Chewy Scotcheroo Bars Recipe

Quick & Gooey Chewy Scotcheroo Bars Recipe for Sweet Cravings

Sweet, decadent scotcheroo bars with a perfect butterscotch and chocolate fusion dance across taste buds, satisfying every craving for this classic no-bake treat.

Packed with peanut butter, crispy rice cereal, and a luscious chocolate-butterscotch topping, these bars deliver pure indulgence.

The irresistible combination of chewy scotcheroo bars creates a dessert that’s both nostalgic and utterly delightful.

Each bite promises a rich, sweet experience that melts in your mouth with layers of incredible flavor.

Simple ingredients transform into a dessert that looks impressive and tastes even better.

Quick to prepare and impossible to resist, these bars will become your new favorite sweet sensation.

Grab a plate and get ready to savor every single delectable morsel.

FAQs

  • Why are my Scotcheroo bars crumbly?

Crumbly bars usually happen when you don’t mix the peanut butter and corn syrup thoroughly or use too little corn syrup. Make sure to stir everything completely and follow the recipe measurements exactly.

  • Can I use a different type of cereal?

Rice Krispies work best because they’re light and crispy. While you could try other cereals like corn flakes or cheerios, they might change the texture and make the bars less chewy.

  • How do I prevent the chocolate topping from cracking?

Let the cereal mixture cool completely before adding the chocolate layer. Also, don’t overheat the chocolate chips when melting – use short microwave bursts and stir frequently to keep the topping smooth.

Chewy Scotcheroo Bars: Reasons to Bake This Classic

  • Perfect for busy home cooks who want a delicious treat without spending hours in the kitchen, this recipe requires minimal ingredients and simple steps.
  • Guaranteed to be a hit with both kids and adults, these Scotcheroo bars combine the irresistible flavors of chocolate, butterscotch, peanut butter, and crispy rice cereal.
  • Skip the oven and enjoy a stress-free dessert preparation that's foolproof and delivers amazing results every single time, making it ideal for novice bakers or anyone seeking a low-effort sweet treat.

Ingredients for Simple Scotcheroo Bars

Cereal Base:
  • Rice Cereal: A crispy foundation that provides a delightful crunch and texture to the bars.
  • Peanut Butter: Adds a rich, creamy flavor and helps bind the cereal together.
Sweeteners:
  • Sugar, Corn Syrup: Create a sweet, sticky base that holds the bars together and provides a smooth consistency.
Topping:
  • Chocolate Chips, Butterscotch Chips: Provide a decadent, melted topping that adds a delicious chocolate and butterscotch flavor to the bars.

Equipment List for Perfect Bars

  • Large Saucepan: Perfect for heating sugar and corn syrup smoothly.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Essential for stirring and mixing ingredients without sticking.
  • 9×13 Inch Baking Pan: Ideal for pressing and setting the scotcheroo mixture.
  • Microwave-Safe Bowl: Needed for melting chocolate and butterscotch chips easily.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient measurements.
  • Clean Hands or Spatula: Great for evenly pressing the cereal mixture into the pan.

Steps to Chewy Scotcheroo Bar Goodness

Step 1: Start The Sweet Base

Begin by grabbing a large saucepan and combining sugar and corn syrup.

Slowly heat the mixture, stirring gently until it reaches a soft bubbling point.

Watch carefully to ensure the sugar completely dissolves into the syrup, creating a smooth liquid foundation.

Step 2: Blend In Creamy Goodness

Remove the pan from heat and introduce peanut butter.

Stir vigorously until the peanut butter melts completely and blends seamlessly with the sugar mixture, creating a rich, glossy texture.

Step 3: Create Crunchy Coating

Fold in rice cereal, making sure every single piece gets thoroughly coated with the sweet peanut butter mixture.

Use a sturdy spatula to ensure even distribution and complete coverage.

Step 4: Shape The Foundation

Transfer the cereal mixture into a greased 9×13 inch pan.

Use clean hands or a spatula to press and spread the mixture evenly across the entire surface.

Aim for a smooth, compact layer that will serve as the delicious base.

Step 5: Prepare Decadent Topping

Combine chocolate chips and butterscotch chips in a microwave-safe bowl.

Melt the chips using 30-second intervals, stirring between each burst to prevent burning.

Continue until the mixture becomes completely smooth and glossy.

Step 6: Apply Luxurious Drizzle

Pour the melted chip mixture over the cereal base.

Use a spatula to spread the topping evenly, ensuring complete coverage from edge to edge.

Step 7: Allow And Enjoy

Let the bars sit at room temperature until the topping sets completely.

Once firm, slice into squares and serve these irresistible treats to eager friends and family.

