Are you ever hit with that desperate craving where you need sweet, salty, and chewy all at once? Me too! That’s exactly how this Peanut Butter Marshmallow Popcorn recipe was born. I was deep into a late-night photography session, needing energy fast, and I just grabbed what was handy. Creamy peanut butter, gooey marshmallows, and plain popcorn became this incredible, glossy, silky treat.
Trust me, this isn’t your average popcorn ball. It sets up into perfect bars that are messy in the best way possible. What started as a happy accident has become my go-to, no-bake snack. The way that peanut butter coating catches the light is just magic, and you can whip them up faster than you can decide what to watch!
Why This Peanut Butter Marshmallow Popcorn Recipe is a Must-Try
If you need a snack that delivers maximum flavor for minimal effort, this is it. Seriously, you can’t beat getting that perfect sweet-and-salty combo without turning on the oven. This Peanut Butter Marshmallow Popcorn is truly a lifesaver when the munchies strike.
We love serving these because they hit all the right notes:
- It’s completely no-bake—no fuss, no burnt sugar worries!
- It’s crazy fast; we’re talking about 20 minutes of active time.
- They are wonderfully kid-friendly. If your kids like getting messy, they’ll love helping coat the popcorn. You can check out more quick snacks like this over here: easy snacks for kids.
Gathering Your Ingredients for Perfect Peanut Butter Marshmallow Popcorn
Okay, the beauty of this recipe is how few things you actually need. You probably have most of this sitting in your pantry already! But when you make Peanut Butter Marshmallow Popcorn, the ingredients are everything. They have to be good quality because there’s nowhere for them to hide when they’re not baked, right?
I’m very specific about the peanut butter here—we’re using Peter Pan Simply Ground. That creamy texture is what gives us that super glossy, pourable coating. Don’t substitute cheap stuff, or you might end up with a grainy mess!
Essential Components for Peanut Butter Marshmallow Popcorn
Grab your measuring cups, folks, because precision matters when you’re working with marshmallows. Here is the shopping list for the best batch:
- 56.75 grams salted butter (Don’t skip the salt; it balances the sugar!)
- 283.5 grams bag marshmallows (Go classic white here.)
- 193.5 grams Peter Pan Simply Ground peanut butter (Creamy is the way to go!)
- 132 grams plain popcorn (Air-popped is best, lightly salted is fine.)
- 90 grams semisweet chocolate chips (For that crucial final sprinkle.)
Step-by-Step Instructions for No-Bake Peanut Butter Marshmallow Popcorn Bars
This is where the magic happens, and honestly, it’s so fast! The total active time is less than 20 minutes, which beats running to the store any day. You’ll be setting these bars up before your favorite show even starts.
Preparing the Pan and Melting the Base
First things first, grab that 9×13-inch dish and just grease it up really well! Don’t skip this, or you’ll be crying later. Next, get your big, heavy-bottomed saucepan ready. We melt the salted butter over medium-low heat. See, we aren’t rushing things here. Once the butter is melted, toss in the marshmallows. Stir continuously until they are completely, totally melted into a smooth, glossy puddle. It should look like liquid silk.
Incorporating Peanut Butter and Popcorn for the Peanut Butter Marshmallow Popcorn
Now, take the pan off the heat for just a second. Add in that creamy peanut butter—all of it! You stir until it melts right into that marshmallow, making the mixture thick and rich. Don’t worry if it looks too thick; it won’t stay that way for long! Dump in all your plain popcorn and stir fast. You need to coat every single piece quickly before it starts setting up. Once it’s all mixed, you transfer that sticky goodness straight into your prepared pan. If you want to see another quick recipe where mixing is key, check out my no-bake Oreo balls!
