Irresistibly Sweet Scotcharoo Bars Recipe: Homemade Bliss

Soft, chewy scotcharoo bars blend peanut butter’s rich comfort with chocolate’s sweet embrace.

Crispy rice cereal adds a delightful crunch to this classic treat.

Kids and adults alike go crazy for these no-bake delights.

Sweet butterscotch chips melt perfectly into the creamy peanut butter base.

Layers of chocolate and butterscotch create an irresistible combination that feels like pure indulgence.

Quick to make and even faster to disappear, these bars promise to become your new favorite dessert.

You won’t be able to resist cutting a generous square and savoring every delicious bite.

Flavor Variations of Scotcharoo Bars

• Almond Crunch Scotcharoos: Replace peanut butter with almond butter and sprinkle chopped almonds on top for extra crunch.
• Coconut Caramel Scotcharoos: Mix shredded coconut into the cereal base and drizzle caramel sauce over the chocolate layer.
• Dark Chocolate Raspberry Scotcharoos: Use dark chocolate chips and add freeze-dried raspberry pieces for a tangy flavor profile.
• Salted Pretzel Scotcharoos: Crush pretzels and mix into the cereal base, then sprinkle sea salt over the chocolate topping for a sweet-salty combination.

Suggested Pairings for Scotcharoo Bars

• Chocolate Milk Match: Creamy chocolate milk complements the rich butterscotch and chocolate topping, creating a decadent sweet experience that highlights the bar's nutty peanut butter base.
• Cold Brew Coffee Companion: Smooth cold brew cuts through the sweetness, providing a refreshing contrast and enhancing the dessert's complex flavor profile with its robust coffee notes.
• Vanilla Bean Ice Cream Delight: Smooth, cool vanilla ice cream balances the bar's intense sweetness, offering a creamy texture that perfectly offsets the crispy cereal crunch.
• Caramel Frappe Fusion: A chilled caramel frappe echoes the butterscotch undertones, amplifying the dessert's rich caramel and chocolate flavors while adding a luxurious, cool dimension.

Storage Advice for Scotcharoo Bars

• Store bars in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers for up to 5 days, keeping them fresh and preventing sticking.
• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bag, storing for 2-3 months; thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before enjoying.
• Keep bars in sealed container at room temperature for 2-3 days, ensuring they remain crisp and delicious.
• Warm slightly in microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore softness, but avoid overheating to maintain texture and prevent chocolate from burning.

Frequently Asked Questions About Scotcharoo Bars

• Are Scotcharoo Bars kid-friendly?

Yes! These bars are perfect for children because they’re sweet, fun to eat, and easy to make. Kids love the crispy texture and chocolate-butterscotch topping.

• What type of cereal works best for this recipe?

Crispy rice cereal is ideal. Brands like Rice Krispies work perfectly, providing the signature crunch and helping the bars hold their shape.

• Can I make Scotcharoo Bars gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use gluten-free crispy rice cereal to create a celiac-friendly version of these delicious bars. Just check the cereal label to ensure it’s certified gluten-free.

Why Scotcharoo Bars Are a Favorite Treat

• Blast Through Preparation: Super quick recipe that comes together in mere minutes with minimal cooking skills required.
• Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Delivers an irresistible combination of sweet chocolate, rich butterscotch, and crunchy peanut butter flavors that everyone from kids to adults will love.
• No-Bake Wonder: Requires zero oven time, making it perfect for warm days or when you want a dessert without heating up the kitchen.
• Versatile Party Companion: Ideal for potlucks, school events, family gatherings, or casual weekend snacking with its simple yet addictive taste profile.

Ingredients Needed for Scotcharoo Bars

• Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps bind the bar together.
• Light Corn Syrup: Creates a smooth, glossy texture and helps prevent sugar crystallization.
• Creamy Peanut Butter: Adds rich flavor and helps create a creamy consistency.

• Crispy Rice Cereal: Gives the bars a signature crunchy texture and light base.

• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips, Butterscotch Chips: Combine to create a delicious, sweet chocolate-butterscotch layer that covers the cereal base.

• Cooking Spray or Butter: Helps prevent the bars from sticking to the baking pan.

Instructions for Scotcharoo Bars

Step 1: Craft Sweet Syrup Mixture

Heat granulated sugar and light corn syrup in a large saucepan over medium temperature. Stir constantly until the mixture starts bubbling gently.

Step 2: Blend Peanut Butter

Remove the pan from heat and add creamy peanut butter. Stir until the mixture becomes completely smooth and well combined.

Step 3: Coat Crispy Cereal

Pour the warm peanut butter mixture over crispy rice cereal in a spacious mixing bowl. Gently fold and mix until every single cereal piece is thoroughly coated with the sweet mixture.

Step 4: Create Cereal Base Layer

Transfer the coated cereal mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan. Press down firmly and evenly to create a compact base layer using clean hands or a spatula.

Step 5: Melt Chocolate and Butterscotch

Combine semi-sweet chocolate chips and butterscotch chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in short 30-second intervals, stirring between each session until the chips transform into a silky, glossy mixture.

Step 6: Add Chocolate Topping

Carefully pour the melted chocolate-butterscotch blend over the cereal base. Use a spatula to spread the topping evenly across the entire surface.

Step 7: Set and Slice

Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature until the chocolate topping sets firmly. Cut into square-shaped servings using a sharp knife.

Expert Tips for Scotcharoo Bars

• Use a non-stick spatula to press the cereal mixture into the pan, preventing sticking and ensuring an even layer.
• Melt chocolate and butterscotch chips slowly to avoid burning, stirring frequently for smooth consistency.
• Line the baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal and clean cutting of bars.
• Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
• For a gluten-free version, choose certified gluten-free crispy rice cereal and verify peanut butter brand.

Scotcharoo Bars Recipe

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4.8 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Homemade Scotcharoo Bars blend sweet chocolate, crispy rice cereal, and rich butterscotch for an irresistible midwest classic. Nostalgic dessert lovers will savor each chewy, indulgent bite of this simple yet memorable treat.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 6 cups crispy rice cereal

Sweeteners:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup light corn syrup

Toppings:

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

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Instructions

1. In a large saucepan, heat granulated sugar and light corn syrup over medium temperature, stirring continuously until the mixture reaches a gentle bubbling point.
2. Immediately remove the pan from heat source and incorporate creamy peanut butter, whisking until the mixture transforms into a uniform, silky consistency.
3. Transfer crispy rice cereal into a spacious mixing bowl and gently fold the warm peanut butter mixture, ensuring each cereal piece gets thoroughly coated.
4. Carefully press the cereal blend into a prepared rectangular baking dish, creating an even, compact layer with gentle pressure.
5. Combine semi-sweet chocolate chips and butterscotch chips in a microwave-safe container, melting gradually through 30-second intervals while stirring between each session until achieving a smooth, glossy texture.
6. Drizzle the melted chocolate-butterscotch blend across the cereal foundation, using a spatula to distribute the topping evenly and completely.
7. Allow the bars to rest at room temperature for approximately 45-60 minutes, permitting the chocolate layer to solidify and set completely.
8. Slice into symmetrical squares, revealing the layered, decadent treat perfect for casual gatherings or sweet indulgence.

Notes

• Prevent sticky mess by lightly greasing your hands with cooking spray when pressing the cereal mixture into the pan.
• Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water for clean, precise cuts when slicing the bars.
• Experiment with different chip combinations like milk chocolate and peanut butter chips for unique flavor variations.
• Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain their crispy texture and freshness.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 243
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 96 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 3 mg