No-bake, no-stress, all delicious.
If you’re craving something sweet, chewy, crunchy, and totally addictive, Scotcheroos are your answer. These classic cereal bars are loaded with peanut butter, chocolate, butterscotch, and caramel flavor—all without turning on the oven.
Whether you’re making a batch for a party, bake sale, or just a cozy night in, this easy recipe will become your go-to for a crowd-pleasing treat.
What You’ll Need
Ingredients:
- 6 cups puffed rice cereal (like Rice Krispies)
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup milk chocolate chips
- 1 cup butterscotch chips
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Make the Peanut Butter Mixture
In a medium saucepan, combine the corn syrup and sugar. Heat over medium until it just starts to simmer—don’t let it boil.
Remove from heat and immediately stir in the peanut butter until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Shortcut Tip:
You can do this step in the microwave. Use a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 30-second bursts, stirring each time until smooth.
2. Mix With the Cereal
In a large mixing bowl, pour the hot peanut butter mixture over the puffed rice cereal. Stir quickly to coat everything before it starts to set.
3. Press Into the Pan
Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper. Press the mixture into the pan evenly, using a spatula or clean hands. Press firmly to get that classic chewy texture.
4. Melt the Topping
In a double boiler—or in a microwave-safe bowl—melt the chocolate chips and butterscotch chips together.
Microwave in 20–30 second intervals, stirring between each, until the mixture is silky smooth.
5. Add the Topping
Pour the melted chocolate-butterscotch mixture over the cereal layer. Spread evenly with a spatula.
6. Let Them Set
Let the bars cool completely at room temperature, or speed things up by placing the pan in the fridge for about an hour. Once firm, slice into squares or bars.
Pro Tip:
Chilling before cutting gives you nice, clean edges.
Helpful Notes
- Don’t overheat the sugar mixture. As soon as it begins to bubble, pull it off the heat to avoid a hard or grainy texture.
- Want extra flair? Top with a sprinkle of sea salt or a drizzle of white chocolate for an added twist.
- Storage: Keep your Scotcheroos in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days—or store in the fridge for a firmer bite.
Why You’ll Love These Scotcheroos
- No baking required
- Perfectly chewy with a bit of crunch
- Classic flavors with a nostalgic twist
- Quick to make and easy to transport
The combination of peanut butter, caramel sweetness, and a rich chocolate-butterscotch topping makes these bars hard to resist. Every bite delivers the perfect balance of gooey and crispy, sweet and salty.
When to Serve Them
Scotcheroos are always a hit. Try them for:
- Birthday parties
- Holiday dessert trays
- Potlucks
- After-school snacks
- Last-minute dessert needs
They’re the kind of treat that disappears fast—so you might want to make a double batch.
Final Thoughts
Making Scotcheroos is as satisfying as eating them. With just a few pantry staples and less than 30 minutes of prep, you get a treat that’s sweet, indulgent, and full of old-school charm.
These bars are more than just dessert—they’re comfort food in square form. So next time you’re craving something sweet and simple, give these Best Ever Scotcheroos a try.
Craving more easy no-bake recipes? Bookmark this one and share it with someone who has a sweet tooth—you’ll both be glad you did.
Let me know if you want a printable version, or a recipe card to download!
