If you’re in the mood for a treat that feels as festive as it is delicious, Chocolate Confetti Squares are a pure burst of joy in every bite! These no-bake bars combine creamy peanut butter, butterscotch chips, and a confetti of rainbow marshmallows to create dreamy layers of flavor and color. They’re the ultimate crowd-pleaser for family gatherings, classroom parties, or whenever you crave something sweet and fun. Simple to make and even easier to share, Chocolate Confetti Squares prove that sometimes the most magical desserts are also the easiest.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering just a few staple ingredients is all it takes to transform your kitchen into a dessert wonderland! Each element adds its own special magic — richness, creaminess, sweetness, and that unforgettable pop of color — ensuring your Chocolate Confetti Squares turn out perfectly every time.
- Unsalted Butter (1/2 cup): Adds rich flavor and help create that smooth, fudgy base for the bars.
- Peanut Butter (1 cup, smooth or crunchy): Gives the squares a creamy, nutty depth — use smooth for silky texture or crunchy for a bit more bite.
- Butterscotch Chips (1 11-oz bag): Melt into a sweet, toffee-like foundation that balances beautifully with the peanut butter.
- Mini Rainbow Marshmallows (1 10-oz bag): Bring pops of color and a chewy, pillowy texture that make every bite so much fun.
- Vanilla Extract (1/2 teaspoon): A splash of vanilla brings all the flavors together with warmth and a touch of softness.
- Pinch of Salt: Just a pinch sharpens and balances the sweetness, enhancing all the other flavors.
How to Make Chocolate Confetti Squares
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
Start by lining your 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving a bit of overhang on the sides. This little hack makes it so much easier to lift out and slice perfect squares later, and also keeps mess to a minimum.
Step 2: Melt and Mix the Base
In a large saucepan set over low heat, combine the butter, peanut butter, and butterscotch chips. Stir steadily until everything’s melted and you have a silky, unified mixture. This step is key for that melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Step 3: Flavor Boost
Remove your saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and a generous pinch of salt. These little touches round out the sweetness and bring depth to your Chocolate Confetti Squares. Let the mixture cool for 5–10 minutes, so it’s warm but definitely not hot — you don’t want to melt your marshmallows!
Step 4: Fold in Marshmallows
Gently add the mini rainbow marshmallows to the cooled mixture and fold until each marshmallow is glossy and well coated. Take it easy here to keep all those colorful bits intact and pretty.
Step 5: Press and Chill
Pour the marshmallow mixture into your prepared pan and gently press it into an even layer. Pop it into the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 2 hours, or until beautifully set and firm to the touch.
Step 6: Slice and Enjoy
Once the bars are set, use the parchment overhang to lift the block out of the pan. Slice into generous squares with a sharp knife and get ready for the best part — enjoying your homemade Chocolate Confetti Squares!
How to Serve Chocolate Confetti Squares
Garnishes
For an extra burst of pizzazz, top your Chocolate Confetti Squares with a handful of chopped nuts, a drizzle of melted chocolate, or a dusting of powdered sugar. Guests (and kids!) love a glossy chocolate drizzle or even a few extra mini marshmallows scattered on top for a playful finishing touch.
Side Dishes
Pair these sweet bars with a cold glass of milk, a creamy hot chocolate, or even a cup of bold coffee for grown-ups. If you’re planning them for a party platter, they look stunning next to fresh strawberries, grapes, or other colorful bite-size fruits that balance the sweetness beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack your Chocolate Confetti Squares in colorful cupcake liners for easy grab-and-go portions, or wrap each piece in wax paper and tie with twine for delightful lunchbox surprises and edible gifts. For special occasions, arrange them in a checkerboard pattern on a platter for a rainbow-themed dessert centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Chocolate Confetti Squares in an airtight container, either in the fridge for a firmer, more fudge-like texture, or at room temperature if you prefer them a bit softer and gooier. They’ll keep beautifully for up to one week if you can resist them that long!
Freezing
Chocolate Confetti Squares freeze wonderfully. Layer squares between sheets of parchment or wax paper and seal them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll last for up to three months — just thaw in the fridge or on the counter before serving.
Reheating
No reheating necessary for these sweet bars! If you love them extra soft, just let them sit out at room temperature for about 10 minutes after chilling or freezing, and they’ll be perfectly chewy and ready to devour.
FAQs
Can I use almond butter or another nut butter instead of peanut butter?
Absolutely! Almond butter, cashew butter, or even sunflower seed butter (for a nut-free option) all make fantastic swaps. Each will lend its own unique twist on flavor, so have fun experimenting.
Why do I need to let the mixture cool before adding the marshmallows?
Letting the mixture cool prevents the marshmallows from melting, which keeps their color and shape intact. This is what creates that iconic “confetti” appearance and gives the bars their fun texture.
What’s the best way to cut neat squares?
Use a large, sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts. If you want perfect edges, refrigerate the bars well and make sure they’re fully set before slicing.
Can I make Chocolate Confetti Squares ahead of time?
Yes, they’re perfect make-ahead treats! Assemble and refrigerate up to several days in advance. They actually slice more easily after chilling overnight.
Are Chocolate Confetti Squares gluten-free?
Yes, as long as your marshmallows, butterscotch chips, and peanut butter are certified gluten-free, this recipe contains no gluten-containing ingredients. Always double-check your packaging if you’re serving someone with allergies.
Final Thoughts
With their colorful charm, crowd-pleasing flavors, and easy prep, these Chocolate Confetti Squares are a dessert everyone needs in their recipe collection. Invite your favorite people into the kitchen, whip up a batch, and watch them disappear! You’ll love sharing (and snacking on) each joyful bite.
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Chocolate Confetti Squares Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 16 squares
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Chocolate Confetti Squares are a delightful no-bake dessert that combines the rich flavors of butterscotch, peanut butter, and mini rainbow marshmallows into a colorful and tasty treat.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup peanut butter (smooth or crunchy)
- 1 (11 oz) bag butterscotch chips
- 1 (10 oz) bag mini rainbow marshmallows
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- pinch of salt
Ingredients:
Instructions
- Line the Pan: Line an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
- Melt Ingredients: In a large saucepan over low heat, melt the butter, peanut butter, and butterscotch chips together, stirring constantly until smooth. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and salt.
- Add Marshmallows: Let the mixture cool for about 5–10 minutes, until it’s warm but not hot to the touch. Gently fold in the mini marshmallows until evenly coated.
- Set and Cut: Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and press down lightly into an even layer. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until set. Once firm, lift from the pan and cut into squares.
Notes
- For a nut-free version, substitute sunflower seed butter for the peanut butter.
- Store in the fridge for a firmer texture or at room temperature for a softer bite.
- These bars freeze well for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
