for best results)
½ teaspoon salt
1½ cups all-purpose flour

For the Frosting

½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 (7-ounce) container marshmallow fluff
2 cups powdered sugar
½ cup chopped peanuts (optional, for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Your Pan

Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Make the Peanut Butter Base

In a large bowl, mix the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
Add the eggs and vanilla extract, beating until fully incorporated.
Stir in the creamy peanut butter until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bars tender.

Bake

Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan, ensuring it reaches the corners. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the bars cool completely before frosting.

Prepare the Marshmallow Frosting

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and marshmallow fluff together with a hand mixer until light and airy (about 2–3 minutes).
Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing until smooth and fluffy.

Frost and Garnish

Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled bars. Sprinkle with chopped peanuts for added crunch and texture. For cleaner cuts, refrigerate the bars for 20 minutes before slicing.

Pro Tips

Use Room-Temperature Ingredients: This helps the butter and peanut butter blend smoothly.
Line Your Pan: Use parchment paper with overhanging edges for easy removal.
Toast the Peanuts: Toast chopped peanuts in a dry skillet for enhanced flavor before sprinkling them on top.
Neat Slices: Use a warm knife wiped clean between cuts for the best presentation.

Storage Tips

Room Temperature: Store the bars in an airtight container for up to 3 days. If stacking, place parchment paper between layers to prevent the frosting from sticking.
Freezing: Freeze the unfrosted bars for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature, then frost before serving. The marshmallow frosting doesn’t freeze well, so always add it fresh.

Fluffernutter History

The fluffernutter sandwich, a staple of American lunchboxes since the early 1900s, originated in New England where Marshmallow Fluff was invented. Massachusetts even celebrates “National Fluffernutter Day” every October. These bars honor that tradition, transforming the classic peanut butter and marshmallow pairing into a decadent dessert that’s just as fun and nostalgic.

Serving Suggestions

These bars are perfect as an after-school treat paired with a cold glass of milk. For a more indulgent dessert, warm a bar slightly and top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream—the contrast between the warm bar and cold ice cream is irresistible. They’re also ideal for bake sales or potlucks, as they transport well and can be cut into smaller portions to serve a crowd.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use crunchy peanut butter?
Yes, but creamy peanut butter gives the bars a smoother texture.

→ Do these bars need to be refrigerated?
No, they can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

→ Can I make them ahead of time?
Absolutely! Bake and frost them a day ahead for easy serving.

→ Can I freeze Fluffernutter Bars?
Yes, freeze the bars without frosting, then thaw and frost before serving.

→ What’s the best way to cut these bars cleanly?
Chill the bars slightly and use a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts.

Recipe Summary

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Fluffernutter Bars are soft peanut butter dessert bars topped with marshmallow buttercream and peanuts for a sweet, nostalgic treat.

These Fluffernutter Bars are the perfect combination of sweet and salty, soft and crunchy. Whether you’re hosting a party, baking for a sale, or just craving something fun and indulgent, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Give them a try and bring a little childhood magic to your dessert table!