Secrets for Chewy, Buttery Bars

  • Lightly grease your hands or a spatula with cooking spray when pressing the mixture into the pan to avoid sticking.
  • Use natural peanut butter with no added sugar to balance the overall sweetness of the bars.
  • Stir chocolate and butterscotch chips gently and frequently to prevent burning and ensure smooth melting.
  • Refrigerate the bars for 15-20 minutes before cutting to get crisp, clean edges and easier slicing.
  • Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Mix-Ins for Scotcheroo Bar Variety

  • Gluten-Free Version: Replace rice cereal with gluten-free crispy rice cereal and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
  • Nut-Free Alternative: Swap peanut butter with sunflower seed butter for those with nut allergies, maintaining the same creamy consistency.
  • Vegan Option: Use dairy-free chocolate chips, replace corn syrup with brown rice syrup, and substitute peanut butter with almond or cashew butter.
  • Low-Sugar Adaptation: Utilize sugar-free chocolate chips, replace corn syrup with honey or maple syrup, and reduce overall sugar content for a healthier treat.

How to Serve Scotcheroo Bars at Gatherings

  • Dessert Platter Paradise: Arrange Scotcheroo bars alongside fresh strawberries and mint leaves for a colorful presentation that pops.
  • Sweet Afternoon Tea Companion: Pair these bars with a warm cup of Earl Grey tea or creamy coffee to enhance the rich butterscotch and chocolate flavors.
  • Picnic Perfect Treat: Pack these bars in individual wax paper wraps for a convenient and delightful outdoor snack that travels well and satisfies sweet cravings.
  • Kids' Party Delight: Cut into fun shapes using cookie cutters and sprinkle colorful rainbow jimmies on top to make the bars more playful and kid-friendly.

Scotcheroo Bar Storage Guidelines

  • Store bars in an airtight container with wax paper between layers for up to 5 days. Keep them chilled to maintain their crisp texture and prevent melting.
  • Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months for long-term storage. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before enjoying.
  • Place bars in a sealed container away from direct sunlight and heat. Consume within 2-3 days for optimal freshness and crunch.
  • Separate layers with parchment paper to avoid bars clumping together and preserve their individual shape and texture.
Print
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Chewy Scotcheroo Bars Recipe

Chewy Scotcheroo Bars Recipe


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4.6 from 39 reviews

  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Scrumptious scotcheroo bars blend peanut butter, chocolate, and butterscotch into an irresistible midwest dessert. Sweet layers create a nostalgic treat perfect for sharing with friends and family.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 6 cups rice cereal (like Rice Krispies)
  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup light corn syrup

Topping Ingredients:

  • 1 cup butterscotch chips
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions

  1. In a large saucepan, combine sugar and corn syrup, heating until the mixture reaches a gentle bubbling point and sugar completely dissolves, stirring occasionally.
  2. Remove from heat and thoroughly incorporate peanut butter, ensuring a smooth, uniform consistency.
  3. Fold rice cereal into the warm mixture, gently coating each piece to create an even distribution.
  4. Transfer the cereal blend into a prepared 9×13 inch pan, using clean hands or a spatula to compress and level the surface uniformly.
  5. Combine chocolate and butterscotch chips in a microwave-safe container, melting at 50% power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each cycle until achieving a glossy, completely liquefied texture.
  6. Carefully drizzle the melted chip mixture over the cereal base, using a spatula to create an even, smooth chocolate layer.
  7. Allow the bars to rest at room temperature for approximately 30-45 minutes, permitting the topping to solidify before slicing into individual servings.

Notes

  • Adjust sweetness by reducing corn syrup or using alternative sweeteners like honey for a less sugary version.
  • Ensure even coating of cereal by mixing slowly and gently to prevent breaking rice puffs.
  • Create gluten-free variation by using certified gluten-free rice cereal and checking peanut butter labels.
  • Prevent sticky hands when pressing mixture by lightly coating hands with cooking spray or wearing disposable gloves.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: None
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 22 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 39 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
Marcus Reed

Marcus Reed

Founder & Food Content Creator

Expertise

Single-recipe development, Seasonal and local ingredient utilization, Food photography and styling, Culinary writing and content creation​

Education

Culinary Arts Certificate, Blue Ridge Community and Technical College, WV
Focus: Fundamentals of culinary techniques, emphasizing hands-on experience in small-scale kitchen settings.


Marcus’s story begins in Asheville, where good food and family kitchens shaped his earliest memories. After hands-on culinary training and a lot of trial (and a little error), he realized that real cooking isn’t about perfection, it’s about connection.
At Pan and Oven, Marcus crafts recipes that are easy to follow, packed with flavor, and built for real kitchens.

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