Introduction:
Scotcheroos are a beloved no-bake treat combining the irresistible flavors of peanut butter, chocolate, and butterscotch, all packed into a crispy, chewy bar. With a crunchy Rice Krispies base, a sweet and sticky peanut butter layer, and a luscious chocolate-butterscotch topping, these bars are a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving them at a family gathering, a party, or just need something sweet, these Scotcheroos are sure to be a hit!
Ingredients:
For the Bars:
6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
1 cup sugar
1 cup light corn syrup
1 cup creamy peanut butter
For the Topping:
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup butterscotch chips
Instructions:
Prepare the Pan:
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Make the Base:
In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar and corn syrup. Stir frequently until the mixture comes to a gentle boil. Once it starts boiling, let it cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add Peanut Butter:
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the peanut butter until smooth and well combined.
Mix with Cereal:
Pour the peanut butter mixture over the Rice Krispies cereal in a large mixing bowl. Stir well to coat the cereal evenly with the mixture.
Press the Mixture:
Transfer the mixture to your prepared 9×13-inch dish and press it down evenly using a spatula or wax paper. Press gently but firmly to ensure the bars hold together well.
Prepare the Topping:
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and butterscotch chips. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until melted and smooth.
Spread the Topping:
Pour the melted chocolate-butter mixture over the top of the pressed cereal base, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
Cool and Set:
Allow the bars to cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Then, refrigerate for 1-2 hours until the topping is set and the bars are firm.
Slice and Serve:
Once set, cut the bars into squares or rectangles and enjoy!
Description
Scotcheroos are the ultimate sweet treat, offering a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The crispy Rice Krispies provide a light, airy crunch, while the peanut butter gives the base a rich, creamy foundation. The chocolate-butterscotch topping is silky smooth and adds an irresistible sweetness that perfectly complements the bar’s crunch. These bars are great for any occasion and are incredibly easy to make, making them the perfect snack for both kids and adults alike!
Tips and Variations
Tip 1: To make cutting the bars easier, line your baking dish with parchment paper. This allows you to lift the bars out easily without them sticking.
Tip 2: Let the bars cool completely before cutting to avoid the chocolate topping from smudging.
Tip 3: For extra flavor, add a pinch of salt to the peanut butter mixture to enhance the sweetness and balance out the richness.
Tip 4: If you’re feeling adventurous, add mix-ins like mini M&Ms, crushed nuts, or coconut flakes into the cereal mixture before pressing it into the pan.
Tip 5: To make these bars a bit more indulgent, try using crunchy peanut butter for added texture.
Variations:
Butterscotch only topping: If you prefer butterscotch over chocolate, you can make the topping with just butterscotch chips.
Add nuts: Incorporating chopped peanuts or almonds into the Rice Krispies mixture gives a delightful crunch.
Use white chocolate: Swap out the semi-sweet chocolate chips for white chocolate chips for a different flavor profile.
Corrections
For the base: Ensure that you don’t overcook the sugar and corn syrup mixture; it should boil for just 1-2 minutes to avoid it becoming too hard or chewy.
Peanut butter consistency: Use creamy peanut butter for smoothness, but if you use crunchy, it will add texture to the bars.
Topping cooling: Be sure to allow the chocolate-butter topping to set completely, or it might be too runny when you slice the bars.
Enjoy!
Now that you’ve made your Scotcheroos, enjoy the perfect combination of sweet, salty, and crunchy! These bars are sure to disappear quickly, so enjoy them with friends, family, or just as a special treat to yourself.