7 Magic Confetti Squares Peanut Butter Marshmallow Squares

You know those treats from childhood that just instantly transport you back to birthday parties and sleepovers? That’s exactly what these squares are for me! If you are staring down an empty pantry but an overwhelming need for something sweet, sticky, and totally nostalgic, stop whatever you’re doing and make these Confetti Squares Peanut Butter Marshmallow Squares. Seriously, they are magic.

The best part? There is absolutely zero oven time required! We are talking about a quick mix of creamy peanut butter and crispy cereal, held together with fluffy, melted marshmallow goodness, and then just showered with rainbow sprinkles. They are chewy, they are perfectly salty-sweet, and everyone begs me for the recipe. If you need a fast, crowd-pleasing dessert that requires about fifteen minutes of active work, this is your new go-to recipe. Trust me on this one.

Why You Will Love These Confetti Squares Peanut Butter Marshmallow Squares

Honestly, trying to resist these things once they set up is the hardest part of the whole process. They truly tick every box for a perfect quick dessert. If you are staring down an empty pantry but an overwhelming need for something sweet, sticky, and totally nostalgic, stop whatever you’re doing and make these Confetti Squares Peanut Butter Marshmallow Squares. Seriously, they are magic.

The best part? There is absolutely zero oven time required! We are talking about a quick mix of creamy peanut butter and crispy cereal, held together with fluffy, melted marshmallow goodness, and then just showered with rainbow sprinkles. They are chewy, they are perfectly salty-sweet, and everyone begs me for the recipe. If you need a fast, crowd-pleasing dessert that requires about fifteen minutes of active work, this is your new go-to recipe. Trust me on this one.

• They are completely no-bake! We skip the oven entirely, which means instant gratification on a hot day.
• The combination of salty peanut butter mixed with sweet, gooey marshmallow is completely addictive.
• You get that delightful crunch from the crisp rice cereal underneath all that chewiness.
• The rainbow sprinkles make every single one of your Confetti Squares Peanut Butter Marshmallow Squares look ready for a party.
• The entire process, from mixing to pan pressing, takes less than 20 minutes of active time.
• They travel beautifully because they hold their shape so well once chilled.

If you are ever looking for amazing no-bake options that beat out any complicated baked good, you have to try these. They are right up there with my favorites, like our easy no-bake cheesecake recipes—super simple but huge on flavor.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Confetti Squares Peanut Butter Marshmallow Squares

When you are making a no-bake treat, the ingredients really have to shine because there’s no baking process to mask anything, right? Luckily, this recipe uses pantry staples that create pure deliciousness. Don’t try to sneak in low-fat versions of anything here; we want the full flavor impact!

For the foundation layer, you absolutely need one cup of butter, softened—this has to be soft, not melted! Then we mix in one full cup of creamy peanut butter, which keeps that base smooth. Next comes two cups of confectioners’ sugar and one teaspoon of vanilla extract. Yes, powdered sugar, not granulated!

For the bulk, you’ll need six cups of crisp rice cereal. For the gooey magic part, grab one 10-ounce package of miniature marshmallows and a half cup of milk. The topping needs a quarter cup of butter, one cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips, and the grand finale: a full cup of those beautiful, colorful rainbow sprinkles.

It’s a simple list, and if you bring your ingredients together like this, you’ll be seconds away from the perfect batch. If you’ve ever made my amazing caramel apple pie, you know I love a recipe that uses basic pantry items to create something spectacular!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Confetti Squares Peanut Butter Marshmallow Squares

I always get asked if you can change things up in these no-bake recipes, and the answer is usually yes, but you have to know what you’re giving up! Since these bars rely on that specific balance between salty creaminess and the snap of the cereal, we need to be careful.

Switching from Creamy to Crunchy Peanut Butter

The recipe calls for creamy peanut butter because we want that smooth, cohesive layer holding everything together. However, if you are someone who just *needs* that crunch, you totally can substitute it! Just know that using crunchy peanut butter in the peanut butter base will introduce more texture variations in that first layer.

