Irresistibly Sweet Scotcharoos Recipe for Dessert Lovers

Sweet scotcharoos have been my secret weapon at neighborhood potlucks for years.

Chocolate and peanut butter create an irresistible combination that makes people swoon.

My grandmother’s classic recipe always draws curious glances and eager requests.

Kids and adults cannot resist these chewy, crispy treats.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of smooth chocolate and creamy peanut butter.

Rich butterscotch chips add an unexpected depth of flavor that surprises everyone.

You’ll want to make a double batch because these disappear faster than you can slice them.

Grab a plate and get ready to become the dessert hero of any gathering.

What You’ll Need for Scotcharoos

• Corn Syrup, Sugar: Sweet binding agents that create the sticky base for the scotcharoos, choose light corn syrup for consistent texture.
• Peanut Butter: Creamy and rich ingredient that adds depth and helps hold the mixture together, opt for smooth variety for best results.
• Rice Krispies Cereal: Crispy base that provides crunch and structure, select fresh cereal for maximum crispiness.

• Chocolate Chips, Butterscotch Chips: Decadent melting topping that creates a rich and sweet layer, use high-quality chips for best flavor and smooth melting.

• Baking Pan: Standard 9×13-inch pan for even distribution of scotcharoos.
• Parchment Paper: Optional non-stick liner for easy removal of bars, helps prevent sticking and simplifies cutting.

Making Scotcharoos Step-by-Step

Step 1: Prepare Baking Surface

Coat a 9×13-inch pan with cooking spray or line with parchment paper for effortless removal.

Step 2: Create Sticky Base

• Corn syrup
• Sugar

Stir continuously until mixture starts bubbling, then immediately remove from heat.

Blend in peanut butter until completely smooth.

Step 3: Combine Crunchy Elements

Fold Rice Krispies cereal into the peanut butter mixture, ensuring every crisp piece gets coated.

Step 4: Pack Down Layers

Transfer mixture to prepared pan.

Use a spatula to press evenly, creating a uniform surface.

Step 5: Craft Chocolate Topping

• Chocolate chips
• Butterscotch chips

Melt by heating in short bursts, stirring between each interval until silky and completely blended.

Step 6: Apply Chocolate Layer

Pour melted chocolate mixture over cereal base.

Spread gently with spatula to cover entire surface.

Step 7: Set and Slice

Allow treats to cool at room temperature until topping hardens.

Alternatively, place in refrigerator for faster setting.

Cut into squares and enjoy!

Tips for Crisp Yet Chewy Scotcharoos

• Prep Pan Perfectly: Use parchment paper or grease generously to prevent sticking and ensure easy bar removal.
• Prevent Sugar Burning: Watch the corn syrup and sugar mixture closely, removing from heat immediately after it starts boiling to maintain smooth texture.
• Mix Cereal Gently: Fold Rice Krispies carefully to keep crispy texture and avoid crushing the cereal while ensuring even coating.
• Melt Chocolate Strategically: Use short microwave intervals and stir frequently to create a silky smooth chocolate-butterscotch topping without burning.
• Chill for Quick Set: Refrigerate bars to speed up cooling process and help chocolate layer firm up faster for quicker serving.

Storing Scotcharoos the Smart Way

• Store leftover scotcharoos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months for longer storage.
• Remove frozen scotcharoos from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes before enjoying. Avoid microwaving to maintain texture.
• For best taste and texture, consume refrigerated or thawed scotcharoos within a week. Let chilled bars sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving for optimal softness.

What to Serve with Scotcharoos

• Dark roast or espresso cuts through the sweetness, balancing the rich chocolate and peanut butter with its bold, bitter notes.
• Classic whole milk creates a creamy contrast, softening the intense sweetness and providing a smooth, refreshing companion to the bars.
• Smooth, cold vanilla ice cream enhances the dessert's sweetness while adding a luxurious, velvety texture that complements the chewy cereal base.
• The caramel undertones in the drink harmonize with the butterscotch chips, creating a delightful flavor symphony that elevates the entire dessert experience.

Scotcharoo Variations to Explore

• Gluten-Free Scotcharoos: Replace Rice Krispies with gluten-free crispy rice cereal and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Vegan Scotcharoos: Swap corn syrup with brown rice syrup, use dairy-free chocolate chips, replace peanut butter with almond or sunflower seed butter, and use vegan marshmallows instead of corn syrup.
• Nut-Free Version: Substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or coconut butter for those with nut allergies, keeping the same overall recipe structure.
• Low-Sugar Alternative: Use sugar-free chocolate chips, replace corn syrup with a sugar-free syrup, and incorporate monk fruit sweetener to reduce overall sugar content while maintaining the classic scotcharoo flavor profile.

Why Scotcharoos Are Always a Hit

• Perfect for busy bakers who want delicious treats without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Kids and adults alike will love the irresistible combination of peanut butter, chocolate, and crispy cereal that makes these bars a guaranteed hit at parties and gatherings.
• Skip the oven completely with this simple recipe that requires just a stovetop and microwave, making it super convenient for novice cooks and experienced bakers alike.
• Tap into childhood memories with these classic scotcharoos that bring back warm feelings of home-baked treats and family gatherings.

Scotcharoos Recipe

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4.8 from 15 reviews

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

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Description

Sweet, nostalgic scotcharoos blend classic peanut butter and crispy rice cereal with rich chocolate and butterscotch chips, creating an irresistible midwestern dessert that delights generations. Comfort meets indulgence in this simple, no-bake treat you can whip up in minutes for instant smiles.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup (240g / 8.5 ounces) creamy peanut butter
• 1 cup (200g / 7 ounces) granulated sugar
• 6 cups (180g / 6.3 ounces) Rice Krispies cereal

Binding and Coating Ingredients:

• 1 cup (240g / 8.5 ounces) light corn syrup

Topping Ingredients:

• 1 cup (175g / 6.2 ounces) semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup (175g / 6.2 ounces) butterscotch chips

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Instructions

1. Prepare a 9×13-inch baking vessel by coating interior surfaces with cooking spray or lining with parchment paper to guarantee effortless extraction of the finished treat.
2. Construct the foundational peanut butter blend by combining corn syrup and granulated sweetener in a large saucepan, heating while stirring continuously until initial bubbling occurs, then immediately remove from thermal source.
3. Integrate peanut butter into the warm syrup mixture, whisking thoroughly until achieving a uniform, silky consistency without any remaining lumps.
4. Gently incorporate crispy rice cereal into the peanut butter concoction, folding delicately to ensure complete and even coating of each cereal kernel.
5. Transfer the cereal mixture into the prepared pan, using a flexible spatula to distribute contents uniformly and create a compact, level surface.
6. Craft the topping by melting chocolate and butterscotch chips together in a microwave-safe container, employing brief heating intervals and stirring between each to prevent scorching.
7. Cascade the molten chip mixture across the cereal base, utilizing a clean spatula to spread the topping in a smooth, consistent layer covering the entire surface.
8. Allow the confection to rest at ambient temperature until the chocolate topping solidifies completely, which typically requires approximately 30-45 minutes, or expedite setting by placing in refrigerator.
9. Once fully set, slice into square portions and serve at room temperature for optimal texture and flavor enjoyment.

Notes

• Always line the pan with parchment paper for effortless bar removal and clean cutting.
• Experiment with different cereal types like Chex or cornflakes for unique texture variations.
• Control heat carefully when combining corn syrup and sugar to prevent burning or crystallization.
• Melt chocolate chips slowly and gently to maintain smooth, glossy consistency without scorching.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 22g
• Sodium: 120mg
• Fat: 11g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 0mg