The Ultimate Scotcharoos Recipe : Chewy, Crunchy, and Irresistible

If you love no-bake desserts that combine sweet, salty, chewy, and crunchy in one bite, then Scotcharoos are about to become your new favorite treat. These gooey bars are a timeless Midwest classic, made with crispy rice cereal, peanut butter, butterscotch chips, and a rich layer of chocolate on top. They’re quick to whip up, don’t require an oven, and are always a hit at bake sales, potlucks, holidays, or school events.

This recipe is ideal for busy families, beginner bakers, or anyone looking to recreate a nostalgic dessert from their childhood. Once you take your first bite of that chewy peanut butter base with its velvety chocolate-butterscotch topping, you’ll understand why Scotcharoos have earned a permanent spot in the dessert hall of fame.

What Are Scotcharoos? A Classic No-Bake Treat Explained

Scotcharoos are a no-bake bar dessert that originated in the Midwest and gained popularity in the 1960s when it was printed on a Rice Krispies cereal box. The traditional version includes just six ingredients: crispy rice cereal, corn syrup, sugar, peanut butter, chocolate chips, and butterscotch chips.

They’re similar to no-bake bars like pumpkin truffles, but with the unbeatable combo of chocolate and peanut butter. The magic of Scotcharoos lies in their texture — crispy yet soft, sticky but not messy — and in their sweet and salty flavor profile.

Save

Who Will Love This Easy Scotcharoos Recipe?

This dessert is for:

• Peanut butter lovers who want something sweet but not overly complicated
• Busy parents needing a quick, reliable treat for lunchboxes or parties
• Holiday hosts looking for make-ahead sweets
• Anyone craving nostalgia — especially if you grew up with no-bake desserts

Scotcharoos are just as beloved as fun treats like Rice Krispie Treat Ghosts or Mini Halloween Pizzas, and they fit perfectly on dessert platters for any occasion.

Ingredients for Scotcharoos (With Measurements)

This recipe uses simple pantry staples:

• 1 cup light corn syrup
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 6 cups crispy rice cereal
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup butterscotch chips

Make sure to use creamy peanut butter, not natural or oily types, as they don’t set the same. You can also explore more dessert bar options like our Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars if you want more variety.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

• Large saucepan
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Non-stick spray or parchment paper
• Microwave-safe bowl (or small saucepan for melting chocolate)
• Measuring cups

Optional: offset spatula for smoothing the topping layer

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Scotcharoos

1. Prepare Your Dish
   Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. Cook the Syrup Mixture
   In a large saucepan, combine corn syrup and sugar over medium heat. Stir constantly until the sugar dissolves and the mixture starts to bubble. Remove from heat immediately.
3. Add Peanut Butter
   Stir in the peanut butter until smooth and fully incorporated.
4. Add the Cereal
   Pour in the crispy rice cereal and stir until evenly coated.
5. Press into Pan
   Transfer the mixture into the prepared pan and press down gently with a spatula to spread evenly.
6. Make the Topping
   In a microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips and butterscotch chips. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until fully melted and smooth.
7. Spread the Topping
   Pour the melted chocolate-butterscotch mixture over the cereal base. Use a spatula to spread it evenly.
8. Let Set
   Allow the bars to cool and set completely at room temperature before cutting into squares.

Save

Tips for the Perfect Texture and Flavor in Scotcharoos

• Don’t overheat the sugar mixture — it can make the bars too hard.
• Use fresh cereal for maximum crunch.
• Press the mixture gently into the pan. Overpacking can make them dense.
• For a thicker chocolate layer, increase the topping to 1½ cups of each chip.

Looking for another cozy no-bake favorite? You might love our Pumpkin Fluff Dip too!

Creative Variations and Substitutions for Scotcharoos

Scotcharoos are versatile! Here are a few ideas:

• Use almond butter or sunflower butter for a peanut-free version
• Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top to balance the sweetness
• Swap cereal: try cornflakes, Cheerios, or a mix
• Add chopped Cheesecake Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies into the topping for a decadent crunch
• Top with colorful sprinkles for birthdays or themed events

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Scotcharoos

• Boiling the syrup too long will make the base rock hard
• Using natural peanut butter can cause separation and a greasy texture
• Skipping the set time may result in messy, hard-to-slice bars
• Not using enough topping can throw off the balance

If you want something equally sweet and simple, our No-Bake Cheerio and Peanut Butter Bars are a great alternative.

How to Store Scotcharoos and Keep Them Fresh

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Refrigerator: Store for up to 1 week if your kitchen is warm — just let them sit a few minutes before eating.
• Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

They make a great addition to holiday treat boxes alongside Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies.

Serving Ideas and Presentation Tips for Scotcharoos

• Cut into small squares or rectangles for portion control
• Stack in a festive tin or gift box with parchment between layers
• Add a drizzle of white chocolate or crushed candies for a holiday twist
• Pair with Lavender Lemonade or Strawberry Cream Soda for an extra treat

Food Pairings for Scotcharoos (No Alcohol Mentioned)

• A glass of cold milk
• Warm herbal tea or hot cocoa
• Fruity options like Apple Nachos or Fruit Dip
• Sweet-savory snacks like Snake Charmers Pretzels

Recipe Tips, Shortcuts, and Time-Savers

• Use parchment for easy cleanup and slicing
• Microwave the topping in stages to prevent burning
• Prepare a double batch and freeze half
• Add mini marshmallows for a Rice Krispies twist
• Serve with Mini Pancake Cereal at brunch for a fun sweet finish

Save

Scotcharoos FAQ: Your Top Questions Answered

Can I use honey instead of corn syrup?
Honey works, but the bars will be softer and may taste slightly different.

What if I don’t have butterscotch chips?
Use more chocolate chips or swap in peanut butter chips.

Are Scotcharoos gluten-free?
They can be if you use certified gluten-free cereal and chips.

Can I freeze Scotcharoos?
Yes! Wrap tightly and freeze for up to two months. Thaw before serving.

How do I keep them from getting hard?
Avoid overcooking the sugar syrup and store them properly.

Final Thoughts + Share the Recipe and Subscribe

Whether you’re craving a nostalgic dessert or need something quick, sweet, and guaranteed to impress, Scotcharoos are a must-make. With their chewy peanut butter base and silky chocolate-butterscotch topping, they’re simple, satisfying, and always a crowd favorite.

If you loved this recipe, make sure to check out other easy desserts like Pumpkin Dump Cake or Apple Crisp with Oatmeal.

Enjoyed this recipe? Be sure to share it, pin it, and subscribe to our blog for more delicious, no-fuss recipes the whole family will love.

Print