Chocolate Peanut Butter Scotcheroos

These chocolate peanut butter scotcheroos are sweet, chewy, and topped with a smooth chocolate-butterscotch layer that makes every bite irresistible. I love how quick and easy they are to whip up, making them perfect for potlucks, bake sales, or just a fun no-bake treat at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I enjoy this recipe because it combines some of my favorite flavors—peanut butter, chocolate, and butterscotch—into a simple bar that’s always a crowd-pleaser. I like how the crisp rice cereal gives me that light crunch while the topping stays creamy and rich. Plus, I don’t even have to turn on the oven.

Ingredients

(Note: All ingredient amounts are listed in the recipe card below.)

1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup light corn syrup
1 cup creamy peanut butter
6 cups crisp rice cereal (Rice Krispies)
1 ½ cups semisweet or milk chocolate chips
1 cup butterscotch chips
Sprinkles for garnish
Flaky sea salt optional for garnish

Directions

1. I grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, I combine the sugar and corn syrup. I stir until the mixture just begins to bubble, then remove it from the heat immediately.
3. I stir in the peanut butter until smooth.
4. I pour the mixture over the rice cereal in a large bowl and stir until well coated.
5. I press the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish using a spatula or lightly greased hands.
6. In a microwave-safe bowl, I melt the chocolate chips and butterscotch chips together in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until smooth.
7. I spread the melted chocolate-butterscotch mixture evenly over the bars.
8. I add sprinkles and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, if using, while the topping is still warm.
9. I let the bars cool at room temperature or in the fridge until the topping is set before slicing into squares.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 20-24 bars, depending on how large I slice them. It usually takes me 15 minutes to prepare and about 30 minutes to set, so the total time is around 45 minutes.

Variations

Sometimes I use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate for a richer flavor. If I want a nutty crunch, I stir in chopped peanuts or almonds with the cereal. I also like to swap half the butterscotch chips with peanut butter chips for extra peanut butter goodness. For a festive twist, I change up the sprinkles to match holidays or parties.

Storage/Reheating

I store scotcheroos in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to a week. They also freeze well—I wrap individual bars and keep them in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. I let them thaw at room temperature before enjoying. Since these are no-bake bars, I don’t reheat them.

FAQs

Can I make scotcheroos without corn syrup?

Yes, I sometimes use honey or brown rice syrup, though the texture is slightly softer.

How do I keep the bars from getting too hard?

I make sure not to overcook the sugar and corn syrup—removing it as soon as it bubbles helps keep the bars chewy.

Can I use natural peanut butter?

Yes, but I prefer creamy, no-stir peanut butter for the best consistency.

Do I have to use Rice Krispies brand cereal?

No, any crisp rice cereal works well in this recipe.

Can I use white chocolate instead of milk chocolate?

Yes, though I find the classic chocolate and butterscotch topping pairs best with the peanut butter base.

How do I cut neat squares?

I let the topping set completely, then use a sharp knife that I run under hot water and wipe dry before slicing.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, I use a gluten-free crisp rice cereal and check that my chocolate and butterscotch chips are certified gluten-free.

What if my topping doesn’t set?

I chill the bars in the fridge for 20-30 minutes until firm.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, I make it in a larger pan or two 9×13-inch pans if I need more servings.

Do I need to refrigerate scotcheroos?

No, I usually keep them at room temperature, but refrigeration helps them last longer.

Conclusion

These chocolate peanut butter scotcheroos are one of my favorite easy desserts. I love how they come together quickly, taste amazing, and always disappear fast at gatherings. With their chewy base, rich topping, and just the right amount of sweetness, they’re a treat I make again and again.

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