Poor Man’s Treats

This simple recipe for Poor Man’s Treats takes me straight back to my childhood. On weekends when money was tight, my grandmother always found a way to make something sweet and satisfying with whatever we had in the pantry. A sleeve of crackers, some peanut butter, and a handful of marshmallows were all it took.

These cracker treats are crunchy, creamy, gooey, and just a little toasty on top. They’re an easy, nostalgic snack that’s loved by kids and adults alike. With just three pantry ingredients and a five-minute broil, you can whip up a batch anytime the craving strikes.

Why You’ll Love It

• Minimal Ingredients: Only 3 pantry staples needed.
• Quick to Make: Ready in 15 minutes from start to finish.
• Budget-Friendly: Perfect for tight grocery budgets.
• Kid-Approved: Fun to make and eat—great for little helpers!
• Retro Treat: A vintage snack that brings back happy memories.

Ingredients

• 12 Ritz or saltine crackers
• ½ cup creamy peanut butter
• 12 regular-sized marshmallows

Instructions

1. Preheat the Broiler
Set your oven to broil. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

2. Assemble the Crackers

• Spread a generous layer of creamy peanut butter on each cracker.
• Press one marshmallow on top of the peanut butter layer.
• Place each cracker on the prepared baking sheet.

3. Broil

• Broil for 3–5 minutes, watching closely.
• Remove once the marshmallows are puffed and golden brown on top.

4. Cool & Serve

• Let cool for 1–2 minutes.
• Enjoy warm while the marshmallows are gooey, or let them set for a firmer texture.

Make-Ahead Tips & Storage

• Make-Ahead: Best made fresh, but can be assembled and broiled just before serving.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• Reheat Tip: Pop them in the oven for a minute to revive the gooey texture.

Variations

• Chocolate Twist: Add a small square of chocolate before the marshmallow.
• Nut-Free: Use sunflower seed butter or cookie butter instead.
• Sweet & Salty: Try with pretzel crisps for a crunchier base.
• Toasted Coconut: Sprinkle coconut on top after broiling for a twist.

What to Serve With Poor Man’s Treats

While great on their own, these treats also pair well with:

• A cold glass of milk
• Hot cocoa or coffee
• Fruit slices like apple or banana
• A scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert flair

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use mini marshmallows instead?
Yes, use 3–4 minis per cracker to match the volume of a standard marshmallow.

What if I don’t have an oven?
You can use a toaster oven or even a microwave (though the marshmallows won’t toast).

Can I use crunchy peanut butter?
Absolutely! It adds extra texture.

How do I keep the crackers from getting soggy?
Serve immediately after broiling for best crunch. Avoid over-spreading peanut butter.

Final Thoughts

Poor Man’s Treats prove that delicious food doesn’t have to be fancy or expensive. With just three ingredients and a few minutes, you’ve got a treat that’s comforting, nostalgic, and incredibly tasty. It’s a perfect reminder that sometimes the simplest things really are the best.