Chocolate Confetti Squares are the ultimate treat when you want something colorful, nostalgic, and irresistibly easy to make—all without turning on your oven. Each bite delivers a magical mix of creamy peanut butter, rich chocolate, and a playful pop from rainbow marshmallows. They come together with just a handful of pantry staples and bring a welcome touch of whimsy to any dessert table, lunchbox, or bake sale. These bars truly taste as cheerful as they look, and you’ll find they disappear almost as quickly as you can slice them up!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Chocolate Confetti Squares is in their simplicity: every ingredient is essential and effortlessly transforms everyday flavors into a truly special dessert. From creamy butter to a heap of rainbow marshmallows, each one plays an important role in delivering that signature chewy, fudgy, and fun experience.
- Unsalted Butter (½ cup): Adds delicious richness and helps everything blend into a smooth, glossy base—use unsalted to control sweetness.
- Peanut Butter (1 cup, smooth): The nutty backbone! Smooth peanut butter melts beautifully and pairs perfectly with chocolate.
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (1½ cups): These provide that indulgent, fudgy texture and deep chocolate flavor—semi-sweet ensures the bars aren’t too sweet.
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Just a splash enhances all the classic flavors and rounds everything out.
- Mini Rainbow Marshmallows (5 cups): The star of the show! These are what give Chocolate Confetti Squares their fun, bouncy texture and iconic look.
How to Make Chocolate Confetti Squares
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, letting a bit hang over the edges for easy lifting later. If you don’t have parchment, a light greasing with butter or nonstick spray will work just as well—this step makes removing your squares a total breeze.
Step 2: Melt and Mix the Base
In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine the butter, peanut butter, and chocolate chips. Stir gently and constantly as everything melts together. You’ll know it’s ready when you have a silky, unified mixture with no streaks or lumps—rich, nutty chocolate heaven!
Step 3: Add the Vanilla
Once the mixture is fully melted and smooth, take it off the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. This tiny addition will make your Chocolate Confetti Squares taste even more like home.
Step 4: Cool Slightly
Let the chocolate-peanut butter mixture cool for 5–10 minutes. It should be warm but not hot to the touch—this is key! If you add the marshmallows too soon, you’ll end up with rainbow blobs instead of confident little confetti pieces.
Step 5: Fold In the Marshmallows
Gently stir the mini rainbow marshmallows into your cooled chocolate mixture. Take your time; you want every marshmallow happily coated without melting into the base. This is the moment where the magic (and color!) really happens.
Step 6: Spread and Chill
Pour the mixture into your prepared pan and spread it evenly with a spatula. Try to nudge it into the corners so you get perfect squares. Then pop the pan in the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours, or until everything is completely set and firm.
Step 7: Slice and Serve
When the Chocolate Confetti Squares are firm, lift them out using the parchment overhang. Use a sharp knife to cut them into sixteen tidy squares. Wipe the blade between cuts for perfect, clean edges—then get ready to share (or not!).
How to Serve Chocolate Confetti Squares
Garnishes
You can take these playful squares over the top with a scattering of colorful sprinkles, a zigzag of melted white chocolate, or a dusting of powdered sugar. For extra flair, try pressing a few extra marshmallows into the top before chilling for a confetti explosion!
Side Dishes
Chocolate Confetti Squares are rich and sweet, so they pair beautifully with something a little tangy or fresh. Serve alongside sliced strawberries or a bowl of juicy raspberries for contrast, or add a cup of strong coffee or cold milk to temper the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, stack the squares pyramid-style on a fun cake stand or platter. Individually wrap them in wax paper for bake sales or lunchbox treats. For birthdays or special events, sprinkle edible glitter or tuck a square into a cupcake liner for a festive touch!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Chocolate Confetti Squares fresh by storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fudgy and perfect for up to a week, making them a fantastic make-ahead dessert.
Freezing
These bars freeze beautifully! Layer squares between sheets of parchment in a freezer-safe container, and they’ll last up to two months. Just let them thaw at room temperature for 15 to 30 minutes before digging in.
Reheating
Chocolate Confetti Squares are designed to be enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, so no reheating is needed. If you want them a little softer, set out a few squares on the counter until they reach your desired texture.
FAQs
Can I use chunky peanut butter instead of smooth?
Absolutely! Chunky peanut butter will add little bites of peanuts throughout your Chocolate Confetti Squares, giving a fantastic extra crunch. Just be aware that the overall texture will be a bit more rustic—which many people love!
What’s the best way to cut these squares neatly?
Use a sharp chef’s knife and wipe it clean between slices for the tidiest results. If the bars are very firm from the fridge, let them sit for a few minutes at room temperature before cutting to prevent crumbling.
Can I make these nut-free?
No problem! Substitute sunflower seed butter for peanut butter to make a nut-free version. The bars will still taste rich and creamy, plus you’ll keep that lovely fudgy texture.
Do the marshmallows have to be rainbow?
Rainbow marshmallows are what make Chocolate Confetti Squares so iconic and fun, but you can use plain mini marshmallows if that’s what you have. You’ll miss out on some color, but the taste will still be completely delicious.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Definitely! Double the ingredients and use a 9×13-inch pan for a bigger batch—just watch the chilling time, as it may need a little longer to fully set.
Final Thoughts
It’s hard not to smile with a batch of Chocolate Confetti Squares cooling in your fridge. They’re festive, fuss-free, and loaded with nostalgic flavor—bring them to your next gathering or whip up a surprise for yourself! I can’t wait for you to taste just how easy and extraordinary they really are.
Print
Chocolate Confetti Squares Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 16 squares 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Chocolate Confetti Squares are a delightful no-bake treat that combines the richness of chocolate with the sweet, colorful burst of mini rainbow marshmallows. Easy to make and perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth!
Ingredients
Chocolate Confetti Squares Ingredients:
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup peanut butter (smooth)
- 1½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 5 cups mini rainbow marshmallows
Instructions
- Prepare Pan: Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Melt Ingredients: In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the butter, peanut butter, and chocolate chips together until smooth. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Add Marshmallows: Remove from heat, cool slightly, then fold in mini rainbow marshmallows.
- Set and Serve: Spread mixture in the pan, refrigerate for 2 hours, cut into squares, and serve.
Notes
- Ensure chocolate mixture cools slightly before adding marshmallows.
- Customize with graham crackers or nuts for added texture.
- For nut-free option, substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
