With only 6 ingredients, these easy Scotcharoos are a family favorite recipe! Whip up a double batch in only 15 minutes! Eat half now and freeze the rest for later!
No other dessert is more requested in my husband’s family than Scotcharoos. They all call them Special K Bars — but really they are the same thing by a different name.
These are a wonderful no-bake creamy, chocolatey, peanut butter treat bars that fly off the table whenever they’re around. Whatever it is we’re calling them, these chocolate peanut butter treats are gone in a flash in our family.
We seriously love this Scotcharoo recipe so much that my mother-in-law will make tins of them to give as gifts! She knows that the grandkids all love these, and everyone needs their own tin because it is hard to share!
Special K Bars vs. Scotcharoos?
This is all up to you! To some, a Scotcharoo is made with Rice Krispie treats — to others, it’s the exact same as the Special K Bar. There really is not much of a difference here!
Special K bars and Scotachroos are essentially the same amazing treat just under a different name. Whether you’re calling these by the name of the cereal or the bubbly name of “Scotcharoo” these yummy bars are sure to make everyone happy.
Ingredients for Scotcharoo Bars recipe:
With only 6 ingredients, these Scotcharoo Bars are quick, simple and a no bake recipe — couldn’t ask for something better!
- Light corn syrup: This is the glue that holds it all together!
- White sugar: Sweeten it up with a little sugar!
- Peanut butter: I recommend creamy peanut butter to keep the texture smooth
- Special K Cereal: We have also used Rice Krispies and Cheerios too!
- Semisweet chocolate chips: The topping isn’t complete without a yummy chocolate layer!
- Butterscotch chips: The secret flavor to making these really taste great!
How to make Scotcharoo Bars:
It only takes a few simple steps to get these together.
Step 1: Pour your cereal into a large mixing bowl and set it aside
Step 2: Create your sweet and sticky sauce to hold the bars together.
Step 3: Combine your sweet sauce and your cereal together and place in a pan.
Step 4: Cover in chocolate mixture and let cool.
Some tips for making this Scotcheroo Recipe:
- When you are creating your sugar and corn syrup mix for this Scotcharoo recipe, remove the mix from the stove when you start to see it coming to a boil. By doing this before the sticky combo is getting too hot, your Scotcharoos will be creamy instead of crumbly.
- Press down the coated cereal into that pan hard! I’ve seen my mother-in-law use the bottom of a cup before to keep the bars nice and firm without getting her hands too sticky
- Let the chocolate butterscotch topping cool before cutting up the Scotcheroos. It is much easier to do this way! If you’re impatient, you can always stick them in the fridge or freezer for a few minutes, but we prefer to eat special k bars at room temperature.
- Use nonstick foil to coat your pan before placing your bars into it. That way when it’s time to cut, you can remove your bars easily from the pan to cut them without hurting your dish!
Are Scotcharoo Bars healthy?
These are not the special K protein bars that you might be thinking of that help curb your appetite without stacking up the calories.
These have protein from the peanut butter, but other than that it is a dessert and not a healthy snack bar. But sometimes you just need something that is purely good for your soul!
Do Scotcharoo Bars have nuts?
This Scotcharoo recipe calls for peanut butter, so there are nuts as contained in the peanut butter! However, there aren’t any additional nuts to be mixed in. If you have a peanut allergy you can swap it out with another nut spread.
How long do Scotcharoo Bars last?
With my family, this treat doesn’t last long at all! But they will stay tasty for a week or so if you keep them in a sealed container. I’m sure you’ll grab one every time you pass their hiding spot though, they never last long at my house!
Can I freeze my Scotcharoo Bars?
Sure! If you are not planning on devouring these right away, divide them up and wrap them well in tin foil or plastic.
This will help keep the bars creamy. Then put the well wrapped divisions into a plastic bag to really keep them sealed! They should last for up to 6 months this way.
When ready to eat, simply remove the bars from the freezer and leave out to thaw on the counter. Once thawed, enjoy! No one will ever know you froze them first!
Can I use other cereal to make Scotcharoos?
Yes! Many people use Rice Krispies or Cheerios to whip up these Scotcharoos! I’ve used both of them with great success! Use what you have an you’ll get great results!
Other favorite dessert bars and easy recipes:
My whole family loves Scotcharoos because they are a sweet, crunchy, peanut buttery treat that reminds everyone of Grandma.
Special K bars are a staple, and far and beyond the most requested homemade treat in our home. These cereal bars are simple to make and are always eaten up faster than you can imagine so whip up a batch today!
Scotcharoos
With only 6 ingredients, these easy Scotcharoos are a family favorite recipe! Whip up a double batch in only 15 minutes! Eat half now and freeze the rest for later!
Ingredients
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1 1/2 cups creamy peanut butter
- 8 cups of Special K Cereal. We have also used Rice Krispies and Cheerios too!
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup butterscotch chips
Instructions
- Line a jelly roll cookie sheet with non stick foil. (Cookie sheet with 4 edges). Set aside.
- In a large pot, mix together corn syrup & sugar.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring until sugar melts & mixture comes to a boil. Mixture should be clear. Remove from heat.
- Add Peanut Butter and mix until Peanut Butter melts and is well blended into sugar mixture.
- Add 8 cups of cereal to sugar mixture and mix well with a long spatula.
- Transfer mixture into pan and press it down carefully with spatula or buttered hands, making sure not to burn yourself.
- In a microwave safe bowl add chocolate chips and butterscotch chips. Cook in 30 second intervals until mixture is creamy and smooth, stirring between each cook time.
- Spread chocolate over top of bars and let bars cool and chocolate harden.
- Once bars are set, lift foil and bars out of pan and place on a cutting board.
- Cut into squares & devour!
- Store extras (if you have any) in an air tight container for up to 5 days.
Notes
**Note: If you like a thicker chocolate layer, double the chocolate chips and butterscotch chips.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
16Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 432Total Fat: 19gSaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 261mgCarbohydrates: 63gFiber: 2gSugar: 46gProtein: 9g
Photos & Text Updated: August 19, 2020
Molly Pisula
Friday 11th of September 2020
Mmmm, these look really yummy. Kind of like Rice Krispy treats but even better, because, chocolate.
wilhelmina
Wednesday 19th of August 2020
These bars couldn't be any easier and are always a hit! We have never had any trouble with them going stale, they never last long enough!
Jo
Wednesday 9th of October 2019
Been eating these for 40 years, thanks to my sweet mother in law. She has been making them for 60 + years. They are fabulous!😋
Janelle
Thursday 24th of October 2019
It's always those wonderful Mother in Laws that teach us about the best treats!! Thank you for your comment, they really are the best!
Patty Kay Brennan
Thursday 30th of November 2017
Special K Bars are always a favorite especially with kids. Made this recipe to sell at a concession stand.
Janelle
Thursday 7th of March 2019
Patty, thank you for using my recipe! Wow! So happy to hear that you made them for your concession stand and that it was a success! I appreciate your comment!