Ingredients
Base
- 6 cups rice krispies cereal (like Rice Krispies)
Syrup Mixture
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
Topping
- 1-1/2 cups butterscotch baking chips
- 1-1/2 cups chocolate chips (milk or semi-sweet)
Instructions
- Prepare: Measure the rice krispies cereal into a large mixing bowl. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper and set it aside to prepare for the cereal mixture.
- Make Syrup Mixture: In a heavy-bottomed pot over low heat, combine granulated sugar, unsalted butter, and light corn syrup. Stir constantly with a silicone spatula until the sugar fully dissolves and the butter is completely melted. Keep the heat low to avoid boiling, which can cause the bars to harden undesirably.
- Pour Over Cereal: Remove the pot from heat and immediately stir in creamy peanut butter, vanilla extract, and salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Pour this syrup evenly over the measured rice krispies cereal. Gently fold with the spatula to coat all the cereal pieces thoroughly.
- Transfer and Press: Transfer the coated cereal mixture into the prepared 9×13-inch pan. Press down lightly with a spatula or your hands to create an even layer, being careful not to compact the cereal too tightly to maintain a good texture.
- Make Topping: Place butterscotch baking chips and chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 15-second intervals, stirring each time for about 10 seconds, until the chips are fully melted and smooth, which typically takes 60 to 90 seconds.
- Spread Topping: Evenly spread the melted chocolate and butterscotch mixture over the pressed cereal layer in the pan, creating a smooth, uniform topping.
- Set Bars: Let the assembled bars sit at room temperature until the chocolate topping hardens completely. Once set, cut into bars of your preferred size for serving.
- Serve and Store: Scotcheroos are best served within 1 to 2 days for optimal freshness and texture. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature.
Notes
- Do not boil the sugar mixture to prevent hard bars; low heat is key.
- Press the cereal mixture lightly, not too firm, to keep the bars crispy.
- Use either milk or semi-sweet chocolate chips based on your sweetness preference.
- Microwave melting times may vary; stir frequently to prevent burning.
- Best enjoyed fresh within two days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
