How to Make Scotcheroos: The Easiest Chocolate Peanut Butter Dessert!

Want an easy, no-bake, incredibly delicious peanut butter, chocolate crunchy treat? 

If there is one dessert that is top of the favorites list for everyone in our house it is scotcheroos! 

Scotcheroos, the magical combination of chocolate, peanut butter, and crispy rice cereal, offer a treat that kids can not only create themselves but will also love! 

Seriously, my oldest son does not even want cake on his birthday...he always asks for Scotcheroos instead! 

So here is this effortless recipe and how you can personalize it with substitutes and festive touches!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup (340g) honey OR 1 cup (320g) corn syrup (for a substitute)*
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (250g) creamy peanut butter
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 6 cups (180g) crispy rice cereal
• 6 ounces (170g) semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
• 1 and 1/2 cups (270g) butterscotch morsels
• Optional: Sea salt for topping
  
• Optional: Festive or seasonal sprinkles for decoration

Directions:

Step 1: Kids Can Cook!

Scotcheroos are a fantastic recipe for kids to participate in due to its simplicity and fun assembly.

1.In a large saucepan over medium heat, assist the kids in combining honey or corn syrup and granulated sugar. Stir continuously until the mixture simmers, ensuring the sugar dissolves completely.

2.Remove the saucepan from heat, and let the kids add creamy peanut butter and pure vanilla extract. Guide them as they stir vigorously until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

3. Involve the kids in folding the crispy rice cereal into the peanutbutter mixture. Ensure the cereal is evenly coated, engaging them in the process of creating the base.

4. With your guidance, let the kids press the mixture firmly and evenly into a parchment paper-lined 9x13 inch baking pan. This step allows them to actively participate in the preparation.

Step 2: Customize and Decorate

• While the kids take a break, melt the semi-sweet chocolate and butterscotch morsels together.

• Once melted, pour the mixture over the prepared peanut butter base.

• Now for the fun part! Let the kids sprinkle festive or seasonal sprinkles over the chocolate layer. This step adds a vibrant and personalized touch to the Scotcheroos. 

I love adding Christmas sprinkles at Christmas time or festive fun birthday sprinkles to celebrate someone's special day! 

Step 3: Set, Serve, and Personalize

• Allow the Scotcheroos to cool and set completely at room temperature or expedite the process by placing them in the refrigerator for about an hour.

• Once set, involve the kids in cutting the Scotcheroos into squares or bars using a sharp knife. Encourage them to participate in this final step to feel accomplished and proud of their creation.

• Serve these delectable treats adorned with their own creative touch of sprinkles, showcasing their contribution to the finished product.

*Notes:

Growing up and for many years after, I made these scotcheroos using corn syrup.

However, my husband did not like the idea of consuming and buying corn syrup which made me look for an alternative. 

That's when I found that I could use honey instead of corn syrup when I found this recipe from Sally on Sally's Baking Addiction.

I actually do not taste any difference between the two however I do notice that you get less of a sugar rush when you use honey instead of corn syrup! 

Conclusion:

Scotcheroos aren't just a dessert; they will become a staple in your family.

Just be warned that if you make these once it won't be the last time you will be requested....more like begged to make them!