Experience a delightful twist on a beloved New England classic with this elevated Fluffernutter Sandwich. Featuring warm, melted marshmallow creme, creamy peanut butter, and a delightful crunch from homemade candied peanuts, all perfectly toasted on bread crusted with cinnamon sugar. It’s a truly irresistible treat that promises pure indulgence.
Craving more delightful peanut butter creations? Don’t miss these incredible Peanut Butter Blossoms or our addictively delicious Peanut Butter Popcorn. Each recipe offers a unique way to enjoy the classic flavor of peanut butter.
Indulge in the Ultimate Fluffernutter Sandwich Experience
Sometimes, life calls for a moment of pure, unadulterated indulgence. A treat that goes beyond the ordinary, offering a special kind of comfort and an explosion of flavor. For those moments when you simply need something exquisitely delicious, allow us to introduce you to our ultimate Fluffernutter Sandwich – a dessert sandwich that redefines decadence.
Imagine thick, golden-toasted bread, generously slathered with creamy peanut butter and fluffy marshmallow creme. But we don’t stop there. This isn’t just any Fluffernutter. We elevate this New England classic with the addition of crunchy, sweet candied peanuts and a fragrant cinnamon-sugar crust that caramelizes beautifully when toasted. The result? A perfectly warm, gooey, and crispy sandwich that might just be the best you’ve ever tasted.
What is a Fluffernutter? A New England Legend
For those unfamiliar with this delightful creation, a Fluffernutter is a sandwich traditionally made with white bread, peanut butter, and marshmallow fluff. It’s a simple yet incredibly satisfying combination that has charmed generations, particularly in the northeastern United States.
The history of the Fluffernutter dates back to the early 20th century, coinciding with the invention of marshmallow creme. This sweet, sticky spread quickly found its way into kitchens, leading to creative culinary experiments. The sandwich gained significant popularity in New England, so much so that in Massachusetts, there have even been proposals to declare the Fluffernutter as the official state sandwich! During World War I, it was briefly known as the “Liberty Sandwich,” reflecting the patriotic spirit of the era. Whether you call it a Fluffernutter or a Liberty Sandwich, its legacy as a beloved comfort food endures.
Unlocking Culinary Potential with “The Best of the Best Panini Press Cookbook”
My trusty panini press has been a kitchen staple since my wedding day, countless moons ago. It’s seen its fair share of grilled sandwiches, yet, I must admit, it often retreats to the back of a lower cabinet, out of sight and, occasionally, out of mind. Perhaps it’s the slight effort required to retrieve it, or simply a case of forgetting its incredible versatility.
However, thanks to culinary gems like The Best of the Best Panini Press Cookbook by Kathy Strahs, my panini press has been lovingly rediscovered! This cookbook serves as a fantastic reminder of just how much I adore this unassuming appliance and its capacity for creating extraordinary meals.
While this particular Fluffernutter recipe utilizes the panini press in its most traditional role – toasting a sandwich – the book itself encourages far more adventurous culinary exploration. It brilliantly demonstrates that a panini press is capable of much more than just sandwiches. From perfectly grilled meats and flavorful quesadillas to juicy burgers and delicate fish, you’d be surprised at the array of dishes you can prepare with this single, versatile gadget. With 100 diverse recipes, this cookbook shatters any preconceived notions that panini recipes are limited or boring. It truly inspires you to unleash the full potential of your panini press, transforming everyday meals into exciting culinary adventures.
Essential Ingredients for Your Elevated Fluffernutter Sandwich
Crafting this exceptional Fluffernutter Sandwich requires a selection of quality ingredients, both for the delightful candied peanuts and the main sandwich assembly. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need and why each component is key:
For the Candied Peanuts:
- Unsalted Roasted Peanuts: While unsalted peanuts are preferred to control the overall saltiness, salted peanuts will also work wonderfully in a pinch. The roasting brings out a deeper, nuttier flavor that complements the sweet coating.
- Granulated Sugar: Standard granulated sugar is perfectly fine, but superfine sugar (caster sugar) will dissolve more quickly and create an even smoother, more consistent caramel coating on your peanuts, elevating their texture.
- Vanilla Extract: Just a touch of pure vanilla extract adds a layer of warm, aromatic depth that beautifully enhances the sweetness of the candied peanuts, providing a subtle complexity.
- Salt: A small pinch of coarse salt helps to balance the sweetness, preventing the candied peanuts from being overly cloying. If you opt for salted peanuts, you might want to omit this extra pinch.
For the Fluffernutter Sandwiches:
- Unsalted Butter (Room Temperature): It’s crucial for the butter to be at room temperature. This ensures it spreads effortlessly and evenly across the bread, creating that perfect, golden cinnamon-sugar crust.
- Granulated Sugar, Ground Cinnamon, and a Pinch of Salt: This simple yet powerful trio forms the irresistible crust for your bread. The sugar caramelizes, the cinnamon adds warmth and spice, and the salt balances the flavors, creating a perfect crispy exterior.
