Stack of 3 salted peanut chew bars on a white plate.

Usually all it takes is me seeing the words “peanut” or “peanut butter” in a recipe title to get me to save it immediately. And sometimes it takes even less time for me to get my butt in the kitchen and whip it up. For some reason, however, these beauties slipped through the cracks. Part of it is probably due to my habit of saving recipes in multiple locations – doggy-eared magazines, binders with clipped recipes, Google Reader, regular ol’ bookmarks, and who knows where else. I don’t remember when I saved this recipe, but I was doing a purge of my bookmarks last week when it jumped out at me. A cookie bar topped with marshmallows and then a layer of goodness that can only be described as a cross between a Rice Krispy treat, peanut brittle and peanut caramel. So in essence, only the most fabulous things ever!

One salted peanut chew bar on a white plate.

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This is a pretty easy recipe to throw together, with positively amazing results! The one caution I have is that when you make the peanut topping, you really need to work a bit quickly. It’s key to only heat the mixture until the chips are melted and everything is smooth; if you overcook the mixture it will start to thicken and harden (much like caramel). So, cook only until everything is melted, and then move swiftly with getting it smoothed out on top of the marshmallows.

Then pop it in the fridge and try to restrain yourself for about 45 minutes while it chills and sets. All of that willpower will be worth it, though, when you have a whole pan of these babies sitting in front of you. Totally delicious and addicting – consider yourself warned!

Stack of 3 salted peanut chew bars on a white plate.

One year ago: Easy Vanilla Bean Buttercream

Stack of 3 salted peanut chew bars on a white plate.

Salted Peanut Chews

Yield: 36 bars
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Chilling time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Sweet and salty snack bars
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Ingredients

For the Base:

  • 1½ cups (187.5 g) all-purpose flour
  • ⅔ cup (146.67 g) light brown sugar
  • ½ teaspoon (0.5 teaspoon) baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon (0.5 teaspoon) salt
  • ¼ teaspoon (0.25 teaspoon) baking soda
  • ½ cup (113.5 g) unsalted butter, at room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 egg yolks
  • 3 cups (225 g) miniature marshmallows

For the Topping:

  • ⅔ cup (227.33 ml) light corn syrup
  • ¼ cup (56.75 g) unsalted butter
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 10 ounces (283.5 g) peanut butter chips , (1-2/3 cups)
  • 2 cups (37.33 g) crisp rice cereal
  • 2 cups (292 g) salted peanuts

Instructions 

  • 1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. In a large bowl, beat all the base ingredients except the marshmallows with an electric mixer on low speed until crumbly. Press the mixture firmly in the bottom of an ungreased 9x13-inch pan.
  • 2. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until light golden brown. Immediately sprinkle marshmallows over the base. Base 1 to 2 minutes longer or until marshmallows just begin to puff. Cool while preparing topping.
  • 3. In a 3-quart saucepan, mix all topping ingredients except cereal and peanuts. Heat over low heat, stirring constantly, just until the chips are melted and mixture is smooth. Remove from heat. Stir in the cereal and peanuts. Immediately spoon the warm topping over marshmallows; spread to cover. Refrigerate until firm, about 45 minutes. Cut into 36 bars. Store in an airtight container at room temperature.
Calories: 196kcal, Carbohydrates: 22g, Protein: 4g, Fat: 10g, Saturated Fat: 5g, Cholesterol: 22mg, Sodium: 100mg, Potassium: 81mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 14g, Vitamin A: 135IU, Calcium: 18mg, Iron: 0.7mg

Did you make this recipe?

Leave a review below, then snap a picture and tag @thebrowneyedbaker on Instagram so I can see it!

Author: Michelle Lettrich
Course: Snack
Cuisine: American