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My Irresistible Scotcharoos
I remember the first time I tasted these at my friend's house growing up. Now they're my go-to treat when I need something quick and delicious. The combination of Rice Krispies peanut butter and that magical chocolate-butterscotch topping makes everyone's eyes light up. My kids call them magic bars.
Why These Are So Special
What I love most about these bars is how simple yet impressive they are. No need to turn on the oven and they come together so quickly. That sweet and salty combo just hits different. My daughter's soccer team devours them at every potluck and the other parents always ask for the recipe.
Here's What You Need
- Butter: ½ cup; unsalted or salted, depending on preference.
- Granulated Sugar: 1 cup; sweetens the base.
- Light Corn Syrup: 1 cup; ensures a smooth, non-grainy texture.
- Creamy Peanut Butter: 1½ cups; for the classic peanut butter flavor.
- Rice Krispies Cereal: 6 cups; provides the crunch.
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: 1 cup; melts perfectly for the topping.
- Butterscotch Chips: 1 cup; adds sweetness and richness to the topping.
- Oil (optional): 1 tbsp; helps smooth the melted chocolate and butterscotch.
Let's Make Some Magic
- Prepare the Pan
- Spray a 9x13-inch pan with cooking spray and measure 6 cups of Rice Krispies into a large bowl. Set aside.
- Make the Peanut Butter Mixture
- In a large saucepan, heat butter, sugar, and corn syrup over medium-low heat until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is thin and runny. Remove from heat and stir in peanut butter until smooth.
- Mix the Base
- Pour the peanut butter mixture over the Rice Krispies. Stir until evenly coated, then press the mixture into the prepared pan.
- Prepare the Topping
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, and optional oil in 20-second increments, stirring until smooth.
- Spread the Topping
- Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the Rice Krispie layer. Use an offset spatula to spread evenly. Let the topping set, either at room temperature or in the fridge for faster results.
- Cut and Serve
- Once the chocolate is set, cut into squares and enjoy!
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Keep Them Fresh
These bars stay perfect at room temperature for about a week just keep them in an airtight container. When I'm planning ahead I cut them into squares and freeze them with parchment paper between layers. They thaw beautifully and taste just as fresh as day one.
My Favorite Tricks
The secret to keeping these bars soft is not letting that sugar mixture boil. I learned that the hard way. Sometimes I run out of butterscotch chips and just use all chocolate they're still amazing. My kids love when I swirl the chocolate and butterscotch topping together it makes such pretty patterns.
Perfect for Everything
These treats never let me down. They're my go to when I need something quick for school events bake sales or just weekend snacking. The best part? No hot oven on summer days and cleanup is so easy. My kitchen always fills with happy faces when they spot these cooling on the counter.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I substitute the butterscotch chips?
- Yes, you can replace butterscotch chips with either peanut butter chips or additional chocolate chips if you don't enjoy butterscotch flavor.
- → How should I store these bars?
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. They can also be frozen for 2-3 months with wax or parchment paper between layers.
- → Why shouldn't the mixture boil?
- Boiling the sugar mixture can make the bars too hard. Remove from heat as soon as it starts to simmer at the edges for the best chewy texture.
- → How can I get a smoother topping?
- Flatten the base layer with wax paper and a mini rolling pin before adding the topping. Add a teaspoon of oil to the chocolate mixture for easier spreading.
- → Can I speed up the setting time?
- Yes, place the pan in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes to help the chocolate topping set faster. Remove once set to maintain the right texture.