Easy No-Bake Scotcheroos: A Sweet Treat You’ll Crave Again!

Scotcheroos are beloved sweet treats that capture the hearts of dessert enthusiasts across the Midwest.

These delectable bars combine the irresistible richness of peanut butter, chocolate, and crispy rice cereal into a single indulgent confection.

Home bakers and dessert lovers appreciate the simplicity and decadence of this classic no-bake dessert that requires minimal cooking skills.

The combination of textures and flavors creates a nostalgic experience that reminds many people of childhood gatherings and family potlucks.

Crispy, chewy, and utterly satisfying, these bars have become a staple at bake sales, parties, and casual get-togethers.

Their universal appeal stems from the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and crunchy elements that make them impossible to resist.

Why Scotcheroos Are The Perfect Sweet Bite

• Effortless Indulgence: A no-bake dessert that requires minimal cooking skills, perfect for beginners or anyone wanting a quick sweet treat.
• Speedy Satisfaction: Takes only 20-25 minutes from start to finish, making it an ideal recipe for sudden sugar cravings or last-minute gatherings.
• Kid-Friendly Creation: Children can help mix ingredients and spread chocolate, turning dessert preparation into a fun family activity with minimal adult supervision.
• Crowd-Pleasing Versatility: Portable bars work wonderfully for potlucks, picnics, bake sales, and casual celebrations, delighting both kids and adults with their rich, sweet flavor combination.

What Goes Into Scotcheroos

• Rice Cereal: Crispy foundation for the no-bake treat, provides crunch and structure.
• Peanut Butter: Creamy binding agent that adds rich, nutty flavor and helps hold ingredients together.

• Sugar, Corn Syrup: Sweet combination that creates a sticky, glossy base for mixing ingredients.

• Chocolate Chips, Butterscotch Chips: Melt together to create a decadent, smooth chocolate layer that adds sweetness and richness.

How To Put Together Scotcheroos

Step 1: Prepare The Baking Pan

Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper or lightly grease the surface to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Cereal Base

Pour rice cereal into a spacious mixing bowl.

Step 3: Cook Sugar Mixture

Place sugar and corn syrup in a saucepan over medium heat.

Stir continuously until the mixture starts bubbling and becomes smooth.

Remove from heat.

Step 4: Blend Peanut Butter

Add peanut butter to the warm sugar mixture.

Stir until the combination becomes completely smooth and uniform.

Step 5: Mix Cereal Coating

Pour the peanut butter mixture over the rice cereal.

Gently fold and mix until every cereal piece is evenly coated.

Step 6: Press Into Pan

Transfer the coated cereal mixture into the prepared baking pan.

Use a spatula or clean hands to press firmly and create an even layer.

Step 7: Melt Chocolate Topping

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

Microwave on low power, stirring every 30 seconds.

Continue until the chips are completely melted and blended.

Step 8: Apply Chocolate Layer

Carefully spread the melted chocolate mixture over the cereal base.

Ensure an even coating across the entire surface.

Step 9: Cool And Set

Allow the scotcheroos to cool completely at room temperature.

Once set, cut into rectangular bars and serve.

Helpful Tips For Crunchy Scotcheroos

• Prevent Sticking: Grease pan thoroughly or use parchment paper for easy removal and clean cutting of bars.
• Smooth Mixture Technique: Stir peanut butter and sugar syrup gently to create a uniform consistency without burning or crystallizing.
• Chocolate Melting Mastery: Use low microwave power and stir frequently to prevent chocolate from scorching or seizing.
• Perfect Pressing Trick: Use clean, slightly damp hands or a spatula to evenly press rice cereal mixture into pan for uniform bars.
• Cooling Crucial Step: Let bars cool completely at room temperature or refrigerate briefly to help chocolate set firmly without cracking.

Best Things To Pair With Scotcheroos

• Pair with Creamy Milk: Indulge in a cold, smooth glass of whole milk that perfectly balances the rich sweetness of Scotcheroos, creating a classic dessert companion.
• Complement with Coffee: Brew a robust medium-roast coffee that cuts through the sugary layers, providing a warm contrast and enhancing the nutty peanut butter notes.
• Match with Vanilla Bourbon: Sip a smooth vanilla bourbon that echoes the caramel-like undertones of the butterscotch chips, elevating the dessert's complex flavor profile.
• Serve with Salted Caramel Ice Cream: Scoop a dollop of salted caramel ice cream alongside the Scotcheroos, offering a cool, creamy texture that harmonizes with the crunchy base.

