vAh, Scotcharoos—those irresistible, chewy bars that are the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and everything in between. If you’ve never made these before, you’re in for a treat! Picture soft rice cereal, drenched in peanut butter, and topped with a rich layer of chocolate and butterscotch—it’s a simple dessert that feels like pure magic in every bite. Trust me, these are going to become your new go-to sweet fix!
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Whether you’re craving something to share at a party, needing a quick snack for the kids, or just want a little indulgence to enjoy while watching your favorite show, this recipe is a total winner. The best part? It’s ridiculously easy to whip up. You’ll have these soft, chewy, and oh-so-sweet Scotcharoos ready in no time. Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love Soft and Chewy Scotcharoos
Quick and Easy: These bars come together in minutes, making them perfect for those days when you want something sweet without the hassle. No baking required!
Family-Friendly: With ingredients that everyone loves—peanut butter, chocolate, butterscotch, and cereal—it’s a treat that both kids and adults can enjoy. It’s great for school lunches, family gatherings, or just a little after-dinner indulgence.
Customizable: You can add your own twist! Love a little extra crunch? Throw in some chopped nuts or a sprinkle of sea salt on top for that sweet-salty combo. You could even swap out the chocolate for your favorite candy bar pieces.
No-Bake Convenience: No oven, no problem! Just mix, press, and chill—these Scotcharoos are the easiest dessert you’ll ever make.
Ingredients in Soft and Chewy Scotcharoos
Let’s talk about the ingredients that make these Scotcharoos so special. They’re simple, but each one plays a crucial role in giving you that irresistible texture and flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:
Rice Cereal: The base of the bars. It gives them that light, crispy texture that’s perfect for soaking up the peanut butter and sugary goodness.
Peanut Butter: The creamy, dreamy ingredient that adds a nutty richness. It pairs perfectly with the sweetness and brings that chewy texture to life.
Sugar: A little sweetness goes a long way here. This will melt into the peanut butter and create the syrupy layer that holds everything together.
Light Corn Syrup: This adds just the right amount of sweetness and helps everything stick together perfectly, so you get those bars with a firm but chewy bite.
Chocolate Chips: The creamy top layer that melts into a smooth, chocolatey goodness. It’s the finishing touch that makes these Scotcharoos truly addictive.
Butterscotch Chips: These add a rich, buttery flavor that balances the chocolate and peanut butter for a truly decadent treat.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Now let’s make some magic! Follow these easy steps to create the soft and chewy Scotcharoos of your dreams:
Melt Peanut Butter and Syrup: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt together peanut butter, sugar, and light corn syrup, stirring constantly. Heat until it’s nice and smooth, and the sugar has dissolved.
Mix with Rice Cereal: Pour the peanut butter mixture over the rice cereal in a large bowl. Stir gently to combine, making sure each piece of cereal is coated in that delicious gooey peanut butter mixture.
Press into Pan: Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Press it down firmly with a spatula or your hands to make an even layer. Be careful not to press too hard; you want it compact but not overly squished.
Melt the Toppings: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and butterscotch chips. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until melted and smooth. This creates the glossy topping that will go over your bars.
Spread and Cool: Pour the melted chocolate and butterscotch mixture over the rice cereal base. Use a spatula to spread it evenly across the top. Let the bars cool to room temperature for about 30 minutes, or place them in the fridge to speed up the process.
Cut and Serve: Once the Scotcharoos have set, slice them into squares or rectangles. Serve and enjoy these chewy, sweet treats!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 12-16
Calories per serving: [Calorie count per serving]
How to Serve Soft and Chewy Scotcharoos
These Scotcharoos are perfect on their own, but if you’re feeling fancy, here are a few fun ideas to take them to the next level:
With a Glass of Milk: Classic! These sweet, chewy bars are heavenly when paired with a cold glass of milk. It’s the ultimate comfort combo.
With Ice Cream: Try crumbling them up and serving over a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a fun dessert twist. Or, layer them inside an ice cream sandwich for a creative treat!
