The Best Ever Scotcheroos: A No-Bake Sweet & Chewy Treat
If you love Rice Krispie treats, peanut butter, and chocolate, you’re in for a treat! Scotcheroos are a deliciously chewy, no-bake dessert made with a winning combination of butterscotch, peanut butter, chocolate, and crispy rice cereal.
These bars are quick to make, perfect for bake sales, holidays, or parties, and totally addictive. Plus, since they require zero baking, they’re an effortless crowd-pleaser!
Why You’ll Love This Scotcheroos Recipe
No-Bake & Super Easy – No oven required, just a few simple steps!
Chewy & Crunchy – The perfect balance of textures in every bite.
Irresistible Flavor – A mix of sweet butterscotch, creamy peanut butter, and rich chocolate.
Great for Any Occasion – Perfect for holidays, bake sales, or an everyday sweet treat.
Ingredients & Their Role
- 6 cups puffed rice cereal (like Rice Krispies) – Adds crunch and structure to the bars.
- 1 cup light corn syrup – Helps bind everything together and keeps the texture chewy.
- 1 cup granulated sugar – Adds sweetness and helps form the perfect chewy consistency.
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter – Enhances the flavor and keeps the bars soft.
- 1 cup milk chocolate chips – Provides a smooth, sweet chocolate topping.
- 1 cup butterscotch chips – Adds a caramel-like depth and pairs perfectly with chocolate.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare Your Pan
- Line a 9×13-inch casserole dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it with butter.
2. Make the Peanut Butter Mixture
- In a medium saucepan, heat corn syrup and sugar over medium heat.
- Stir constantly and remove from heat as soon as it starts simmering (don’t let it boil).
- Immediately whisk in peanut butter until smooth.
Pro Tip: You can also do this step in the microwave by heating the sugar and corn syrup in a microwave-safe bowl in 20-30 second increments, stirring in between until the sugar dissolves.
3. Mix with Cereal
- Pour the peanut butter mixture over the Rice Krispies in a large mixing bowl.
- Stir quickly to evenly coat the cereal before it starts to cool and stiffen.
4. Press into the Pan
- Transfer the mixture to your prepared pan and press it down firmly using a spatula or wax paper. Pro Tip: Lightly grease your hands or the spatula with butter to prevent sticking!
5. Melt the Chocolate & Butterscotch
- Melt milk chocolate chips and butterscotch chips together using:
- A double boiler (stir continuously over low heat until smooth).
- A microwave (heat in 20-30 second increments, stirring between each, until melted and smooth).
6. Spread the Chocolate Topping
- Pour the melted chocolate-butterscotch mixture over the cereal layer.
- Use a spatula to spread it evenly.
7. Let Set & Slice
- Allow the Scotcheroos to cool completely at room temperature or in the fridge for about 1 hour.
- Once set, cut into bars or squares and serve!
Pro Tips for the Best Scotcheroos
Don’t Overheat the Sugar Mixture – If you let it boil, the bars will turn hard instead of chewy.
Work Quickly – The peanut butter mixture cools fast, so mix it with the cereal right away!
Use a Sharp Knife for Slicing – Chilling makes it easier to cut without crumbling.
Add a Sprinkle of Sea Salt – Enhances the sweetness and balances flavors.
How to Store Scotcheroos
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Refrigerator: Keep chilled for a firmer texture, but let them sit at room temp before eating.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months, separating layers with parchment paper.
Serving Ideas & Variations
Use Dark Chocolate – For a richer, less sweet flavor.
Add Chopped Nuts – A crunchy twist with chopped peanuts or almonds.
Swap Corn Syrup – Try honey for a slightly different sweetness.
Holiday Theme – Sprinkle with festive sprinkles for Halloween, Christmas, or Easter!Final Thoughts
These Best Ever Scotcheroos are the ultimate no-bake treat—chewy, crispy, chocolatey, and peanut buttery in every bite. With just a handful of simple ingredients and less than 15 minutes of prep, they’re perfect for any occasion!
Make a batch today and watch them disappear!