These 5 Minute Fantasy Bars are a dream come true for anyone craving a quick, no-bake dessert. With just four ingredients, I can whip up a batch of these rich, fudge-like treats in no time. The combination of chocolate, peanut butter, and butterscotch, studded with fluffy marshmallows, creates a delightful texture and flavor that's hard to resist.
Why I Love This Recipe
I adore this recipe because it's incredibly simple and versatile. Whether I'm preparing a last-minute treat for guests or satisfying a personal sweet tooth, these bars come together effortlessly. The microwave does all the heavy lifting, melting the ingredients into a smooth mixture that's ready to set in the fridge. Plus, the base recipe is a perfect canvas for adding my favorite mix-ins like nuts or candies.
Ingredients
(Here's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
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11 ounces butterscotch chips
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1 cup creamy peanut butter
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10.5 ounces mini marshmallows
Directions
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I line a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with non-stick foil and set it aside.
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In a large microwave-safe container, I combine the chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, and peanut butter.
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I microwave the mixture on high in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the chips are fully melted and the mixture is smooth.
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I stir in the marshmallows until they're fully coated.
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I pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and refrigerate until set, about 2 hours.
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Once set, I cut the mixture into bars and store any leftovers in an airtight container.
Servings and Timing
This recipe yields approximately 24 bars. The preparation takes about 10 minutes, and the bars need to chill for 2 hours to set properly.
Variations
I love experimenting with this recipe by adding different mix-ins. Some of my favorites include:
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Chopped nuts for added crunch
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Toffee bits for extra sweetness
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Colored candies like M&Ms for a festive touch
These additions not only enhance the flavor but also make the bars visually appealing for special occasions.
Storage and Reheating
I store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them firm. They stay fresh for up to a week. Since these are no-bake bars, reheating isn't necessary. However, if I prefer a softer texture, I let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.
FAQs
What can I use if I don't have butterscotch chips?
If butterscotch chips aren't available, I substitute them with an equal amount of peanut butter chips or white chocolate chips for a different flavor profile.
Can I use chunky peanut butter instead of creamy?
Yes, chunky peanut butter works well and adds an extra crunch to the bars.
Are there any alternatives to mini marshmallows?
If I don't have mini marshmallows, I cut regular-sized marshmallows into smaller pieces or use marshmallow creme, adjusting the quantity as needed.
How long do these bars last?
Stored properly in the refrigerator, the bars last up to a week. For longer storage, I freeze them for up to a month, ensuring they're well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn.
Can I make these bars in advance for a party?
Absolutely! I often prepare them a day or two ahead of time and keep them refrigerated until serving.
Conclusion
These 5 Minute Fantasy Bars are my go-to recipe when I need a quick, delicious treat. Their rich, chocolatey flavor combined with the ease of preparation makes them a favorite in my household. Whether I'm hosting a gathering or simply indulging myself, these bars never disappoint.
5 Minute Fantasy Bars – Just 4 Ingredients!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes (microwave only)
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes (includes chilling time)
- Yield: Approximately 24 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Whip up these 5 Minute Fantasy Bars using just 4 simple ingredients—chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, peanut butter, and marshmallows—for the ultimate no-bake dessert bars. Perfect for parties, quick treats, or easy make-ahead snacks, these rich and gooey bars come together in minutes and deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 11 ounces butterscotch chips
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 10.5 ounces mini marshmallows
Instructions
- Line a 9x13-inch baking dish with non-stick foil.
- In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, and peanut butter.
- Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring each time, until smooth and fully melted.
- Stir in mini marshmallows until evenly coated.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared dish and spread evenly.
- Refrigerate for about 2 hours or until set.
- Cut into bars and store in an airtight container.
Notes
- Feel free to customize with chopped nuts, toffee bits, or candy-coated chocolates.
- For a softer bite, let bars sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.
- Can be frozen for up to a month—wrap tightly to avoid freezer burn.
- Substitute butterscotch chips with peanut butter chips or white chocolate chips if needed.
- Chunky peanut butter adds a pleasant crunc
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