Looking for a quick and easy dessert recipe? Try these delicious no-bake Scotcheroos made with crispy rice cereal, chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, and creamy peanut butter. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth in a pinch!
Years ago, when I had my first Chocolate Scotcheroos Bar, I was immediately hooked. The combination of chocolate and peanut butter with a crispy texture just couldn’t be beat. Since then, I now make them for any summer BBQ, potluck, party, and gathering! These no bake bars are a favorite with everyone! Also check out my classic Rice Krispy Treats, Avalanche Cookies, and Muddy Buddy Bars for more no-bake options!
What are Scotcheroos Bars?
Scotcheroos are a popular no-bake dessert bar that originated in the mid-west. They are a peanut butter Rice Krispie Treat with a chocolate butterscotch topping. You may also know them as “Oh Henry Bars”, “Peanut Butter Krispies”, or “Scotcharoos”. The original recipe was printed on the back of the Rice Krispies box back in the 1960’s. Since then, they have become quite popular and are a favorite with people of all ages. Some people make them with Special K in place of the rice krispies and call them “Special K Bars”. However you make them, they will be a new favorite!
Ingredient Notes
Below is a brief overview of each ingredient needed. To see printable recipe card with exact amounts and directions, scroll to the bottom or click the “jump to recipe” button at the top of the page.
- Corn Syrup– light corn syrup gives the bars the best flavor and chewy texture. If you don’t want to use corn syrup, you can also use honey.
- Sugar– white granulated sugar adds the perfect amount of sweetness throughout.
- Peanut Butter– smooth creamy peanut butter is best. If using natural peanut butter, make sure you mix it well to incorporate the oil. My go-to brands are Jif and Skippy!
- Rice Krispies Cereal– any brand works, however, Kellogg’s is the original brand and has the best texture/crunch.
- Chocolate Chips– for these bars, I have found that semi sweet chocolate chips work best, however, feel free to use milk chocolate chips if preferred.
- Butterscotch Chips– you can find these located near the other chocolate chips at your local grocery store.
Storing this Scotcheroo Recipe
Rice Krispies Scotcheroos are best enjoyed within the first day or two of being made. However, once cooled to room temperature, you can store the bars in an airtight container up to 5 days. You don’t need to store in the refrigerator. If you want to freeze the bars, place in a single layer with parchment paper in between and freeze up to 3 months. When you are ready to serve, be sure to allow time to thaw.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use different cereal for these peanut butter scotcheroos?
Absolutely! You can use corn Chex or Special K if preferred in place of the rice krispy cereal.
I have a peanut allergy? How can I still make these?
Recently, we made these using almond butter and found them to be delicious. If you have an allergy, feel free to use almond butter or sunflower seed butter as a substitution.
What can I use in place of the butterscotch chips?
If you aren’t a fan of butterscotch flavors or simply don’t have any on hand and want to make this recipe, you can increase the amount of chocolate chips or use peanut butter chips instead. It won’t have the same classic taste, but will still be delicious.
More Bar Recipes to try
Monster Cookie Bars– soft, chewy, and easy to make oatmeal cookie bars loaded with rolled oats, creamy peanut butter, chocolate chips, and M&M's. A one-bowl recipe that is perfect for parties, gatherings, and more!
Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars– perfect for any occasion and sure to be a crowd pleaser, now you can enjoy all the flavors of classic sugar cookies, without having to chill/roll out the dough.
Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars– made with just 5 ingredients and are irresistibly delicious. Using a boxed cake mix, there is no need to scoop, chill, or measure the dough!
Lemon Dream Bars– with a creamy filling, buttery shortbread crust, and lemon frosting, these bars are the perfect treat for any festive occasion or as a sweet treat for yourself!
Strawberry Lemon Shortbread Bars– moist, dense, tangy, and sweet, these Strawberry Lemon Shortbread Bars are a tasty fruit treat that's perfect for summertime!
Chocolate Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats– a no bake cereal bar brought to new levels with a chocolate peanut butter addition.
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Easy Scotcheroos Recipe (No Bake Dessert)
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 6 cups Rice Krispies Cereal
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup butterscotch chips
Instructions
- Line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease thoroughly with cooking spray.
- In a medium saucepan, heat the corn syrup and sugar over medium heat until simmering/ light boil.
- Remove from heat and whisk in the peanut butter.
- Add the rice krispies to a large bowl and pour the corn syrup mixture on top.
- Stir the mixture into the cereal coating thoroughly.
- Press the rice krispies cereal mixture into the prepared pan.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt semisweet chocolate chips and butterscotch chips together. Heat in 30 second intervals to avoid burning. Once smooth and creamy, pour mixture evenly on top of the rice krispies and smooth out in an even layer. Let bars set up before cutting and serving.
Carl says
I cook the sugar, corn syrup, and peanut butter together until the sugar crystals are no longer visible – this stopped them from getting too hard (didn’t happen all the time, but I got sick of it happening). Also, be sure your butterscotch chips are fresh; older ones do not melt well.
I use this as a base for dessert projects – scary Halloween scenes, a scene from the Princess Bride (the fire swamp)
Kristin Hayes says
Great tips and advice!! Glad you enjoy the recipe!!
Jeana says
Gave up making these years ago because they are too hard because of the corn syrup. Instead I just make Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats. You use the original rice krispie treat recipe, and after you melt the marshmallows you add 1 cup of creamy peanut butter, then mix in the rice krispies. Then melt the chocolate chips, add 1/4 cup of peanut butter and use that as the frosting, no butterscotch chips needed.
Kristin Hayes says
That’s a great idea too!! Sounds delicious!!
Kristin Hayes says
We love this no-bake dessert! Perfect when that sweet tooth craving hits!