- Thick-Cut White Bread: The quality and thickness of your bread are paramount for this recipe. The original cookbook suggests bread about 1-inch thick. While regular, pre-sliced grocery store white bread might be too thin and could fall apart, a sturdy, uncut loaf from your local bakery or even homemade bread works best. Consider challah, brioche, or a good quality Texas toast for an even more luxurious texture.
- Creamy Peanut Butter: We recommend a smooth, creamy peanut butter for that classic, comforting texture. While crunchy peanut butter could add another layer of texture, creamy ensures a seamless blend with the marshmallow.
- Marshmallow Fluff or Marshmallow Creme: These terms are often used interchangeably. Marshmallow Fluff is typically a regional brand, but marshmallow creme is widely available and performs identically. Both provide that essential, delightfully sticky, and airy sweetness that defines a Fluffernutter.
Crafting Your Gourmet Fluffernutter Sandwich: A Step-by-Step Guide
Making this incredible Fluffernutter Sandwich is a straightforward process, though spreading the various ingredients can get a little messy – but utterly worth it! Follow these detailed steps for a perfect result:
First, Prepare the Candied Peanuts:
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Lay a piece of aluminum foil on a large baking sheet and lightly spray it with nonstick cooking spray. This prevents the candied peanuts from sticking once cooled. Set aside.
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium skillet, combine the unsalted roasted peanuts, sugar, water, pure vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Place the skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook and Caramelize: Cook the mixture, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon or heat-proof spatula. You’ll observe the mixture transforming: first it will become syrupy, then gradually dry and sandy as the water evaporates. Continue stirring as the sugar then melts and caramelizes, turning into a beautiful, deep brown, glossy caramel color. This crucial stage typically takes about 10-12 minutes. Ensure constant stirring to prevent burning.
- Cool the Peanuts: Once caramelized, immediately pour the hot peanuts onto the prepared baking sheet. Spread them into a single layer as much as possible to cool evenly. Allow the candied peanuts to cool completely. As they cool, they will harden. Once fully cooled, break them apart into smaller clusters if necessary.
Next, Assemble and Grill the Sandwiches:
- Prepare Cinnamon Butter Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the softened room-temperature unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and ground cinnamon. Add a pinch of coarse salt. Stir these ingredients together until they are thoroughly combined and form a fragrant, spreadable paste.
- Preheat Panini Press: Turn on your panini press and preheat it to medium-high heat. This ensures the bread toasts evenly and the fillings melt perfectly.
- Butter the Bread: For each sandwich, take two slices of your thick-cut white bread. Generously spread a layer of the cinnamon butter mixture onto one side of each slice.
- Prepare the Fillings: Now, flip those buttered bread slices over so the buttered side is facing down. We recommend doing this on a cutting board to avoid getting butter on your counter. On the unbuttered side of one slice, spread a quarter of the creamy peanut butter. On the unbuttered side of the second slice, spread a quarter of the marshmallow fluff or creme.
- Add Candied Peanuts: Sprinkle a quarter of your freshly made candied peanuts evenly over the peanut butter layer. This adds that essential crunch and extra layer of sweetness.
- Assemble the Sandwich: Carefully bring the two halves together, placing the marshmallow-covered slice on top of the peanut butter and candied peanut slice, ensuring the marshmallow side is down, directly onto the peanuts.
- Repeat for Remaining Sandwiches: Continue this process to assemble the remaining three sandwiches, ensuring each gets an equal share of the delicious fillings.
- Grill to Perfection: Place two assembled Fluffernutter sandwiches onto the preheated panini press. Close the lid and grill for approximately 2-3 minutes, or until the bread is beautifully golden brown and toasted, and the marshmallow fluff inside is wonderfully melted and gooey. The cinnamon-sugar crust should be visibly caramelized and crisp.
- Serve Immediately: Carefully remove the hot sandwiches from the panini press. Cut them in half, if desired, and serve immediately to enjoy the warm, melty goodness.
Tips for the Perfect Fluffernutter Sandwich
Achieving Fluffernutter perfection is easier with a few expert tips:
- Even Spreading: For the butter and cinnamon-sugar mixture, ensure your butter is truly at room temperature. If it’s too cold, it will tear the bread; if it’s melted, it will be absorbed too quickly. For peanut butter and marshmallow fluff, use the back of a spoon or an offset spatula for smooth, even layers.
- Bread Choice Matters: Don’t skimp on the bread! A sturdy, thick-cut white bread is essential to hold up to the gooey fillings and the panini press. If you can’t find thick-cut bread, consider lightly toasting regular slices before buttering to add some structural integrity.
- Watch the Caramelization: When making the candied peanuts, stay vigilant! Sugar can go from perfect caramel to burnt very quickly. Constant stirring is key.
- Don’t Overfill: While tempting, avoid overfilling your sandwich. Too much peanut butter or marshmallow creme can cause it to ooze out excessively during grilling, creating a sticky mess and potentially compromising the sandwich’s integrity.
