Marshmallow Dream Bar Recipe Easy and Delicious Treat

Updated On: October 14, 2025

Welcome to a world of sweet indulgence with our Marshmallow Dream Bar Recipe — the perfect treat for anyone who loves a gooey, chewy, and utterly delightful dessert. These bars combine the richness of buttery shortbread, the smoothness of creamy condensed milk, and the fluffy sweetness of marshmallows to create a dessert that’s as dreamy as its name.

Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a holiday party, or simply craving a cozy homemade sweet, these bars will not disappoint. Their irresistible texture and classic flavors make them a crowd-pleaser across all ages.

The best part? This recipe is straightforward, requiring simple ingredients you probably already have on hand.

No fancy gadgets, no complicated steps—just pure baking joy. So, let’s dive into the magic of making these delicious marshmallow dream bars that might just become your new favorite dessert!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

What makes these marshmallow dream bars stand out is their perfect balance of textures and flavors. The buttery shortbread base provides a sturdy yet tender foundation, while the marshmallow topping adds a light, airy sweetness that melts in your mouth.

Drizzled with a luscious layer of sweetened condensed milk, the bars become wonderfully moist and rich.

This recipe is incredibly versatile too! You can customize it with chocolate chips, nuts, or even a sprinkle of toasted coconut to suit your taste.

It’s a fantastic make-ahead dessert, perfect for gifting or enjoying throughout the week. Plus, if you love easy-to-follow recipes that deliver unforgettable results, this is definitely one to bookmark.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
  • 3 cups mini marshmallows
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Optional: 1/2 cup chocolate chips or chopped nuts
  • Optional: Pinch of salt

Equipment

  • 9×13 inch baking pan
  • Mixing bowls (one large, one medium)
  • Electric mixer or hand whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Spatula
  • Oven
  • Parchment paper (optional, for easier cleanup)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease your 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
  2. Make the shortbread base: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes using an electric mixer.
  3. Add the vanilla extract and mix to combine.
  4. Gradually add the flour (and salt if using), mixing on low speed until the dough just comes together. It will be crumbly but hold when pressed.
  5. Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan, pressing firmly to create an even layer.
  6. Bake the shortbread base for 15-18 minutes or until lightly golden around the edges.
  7. Remove the pan from the oven and immediately pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the hot shortbread layer.
  8. Sprinkle the mini marshmallows evenly on top of the condensed milk layer. If you’re adding chocolate chips or nuts, sprinkle them on now as well.
  9. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the marshmallows are puffed and golden brown.
  10. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely in the pan before cutting into bars. Cooling ensures clean slices and the perfect texture.

Tips & Variations

For the fluffiest marshmallows on top, watch the bars closely during the last few minutes of baking to avoid burning. You want them golden, not burnt.

You can easily customize these bars to your liking. Try adding a layer of chocolate chips between the shortbread and marshmallows for a chocolatey twist.

Alternatively, sprinkle toasted coconut or chopped pecans on top for added texture and flavor.

If you prefer a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend. Just be sure to check that your marshmallows are gluten-free as well.

For a vegan take, see our Vegan Recipes No Tofu: Delicious Plant-Based Meals for inspiration on marshmallow substitutes and condensed milk alternatives.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Amount per Serving (1 Bar)
Calories 320 kcal
Total Fat 15 g
Saturated Fat 9 g
Cholesterol 45 mg
Sodium 85 mg
Total Carbohydrates 42 g
Dietary Fiber 0.5 g
Sugars 30 g
Protein 3 g

Serving Suggestions

Marshmallow dream bars are perfect as a standalone dessert, but you can elevate them with a few simple accompaniments. Serve slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an indulgent treat.

For a casual gathering, cut the bars into bite-sized pieces and arrange them on a platter alongside fresh fruit or nuts. These bars also pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or even a cold glass of milk, making them a versatile choice for any time of day.

Conclusion

Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, this marshmallow dream bar recipe is an easy and rewarding way to satisfy your sweet tooth. The combination of buttery shortbread, luscious condensed milk, and pillowy marshmallows creates a dessert that’s comforting, nostalgic, and downright delicious.

Once you try this recipe, you’ll understand why these bars are called a “dream.” They bring together simple ingredients into a magical treat that’s perfect for sharing with friends and family. Don’t forget to bookmark this recipe and explore more delightful dishes like our Afghan Vegetarian Pulao Recipe Easy and Delicious Guide or the Baby Spinach Salad Recipe Vegan: Fresh & Easy Ideas for wholesome meal inspirations.

Happy baking and enjoy every dreamy, marshmallowy bite!

📖 Recipe Card: Marshmallow Dream Bar

Description: A sweet and chewy treat combining layers of graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallows. Perfect for dessert or a special snack.

Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT25M
Total Time: PT40M

Servings: 12 bars

Ingredients

  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 3 cups mini marshmallows
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, sugar, vanilla, and salt until combined.
  3. Press mixture firmly into a greased 9×9 inch baking pan.
  4. Bake crust for 10 minutes until lightly golden.
  5. Sprinkle chocolate chips evenly over the hot crust.
  6. Top with mini marshmallows, spreading evenly.
  7. Bake for another 15 minutes until marshmallows are golden brown.
  8. Cool completely before cutting into bars.

Nutrition: Calories: 280 | Protein: 3g | Fat: 14g | Carbs: 35g

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Marshmallow Dream Bar”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A sweet and chewy treat combining layers of graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallows. Perfect for dessert or a special snack.”, “prepTime”: “PT15M”, “cookTime”: “PT25M”, “totalTime”: “PT40M”, “recipeYield”: “12 bars”, “recipeIngredient”: [“2 cups graham cracker crumbs”, “1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted”, “1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips”, “3 cups mini marshmallows”, “1/4 cup granulated sugar”, “1 teaspoon vanilla extract”, “1/2 teaspoon salt”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Preheat oven to 350\u00b0F (175\u00b0C).”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, sugar, vanilla, and salt until combined.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Press mixture firmly into a greased 9×9 inch baking pan.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Bake crust for 10 minutes until lightly golden.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Sprinkle chocolate chips evenly over the hot crust.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Top with mini marshmallows, spreading evenly.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Bake for another 15 minutes until marshmallows are golden brown.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Cool completely before cutting into bars.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “280”, “proteinContent”: “3g”, “fatContent”: “14g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “35g”}}

Photo of author

Marta K

Leave a Comment

X