20-Minute Soft Chewy Peanut Butter Scotcharoos
Classic no-bake bars combining crispy Rice Krispies cereal bound with a rich peanut butter syrup mixture and topped with a luxurious blend of milk chocolate, semi-sweet chocolate, and butterscotch chips. These treats offer the perfect balance of chewy texture and sweet flavors, making them ideal for potlucks, bake sales, or family gatherings. The combination of three different chips in the topping creates a more complex flavor profile than traditional versions, while the generous amount of peanut butter keeps the base deliciously soft and chewy.
Ingredients
- 5 tablespoons butter, softened, divided
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cerealcorn flakes1:1gluten-free option
different texture
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup peanut butter, creamy
- 1 cup milk chocolate chips
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup butterscotch chipswhite chocolate chips1:1flavor variationdairy-free
sweeter profile
Instructions
- 1
Butter a 9x13 inch baking pan with 1 tablespoon butter and place cereal in a large bowl
- 2
Combine remaining butter, corn syrup and sugar in medium saucepan over medium-high heat
- 3
Bring mixture to a boil stirring constantly and boil for one minute
- 4
Remove from heat and stir in peanut butter until smooth
- 5
Pour peanut butter mixture over cereal and stir until well combined
- 6
Transfer mixture to prepared pan and smooth evenly with buttered parchment paper
- 7
Combine all chocolate and butterscotch chips in microwave safe bowl
- 8
Microwave for 2 minutes at 50 percent power then stir
- 9
Continue microwaving in 30 second increments until melted and smooth
- 10
Spread chocolate mixture evenly over bars in pan
- 11
Cool completely before cutting into bars or refrigerate for 10 minutes to set faster
Tips
Use buttered parchment paper to smooth the cereal mixture evenly without it sticking to your hands.
Microwave chocolate at 50% power to prevent burning and achieve a smooth, glossy finish.
Allow bars to cool completely before cutting for clean edges and proper texture.
Good to Know
Store covered at room temperature for up to 1 week or refrigerate for firmer texture
Can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored covered at room temperature
Cut into squares and serve at room temperature for best texture
Common Mistakes
Don't skip boiling the syrup mixture for the full minute to ensure proper binding
Use 50% microwave power to avoid burning the chocolate chips
Wait for complete cooling before cutting to prevent crumbling and messy edges
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
Gluten-Free Swaps
different texture
Nut-Free Alternatives
FAQ
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Yes, crunchy peanut butter works well and adds extra texture. The bars will have more crunch but the same great flavor.
How long do these bars keep at room temperature?
Scotcharoos stay fresh covered at room temperature for up to one week. Store in refrigerator for firmer texture and longer storage.
Can I freeze these bars for later?
Yes, wrap individual bars or store in freezer container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.