If you need a fast, crowd-pleasing dessert that requires zero baking, these Easy Scotcharoos are the answer. With chewy peanut butter cereal bars topped with a rich chocolate-butterscotch layer, this nostalgic treat is sweet, crunchy, and completely irresistible.

Made with simple pantry staples and ready in under 30 minutes, Scotcharoos are perfect for bake sales, potlucks, holiday trays, or last-minute dessert cravings.

This complete guide covers everything you need to know — including texture secrets, topping techniques, variations, and storage tips — so your Scotcharoos turn out perfectly every time.

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What Are Scotcharoos?

Scotcharoos are no-bake dessert bars made with:

• Crispy rice cereal
• Peanut butter
• Corn syrup
• Sugar
• A melted chocolate + butterscotch topping

They’re similar in texture to cereal treats but richer and more indulgent due to the peanut butter base and glossy topping.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• No oven required
• Ready in under 30 minutes
• Perfect balance of sweet & salty
• Great for feeding a crowd
• Easy to customize

They’re chewy, crunchy, creamy, and chocolatey — all in one bite.

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Ingredients

For the Peanut Butter Base

• 6 cups crispy rice cereal
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup light corn syrup

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For the Chocolate-Butterscotch Topping

• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup butterscotch chips

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line with parchment paper.

Set aside.

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Step 2: Heat Sugar & Corn Syrup

In a medium saucepan over medium heat:

• Combine sugar and corn syrup.
• Stir constantly until mixture just begins to boil.

Remove from heat immediately.

⚠ Do not let it boil for long — overcooking causes hard bars.

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Step 3: Add Peanut Butter

Stir peanut butter into hot syrup mixture until smooth.

The heat melts the peanut butter and creates a creamy binding mixture.

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Step 4: Add Cereal

In a large bowl, pour peanut butter mixture over cereal.

Gently fold until evenly coated.

Press mixture into prepared pan.

Tip: Press lightly — pressing too firmly can make bars dense.

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Step 5: Melt Topping

In a microwave-safe bowl:

• Combine chocolate chips and butterscotch chips.
• Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth.

Spread evenly over cereal layer.

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Step 6: Cool & Slice

Let bars cool at room temperature until topping sets (about 1–2 hours).

Slice into squares and serve.

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Flavor & Texture Profile

Scotcharoos are:

• Chewy but not sticky
• Slightly crunchy
• Sweet with salty peanut butter contrast
• Smooth and creamy on top
• Rich but balanced

The butterscotch adds caramel-like depth that pairs beautifully with chocolate.

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Why This Recipe Works

• Corn syrup prevents crystallization
• Peanut butter adds structure and flavor
• Rice cereal creates airy crunch
• Equal chocolate + butterscotch ensures balanced topping

It’s simple food science working perfectly.

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Pro Tips for Perfect Scotcharoos

1. Don’t Overheat Sugar Mixture

Boil briefly, then remove immediately.

2. Use Fresh Cereal

Stale cereal affects texture.

3. Press Gently

Overpacking leads to dense bars.

4. Melt Topping Slowly

Prevents seizing or burning.

5. Let Cool Naturally

Avoid refrigerating — it can make topping crack.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overboiling sugar mixture
• Using natural peanut butter (too oily)
• Overmixing cereal
• Refrigerating to speed up cooling
• Cutting before fully set

Small missteps can change texture significantly.

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Delicious Variations

1. Dark Chocolate Version

Replace semi-sweet with dark chocolate chips.

2. Salted Caramel Twist

Add pinch of flaky sea salt on top.

3. Peanut Butter Lover’s

Add extra ¼ cup peanut butter to base.

4. Nut-Free Option

Use sunflower seed butter.

5. Mini Scotcharoos

Press into muffin tin liners for individual servings.

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Make-Ahead & Storage

Room Temperature:

Store in airtight container up to 5 days.

Refrigeration:

Not recommended — can harden topping.

Freezing:

Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature.

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Nutritional Overview (Approximate Per Square)

• Calories: 250–300
• Fat: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Sugar: 25g
• Protein: 4g

Portions may vary by cut size.

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Why Scotcharoos Are Perfect for Parties

• Easy to transport
• No refrigeration needed
• Slice neatly
• Crowd-friendly flavors
• Budget-friendly ingredients

They’re a staple at potlucks and bake sales for a reason.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use honey instead of corn syrup?

Honey changes flavor and texture slightly but works.

Why are my bars hard?

Sugar mixture was cooked too long.

Why won’t my topping set?

Too much butter or humidity; allow more cooling time.

Can I use crunchy peanut butter?

Yes — adds extra texture.

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How to Get Clean Slices

• Use a sharp knife
• Lightly grease blade
• Wipe knife between cuts
• Let topping fully set first

Patience yields neat squares.

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Final Thoughts

These Easy Scotcharoos are a no-bake classic for good reason. They combine chewy peanut butter cereal bars with a silky chocolate-butterscotch topping for the ultimate sweet treat.

Quick to make, easy to customize, and always a hit, this recipe is one you’ll return to again and again whenever you need something simple yet impressive.

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