Irresistible Chex Scotcheroos Recipe: Sweet Magic in Every Bite

Sweet toffee-like chex scotcheroos have a magical way of making taste buds dance with delight.

Chocolate and peanut butter create an irresistible combination that sparks instant cravings.

Crispy cereal adds a satisfying crunch to this classic midwest treat.

Layers of melted chocolate and butterscotch chips turn an ordinary dessert into something extraordinary.

Kids and adults alike cannot resist these no-bake bars that come together quickly.

Minimal ingredients and simple steps mean you can whip up this crowd-pleasing dessert in minutes.

Prepare to indulge in a sweet sensation that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Chex Scotcheroos — What To Know Before You Bite

• Are these Scotcheroos gluten-free?

While rice chex cereal is naturally gluten-free, always check ingredient labels for peanut butter and chocolate chips to confirm no gluten-containing additives.

• Can I use a different type of cereal?

Rice chex works best due to its crisp texture and ability to hold the sticky mixture, but you could experiment with corn chex as an alternative.

• How do I prevent the mixture from becoming too sticky when mixing?

Ensure your mixing bowl and utensils are lightly greased with cooking spray to help prevent excessive sticking when combining ingredients.

• What's the best way to cut these bars cleanly?

Use a sharp knife and wipe the blade clean between cuts for neat, precise squares that look professionally made.

Why Chex Scotcheroos Are The Perfect Crunchy Sweet Fix

• Conquer Minimal Kitchen Skills: Perfect for beginners with straightforward steps and basic ingredients that anyone can master without advanced culinary training.
• Create Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: A no-bake treat guaranteed to impress friends and family with its rich chocolate-peanut butter flavor combination that appeals to all ages.
• Customize with Ease: Adaptable recipe allows simple modifications like adding nuts, drizzling extra chocolate, or swapping chip varieties to match personal taste preferences.
• Quick Prep and Cleanup: Minimal dishes required with one-bowl mixing technique and simple melting process, making this a stress-free dessert solution for busy home cooks.

What Goes Into Chex Scotcheroos

• Rice Chex Cereal: A crispy foundation that provides a light and crunchy texture for the treat.

• Corn Syrup, Granulated Sugar: Create a smooth, sweet syrup that helps bind the ingredients together.
• Peanut Butter: Adds creamy richness and helps coat the cereal with a delicious nutty flavor.

• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips, Butterscotch Chips: Melt into a glossy, decadent layer that adds a luxurious finish to the dessert.

Quick How-To For Chex Scotcheroos

Step 1: Line The Baking Pan

Grab a 9×13-inch pan and drape parchment paper inside, letting edges hang over for easy lifting later.

Step 2: Prepare Cereal Base

Pour rice chex into a spacious mixing bowl, creating a crunchy foundation for your delightful treat.

Step 3: Cook Sugar Syrup

• Corn syrup
• Granulated sugar

Heat over medium flame, stirring constantly until mixture bubbles gently without burning.

Step 4: Create Peanut Butter Mixture

Remove sugar syrup from heat and swiftly whisk in creamy peanut butter until silky smooth.

Step 5: Coat Cereal

Pour warm peanut butter mixture over chex, tenderly folding to ensure every crisp piece gets completely covered.

Step 6: Press Into Pan

Transfer coated cereal into prepared pan, pressing firmly with spatula or hands to create a compact, even layer.

Step 7: Melt Chocolate Topping

• Semi-sweet chocolate chips
• Butterscotch chips

Melt in 30-second bursts, stirring between intervals until glossy and completely liquid.

Step 8: Add Chocolate Layer

Drizzle melted chocolate mixture over cereal base, spreading evenly with offset spatula for smooth coverage.

Step 9: Chill And Set

Refrigerate for 30 minutes until chocolate layer hardens completely.

Step 10: Slice And Serve

Lift entire dessert using parchment paper overhang, then slice into neat squares with sharp knife.