It’s a great way to change things up if you want a little extra textural surprise in the bottom half of your bar. My sister does this every time she makes them. Just make sure you still use the full cup of peanut butter measurement because the oil content helps bind everything together just as well.

My Expert Tip for Perfect Cereal Coverage

Regarding the crisp rice cereal—don’t just dump it in! I always recommend gently folding it in with a rubber spatula until you can see just a few dry patches remaining in the cereal mixture. Why? Because if you overmix, you crush those delicate little rice bubbles, and then you end up with cereal dust instead of crispy squares!

We want that crunch! Stirring gently ensures the cereal stays intact. It’s the same principle as when you are gently folding flour into a cake batter, only here we are protecting our beloved rice puffs. If you want more ideas on how to use simple pantry items, check out my guide on making rich chocolate oat milk—again, using simple ingredients for a massive flavor payoff!

Sprinkles That Stick

This is a crucial detail for presentation. When you add your chocolate topping, you want to sprinkle the rainbow bits on *immediately* while the chocolate is still warm and wet. If the chocolate cools even slightly, the sprinkles won’t grab hold and will just slide right off when you go to cut or serve them.

Also, I prefer using the standard jimmies (the long, thin ones) over the little round nonpareils. The jimmies hold their color better through the setting process and you get that wonderful confetti look without the tiny balls rolling away everywhere. It’s a small detail, but it makes your final presentation look professional!

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Confetti Squares Peanut Butter Marshmallow Squares

Okay, this is where the magic happens, and I promise it’s so much easier than you think! Since this is a no-bake recipe, speed is key in a couple of spots, especially when you are working with those melted marshmallows. You’ve got this! I always put on some upbeat music while I do this part. It helps keep the energy up!

We are building this in layers, kind of like a little edible construction project. Make sure your pan is ready to go *before* you start mixing the hot stuff. You don’t want anything sitting around getting hard on you! If you need inspiration for quick meals while these bars set, you should check out my recipe for ultimate easy croissant breakfast sandwiches—prep is everything!

Preparing the Pan and Peanut Butter Base for Confetti Squares Peanut Butter Marshmallow Squares

First things first: grab your 9×13 inch pan and line it with parchment paper, making absolutely sure you leave an overhang on the sides. This overhang is your handle later, so don’t skip it! In a big bowl, cream together that softened butter, the creamy peanut butter, confectioners’ sugar, and that vanilla extract until it’s totally smooth. Now, gently stir in all six cups of your crisp rice cereal until every bit is coated in that peanut butter mixture. Press it down firmly into your prepared pan using the back of a sturdy spoon or a sheet of wax paper.

Melting Marshmallows and Creating the Chocolate Topping

Time for the sticky stuff! In a medium saucepan, melt that quarter cup of butter over very low heat—we do not want scorching here, ever. Toss in the entire bag of miniature marshmallows along with the milk. You must stir this constantly until everything melts into one glossy, smooth mixture. Once it is perfectly smooth, take it *off* the heat immediately. Stir in those chocolate chips until they melt right into the marshmallow goo.

Assembly and Setting the Confetti Squares Peanut Butter Marshmallow Squares

Pour that gorgeous chocolatey marshmallow mixture right over your peanut butter cereal base. Work fast! While it’s still wet, sprinkle your rainbow sprinkles heavily and evenly over the top. Lightly press them down using a clean piece of wax paper so they really adhere nicely to the chocolate. Let these Confetti Squares Peanut Butter Marshmallow Squares set up for about two hours at room temperature, or you can speed things up by chilling them for just one hour. Once firm, use those trusty parchment overhangs to lift the whole slab out, and then cut them into your squares!

Tips for Success with Your Confetti Squares Peanut Butter Marshmallow Squares

Even though these are super easy, there are just a couple of little kitchen tricks that will take your squares from ‘good’ to ‘absolutely legendary.’ Since these bars are all about texture and stickiness, we have to treat them with a little extra love right at the end, especially when it comes to cutting them neatly.

