How to Make the Best Peanut Butter Scotcheroos

Scotcheroos are a tempting combination of crispy rice cereal, creamy peanut butter, and a delicious layer of chocolate goodness. They're not just a treat; they're a surprise for your dessert desires. Once you try these Scotcheroos you will realize, why they have become essential at gatherings, potlucks, and late-night snack sessions.

Recipe

Scotcheroos Bars

Scotcheroos are the luxury version of Rice Krispie bars. They are a perfect combination of textures and flavors: crunchy, gooey, and indulgent. This dessert makes you question why you haven't been enjoying it your entire life. Once you try it, Scotcheroo bars will become your new obsession.

This was inspired by my Almond Nougat and Chocolate Toffee Bark recipe.

Here you will also find many more dessert recipes like Apple Crisp and Pumpkin Pie that you can enjoy this festive season.

Jump to:

Scotcheroos Bars
⭐Why You'll Love This Scotcheroos
🧾Ingredients Needed & Substitutions
👩🏻‍🍳How to Make Scotcheroos
📖Variations
❄️How to Store, Freeze, Defrost and Serve
💭Tips for Recipe Success
❓Commonly Asked Questions
🍰More Dessert Recipes!
📖 Recipe
💬 Comments

⭐Why You'll Love This Scotcheroos

Quick, Simple and Easy to Prepare: Making this is easy with simple steps, it is perfect for beginners.

No-Bake: This recipe doesn’t require any oven or baking.

Customizable: Customize this recipe and make it your own. You can add some nuts or coconut for extra flavours and textures.

Make in Advance: Make the Scotheroos in advance, store them at room temperature or in the refrigerator, and serve when you are ready to eat.

Suitable for Any Occasion: From birthdays to holiday feasts, cozy teas to lively potlucks, this indulgent delight fits seamlessly into any occasion, making every event extra special.

If you want more dessert you should check out Chocolate Toffee Bark and Almond Hazelnut Nougat.

🧾Ingredients Needed & Substitutions

Ingredients for this Scotcheroos recipe are simple. Here is a list of everything you need:

For the Caramel Sauce:

Sugar: The main component for creating the caramel flavour.
Water: Acts as a humectant, helping to melt the ingredients.
Heavy Cream: Provides a silky and smooth consistency.
Sea Salt: Balances the sweetness, introduces a gentle savoury note and lifts the overall taste.
Vanilla: Enhances the overall flavour with a hint of vanilla.

Peanut Butter:

Roasted Peanuts: The main component for creating the nutty flavour of the butter.
Vanilla: Enhances the overall flavour with a hint of vanilla.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Enhances the smoothness and creaminess of the peanut butter.

For Scotcheroos:

Rice Krispies: Adds a delightful crispiness and airy quality to the bars, enhancing their texture.
Peanut Butter: Imparts a decadent, nutty taste while contributing to a velvety and smooth texture.
Salted Caramel Sauce: Adds a rich, nutty flavour and creamy texture.
Dark Chocolate: Infuses a delicious cocoa richness while contributing to a silky and creamy texture that beautifully complements the sweetness and toffee crunch.

Here are some substitutions for a classic Scotcheroos recipe:

Peanut Butter: Instead of the usual peanut butter, try almond butter, cashew butter, or even a nut-free option like sunflower seed butter for a different nutty flavour.
Rice Krispies: Experiment with other crispy rice cereals or even bran flakes to add a unique crunch.
Dark Chocolate: Play around with different chocolate types like white chocolate, milk chocolate, or even chocolate with mint or orange flavour.
Vanilla: Test out flavoured extracts like almond, maple, or hazelnut alongside or in place of vanilla extract for a different taste.

See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.

👩🏻‍🍳How to Make Scotcheroos

These step-by-step instructions and photos will help you to visualize how to make this recipe. See the recipe card for a printable version of this recipe.

How to Make Caramel Sauce:

1. Place the granulated sugar and water in a saucepan over medium heat and stir.

2. Cook until it transforms into a golden-brown liquid. Be careful to avoid burning.

3. Remove the saucepan from heat. Gradually pour in the heavy cream while stirring continuously. Keep stirring until you achieve a smooth caramel sauce.

4. Add a pinch of salt and vanilla and stir well until combined.

How to Make Peanut Butter:

1. Place the roasted peanuts in a food processor.

2. Add vanilla and oil.

3. Blend the peanut until a smooth paste. Set aside.

How to Make Scotcheroos:

1. Place the crispy rice cereal in a large bowl.

2. Add peanut butter.

3. Add caramel sauce.

4. Carefully fold in the crispy rice cereal until it is thoroughly coated with the peanut butter and caramel sauce.

5. Place the cereal mixture into the prepared baking tray lined with parchment paper.

6. Press the mixture firmly using a spatula to create an even layer. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.

