Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No-Bake Delight: Perfect for warm days or quick desserts without turning on the oven.
- Balanced Sweetness: A delightful combination of sweet, salty, and chocolatey flavors.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Great for potlucks, parties, or just an indulgent treat.
- Quick and Easy: Only 15 minutes from start to finish!
- Customizable: Easily tweak the recipe to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 6 cups crispy rice cereal
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup butterscotch chips
Directions
- In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine the corn syrup and sugar. Stir constantly until the sugar dissolves and the mixture just begins to bubble. Do not let it boil.
- Remove from heat and immediately stir in the peanut butter until smooth and fully incorporated.
- Fold in the crispy rice cereal until evenly coated, then press the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, flattening it into an even layer.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and butterscotch chips. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring between each interval until the mixture is melted and smooth.
- Pour the melted chocolate and butterscotch over the cereal mixture, spreading it into an even layer with a spatula.
- Let the bars cool completely at room temperature or in the fridge until the topping is set, about 1 hour.
- Slice into squares and serve.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 16 squares
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
Variations
- Nut-Free: Replace peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or almond butter for an allergy-friendly option.
- Darker Chocolate: Swap semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark chocolate for a richer flavor.
- Add Crunch: Sprinkle chopped nuts or mini marshmallows into the cereal mixture for added texture.
- Gluten-Free: Ensure your crispy rice cereal is certified gluten-free.
- Festive Topping: Add sprinkles, sea salt, or drizzle white chocolate over the top for decoration.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store Scotcharoos in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For extended freshness, keep them in the fridge.
- Freezing: These bars freeze well! Wrap individual squares in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Reheating: Not necessary, as they’re best served at room temperature or chilled.
FAQs
How do I prevent the bars from becoming too hard?
Avoid boiling the sugar and corn syrup mixture. Just heat until the sugar dissolves and it starts to bubble.
Can I use natural peanut butter?
Yes, but ensure it’s well-stirred to avoid separation in the mixture.
What can I use instead of butterscotch chips?
White chocolate chips or peanut butter chips work well as substitutes.
Can I make these dairy-free?
Yes! Use dairy-free chocolate chips and ensure the butterscotch chips are also dairy-free.
Why did my topping crack?
The topping may crack if it was cooled too quickly or sliced while still too cold. Let it return to room temperature before slicing.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Use a larger pan or make two separate batches.
Are Scotcharoos gluten-free?
They can be if you use gluten-free crispy rice cereal.
What’s the best way to cut the bars?
Use a sharp knife and run it under warm water between cuts for clean slices.
Can I add extra flavorings?
Yes! A splash of vanilla or a pinch of salt in the peanut butter mixture can enhance the flavors.
Do I need to grease the pan?
Yes, greasing the pan prevents sticking and makes it easier to remove the bars.
Conclusion
Scotcharoos are the perfect combination of nostalgic flavors and modern convenience. Whether you’re whipping them up for a family gathering or a weeknight treat, these no-bake bars are sure to become a household favorite. With endless variations and quick preparation, Scotcharoos are a dessert you’ll come back to time and time again. Enjoy!
Scotcharoos Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 16 squares
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Scotcharoos are an irresistible no-bake dessert featuring creamy peanut butter, crispy rice cereal, and a rich chocolate-butterscotch topping. Ready in just 15 minutes, they’re the perfect treat for any occasion!
Ingredients
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 6 cups crispy rice cereal
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup butterscotch chips
Instructions
- In a large saucepan over medium heat, stir together the corn syrup and sugar until dissolved and just beginning to bubble. Avoid boiling.
- Remove from heat and mix in the peanut butter until smooth.
- Fold in the crispy rice cereal, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Press the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch pan in an even layer.
- Melt chocolate chips and butterscotch chips together in the microwave, stirring every 20 seconds until smooth.
- Spread the melted mixture evenly over the cereal layer.
- Cool at room temperature or in the refrigerator for about 1 hour until set.
- Slice into squares and serve.
Notes
- To prevent bars from becoming hard, avoid boiling the corn syrup and sugar.
- For clean cuts, warm the knife under hot water before slicing.
- Optional additions include vanilla extract, chopped nuts, or mini marshmallows.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
