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Scotcharoos Recipe

Perfect Scotcharoos Recipe

This scotcharoos recipe creates the ultimate no-bake treat that combines creamy peanut butter, sweet butterscotch, rich chocolate, and crispy rice cereal. These beloved bar cookies have been a family favorite for generations, delivering the perfect balance of textures and flavors in every bite. With just seven simple ingredients and no oven required, you can whip up a batch of these irresistible treats in under an hour.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Cooling Time 20 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 24 bars
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 195

Ingredients
  

Base Ingredients
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter for greasing pan
  • cups creamy peanut butter
  • 1 cup light corn syrup
  • 1 cup granulated white sugar
  • 6 cups crisp rice cereal like Rice Krispies
Topping Ingredients
  • ½ cup semisweet chocolate chips
  • ½ cup butterscotch chips

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch baking pan
  • Large Heavy-Bottomed Pot
  • Medium saucepan
  • Wooden spoon
  • Measuring Cups

Method
 

  1. Prepare your 9x13-inch baking pan by generously coating it with butter. Set aside.
  2. Combine peanut butter, corn syrup, and sugar in a large heavy-bottomed pot. Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly until smooth and bubbly.
  3. Remove from heat immediately once the mixture reaches a rolling boil. Do not overcook or bars will become too hard.
  4. Quickly stir in the rice cereal until every piece is completely coated with the peanut butter mixture.
  5. Press the mixture firmly into your prepared pan using buttered hands. Work quickly before the mixture starts to set.
  6. Melt chocolate chips and butterscotch chips together in a separate saucepan over low heat, stirring until smooth.
  7. Spread the melted chip mixture evenly over the cereal base using a spatula.
  8. Allow bars to cool completely for at least 20 minutes before cutting into 24 even squares.

Notes

Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Layer between parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Tips for Success: Use fresh rice cereal for maximum crispiness. Don't overcook the sugar mixture or your bars will become too hard. Work quickly when mixing in the cereal before the mixture starts to set.
Variations: Replace butterscotch chips with white chocolate chips, add chopped peanuts for extra crunch, or use crunchy peanut butter instead of smooth for more texture.