7. Pour boiling water into a small saucepan and place on the hob.

8. Cut the dark chocolate into small pieces.

9. Place the chocolate pieces in a large bowl and then place the bowl on top of the saucepan.

10. Melt the chocolate, stirring until smooth.

11. Spread the melted chocolate evenly over the pressed cereal in the tray.

12. Place warm peanut butter into a pipping bag.

13. Decorate the top of Scotcheroos with lines of peanut butter.

14. Refrigerate for 2 hours, allowing it to set.

15. Remove from the fridge, place on a cutting board and take the parchment paper out.

16. Cut into square shape bars, place on a plate and serve.

📖Variations

Nutty Crunch: Introduce a nutty combination by tossing in chopped peanuts, almonds, or pecans into the crispy rice mix. More nuts, more crunch!
S’mores Scotcheroos: Turn up the fun with mini marshmallows on the warm chocolate top. A quick toast, and you’ve got Scotcheroos gone s’mores.
Pretzel Crunch: Bring in the salty twist with crushed pretzels. The combo of sweet and salty is delightful.
Cookie Dough Fusion: Press a cookie dough layer onto the base before the chocolate. It’s like a cookie dough surprise in every bite!
Fruity Twist: Dried fruits, meet Scotcheroos! Raisins, apricots, or cranberries add a fruity kick to the mix.
Spice Infusion: Spice it up with a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg in the peanut butter mix.
White Chocolate Bliss: Use white chocolate for a creamy, dreamy twist.
Trail Mix Adventure: Transform into a trail mix treat by adding a mix of nuts, seeds, and dried fruits.
Coconut Paradise: Try mixing desiccated coconut in the base and sprinkling more on top to provide a tropical twist.
Minty Fresh: Drop in a hint of mint extract into the chocolate layer. It’s like a breath of fresh air in every bite.

❄️How to Store, Freeze, Defrost and Serve

Storing:

Room Temperature: Keep your Scotcheroos in an airtight container at room temperature for consuming within a day or two.
Refrigeration: For an extended stay, especially in warmer weather, let your Scotcheroos chill in the fridge. Use an airtight container and add layers of parchment paper for maximum freshness.
Freezing: Extend the life of your Scotcheroos by freezing them for the long storage. Wrap them in plastic or parchment and put into the freezer-safe container or zip-top bag.

Freezing:

Individual Wrapping: Wrap each Scotcheroo individually in a protective wrap of plastic or parchment to prevent them from sticking together.
Freezer-Safe Container: Place the individually wrapped Scotcheroos in a container or bag.
Labelling: Lable your container to remember its freezing date and type.

Defrosting:

Overnight in the Refrigerator: Plan for a slow and steady thaw by transferring Scotcheroos from the refrigerator the night before consuming.
Room Temperature: Let Scotcheroos return to their delightful state by letting them thaw naturally at room temperature for approximately 1-2 hours. While this method speeds up the process, it might lead to the bars with a slightly softer texture.
Microwave (Optional): In a hurry? Employ the microwave at low power, but be a vigilant to prevent unintended melting of chocolate. This is a quicker option but requires your full attention.

Serving:

Room Temperature: Once thawed, let your Scotcheroos sit in room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavour.
Chilled (Optional): Some prefer their Scotcheroos straight from the fridge. Play with temperatures to discover your preferred indulgence.
Presentation: Lift up the experience by presenting your Scotcheroos on a large platter. Add a sprinkle of powdered sugar for that extra touch of magic.

💭Tips for Recipe Success

Prep Ahead: Gather your ingredients measured and ready to go before starting. This facilitates a smooth and efficient cooking process.

Use Fresh Ingredients: Make sure your crispy rice cereal is fresh for that extra crunch in your Scotcheroos.

Line the Tray: Line the tray with parchment paper to prevent sticking. This simplifies the process of removing the mold, slicing and serving the Scotcheroos later.

Even Layer: When you press the cereal mix into the pan, make it nice and even. This ensures uniform bars and a consistent texture.

Smooth Chocolate Layer: Evenly coat the cereal layer with the melted chocolate to achieve a smooth appearance!

Chill Before Cutting: Let your Scotcheroos chill in the fridge before cutting. This makes them easier to slice.

Sharp Knife Trick: Use a sharp knife for cutting. Dip it in hot water and wipe it clean between cuts.

❓Commonly Asked Questions

Why are they called Scotcheroos?

While the origin of the name remains uncertain, it probably originates from incorporating butterscotch in the recipe. The term Scotch in the name represents the delightful butterscotch flavour.

Can I make Scotcheroos without peanut butter?

Although peanut butter is a traditional element, feel free to explore alternative nut or seed butters to accommodate allergies or personal preferences.