There’s a certain joy that comes from whipping up a treat that can transport you back to carefree childhood days. Just the thought of Confetti Squares—Peanut Butter Marshmallow Squares—brings a smile to my face, evoking memories of family gatherings and lazy summer afternoons. The combination of gooey peanut butter, rich butterscotch, and vibrant rainbow marshmallows creates a delightful contrast that’s simply irresistible.
In a world filled with fast food and convenience meals, this recipe offers a refreshing escape that champions homemade goodness. It’s incredibly easy to pull together, making it the perfect choice for busy weeknights or last-minute potlucks. With just a handful of ingredients and a little patience while they chill, you can create a crowd-pleaser that’s not only visually stunning but tastefully rewarding. Imagine serving these delicious squares at your next gathering and watching everyone’s faces light up with joy! Let’s dive into this wonderfully simple recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your home.
Why love Confetti Squares so much?
Irresistible, the sweet and nutty blend of peanut butter and butterscotch makes every bite an explosion of flavor. Effortless preparation means you can whip these up in no time, perfect for those unexpected gatherings. Colorful marshmallows create a festive touch, capturing everyone’s attention. Versatile treat—great for parties, movie nights, or just a sweet indulgence. Joyful nostalgia transports you back to simpler days, making them a beloved addition to any dessert table. These squares are a must-try for any homemade food lover!
Confetti Squares Ingredients
For the Base
• Unsalted butter – 1/4 cup for a rich, creamy texture that binds everything together.
• Peanut butter – 1 cup that brings the star flavor; use creamy for smooth squares or crunchy for added texture.
• Butterscotch chips – 300 g for a sweet touch that pairs perfectly with the peanut butter; feel free to substitute with chocolate chips for a different flavor twist.
For the Marshmallow Layer
• Rainbow marshmallows – 4-5 cups, adding a pop of color and festive flair to your Confetti Squares; mini marshmallows can be used if you prefer a softer blend.
How to Make Confetti Squares
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Prepare the Pan: Line an 8×8 or 9×9 inch pan with aluminum foil and lightly grease it. This step ensures that your Confetti Squares come out easily and maintain their shape.
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Melt Together: In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the unsalted butter, peanut butter, and butterscotch chips together. Stir occasionally until the mixture is smooth and glossy, creating a beautiful blend.
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Cool the Mixture: Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the mixture to cool to room temperature. This is an important step because you want the right texture before adding the marshmallows.
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Mix in the Marshmallows: Stir in the rainbow marshmallows gently once the mixture is cool. Ensure they are evenly coated with the delicious peanut butter and butterscotch base for maximum flavor in every square.
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Set the Treats: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Place the pan in the fridge to harden for about 1-2 hours, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully together.
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Slice and Enjoy: Once set, remove the squares from the pan using the foil edges, slice them into neat squares, and serve! The fun and colorful Confetti Squares are ready to delight everyone!
Optional: Serve with a drizzle of chocolate syrup for an extra sweet treat.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Confetti Squares – Peanut Butter Marshmallow Squares are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts looking to save time during busy days! You can prepare the peanut butter and butterscotch base up to 24 hours in advance, refrigerating it tightly covered to maintain freshness. Additionally, you can mix in the marshmallows the night before serving, but avoid doing this too early to prevent them from becoming too soft. When ready to serve, simply spread the mixture into the prepared pan and allow it to set in the fridge for 1-2 hours before slicing. With these make ahead options, you can create delightful treats that are just as delicious and ready to impress at your next gathering!
What to Serve with Confetti Squares?
Imagine a table full of delightful accompaniments to enhance your sweet treat experience.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing that adds a creamy contrast to the chewy squares, creating a perfect bite. Serve it alongside for a delightful indulgence.
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Chocolate Drizzle: A rich chocolate sauce drizzled over the top elevates the sweetness and adds an elegant touch that’s hard to resist.
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Fresh Berries: Juicy strawberries or blueberries provide a refreshing burst of flavor that cuts through the sweetness perfectly, balancing each bite.
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Nutty Snack Mix: A crunchy mix of nuts and pretzels brings texture and a hint of saltiness, making each square feel even more indulgent.
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Milkshake: A creamy peanut butter-flavored milkshake pairs beautifully, echoing the flavors in the squares while being wonderfully refreshing.
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Hot Chocolate: A warm cup of hot chocolate offers cozy richness, the perfect way to enjoy Confetti Squares during chilly evenings.
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Coffee or Espresso: The bold flavors of coffee or espresso act as a delightful contrast, enhancing the buttery sweetness of the squares and making it a true treat experience.
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Fruit Salad: A vibrant, zesty fruit salad introduces a fresh element to the dessert table, brightening up the overall flavors and adding a healthful flair.
Expert Tips for Confetti Squares
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Ingredient Quality: Use high-quality peanut butter and butterscotch chips for the best flavor. Substituting with natural nut butters can alter the texture slightly but adds a wholesome twist.
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Cooling is Key: Ensure the melted mixture cools completely before adding marshmallows. This prevents them from melting into a gooey mess, ensuring your Confetti Squares hold their shape.
