Irresistibly Sweet Scotcheroos Recipe for Happy Gatherings

Sweet meets salty in this irresistible scotcheroos creation that promises pure indulgence.

Crispy rice cereal forms the perfect foundation for a decadent treat.

Melted chocolate and butterscotch chips blend into a luxurious topping you can’t resist.

Peanut butter adds rich, creamy depth to every delightful bite.

Midwestern kitchens have long celebrated this no-bake dessert as a crowd-pleasing classic.

Quick to assemble and even faster to disappear, these scotcheroos will become your new favorite sweet obsession.

Prepare to experience a dessert that turns ordinary moments into delicious memories.

Scotcheroos Sweet and Crunchy Classic Treat

• Quick Sweet Satisfaction: Create a delightful treat that combines crunchy cereal with rich chocolate and butterscotch in mere minutes.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, and casual get-togethers where you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.
• No-Bake Brilliance: Skip the oven entirely and enjoy a dessert that requires minimal cooking skills and basic kitchen equipment, making it accessible for bakers of all levels.
• Kid-Friendly Cooking: Engage children in the kitchen with simple mixing steps and a fun recipe that doesn't involve complicated techniques or dangerous heat management.

Ingredients Needed to Make Scotcheroos Treat

• Rice Krispies Cereal: A crispy base that provides the signature crunchy texture for the Scotcheroos.
• Peanut Butter: A creamy ingredient that adds rich flavor and helps bind the cereal mixture together.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a sticky binding for the cereal base.
• Light Corn Syrup: Ensures a smooth, glossy consistency and helps prevent sugar crystallization.

• Semisweet Chocolate Chips: Creates a delicious chocolate layer with a balanced sweetness.
• Butterscotch Chips: Adds a distinctive caramel-like flavor to complement the chocolate topping.

• Spatula or Spoon: Helps evenly distribute and press the cereal mixture into the baking dish.
• Baking Dish: A 9×13-inch pan that provides the perfect surface for creating and setting the Scotcheroos.

Stepwise Instructions for Making Scotcheroos

Step 1: Prepare Cereal Base

Grab a large mixing bowl and pour in the Rice Krispies cereal. Set the bowl nearby for the upcoming delicious process.

Step 2: Create Sweet Binding Mixture

• Granulated sugar
• Smooth peanut butter
• Light corn syrup

Heat the mixture over medium-high heat. Stir continuously to prevent burning and ensure smooth blending.

Step 3: Coat Cereal Thoroughly

Pour the hot mixture directly over the Rice Krispies. Mix completely, making sure every single cereal piece gets coated with the sweet sauce.

Step 4: Press Into Baking Dish

Transfer the coated cereal mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Use a spatula to press down firmly, creating an even layer across the entire pan.

Step 5: Melt Chocolate Topping

• Semisweet chocolate chips
• Butterscotch chips

Melt the chips over low heat, stirring constantly until the mixture becomes completely smooth and glossy.

Step 6: Add Chocolate Layer

Pour the melted chocolate mixture evenly over the cereal base, covering every inch of the surface.

Step 7: Let Scotcheroos Set

Allow the Scotcheroos to cool and set at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Once firm, slice into squares and serve these irresistible treats.

Tips to Nail Scotcheroos Every Time

• Prevent sticking by generously greasing the baking dish with butter or cooking spray before pressing the cereal mixture.
• Opt for natural peanut butter with minimal added sugar to control overall sweetness and enhance nutty flavor profile.
• Maintain low heat when melting chocolate and butterscotch chips to avoid burning, stirring constantly for smooth consistency.
• Let Scotcheroos cool completely at room temperature for cleaner cutting and firmer texture that holds shape perfectly.
• Store these treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Variations That Refresh Scotcherooss

• Healthy Nutty Scotcheroos: Replace corn syrup with honey, use dark chocolate chips, and incorporate almond butter instead of peanut butter for a nutrient-rich alternative.
• Gluten-Free Crisp Delight: Swap Rice Krispies with gluten-free rice cereal, ensuring the entire recipe remains safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Vegan Chocolate Crunch: Substitute dairy chocolate with plant-based chocolate chips, use coconut syrup instead of corn syrup, and replace peanut butter with sunflower seed butter for a completely vegan version.
• Low-Sugar Option: Use monk fruit sweetener in place of granulated sugar, choose sugar-free chocolate chips, and utilize a sugar-free corn syrup alternative to create a diabetic-friendly treat.