- Serve Warm: This sandwich is best enjoyed immediately off the panini press when the marshmallow is wonderfully molten and the bread is crisp.
Fluffernutter Sandwich Variations to Explore
While the classic Fluffernutter is divine, don’t hesitate to get creative with these delightful variations:
- Fruity Twist: Add thin slices of banana or strawberry between the peanut butter and marshmallow layers for a fresh, fruity contrast.
- Chocolate Lover’s Dream: Sprinkle a few mini chocolate chips or a drizzle of chocolate sauce into the sandwich before grilling. The melted chocolate with peanut butter and marshmallow is irresistible.
- Nutty Alternatives: Experiment with different nut butters like almond butter or cashew butter for a slightly different flavor profile. If you have allergies, seed butters like sunflower seed butter can be a great alternative.
- Spiced Up: Add a tiny pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to your cinnamon-sugar mixture for an even warmer spice note.
- Savory Swirl: For a surprising sweet and savory combination, add a strip of crispy bacon to your Fluffernutter. The salty crunch perfectly balances the sweetness.
- Dessert Bread: Instead of white bread, try using brioche or challah bread for an extra rich, buttery base that takes this dessert sandwich to another level.
Perfect Pairings for Your Fluffernutter
A gourmet Fluffernutter Sandwich deserves equally delightful accompaniments. Here are some serving suggestions to complete your indulgent experience:
- Classic Milk: A tall glass of cold milk is the quintessential pairing for any peanut butter and marshmallow treat.
- Hot Beverages: For a cozy experience, serve your warm Fluffernutter with a mug of hot chocolate, coffee, or even a spiced chai latte.
- Fresh Fruit: Cut through the richness with a side of fresh berries, apple slices, or banana.
- Ice Cream: For ultimate dessert decadence, serve half a Fluffernutter with a scoop of vanilla bean or chocolate ice cream.
- A Dusting of Powdered Sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar on top can add an elegant finish and an extra touch of sweetness.
Explore More Peanut Butter Delights
If you’re a true peanut butter aficionado, you’ll love these other fantastic recipes from our collection:
- Reeses Peanut Butter Cheesecake: A dream dessert for any chocolate and peanut butter fan.
- Peanut Butter Banana Bread with Chocolate Chips: A moist and flavorful bread, perfect for breakfast or a snack.
- Peanut Butter Banana Ice Box Cake: A no-bake, refreshing treat that’s surprisingly easy to make.
- Peanut Butter Fudge Pie with Salted Peanut Butter Caramel: An incredibly rich and decadent pie for special occasions.
Essential Tools for This Fluffernutter Sandwich
To recreate this delightful sandwich, you’ll primarily need two kitchen tools:
- A panini press: You don’t need an expensive, high-end model. Even a more affordable panini press will serve you well for years, delivering perfectly toasted sandwiches.
- A skillet: Essential for preparing those irresistible candied peanuts. Any sturdy skillet will do the job effectively.
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Fluffernutter Sandwich
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Ingredients
Candied Peanuts:
- 1/4 cup unsalted roasted peanuts
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon water
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of coarse salt
Sandwiches:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter at room temperature
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- Pinch of coarse salt
- 8 slices of white bread (each about 1 inch thick)
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1/2 cup Marshmallow Fluff or Marshmallow Creme
Instructions
- To make the candied peanuts: Lay out a piece of aluminum foil on a large baking sheet. Spray with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
- Combine the peanuts, sugar, water, vanilla and salt in a skillet and place over medium-high heat. Cook, stirring constantly, as the mixture goes from syrupy to dry and sandy to a deep brown, caramel color. This will take from 10-12 minutes.1/4 cup unsalted roasted peanuts, 1 tablespoon sugar, 1 teaspoon water, 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract, Pinch of coarse salt
- Pour the peanuts out onto the prepared pan. Let the peanuts cool completely then break apart as needed.
- To make the sandwiches: Combine the butter, sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Season with a pinch of coarse salt. Stir until they are well combined.4 tablespoons unsalted butter, 2 tablespoons sugar, 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, Pinch of coarse salt
- Heat a panini press to medium high.
- For each sandwich, spread a layer of the cinnamon butter mixture on two of the slices of bread. Flip the slices of bread over. Spread 1/4 of the peanut butter on one slice, and 1/4 of the marshmallow fluff on the other slice. Sprinkle 1/4 of the peanuts over the peanut butter, then close the sandwich with the other slice of bread, marshmallow side down.8 slices of white bread, 1/2 cup peanut butter, 1/2 cup Marshmallow Fluff or Marshmallow Creme
- Prepare the remaining 3 sandwiches.
- Grill 2 panini at a time, with the lid closed, until the marshmallow fluff is melted and the bread is toasted, 2-3 minutes.
Recipe Notes:
Nutrition information provided as an estimate only. Various brands and products can change the counts. Any nutritional information should only be used as a general guideline.