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Grease the Pan: Don’t skip greasing the foil-lined pan to avoid sticking. A light coat of cooking spray or butter will help you easily lift out the squares.
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Chill Time Matters: Allow the squares to chill for at least 1-2 hours. This crucial step helps them set properly, ensuring a firm yet chewy texture when you slice them.
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Cutting Technique: For clean slices, use a sharp knife and warm it slightly under hot water before cutting. This helps prevent the squares from crumbling apart, creating perfect Confetti Squares every time.
Confetti Squares Variations
Add your personal touch to these delightful treats with a few simple swaps and enhancements!
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Nut-Free: Substitute peanut butter with sun butter or almond butter for a nut-free alternative that doesn’t skimp on flavor. It brings a unique twist while catering to allergies.
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Vegan-Friendly: Use coconut oil instead of butter and dairy-free butterscotch chips for a fully plant-based option. This way, everyone can indulge without compromise.
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Flavor Variations: Swap butterscotch chips for chocolate chips or caramel chips. Each option creates a new flavor adventure with just a simple change of ingredients.
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Add Spices: Incorporate a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of vanilla extract to enhance the flavor profile, bringing warmth and depth to your Confetti Squares. These subtle twists can truly elevate your treats.
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Texture Boost: Add chopped nuts or crispy rice cereal into the marshmallow layer for extra crunch. This not only adds a delightful contrast in textures but also makes them even more satisfying!
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Fruity Addition: Toss in some mini chocolate-covered raisins or dried cranberries along with the marshmallows for a pop of fruity goodness. They can add a wonderful surprise in every bite!
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Increase the Heat: For a unique touch, mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños for a sweet and spicy kick. It’s a bold twist that adventurous eaters will love!
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Layered Squares: Create a layered effect by adding a chocolate ganache on top before chilling. This extra step can turn your Confetti Squares into a rich and indulgent dessert.
Every tweak offers a fresh spin on this classic recipe, inviting you to explore various flavors while creating cherished memories!
How to Store and Freeze Confetti Squares
Room Temperature: Store leftover Confetti Squares in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days; this keeps them chewy and delicious.
Fridge: For extended freshness, keep the squares in the fridge for up to 1 week. Make sure they’re in a sealed container to prevent them from absorbing fridge odors.
Freezer: If you want to enjoy these treats later, freeze the squares for up to 2 months. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
Reheating: To enjoy frozen Confetti Squares, thaw them overnight in the fridge and allow them to come to room temperature before serving, preserving their delightful texture.
Confetti Squares – Peanut Butter Marshmallow Squares Recipe FAQs
How do I select the right marshmallows for my Confetti Squares?
When choosing marshmallows, opt for fresh, brightly colored rainbow marshmallows without any dark spots or a hard shell. They should feel soft and squishy to the touch. This ensures that they incorporate nicely into the mixture, contributing to the fun texture and festive look of your Confetti Squares.
What is the best way to store leftover Confetti Squares?
For room temperature storage, place any leftover Confetti Squares in an airtight container, where they can stay fresh for up to 3 days. If you’d like them to last longer, stow them in the fridge in a sealed container to maintain their chewiness, where they can stay good for up to 1 week. Just be cautious of fridge odors!
Can I freeze my Confetti Squares? How?
Absolutely! Freezing these delightful treats is a breeze. Cut your Confetti Squares into individual pieces, then wrap each one in plastic wrap. Place them in a freezer-safe bag labeled with the date. They will maintain their flavor and texture for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to indulge again, simply thaw them overnight in the fridge and let them reach room temperature before serving.
What should I do if my mixture becomes too thick to stir?
If your mixture thickens once it cools before adding the marshmallows, simply reheat it gently over low heat. Stir constantly until it loosens a bit; aim for a smooth, pourable consistency. This ensures the marshmallows will coat evenly, resulting in delightful Confetti Squares!
Are there any dietary considerations for pets or allergies?
When making Confetti Squares, be mindful of peanut allergies as the recipe contains peanut butter. Additionally, the recipe includes butterscotch chips, which may contain allergens like dairy or gluten. These treats should not be shared with pets, especially dogs, as chocolate and sweet ingredients can be harmful to them. Always check labels for specific allergies!
Can I customize my Confetti Squares with different ingredients?
Absolutely, the more the merrier! You can substitute butterscotch chips for chocolate chips for a different flavor twist, or use your favorite nut butter instead of peanut butter for a unique variation. Just keep in mind that it might change the texture and taste slightly, but experimentation is part of the fun in the kitchen!
Indulge in Confetti Squares – Peanut Butter Marshmallow Bliss
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Line an 8x8 or 9x9 inch pan with aluminum foil and lightly grease it.
- In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the unsalted butter, peanut butter, and butterscotch chips together.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the mixture to cool to room temperature.
- Stir in the rainbow marshmallows gently once the mixture is cool.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Chill for 1-2 hours.
- Remove the squares from the pan, slice into neat squares, and serve.
