We all have those days when we need a sweet treat but are pressed for time. That’s where these Speedy Little Devils come in. Originating from a quick fix for a dessert, this recipe has evolved into a beloved treat for many. The devil’s food cake mix serves as the base, providing a rich, chocolatey flavor that contrasts beautifully with the creamy peanut butter and marshmallow cream. Despite its somewhat sinful name, this dessert is devilishly delicious and not at all difficult to make. The history of these bars is as rich as its flavors. The recipe was born out of convenience, utilizing readily available ingredients like cake mix and peanut butter to create a dessert that’s both satisfying and simple. Over the years, it has become a popular choice for those needing a quick dessert solution, loved by kids and adults alike. In terms of cultural significance, these bars are a testament to the ingenuity of home cooks who can turn basic pantry items into delicious treats. They’re also a nod to the American love for peanut butter and its various uses in sweet and savory dishes. When it comes to cooking tips, the key to making these bars is in the layering. Be sure to spread the peanut butter and marshmallow cream evenly over the cake mix crust to ensure every bite is as delicious as the last. Also, let them cool completely before cutting into bars to maintain their shape.
Ingredients
- 1 devil’s food cake mix
- 3/4 c. peanut butter
- 1 stick oleo, melted
- 1 (7 oz.) jar marshmallow cream
Baking Instructions
- Combine melted butter and dry cake mix.
- Reserve 1 1/4 cups of this for top crust.
- Pat remaining crumb mixture into ungreased 13 x 9 x 2-inch pan.
- Top that layer with combined peanut butter and marshmallow cream.
- Spread evenly.
- Crumble remaining cake mixture over that.
- Bake 20 minutes at 350°.
- Cool; cut into bars.
- Makes 3 dozen.
Calorie: 200
Total cooking time:30 minutes
Difficulty level: Easy

The Epic Tale of Speedy Little Devils
Let me tell you about the time I decided to make **Speedy Little Devils**. It was a quiet evening, and I was craving something sweet. I mean, who doesn’t have a sweet tooth at the most inconvenient times, right?
The Protagonists: A Mix of Unlikely Heroes
As I rummaged through my pantry, I found a devil’s food cake mix, a jar of peanut butter, a stick of oleo, and marshmallow cream. I know, it sounds like the foundation for a Marvel superhero group, doesn’t it? But let me assure you, this eclectic group of ingredients had a destiny far more delicious.
The Plot Thickens: Melting and Mixing
With my ingredients assembled, I started by melting the oleo. For those of you who don’t know, oleo is just a fancy name for margarine. But let’s stick with oleo, it makes me feel like a gourmet chef. I then combined it with the dry cake mix. Now, you might think a cake mix is simple, but this devil’s food cake mix is the Batman of cake mixes – dark, rich, and oh-so-mysterious.
I reserved 1 1/4 cups of this mixture for the top crust. It was like I was hoarding precious gold, only this was a crumbly, buttery, chocolatey kind of gold.
An Unexpected Twist: Layering and Crumbling
Next up, I combined the peanut butter and marshmallow cream. It was like a fluffy cloud of sweet, nutty goodness, a match made in heaven really! This heavenly concoction was then spread evenly over the crumb mixture in an ungreased 13 x 9 x 2-inch pan.
The reserved cake mixture was crumbled over the top, creating a lovely, crumbly blanket. I felt like a kid making a mud pie, only this was way tastier (and less dirty!).
The Climax: Baking and Cooling
Now here comes the thrilling part – the baking. I popped the pan in the oven at 350° and waited for 20 minutes. Let me tell you, those were the longest 20 minutes of my life. The anticipation was killing me. It was like waiting for the final episode of your favorite TV show.
Once it was done, I let it cool, and boy was it hard to resist the temptation to dig in right away. But patience is a virtue, my friends, and in this case, it really paid off.
The Grand Finale: The Tasting
After what felt like an eternity, I finally cut the cooled bars. They were perfect – a bit of crunch, a bit of goo, a whole lot of yum. And voila! My **Speedy Little Devils** were ready, and I was ready to devour them.
So there you have it, the epic tale of how I conquered the kitchen and created the most delightful bars. I ended up with three dozen, which means there’s plenty to share. But between you and me, I might just keep them all for myself! After all, a superhero needs their fuel, right?