My absolute top tip, which I learned the hard way after accidentally gluing my cutting board to the counter once, is managing the stick factor when you press the topping. When you pour the warm chocolate mixture over the base, don’t use your hands or a regular spatula to press the sprinkles down.

Instead, I always cut a square of wax paper that’s slightly bigger than the pan, spray the bottom *lightly* with non-stick spray (or rub it with a tiny bit of oil), and use that to gently flatten the chocolate and cement those sprinkles in place. It stops the topping from sticking to whatever tool you use, giving you a smooth surface and keeping your tools magically clean. This prevents sticking better than anything!

The Clean Cut Secret

You mentioned chilling them in the notes, and I want to drill down on that! You *must* chill these puppies thoroughly before cutting if you want those picture-perfect squares—especially if you used creamy peanut butter. If you try to cut them when they are only room-temperature soft, the marshmallow layer will just stretch and pull the whole thing apart.

Once they are totally firm from the fridge, run your sharp knife under hot water, wipe it completely dry, and then make your cut. The heat helps the blade glide right through the chocolate and the marshmallow without dragging. Wipe the knife clean between every single cut if you want those beautiful, sharp edges. It’s the difference between a clumsy slice and a perfect serving square!

Keep That Marshmallow Fluff Bright

When you melt the marshmallows with the butter and milk, keep that heat truly low. If you use medium or medium-high heat, you risk scorching the bottom layer of the marshmallows before the top even gets gooey. Burnt marshmallow tastes bitter, and honestly, it changes the texture to something grainy instead of airy and light.

Stir constantly so that residual heat is distributed evenly. If you’re new to this, you can even do the melting process over a double boiler, though I rarely bother anymore. Since these are no-bake, the heat application is the only ‘cooking’ involved, so take your time! This attention to the heat source is what keeps the flavor pure. If you’re ever thinking about making easy snacks, these are a great starting point, much like how simple these twice-baked potato bites are—simple technique equals big flavor!

Storage and Leftover Handling for Confetti Squares Peanut Butter Marshmallow Squares

You’ll definitely want to save some of these—if you can manage to have any leftovers, that is! Because these are no-bake and loaded with all that wonderful butter and peanut butter, they do quite well stored at room temperature, which is fantastic news for serving ease.

The best way to keep them fresh is an airtight container. If you stack them, you have to put a layer of parchment paper or wax paper between each slab. This stops the sticky chocolate and marshmallow topping from grabbing onto the square underneath it. Trust me, you do not want to try peeling layers stuck together in the middle of the night!

If your kitchen tends to run warm, say, above 72 degrees, or if it’s super humid, I actually recommend popping them into the fridge. Chilling them firms everything up nicely, which actually reminds me of the texture when they are fresh out of the cooler. They will last about three to four days this way. Don’t leave them out for more than a day if your house is warm, especially in the summer.

They freeze like a dream, too, if you need to make a huge batch for a bake sale or a big event. Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap first, then tuck them all into a freezer-safe bag. They keep beautifully for about a month in the freezer. When you get a craving, just pull one or two out and let them thaw on the counter for about 20 minutes. They taste practically homemade! If you are looking for other simple make-ahead recipes, you absolutely must check out my recipe for irresistible sweet and sour sauce—great for making ahead!

Serving Suggestions for Your Delicious Confetti Squares Peanut Butter Marshmallow Squares

Now that you have these incredible, colorful squares, what should you serve them with? Honestly, they are perfect all on their own, especially if you need a quick sugar rush! But if you are setting up a dessert table or just drinking a big glass of milk, here are my favorite ways to enjoy them.

First and foremost, you cannot beat a tall, cold glass of icy milk. The cool creaminess cuts right through the intense sweetness of the marshmallow and the saltiness of the peanut butter. It’s the ultimate nostalgic pairing, just like we ate them as kids.

