Description
Scotcheroos are a delightful no-bake treat featuring crispy rice cereal coated in a sweet, peanut buttery mixture and topped with a luscious layer of melted milk chocolate and butterscotch chips. This classic dessert bar combines the crunch of cereal with rich flavors, perfect for parties, snacks, or anytime sweet cravings hit.
Ingredients
Base
- 3 cups crispy rice cereal
- ¾ cup creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup honey
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon vanilla bean paste
Topping
- 1 cup milk chocolate chips
- 1 cup butterscotch chips
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
Instructions
- Prepare Pan: Grease an 8×8-inch pan thoroughly to prevent sticking, then set it aside while you prepare the mixture.
- Measure Cereal: Measure 3 cups of crispy rice cereal and set aside for later use.
- Melt Peanut Butter Mixture: In a 4-5 quart saucepan over medium heat, combine the peanut butter, granulated sugar, honey, and sea salt. Stir continuously and heat until the mixture just begins to boil with bubbles forming near the sides and the sugar dissolves completely.
- Add Vanilla: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla bean paste evenly.
- Combine with Cereal: Add the crispy rice cereal to the peanut butter mixture and stir thoroughly until all cereal is coated.
- Spread Base: Transfer and evenly spread the coated cereal mixture into the prepared 8×8-inch pan, pressing lightly to create an even layer.
- Melt Topping: In a microwave-safe bowl or on the stovetop, melt together the milk chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, and salted butter, stirring frequently until completely smooth and combined despite its thick texture.
- Apply Topping: Evenly spread the melted chocolate and butterscotch mixture over the cereal base in the pan.
- Set Bars: Allow the bars to sit at room temperature until the topping hardens or place the pan in the refrigerator to speed up the setting process.
- Cut and Serve: Once hardened, cut the mixture into bars and enjoy your homemade Scotcheroos.
Notes
- You can substitute crunchy peanut butter if you prefer some texture in the base.
- For a richer flavor, try using dark chocolate chips in place of milk chocolate chips.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- Chilling the bars before cutting helps achieve cleaner slices.
- This recipe is great for kids to help make due to the no-bake method.
