What Are Marshmallow Squares?

Marshmallow squares are a dessert whose primary ingredient is marshmallows, but can also come in one of two types — crispy and non-crispy. There are usually only a few ingredients necessary for the basic recipe, but making different varieties requires adding one or more ingredients such as chocolate chips. The squares are typically neutral or dark in color because of the ingredients used, but there are several ways to brighten them up a bit. Those who adhere to certain dietary restrictions or preferences can alter the recipe according to their needs.

Some marshmallow squares are crispy, others are non-crispy, and using one ingredient means the difference between the two — crispy rice cereal such as Rice Krispies®. Non-crispy squares are more creamy due to the type of the ingredients used. For crispy squares, the crispy rice cereal is what adds the crispy, crunchy texture. Both types are easy to make; the ingredients are melted and blended together on the stove, then placed into a cake pan to coagulate and cool. From preparation to cooking, they typically take less than a few hours to make.

Butter, peanut butter and marshmallows are what's necessary to make a basic recipe for non-crispy marshmallow squares. To make crispy squares, the basic recipe includes butter, marshmallows, and crispy rice cereal. There are also several other varieties to make by adding one or two extra ingredients. For example, add butterscotch chips to make butterscotch marshmallow squares, chocolate chips to make chocolate squares, and shredded coconut to make coconut squares. Peanuts can also be added for extra flavor and crunch.

Considering the dark- or neutral-colored ingredients included in the recipe, the marshmallow squares aren't very colorful. Adding in colored marshmallows, colored chocolate chips or a few drops of food coloring can brighten up the final product. If making them for a specific event or holiday, choose decorative coloring options that coordinate with the occasion, such as using red food coloring when making them for Valentine's Day. Other options include using icing to make a design on top, spreading on a thin layer of frosting, or by melting chocolate or peanut butter chips on the finished squares.

Those who have certain dietary restrictions may have a problem devouring the delicious marshmallow squares, but interchanging certain ingredients can fix that problem. For example, those who are vegan can use vegan marshmallows. Even those who have nut allergies can make the recipe without the peanut butter by substituting in soy nut butter, which is dairy- and nut-free.