Easy Scotcharoos Recipe – 9 Irresistible Squares of Pure No-Bake Bliss

Thank you for being here I genuinely mean that. Recipes like these Easy Scotcharoos are why I love food blogging so much—simple ingredients, zero stress, and a whole lot of smiles around the table.

If you love nostalgic desserts with modern ease, you’re in the right place. This Easy Scotcharoos Recipe comes together in minutes, tastes like childhood happiness, and disappears fast. Make sure you’re subscribed to my email list so you never miss a cozy classic like this!

Overview of Recipe Content

Scotcharoos are a classic American no-bake dessert bar made with crispy cereal, peanut butter, and marshmallows, then finished with a chocolate-butterscotch topping that’s downright dreamy.

Why You’ll Love These Scotcharoos

• No oven required
• Soft, chewy, and perfectly sweet
• Pantry-friendly ingredients
• Great for parties, holidays, and bake sales
• Kid-approved and adult-obsessed

What Do Scotcharoos Taste Like?

Think Rice Krispie treats, but richer. The base is chewy and peanut-buttery, while the topping is smooth, chocolatey, and slightly caramel-like thanks to the butterscotch. Every bite melts in your mouth.

Full Ingredient List (Complete & Tested)

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For the Scotcharoo Base

• 6 cups crispy rice cereal
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup light corn syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon salt

For the Chocolate Butterscotch Topping

• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup butterscotch chips

Tools You’ll Need

• Large mixing bowl
• Medium saucepan
• Rubber spatula
• 9×13-inch baking pan
• Parchment paper or nonstick spray

Substitutions & Add-Ins

• Use chunky peanut butter for texture
• Swap semi-sweet chocolate chips for milk chocolate
• Add a pinch of flaky sea salt on top for contrast
• Use gluten-free crispy rice cereal if needed

How to Make Easy Scotcharoos

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Step 1: Prep the Pan

Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it. This makes removal a breeze later.

Step 2: Heat the Syrup & Sugar

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar and corn syrup. Stir constantly until the sugar dissolves and the mixture just begins to bubble—do not boil.

Step 3: Add Peanut Butter

Remove from heat and immediately stir in the peanut butter, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth and glossy. This is where the magic starts smelling dangerously good.

Step 4: Mix with Cereal

Pour the warm peanut butter mixture over the crispy rice cereal in a large bowl. Gently fold until everything is evenly coated.

Step 5: Press into Pan

Transfer the mixture to your prepared pan and press gently into an even layer. Don’t pack it too tight—soft and chewy is the goal!

Step 6: Melt the Topping

In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips and butterscotch chips together in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.

Step 7: Spread & Set

Pour the melted topping over the base and spread evenly. Let set at room temperature or refrigerate for 30–45 minutes until firm.

Step 8: Slice & Serve

Cut into squares and prepare for compliments.

What to Serve with Scotcharoos

• A tall glass of cold milk
• Hot coffee or espresso
• Vanilla ice cream for an over-the-top dessert plate

They also pair beautifully with other no-bake favorites like my
Protein Cookie Dough → https://poulef.com/protein-cookie-dough

Tips for Making Them Perfect

• Don’t boil the sugar mixture—it will make the bars hard
• Lightly butter your spatula to prevent sticking
• Let bars fully set before slicing for clean edges
• Use parchment paper for easy lifting

Storage Instructions

• Room temperature: 3–4 days in an airtight container
• Refrigerator: up to 1 week
• Freezer: slice and freeze up to 2 months

General Information

Scotcharoos originated in the Midwest and became popular in the 1960s–70s thanks to their simplicity and affordability. Today, they’re still a favorite for potlucks, holidays, and quick desserts when you need something reliable and irresistible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Scotcharoos without peanut butter?
Yes! Sunflower seed butter works well, though flavor will change slightly.

Why are my Scotcharoos hard?
The sugar mixture was likely overheated. Heat just until dissolved.

Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely—use a larger sheet pan.

Do they need refrigeration?
Not required, but chilling helps the topping set faster.

Conclusion

These Easy Scotcharoos are proof that you don’t need fancy ingredients or an oven to make something truly special. They’re soft, chewy, chocolatey, and impossible to resist.

If you loved these, you’ll also enjoy:

• Pure Chocolate Bliss Muffins → https://poulef.com/pure-chocolate-bliss-muffins
• Milk Cinnamon Bakery Snack Loaf → https://poulef.com/milk-cinnamon-bakery-snack-loaf
• Soft & Chewy Cinnamon Apple Oat Bars → https://poulef.com/soft-chewy-cinnamon-apple-oat-bars
• Healthy Greek Yogurt Peanut Butter Banana Oat Blondie Muffins → https://poulef.com/healthy-greek-yogurt-peanut-butter-banana-oat-blondie-muffins

Interactive Elements

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Nutritional Information (Per Square – Approx.)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	280
Fat	14g
Saturated Fat	6g
Carbohydrates	36g
Sugar	24g
Protein	6g
Sodium	150mg

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