Classic Scotcharoo Bars — Chewy Chocolate-Covered Peanut Butter Krispie Treats Recipe
Introduction
Classic Scotcharoo bars are a delicious twist on the traditional crispy treat, combining chewy peanut butter and crispy rice cereal with a rich chocolate and butterscotch topping. These bars are simple to make and perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth with a nostalgic crunch.
Ingredients
- 6 cups Rice Krispies (or any puffed rice cereal)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 6 ounces vegan chocolate chips
- 6 ounces vegan butterscotch chocolate chips
Instructions
- Step 1: Grease a 9 x 13-inch pan or Pyrex dish with oil or vegan butter and set aside.
- Step 2: In a large glass or metal bowl, add the Rice Krispies and set aside.
- Step 3: In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, peanut butter, and corn syrup. Place over medium heat and stir constantly as the mixture comes to a boil and becomes smooth. Once bubbling, remove from heat immediately.
- Step 4: Pour the hot peanut butter mixture over the Rice Krispies and carefully mix with a spoon. Be very cautious as the mixture is extremely hot. Stir until the cereal is evenly coated.
- Step 5: Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan. Use hands coated with vegan butter or oil to press it down evenly without sticking, or cover with parchment paper and press until flat and even.
- Step 6: Place the vegan chocolate chips and vegan butterscotch chips into a small bowl and melt them in the microwave in 20–30 second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth.
- Step 7: Drizzle and spread the melted chocolate mixture evenly over the pressed Rice Krispie base.
- Step 8: Refrigerate the pan for 1 hour or until the chocolate topping has hardened.
Tips & Variations
- Substitute almond or sunflower seed butter for peanut butter to change the flavor or accommodate allergies.
- For a crunchier bar, toast the Rice Krispies lightly before mixing.
- Use dark or semi-sweet vegan chocolate chips if you prefer a less sweet topping.
- Press the mixture evenly with lightly oiled hands to avoid sticking and to ensure uniform thickness.
Storage
Store Scotcharoo bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. Before serving, let refrigerated bars come to room temperature for better chewiness. To re-soften, microwave individual bars for 10–15 seconds.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use regular chocolate chips instead of vegan ones?
Yes, you can use regular chocolate and butterscotch chips if you do not require a vegan recipe. The taste and texture will be similar, but the recipe is tailored for those seeking vegan options.
What can I do if my peanut butter mixture sticks to my hands?
Coat your hands generously with vegan butter or oil before pressing the mixture into the pan. Alternatively, use a spatula or cover the mixture with parchment paper and press down to avoid sticking.
PrintClassic Scotcharoo Bars — Chewy Chocolate-Covered Peanut Butter Krispie Treats Recipe
Classic Scotcharoo Bars are chewy, chocolate-covered peanut butter rice krispie treats that combine the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and crunchy. Made with puffed rice cereal, peanut butter, corn syrup, and topped with a rich layer of melted vegan chocolate and butterscotch chips, these bars make a delightful no-bake dessert that’s easy to prepare and sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 6 cups Rice Krispies (or any puffed rice cereal)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 6 ounces vegan chocolate chips
- 6 ounces vegan butterscotch chocolate chips
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Grease a 9 x 13 inch pan or Pyrex dish with oil or vegan butter and set aside to prevent sticking.
- Set Up Cereal: Place the rice krispies in a large glass or metal bowl and keep it ready for the mixture.
- Cook Peanut Butter Mixture: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar, creamy peanut butter, and light corn syrup. Stir constantly as the mixture heats and bring it to a boil. Cook until the mixture becomes smooth and bubbles start to form, then immediately remove it from the heat.
- Combine with Cereal: Carefully pour the hot peanut butter mixture over the rice krispies. Using a spoon, gently stir until the cereal is evenly coated, being cautious as the mixture is very hot and can cause burns.
- Press into Pan: Transfer the coated rice krispie mixture into the greased 9 x 13 pan. Press down firmly and evenly using hands coated with vegan butter or oil to prevent sticking. Alternatively, use parchment paper to press and smooth the surface.
- Melt Chocolate Topping: In a small bowl, combine the vegan chocolate chips and vegan butterscotch chips. Microwave in 20-30 second intervals, stirring in between, until the chips are fully melted and smooth.
- Drizzle and Spread Chocolate: Drizzle the melted chocolate mixture evenly over the pressed rice krispie treats. Use a spoon to smooth the top layer for a uniform finish.
- Chill to Set: Refrigerate the pan for 1 hour or until the chocolate topping is completely hardened and firm to the touch.
Notes
- Use vegan chocolate and butterscotch chips to keep the bars completely vegan.
- Greasing your hands when pressing the mixture into the pan prevents sticking and makes shaping easier.
- These bars are best stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- For a nut-free version, substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or another preferred seed butter.
- Ensure the mixture is handled carefully when hot to prevent burns.
Keywords: Scotcharoo Bars, Peanut Butter Krispie Treats, Vegan Chocolate Bars, No Bake Dessert, Vegan Dessert, Rice Krispie Bars
