Scotcheroo Bars
Sweet and crunchy Scotcheroo Bars combine peanut butter, crispy rice cereal, and chocolate and butterscotch chips for a delightful treat perfect for parties or casual snacking.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine sugar and syrup in a 3-quart saucepan.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until mixture just comes to a boil.
- Remove from heat; stir in peanut butter and mix well.
- Add cereal and mix well.
- Press mixture into a buttered 9 x 13-inch pan.
- Melt chocolate chips and butterscotch chips together over hot, not boiling, water.
- Stir until well blended.
- Remove from heat and spread over the pressed cereal mixture in the pan.
- Allow to cool, then cut into bars.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet. If you prefer a nut-free version, substitute the peanut butter with sunflower seed butter. Make sure to press the mixture firmly into the pan to achieve a dense bar that holds together well. Let the bars cool completely before cutting to maintain clean edges.
Serving Suggestions
Cut the bars into squares for easy serving, and consider pairing them with a glass of cold milk or a cup of coffee for a delightful treat. These bars also make a great addition to any dessert platter, especially alongside other treats like Theresa Shea's Candied Sweet Potatoes or Fluffy Tapioca Pudding.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Scotcheroo bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to two weeks. If you want to freeze them, wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Scotcheroo Bars contains roughly 373 calories, with 9g protein, 49g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is a good source of protein (17% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (12% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 3g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 other types of cereal instead of Rice Krispies?
Yes, you can substitute Rice Krispies with other crispy cereals like Cornflakes or even a gluten-free cereal. Just ensure the texture remains similar for the best results.
What can I do if I don't have butterscotch chips?
If you don't have butterscotch chips, you can use additional chocolate chips or try using a combination of white chocolate and a bit of brown sugar to mimic the butterscotch flavor.
How can I make these bars more decadent?
To make the bars more decadent, you can drizzle melted chocolate or caramel over the top after adding the chocolate and butterscotch layer. Adding chopped nuts or sprinkles can also enhance the texture and flavor.
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).