Trending Recipe: How to Make Scotcharoos Step-by-Step

Scotcharoos Recipe: A Classic No-Bake Dessert Bar with Peanut Butter and Chocolate

Scotcharoos are an enduring American favorite, recognized for their crisp, chewy texture and signature chocolate–butterscotch topping. Made with simple pantry ingredients and requiring no oven time, this Scotcharoos recipe is ideal for entertaining, holiday gifting, potlucks, or any occasion when a reliable and crowd-pleasing dessert is needed. Formal in structure yet approachable in technique, this guide provides detailed instructions, expert preparation tips, ingredient notes, and full recipe metadata for SEO-ready publication.

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Introduction to Scotcharoos

First popularized in the mid-20th century, Scotcharoos have remained a staple no-bake dessert due to their simplicity and universally appealing flavor profile. The base is formed from crispy rice cereal coated with a warm mixture of sugar, light corn syrup, and peanut butter. A smooth, glossy topping of melted chocolate and butterscotch chips completes the bars and provides their characteristic richness.

This article presents a refined and dependable recipe, appropriate for formal culinary writing and optimized for search visibility.

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Ingredients for Scotcharoos

Base Layer

• 6 cups crispy rice cereal

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 1 cup light corn syrup

• 1 cup creamy peanut butter

• ¼ teaspoon fine salt (optional, enhances flavor balance)

Chocolate–Butterscotch Topping

• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

• 1 cup butterscotch chips

• 1 tablespoon creamy peanut butter (optional, improves melting consistency)

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Baking Dish

Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease the interior. This step ensures clean removal and uniform slicing.

2. Heat the Sugar Mixture

In a medium saucepan, combine granulated sugar and light corn syrup. Place over medium heat, stirring gently until the mixture begins to show small bubbles around the edges.
Do not allow the mixture to reach a full boil, as this will result in a harder final texture.

3. Incorporate the Peanut Butter

Remove the saucepan from the heat. Immediately add the creamy peanut butter and optional salt, stirring until smooth and fully emulsified.

4. Combine with Crispy Rice Cereal

Add the cereal to a large bowl. Pour the warm peanut butter mixture over the top and fold until the cereal is evenly coated.

5. Press the Mixture into the Pan

Transfer the coated cereal into the prepared pan. Press the mixture down gently using a spatula or the back of a spoon. Avoid excessive pressure, which can create overly dense bars.

6. Prepare the Topping

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, and optional peanut butter. Heat in 20–30-second intervals, stirring between each round, until fully melted and smooth. A double boiler may also be used for more controlled melting.

7. Spread the Topping

Pour the melted topping over the cereal layer, spreading it evenly to achieve a smooth finish.

8. Cool and Slice

Allow the Scotcharoos to set at room temperature for 1–2 hours, or refrigerate for 20–30 minutes to expedite the process. Once firm, slice into bars and serve.

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Expert Tips for Optimal Results

Maintain Temperature Control

The sugar–corn syrup mixture should be heated only until slight bubbling occurs. Overheating leads to hard, brittle bars.

Use Fresh Cereal

Fresh, crisp cereal provides superior texture compared to stale or softened cereal.

Gently Compact the Base

Applying too much pressure when forming the base layer can compromise the chewiness that defines Scotcharoos.

Enhance the Topping

A small amount of peanut butter in the topping ensures smoother melting and prevents cracking during slicing.

Line the Pan

Parchment paper simplifies removal and improves the professional appearance of the final product.

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Recipe Variations

Salted Chocolate Scotcharoos

Finish the bars with a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt to add depth and balance.

Dark Chocolate Variation

Substitute semisweet chocolate with dark chocolate for a more refined flavor profile.

Nut-Free Version

Replace peanut butter with sunflower seed butter for an allergen-friendly alternative.

Gluten-Free Version

Use a certified gluten-free crispy rice cereal to make the recipe suitable for gluten-free diets.

Festive Scotcharoos

Decorate with seasonal sprinkles, candy pieces, or decorative drizzles for holidays and special events.

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Serving Suggestions

• Present on a dessert platter for receptions or gatherings

• Cut into smaller bite-size squares for corporate events or tea service

• Pair with coffee or hot chocolate for a balanced dessert experience

• Include in holiday gift boxes as a no-bake confection

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Storage Guidelines

Room Temperature

Store in an airtight container for 4–5 days. Keep parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Refrigerator

Refrigerate for up to 1 week. The bars will become firmer when chilled.

Freezer

To freeze, wrap individual bars in parchment or plastic wrap and store in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

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Optional Ingredient Reference Table

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