Scotcheroos

A no-bake dessert bar made with peanut butter, chocolate, and butterscotch

A plate of chocolate scotcheroos

Scotcheroos are a type of dessert bar popular in the United States, known for their sweet and chewy texture. They are a no-bake treat made primarily from peanut butter, chocolate, and butterscotch, combined with crispy rice cereal. Scotcheroos are often served at gatherings and are a favorite for their simplicity and rich flavor.

Ingredients

The main ingredients in scotcheroos include:

• Crispy rice cereal
• Corn syrup
• Granulated sugar
• Peanut butter
• Chocolate chips
• Butterscotch chips

These ingredients are combined to create a layered bar with a chewy base and a smooth, chocolatey topping.

Preparation

Scotcheroos are prepared by first melting corn syrup and sugar together until the sugar dissolves. Peanut butter is then stirred into the mixture until smooth. This mixture is poured over crispy rice cereal and mixed until the cereal is evenly coated. The cereal mixture is pressed into a greased pan to form the base.

The topping is made by melting chocolate chips and butterscotch chips together, which is then spread over the cereal base. Once the topping is set, the bars are cut into squares and served.

History

Scotcheroos became popular in the mid-20th century, particularly in the Midwest United States. They were often featured on the back of cereal boxes, which helped to popularize the recipe. The combination of chocolate and butterscotch with peanut butter and crispy rice cereal was an instant hit, leading to their enduring popularity.

Variations

While the classic scotcheroo recipe is beloved, there are several variations that people enjoy:

• Nut-free scotcheroos: Substitute sunflower seed butter or another nut-free spread for peanut butter.
• Gluten-free scotcheroos: Use gluten-free crispy rice cereal to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Vegan scotcheroos: Use vegan chocolate and butterscotch chips, and substitute agave syrup for corn syrup.

Serving Suggestions

Scotcheroos are typically served as a dessert or snack. They are often cut into squares or rectangles and can be stored in an airtight container for several days. They are a popular choice for potlucks, bake sales, and holiday gatherings due to their ease of preparation and transport.

Related pages

• Rice Krispies Treats
• Peanut butter cookie
• Chocolate chip cookie