Pressing and Setting the Bars
Now for the final assembly before the waiting game! Sprinkle those semisweet chocolate chips right over the top while the mixture is still scorching hot. They’ll start melting immediately, which is gorgeous. Here’s my big secret: Coat a spatula or even a wooden spoon with non-stick spray before you try to press it down. If you don’t spray it, the mixture will eat your spatula alive! Press the whole thing into an even single layer. Just let this sit peacefully on the counter at room temperature for about an hour until it’s firm enough to cut into perfect bars.
Tips for Success with Your Peanut Butter Marshmallow Popcorn
Getting that perfect, glossy coating on your Peanut Butter Marshmallow Popcorn is all about timing and temperature control. You want everything to melt smoothly, not scorch or crystallize on you. My number one tip is to use the marshmallows *right* out of the bag; don’t let them sit out getting warm and gummy beforehand.
Also, remember that heat is your friend for mixing, but your enemy for texture. Once the peanut butter is fully incorporated, you need to move lightning fast when stirring in the popcorn. If it gets too stiff in the pot, it means you’ve lost too much heat, and it will result in hard, clumpy bars instead of chewy ones.
Seriously, don’t skimp on that non-stick coating for your spatula when pressing down. If you miss spritzing it, you’ll never get the mixture out of the pan without tearing up your beautiful bars! A quick spray prevents all that frustration.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for This Popcorn Treat
Since this is a no-bake recipe, what you put in is exactly what you get out. There’s no oven to correct for bad ingredient choices, so let’s talk about swapping things out—or, more accurately, why you maybe shouldn’t!
I called for Peter Pan Simply Ground because it’s smooth and melts like a dream, but what if that’s all you have on hand? Creamy peanut butter is absolutely necessary for that signature glossy coating that pulls everything together. If you try to use crunchy peanut butter, you’ll end up with weird, salty little pebbles throughout your bar structure. It’s just not the same chewy texture we are aiming for.
Butter is another thing that folks ask about: Can I use oil? Can I use margarine? Look, you can, but you’re trading luxury for convenience. Butter brings a specific flavor and richness that oil just can’t mimic, especially in a simple recipe like this. If you must substitute the butter for a vegan option, use a high-quality stick vegan butter rather than a soft tub spread. You want that solid fat content to help everything bind when it cools down.
And please, use salted butter! If you only have unsalted, add about half a teaspoon of fine salt to the melted butter before stirring in the marshmallows. That little bit of salt is what keeps this snack from tasting like pure, cloying sugar.
Serving Suggestions for Peanut Butter Marshmallow Popcorn
These bars are fantastic right out of the pan, but if you’re bringing them to a party, you definitely want to dress them up a little. Think about slicing them into smaller, bite-sized squares instead of big bars—they go faster that way!
For a real visual pop, once they are set, try drizzling an extra zigzag of melted milk chocolate across the top. It makes these classic Peanut Butter Marshmallow Popcorn treats look incredibly professional. If you’re looking for other fun ways to serve things on sticks or skewers for big crowds, take a peek at my section on winter dessert pops!
They pair perfectly with something cold and slightly tart, like a glass of sparkling lemonade, to cut through all that rich sweetness.
Storage and Make-Ahead Options for Peanut Butter Marshmallow Popcorn
Good news! If you manage to hide any of this amazing Peanut Butter Marshmallow Popcorn from yourself or the kids, it stores beautifully. You absolutely do not need to chill these bars. That actually makes them too hard!
Just keep them tucked away in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay perfectly fresh and wonderfully chewy for up to four days. You can definitely make these ahead of time for a party, which is perfect since they take nearly an hour to set up anyway. They’re even better on day two!
Frequently Asked Questions About This Quick Snack
Since this recipe leans so heavily on just a few core items, sometimes people have questions about the process or how it fits into a busy schedule. I’ve tried to make these some of the easiest recipes with few ingredients you’ll ever tackle, but here are the most common things readers ask me!
Is this recipe really good for kids to help make?
