Introduction
Scotcharoos are a classic no-bake dessert bar that combines crispy rice cereal, creamy peanut butter, and a rich chocolate-butterscotch topping. Sweet, chewy, and irresistibly nostalgic, these bars are quick to make and perfect for potlucks, bake sales, lunchbox treats, or anytime you need an easy crowd-pleaser.
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Ingredients
For the Base
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 6 cups crispy rice cereal
For the Topping
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup butterscotch chips
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Instructions
1. Make the Peanut Butter Base
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar and corn syrup.
- Heat until just beginning to bubble (do not boil).
- Remove from heat and stir in peanut butter until smooth.
2. Add the Cereal
- Gently fold in crispy rice cereal until evenly coated.
3. Press into Pan
- Press mixture into a greased or parchment-lined 9×13-inch pan.
4. Make the Topping
- Melt chocolate and butterscotch chips together until smooth.
- Spread evenly over the cereal base.
5. Set & Slice
- Let bars cool and set at room temperature or refrigerate briefly.
- Cut into squares and serve.
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Methods (Primary Preparation Methods)
- No-bake method for quick assembly
- Gentle heating method to avoid grainy sugar
- Folding method for even cereal coating
- Melting method for smooth topping
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History
Scotcharoos originated in the Midwestern United States and became especially popular in the 1960s and 1970s. They were often made with Scotcheroos cereal or butterscotch-flavored treats, inspiring the name. Today, they remain a beloved classic dessert bar at gatherings and family events.
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Benefits
- No baking required
- Made with simple pantry ingredients
- Quick to prepare
- Easy to transport
- Crowd-pleasing flavor combination
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Formation (Structure & Texture)
- Base: Chewy, peanut-buttery cereal layer
- Top: Smooth, rich chocolate-butterscotch coating
- Texture: Crisp, chewy, and creamy in each bite
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Lovers (Who Loves Scotcharoos?)
- Peanut butter lovers
- No-bake dessert fans
- Potluck regulars
- Families and kids
- Nostalgia dessert seekers
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Methods (Repeated as Requested)
- Gentle heating of sugar mixture
- Folding cereal carefully
- Even pressing into pan
- Spreading topping smoothly
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Conclusion
Scotcharoos are a timeless treat that delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Sweet, chewy, and topped with rich chocolate, they’re perfect for sharing and guaranteed to disappear fast.