Pairings That Go Well With Scotcheroos

• Rich espresso or dark roast coffee cuts through the sweetness, balancing the butterscotch and chocolate layers with its robust intensity.
• Cold milk creates a nostalgic and creamy counterpoint, softening the treat's sugary richness while enhancing its texture.
• Serve alongside vanilla bean ice cream to introduce a cool, smooth contrast that elevates the Scotcheroos' warm, caramel-like undertones.
• Pair with a light amber ale or craft beer, which offers subtle malt notes that harmonize with the peanut butter and chocolate elements.

Storage Suggestions to Keep Scotcheroos Fresh

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container between parchment paper layers for up to 5 days. Keep sealed to maintain freshness and prevent drying out.
• Freeze: Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe container. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before enjoying.
• Counter Storage: Keep in sealed container away from direct sunlight and heat. Consume within 3 days for optimal taste and texture. Maintain room temperature around 70°F.
• Quick Softening: If bars become hard, microwave individual piece for 5-10 seconds to restore soft, chewy texture. Watch carefully to prevent overheating chocolate layer.

FAQs

• What are Scotcheroos?

Scotcheroos are a classic Midwestern dessert bar made with Rice Krispies cereal, peanut butter, corn syrup, and topped with a chocolate and butterscotch chip mixture.

• Are Scotcheroos difficult to make?

No, they are incredibly easy to prepare and require minimal baking skills. The recipe involves simple steps of melting ingredients and mixing them together.

• Can I substitute ingredients in this recipe?

You can use different types of cereals like Special K or cornflakes, and swap peanut butter brands. However, corn syrup is crucial for the right texture and sweetness.

• How long do Scotcheroos stay fresh?

When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, Scotcheroos remain fresh and delicious for up to 5-7 days.

Scotcheroos Recipe

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4.9 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Irresistible scotcheroos combine crispy rice cereal with peanut butter and chocolate for a classic Midwestern dessert. Rich layers of sweet chocolate and butterscotch create a nostalgic treat familiar to Kansas and Nebraska families.

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Ingredients

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• 1 cup smooth peanut butter
• 1 cup light corn syrup
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
• 1½ cups semisweet chocolate chips
• 1½ cups butterscotch chips

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Instructions

1. Measure Rice Krispies cereal into a spacious mixing bowl, positioning it nearby for quick access during preparation.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine granulated sugar, peanut butter, and corn syrup over medium-high heat. Stir continuously to prevent sugar from burning, maintaining a smooth consistency until mixture reaches a rolling boil.
3. Immediately pour the hot mixture over Rice Krispies, mixing thoroughly to ensure complete and even coating of the cereal.
4. Transfer the coated cereal mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan. Press down firmly and evenly using a spatula or spoon to create a compact layer.
5. For the topping, combine semisweet chocolate and butterscotch chips in a separate saucepan. Melt slowly over low heat, stirring consistently to prevent scorching and achieve a silky smooth texture.
6. Pour the melted chocolate-butterscotch mixture evenly over the cereal base, using a spatula to spread and cover completely.
7. Refrigerate for 30-45 minutes at 40°F until the topping sets completely and becomes firm. Cut into squares using a sharp knife before serving.

Notes

• Adjust sugar levels by using alternative sweeteners like honey or maple syrup for a more natural taste profile.
• Experiment with different nut butters such as almond or cashew butter to create unique flavor variations.
• Use gluten-free Rice Krispies or rice cereal for those with gluten sensitivities, ensuring the recipe remains accessible.
• Refrigerate the Scotcheroos for a firmer texture and longer-lasting treat, especially in warm climates.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 246
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 60 mg
• Fat: 13 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 3 mg