Absolutely! This is one of my favorite kid-friendly snacks because the active cooking time is so short. Kids usually love melting the marshmallows and stirring in the popcorn—it’s just so satisfying and visually fun. The only part you need to handle yourself is the stovetop work, of course. Just make sure you have non-stick spray ready for when they start pressing the mixture into the pan!
I don’t have Peter Pan Simply Ground. What’s the absolute best easy substitute?
You can definitely use any other smooth, creamy peanut butter you have on hand—that’s the beauty of these quick snacks! Just avoid anything labeled “natural” or “oil-separated” unless you plan on stirring that oil back in thoroughly. We need that stable fat content to keep the coating glossy, not greasy. Most major brand creamy peanut butters work wonderfully as an easy substitute.
How do I keep these bars from becoming rock hard instead of chewy?
Oh, the dreaded rock-hard bar! This almost always happens if you overheat the marshmallows or let the popcorn sit in the marshmallow mixture for too long before pressing it into the pan. You want the mixture pourable but still incredibly soft when you press it. Also, I cannot stress this enough: Do not put them in the fridge to set! Room temperature is key for perfect chewiness. This saves you time from needing to cook anything, really!
My family needs quick, budget-friendly snacks. How cost-effective is this?
This is a really budget-friendly idea! Popcorn and marshmallows are two of the cheapest pantry staples you can buy, which helps a lot when you’re looking for quick, budget-friendly dinners or snacks. The biggest variable cost is the peanut butter, but since you’re using a measured amount rather than a whole jar, the cost per serving stays incredibly low. I actually have a whole section devoted to other quick and budget-friendly ideas if you’re looking to stock up on inspiration!
Estimated Nutrition for Peanut Butter Marshmallow Popcorn Bars
I know many of you are curious about the numbers. Because these Peanut Butter Marshmallow Popcorn Bars are no-bake and packed with goodness, they definitely hit the sweet spot for an indulgent treat. Keep in mind that the nutrition information I’m giving you here is only an estimate based on the specific ingredients I listed above.
We calculate this based on one perfectly sized bar. Things like your popping method or how large you cut the bars will change the final figures, so take it as a helpful guide!
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g (Saturated Fat: 5g)
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Protein: 5g
Share Your Peanut Butter Marshmallow Popcorn Creations
I absolutely love seeing your takes on this classic Peanut Butter Marshmallow Popcorn! When you make a batch, snap a picture and tag me, especially if you captured that amazing gooey stretch! Let me know in the comments how the texture turned out for you.
If you share online, please link back to Chef Ethan Miller at Sena Recipes—I appreciate you taking the time to bring this happy accident to your kitchen!
- Let’s connect: See what I’m cooking next!
Peanut Butter Marshmallow Popcorn Bars
- Total Time: 65 min
- Yield: Varies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A quick, no-bake snack combining sweet marshmallows, creamy peanut butter, and salty popcorn, cut into easy-to-eat bars.
Ingredients
- 56.75 g salted butter
- 283.5 g bag marshmallows
- 193.5 g Peter Pan Simply Ground peanut butter
- 132 g plain popcorn
- 90 g semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set it aside.
- Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium-low heat.
- Add the marshmallows and stir until they melt completely.
- Add the peanut butter and stir until it melts and mixes fully with the marshmallow.
- Add the popcorn and stir quickly to coat all pieces.
- Turn the popcorn mixture into the prepared pan.
- Sprinkle the chocolate chips over the top.
- Use a spatula or wooden spoon coated in non-stick spray to press the mixture into an even layer.
- Let the mixture sit at room temperature until set, about 1 hour.
- Cut the set mixture into bars and serve.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
- Coating your pressing tool with non-stick spray prevents sticking.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 5 min
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 35
- Sodium: 150
- Fat: 15
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Unsaturated Fat: 10
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 40
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 5
- Cholesterol: 10
Keywords: Peanut Butter Marshmallow Popcorn, Sweet Popcorn Recipe, No Bake Snacks, Movie Night Treats, Marshmallow Popcorn