Peanut Butter Scotcharoo Bars

Peanut Butter Scotcharoo Bars are no-bake, chewy bars featuring a crunchy rice cereal and peanut butter base topped with a rich chocolate-caramel layer—a sweet and satisfying treat that’s quick to make.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These bars are incredibly easy, require no baking, and deliver a perfect blend of nutty, crunchy, caramel, and chocolate flavors. They’re ideal for potlucks, after-school snacks, or last-minute desserts.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Rice cereal (like Rice Krispies)

• Creamy peanut butter

• Light corn syrup

• Light brown sugar

• Unsalted butter

• Semisweet or milk chocolate chips

• Butterscotch chips (optional for extra flavor)

Directions

1. Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease.

2. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine butter, brown sugar, and corn syrup. Bring to a simmer, stirring until sugar dissolves, then cook for 2 minutes.

3. Remove from heat and stir in creamy peanut butter until melted and smooth.

4. Immediately fold in rice cereal until evenly coated. Press mixture firmly into the prepared pan.

5. Melt chocolate chips (and butterscotch chips, if using) in a double boiler or microwave, stirring until smooth.

6. Pour and spread the melted chocolate mixture evenly over the cereal base.

7. Refrigerate until topping is set, about 30–45 minutes.

8. Lift set bars from the pan using parchment paper and cut into squares.

Servings and timing

• Yield: Approximately 24 bars

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Chill time: 30–45 minutes

• Total time: Around 1 hour

Variations

• Extra crunch: Stir toasted nuts (e.g. chopped peanuts) into the cereal mixture.

• Layered swirl: Drop butterscotch and chocolate chips separately and swirl with a knife.

• Nut‑free version: Substitute peanut butter with sunflower butter.

• Drizzle delight: Drizzle white chocolate over the firm top layer for extra sweetness.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

• Freezing: Freeze in layers with parchment between each layer for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature.

• Serving: No reheating needed—serve cold or at room temperature.

FAQs

Can I use natural peanut butter?

Yes—stir well before measuring. Bars may be slightly softer but still set properly.

Can I substitute crispy rice cereal with puffed rice?

Yes—any crispy rice cereal works, but texture may vary slightly.

What’s the purpose of corn syrup?

It prevents sugar crystallization and provides a chewy texture.

Can I skip butterscotch chips?

Absolutely—the bars are delicious with just the chocolate layer.

Can I add sea salt?

Yes—sprinkle flaky sea salt over the chocolate topping for a sweet-salty contrast.

Are these gluten-free?

Yes—use certified gluten-free rice cereal to ensure safety.

Can I use crunchy peanut butter?

Yes—adds texture, though bars may be less smooth.

How do I get neat edges?

Let bars cool completely before cutting, and use a sharp, clean knife.

Can I make mini versions?

Yes—press mixture into a muffin tin and let set for bite-sized bars.

Can I gift these?

Absolutely—they travel well and make fantastic gifts when wrapped individually.

Conclusion

Peanut Butter Scotcharoo Bars are a delightful, no-fuss treat that combines satisfying crunch with sweet chocolate and rich peanut butter. Simple to prepare and impossible to resist, they’re perfect for snacking, gifting, or satisfying sudden dessert cravings.

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