If you are serving these in the afternoon, a strong, hot cup of coffee is my go-to pairing. I find that the slight bitterness of the coffee balances the heavy sweetness of the chocolate and marshmallow topping beautifully. You get that nice salty-sweet-bitter trifecta happening, and it’s amazing.

For a fun, slightly cooler beverage option, especially if you’re serving these in the summer, try mixing up a big pitcher of classic Arnold Palmers. That blend of tart lemonade and iced tea is refreshing enough not to clash with the richness of the bars. It’s light, refreshing, and makes eating something this dense feel a little less heavy. Enjoy them slowly—or don’t, I won’t tell anybody!

Frequently Asked Questions About Confetti Squares Peanut Butter Marshmallow Squares

I know when you go to make a recipe like this, you always have a few little questions rattling around in your brain. These are so simple, but a quick tip here or there can make the difference between an okay batch and the absolute best batch of Confetti Squares Peanut Butter Marshmallow Squares you’ve ever made! Here are the ones I get asked the most about these delightful treats.

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy in this Confetti Squares Peanut Butter Marshmallow Squares recipe?

Oh yes, you totally can! If you prefer that extra texture, go for creamy peanut butter. The recipe calls for creamy simply because it helps that base layer set up as smoothly as possible, almost like a soft fudge. When you switch to crunchy, you’re going to get little peanut chunks throughout the base layer. It won’t hurt anything—it just makes your bottom layer a little less uniform and a lot more textured. I think it’s delicious either way, so feel free to swap based on what jar is open in your cupboard!

How long do these no-bake peanut butter marshmallow squares stay fresh?

Because we aren’t baking anything, the freshness mostly depends on what the atmosphere is like and how well you seal them up. When stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, these marshmallow cereal bars are wonderful for about three to four days. If your kitchen is super warm, though, I always recommend popping them in the fridge in that airtight container to keep the chocolate topping nice and firm.

What is the best way to cut clean squares from the marshmallow cereal bars?

This is the key to professional-looking squares! You simply must chill them completely first—at least an hour in the fridge, or until the marshmallow layer feels rock-solid. Do not try to cut these warm! Once they are firm, take your sharp knife and run it under very hot water for about 30 seconds. Wipe the knife completely dry, and then press down firmly to cut one line. Wipe the knife hot and dry again before cutting the next line.

That hot, clean blade glides right through the sticky chocolate and marshmallow without pulling or dragging. It makes all the difference for presentation! While you are looking for other easy snack ideas, have you ever tried my recipe for homemade croutons? So simple, yet so much better than store-bought!

Estimated Nutritional Data for Confetti Squares Peanut Butter Marshmallow Squares

Since these bars are rich with peanut butter, chocolate, and marshmallows, they are definitely an indulgence, not a diet food! But it’s good to know what you’re working with when you reach for a second piece. Remember, this is just an estimate based on my ingredient ratios, so your exact numbers might vary a little bit depending on the brands you buy.

Please keep in mind that this data is calculated for one single square serving, assuming you cut the batch into 24 pieces, just like I recommend. If you cut them smaller, obviously the nutrition per piece goes down! These figures reflect the total richness of the peanut butter base combined with the sweet, gooey topping of the marshmallow cereal bars.

Take a peek at the breakdown below. If you’re looking for lighter fare after indulging in these, you might want to check out my guide on 10 healthy dinner recipes for weight loss—it’s a nice palate cleanser!

• Serving Size: 1 square
• Calories: About 250 per square
• Fat: Around 14g (with 7g being saturated fat from butter and chocolate)
• Carbohydrates: Approximately 30g
• Sugar: High amount at 25g, thanks to the marshmallows, chocolate, and confectioners’ sugar!
• Protein: A nice little boost of 5g, thanks to that peanut butter base.

They aren’t low-fat, but wow, are they loaded with flavor. Just enjoy one (or two!) with a big glass of milk and forget the tracking for the day. That’s my philosophy!

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