Tips For Even Better Chex Scotcheroos

• Prevent Sticking: Line the baking pan with parchment paper, leaving extra hanging on the sides for effortless removal and clean cutting.
• Control Sweetness: Adjust sugar levels by using less corn syrup or substituting with honey for a more balanced flavor profile.
• Master Melting Technique: Melt chocolate and butterscotch chips slowly in 30-second microwave intervals, stirring between each to avoid burning and achieve smooth consistency.
• Achieve Perfect Texture: Press the cereal mixture firmly and evenly in the pan to create a compact, cohesive base that holds together when cut.
• Store Smart: Keep these treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Creative Ways To Make Them Your Own

• Almond Butter Bliss: Swap peanut butter with almond butter for a nutty, sophisticated flavor profile and added protein boost.
• Dark Chocolate Dream: Replace semi-sweet and butterscotch chips with dark chocolate chips for a richer, less sweet topping that chocolate lovers will appreciate.
• Gluten-Free Crunch: Use gluten-free rice chex cereal and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions.
• Vegan Transformation: Substitute corn syrup with brown rice syrup, use dairy-free chocolate chips, and replace peanut butter with sunflower seed butter to create a completely plant-based version.

Great Pairings With Chex Scotcheroos

• Pair with Complementary Beverage: Serve alongside a cold glass of milk to balance the sweet and rich chocolate-butterscotch topping, creating a classic dessert experience.
• Enhance with Contrasting Texture: Match with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream to introduce a creamy, cool element that cuts through the treat's dense, chewy base.
• Elevate with Flavor Companion: Enjoy with a steaming mug of hazelnut coffee, which will highlight the nutty undertones from the peanut butter and provide a warm counterpoint.
• Create Dessert Wine Moment: Select a sweet moscato or port wine to complement the dessert's rich chocolate and butterscotch notes, offering a sophisticated adult pairing.

How To Store Chex Scotcheroos For Later

• Store leftovers in an airtight container between layers of parchment paper for up to 5 days. Keep chilled to maintain crisp texture and prevent chocolate from melting.
• Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe container. Freeze up to 3 months for longer preservation. Thaw at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before enjoying.
• Place squares in sealed container at room temperature for 2-3 days. Avoid direct sunlight or warm areas to prevent chocolate from softening.
• Separate layers with wax paper or parchment paper to maintain individual square integrity and prevent unintended merging during storage.

Chex Scotcheroos Recipe

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4.7 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Irresistible Chex Scotcheroos blend crunchy cereal with silky chocolate and butterscotch for a nostalgic Midwestern treat. Sweet layers of peanut butter, crisp Chex, and rich chocolate create an indulgent snack you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Base Ingredients:

• 6 cups rice chex cereal
• 1 cup light corn syrup
• 1 cup granulated sugar

Peanut Butter Layer:

• 1 cup creamy peanut butter

Chocolate Topping:

• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup butterscotch chips

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Instructions

1. Prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan by lining it with parchment paper, ensuring overhang for easy removal.
2. Pour rice chex cereal into a large mixing bowl, creating a crisp foundation for the treat.
3. In a medium saucepan, combine corn syrup and granulated sugar, heating over medium flame until the mixture reaches a gentle boil, stirring constantly to prevent scorching.
4. Remove the sugar syrup from heat and immediately fold in creamy peanut butter, whisking until smooth and fully incorporated.
5. Quickly pour the warm peanut butter mixture over the cereal, gently folding and coating each piece thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
6. Transfer the coated cereal mixture into the prepared pan, pressing firmly and evenly with a spatula or clean hands to create a compact base.
7. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine semi-sweet chocolate chips and butterscotch chips, melting in 30-second intervals and stirring between each interval until completely smooth and glossy.
8. Pour the melted chocolate-butterscotch mixture over the cereal base, using an offset spatula to spread evenly and create a uniform topping.
9. Refrigerate for approximately 30 minutes or until the chocolate layer has set completely.
10. Using the parchment paper overhang, lift the entire dessert from the pan and slice into squares using a sharp knife.

Notes

• Boost crunch by toasting rice chex cereal briefly in the oven before mixing for extra texture and deeper flavor profile.
• Swap peanut butter with almond or sunflower seed butter for nut-free version, ensuring allergy-friendly alternative without compromising taste.
• Control sweetness by reducing corn syrup quantity or using honey as natural substitute, creating more balanced and less intense sugar experience.
• Enhance chocolate topping by sprinkling sea salt flakes or chopped nuts after spreading for gourmet touch and sophisticated flavor complexity.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 100 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg