If you’re craving something sweet, chewy, and perfectly crispy, it’s time to try this scotcharoos recipe today! These classic no-bake dessert bars combine the irresistible crunch of Rice Krispies with a rich, peanut buttery base and a smooth chocolate-butterscotch topping. Quick, easy, and always a hit, scotcharoos are the perfect treat for parties, bake sales, or just satisfying your sweet tooth at home.
Let’s dive into how to make this timeless treat — plus expert tips to make your scotcharoos recipe turn out delicious every time!
🍯 What Are Scotcharoos?
Scotcharoos are a classic American dessert bar that first gained popularity in the 1960s, often featured on the back of cereal boxes. The recipe combines crisp rice cereal, peanut butter, corn syrup, and sugar for a chewy base, topped with a luscious chocolate and butterscotch chip layer.
The name “scotcharoo” comes from the butterscotch flavor that gives these bars their signature taste. They’re similar to Rice Krispie treats but richer and more indulgent — think of them as the grown-up version with extra peanut buttery goodness.
🧁 Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a few pantry staples to make this scotcharoos recipe — no oven required!
For the Base:
1 cup light corn syrup
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup creamy peanut butter
6 cups crisp rice cereal (like Rice Krispies)
For the Topping:
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup butterscotch chips
That’s it! Simple ingredients, big flavor.
🍫 Step-by-Step: How to Make Scotcharoos
Step 1: Prepare the Pan
Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
Step 2: Make the Peanut Butter Mixture
In a large saucepan, combine the corn syrup and sugar over medium heat. Stir constantly until the sugar dissolves and the mixture starts to bubble.
👉 Do not let it boil for long, or your scotcharoos will turn hard instead of chewy.
Once bubbles appear, remove from heat and stir in the peanut butter until smooth.
Step 3: Add the Cereal
Add the crisp rice cereal to the warm peanut butter mixture. Stir well until every piece is coated evenly.
Step 4: Press Into the Pan
Quickly transfer the mixture into your prepared pan. Using a spatula or wax paper, press it down gently to form an even layer. Don’t compact it too tightly — you want it chewy, not hard!
Step 5: Make the Topping
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and butterscotch chips. Microwave in 20–30 second bursts, stirring after each, until completely melted and smooth.
Step 6: Spread and Set
Pour the melted topping over the cereal mixture and spread evenly. Let it set at room temperature (about 1 hour) or refrigerate for 20–30 minutes for faster results.
Once the topping has firmed up, cut into squares and enjoy! 🍬
🥜 Tips for Perfect Scotcharoos
✔ Don’t overheat the sugar mixture. Boiling too long makes the bars hard instead of chewy. Remove from heat as soon as you see bubbles.
✔ Use creamy peanut butter. Natural peanut butters with oil separation can change the texture.
✔ Add a pinch of salt. Enhances the flavor and balances the sweetness.
✔ Melt topping gently. If overheated, butterscotch chips can seize up — melt slowly and stir often.
✔ Make them ahead. Scotcharoos can be made 2–3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container.
🍬 Fun Variations to Try
Once you master the classic scotcharoos recipe, try customizing it with fun variations:
1. Salted Caramel Scotcharoos
Drizzle caramel sauce over the chocolate layer and sprinkle lightly with sea salt.
2. Dark Chocolate Version
Replace semi-sweet chips with dark chocolate for a richer, less sweet flavor.
3. Nutty Crunch
Add chopped peanuts or almonds to the cereal mixture for extra crunch.
4. Holiday Scotcharoos
Top with colorful sprinkles or drizzle white chocolate for a festive twist.
5. Gluten-Free Option
Use gluten-free crisp rice cereal — easy and just as delicious!
🍫 Why You’ll Love This Scotcharoos Recipe
✅ No baking required — perfect for busy days.
✅ Ready in 15 minutes or less.
✅ Irresistible texture — chewy, crunchy, and rich.
✅ Family-friendly — kids and adults love them!
✅ Perfect for gifting — wrap in parchment and tie with ribbon.
Whether it’s a last-minute dessert for a party or a nostalgic childhood treat, this scotcharoos recipe never disappoints.
🧁 How to Store Scotcharoos
Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Refrigerated: Keeps for up to 2 weeks — just let them soften before serving.
Frozen: Wrap individual bars and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw before enjoying.
💕 Conclusion
If you’re searching for a dessert that’s sweet, satisfying, and unbelievably easy, you have to try this scotcharoos recipe today! With a perfect balance of peanut butter, chocolate, and crispy texture, these bars are guaranteed to become a family favorite.
So grab your saucepan and cereal, and whip up a batch of this timeless treat. Once you take a bite, you’ll see why everyone loves scotcharoos — chewy, chocolatey, and downright irresistible! 🍫🥜✨