Fun Variations Of Scotcheroos To Try

• Gluten-Free Option: Replace rice cereal with gluten-free crispy rice cereal and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
• Nut-Free Version: Swap peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or alternative seed butter to accommodate nut allergies while maintaining similar creamy texture.
• Vegan Alternative: Use dairy-free chocolate chips, coconut oil instead of butterscotch chips, and replace corn syrup with brown rice syrup or maple syrup for plant-based eaters.
• Low-Sugar Adaptation: Substitute corn syrup with monk fruit sweetener or stevia-based syrup, and use dark chocolate with higher cocoa content to reduce overall sugar content.

Scotcheroos Questions You May Have

• What are the key ingredients in Scotcheroos?

The key ingredients are rice cereal, sugar, corn syrup, peanut butter, chocolate chips, and butterscotch chips.

• Are Scotcheroos difficult to make?

No, they are very easy to prepare and require no baking, making them perfect for beginners and quick dessert lovers.

• Can I use different types of chocolate for the topping?

Yes, you can substitute milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or semi-sweet chocolate chips depending on your preference.

• How do I prevent the chocolate from seizing when melting?

Melt chocolate chips slowly on low power in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds to ensure smooth and even melting.

Keep Scotcheroos Fresh Without Fuss

• Refrigerate: Store covered in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Keep bars flat to maintain their shape and prevent cracking.
• Freeze: Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for maximum 2 months to preserve texture and flavor.
• Thaw: Remove frozen bars from freezer and let sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before enjoying. Unwrap carefully to prevent crumbling.
• Room Temperature: If serving within 24 hours, keep scotcheroos on a plate covered with plastic wrap at room temperature for optimal taste and soft texture.

Addictive Chocolate Pie Recipe

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4.6 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Irresistible Scotcheroos blend peanut butter, chocolate, and crispy rice cereal into a nostalgic Midwestern dessert. Sweet layers of creamy richness invite you to savor each delectable bite, promising pure indulgence.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 6 cups crispy rice cereal
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 cup light corn syrup (or honey)
• 1 cup granulated sugar

Chocolate and Butterscotch Topping:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) semi-sweet chocolate chips (high quality like Ghirardelli or Guittard)
• 12 ounces (340 grams) butterscotch chips

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Instructions

1. Prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan by generously coating with cooking spray or lining with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Pour rice cereal into a spacious mixing bowl, creating a foundation for the sweet treat.
3. Combine sugar and corn syrup in a saucepan, heating gently over medium flame until the mixture transforms into a bubbling liquid.
4. Remove syrup mixture from heat and incorporate peanut butter, stirring until a silky, uniform consistency develops.
5. Cascade the warm peanut butter blend over the rice cereal, thoroughly folding to ensure every crisp morsel becomes evenly coated.
6. Transfer the coated cereal mixture into the prepared pan, using firm pressure to create a compact, uniform layer.
7. Create the chocolate topping by combining chocolate chips and butterscotch chips in a microwave-safe vessel.
8. Melt the chips in short intervals, stirring between each 30-second burst to prevent scorching and ensure a smooth, glossy finish.
9. Gently spread the molten chocolate mixture across the cereal base, achieving a consistent and even layer.
10. Allow the scotcheroos to rest and cool completely at room temperature, permitting the chocolate to set and flavors to meld.
11. Once fully cooled, slice into individual bars for serving and enjoying.

Notes

• Customize the sweetness by adjusting the amount of sugar in the corn syrup mixture, making it lighter or more indulgent based on personal preference.
• Experiment with alternative nut butters like almond or cashew butter for unique flavor profiles and to accommodate different dietary needs.
• Use gluten-free rice cereal to transform this classic treat into a celiac-friendly dessert that everyone can enjoy.
• Prevent the chocolate from seizing by ensuring

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: None
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 100 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg