Peggy'S Crispy Candy Bars
Crispy, sweet, and indulgent candy bars featuring crunchy cereal, peanut butter, and a chocolate butterscotch coating, perfect for satisfying dessert cravings or sharing at parties.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix corn syrup and sugar in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring frequently.
- Remove from heat. Stir in peanut butter and rice crispy cereal until well combined.
- Press the mixture into a well-greased 13 x 9 x 2-inch pan.
- Melt semi-sweet chocolate chips and butterscotch morsels in a double boiler or microwave, stirring until smooth.
- Spread the melted chocolate and butterscotch over the cereal mixture in the pan.
- Allow to cool completely. Cut into 1 x 2-inch bars and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a crunchier texture, consider substituting part of the rice crispy cereal with puffed rice or corn flakes. If you're looking to reduce sweetness, you can use natural peanut butter, which is less sweet than processed varieties. Keep an eye on the melting chocolate; overheating can cause it to seize. For a fun twist, try adding chopped nuts or dried fruit to the mixture.
Serving Suggestions
These crispy candy bars make a great treat for parties or as a lunchbox snack. They pair beautifully with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of cocoa. For a dessert spread, consider serving alongside Mocha Truffle Cookies or Strawberry Cake for a delightful variety of flavors and textures.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate them for up to two weeks. To enjoy them again, let them come to room temperature before serving, or warm them slightly in the microwave for a few seconds to soften the chocolate topping.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Peggy'S Crispy Candy Bars contains roughly 479 calories, with 13g protein, 103g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1072mg per serving (47% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of chocolate for the topping?
Absolutely! You can substitute milk chocolate or white chocolate for the semi-sweet chocolate chips. Just keep in mind that the sweetness level will change, so adjust accordingly if you prefer a less sweet treat.
Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, to make Peggy's Crispy Candy Bars gluten-free, be sure to use gluten-free rice crispy cereal. Many brands offer gluten-free options that will work perfectly in this recipe, allowing everyone to enjoy this delicious treat.
Can I make these bars in advance?
Definitely! These bars can be made a few days ahead of time. Just be sure to store them properly in an airtight container to maintain their freshness. They are perfect for meal prep or for making ahead for parties!
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).