As a Party Snack: Serve them at your next gathering or holiday party. Their rich flavor and chewy texture make them a total crowd-pleaser.
Additional Tips
Storage: Store your Scotcharoos in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you want to keep them fresh for longer, you can store them in the fridge.
Double the Recipe: If you’ve got a crowd to please, feel free to double the recipe and make a bigger batch. Just use a 9×13-inch pan and adjust the cooking time slightly.
Chill for a Firmer Texture: If you prefer a firmer bar, pop the Scotcharoos in the fridge for an hour or two before cutting them into squares.
Add Nuts for Extra Crunch: Feel free to throw in some chopped peanuts or even pretzels for a salty crunch that pairs beautifully with the sweetness.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
A1: Yes! Crunchy peanut butter will give these bars a little extra texture and crunch, which can be a fun twist.
Q2: Can I use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate?
A2: Absolutely! Dark chocolate would add a slightly richer flavor, balancing out the sweetness. Go ahead and make it your own!
Q3: How do I store leftover Scotcharoos?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. You can also refrigerate them if you prefer a firmer texture.
Q4: Can I freeze Scotcharoos?
A4: Yes! To freeze, wrap them individually or store them in an airtight container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Q5: Can I add other mix-ins to the bars?
A5: Sure! Chopped nuts, pretzels, or even mini marshmallows would be a great addition for extra texture and flavor.
Q6: How long do the bars take to set?
A6: It usually takes about 30 minutes at room temperature for them to set. You can also refrigerate them for a faster result.
Q7: What should I do if the topping gets too hard to spread?
A7: If the melted chocolate mixture is too thick, just pop it back in the microwave for 10-15 second intervals until it’s smooth and easy to spread.
Q8: Can I make these Scotcharoos without butterscotch chips?
A8: Yes, you can use all chocolate chips or even white chocolate chips if you prefer. It’ll still taste amazing!
Q9: Can I make these bars gluten-free?
A9: Yes, you can use gluten-free rice cereal to make these Scotcharoos gluten-free. They’ll still be just as delicious!
Q10: Can I use a different type of syrup?
A10: Light corn syrup works best for the texture, but you can try honey or maple syrup as a substitute if you’re looking for a more natural alternative.
Conclusion
These Soft and Chewy Scotcharoos are the kind of treat that just hits every time. They’re packed with flavor, super easy to make, and totally customizable to fit your cravings. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just because, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser. So, gather your ingredients, get mixing, and enjoy every bite of these chewy, peanut-buttery, chocolatey goodness!
Print
Soft and Chewy Scotcharoos
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes (plus cooling time)
- Yield: 24 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Description
Soft and Chewy Scotcharoos are a deliciously sweet treat with crispy Rice Krispies cereal, creamy peanut butter, and a rich chocolate-butterscotch topping. Perfect for a nostalgic snack or dessert!
Ingredients
- 5 tablespoons butter, softened, divided
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup peanut butter, creamy
- For the topping:
- 1 cup milk chocolate chips
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup butterscotch chips
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the corn syrup and granulated sugar. Stir occasionally until the sugar is dissolved, and the mixture is bubbly.
- Remove from heat and immediately stir in the peanut butter until smooth and well combined.
- Pour the Rice Krispies cereal into the peanut butter mixture and stir until the cereal is fully coated.
- Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Use a spatula to press the mixture down evenly, making sure it is tightly packed.
- In a separate saucepan, melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter over low heat. Add the milk chocolate chips, semi-sweet chocolate chips, and butterscotch chips. Stir constantly until the chocolate chips are melted and smooth.
- Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the Rice Krispies mixture in the baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Let the Scotcharoos cool completely before cutting into squares and serving. This may take about 1-2 hours at room temperature.
Notes
- For extra crunch, you can add chopped peanuts to the bars before pressing the mixture into the baking dish.
- Make sure to let the bars cool completely before cutting to ensure they set properly.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 23g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
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