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    Home Β» Recipes Β» Dessert

    February 27, 2019

    Best Ever Scotcheroos

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    If you live in the Midwest, chances are you’ve had a β€œscotcheroo” a time or two….and if you haven’t, ohhhhh let me tell you – you’re in for a real treat!!  Rich chocolate and butterscotch covers the creamy, crispy, peanut-buttery base layer making for the perfect quick and easy no bake dessert! These are truly the best ever scotcheroos!!

    Jump to Recipe
    Two scotcheroo bars with a piece of parchment paper between them.

    Scotcheroos are the Cadillac of Rice Krispie bars.Β  I used to love Rice Krispie treats (still do), but I’d say I make scotcheroos 10x more often.Β Β Β  Have you ever brought something to a potluck thinking β€œthis is gonna be a hit!” and been completely wrong?Β  Or put lots of time and effort into a cake or pie and brought it to an event just to have one or two pieces taken?Β 

    You will never, EVER have that issue with scotcheroos…….they are a potluck staple here in Iowa and are loved by all ages. (They're also a quick, easy, and no bake treat!)

    However, I’ll admit there are okay scotcheroos and then there are flippin’ awesome scotcheroos.  And I’ve made both….I’ve tinkered around with the recipe a bit and had a couple flops and some great successes.  However, I never kept track of what I was changing.  I’d just make a change and hope for the best.  I decided the best way to figure this out for once and for all was to do a little experiment…ehh large experiment! 😊

    Best Ever Scotcheroos ingredients including sugar, corn syrup, peanut butter and rice krispies.

    Recipe Myths

    MYTH #1:Β  Following the original recipe (boiling the corn syrup/sugar) will result in a hard scotcheroos
    MYTH #2:Β  Using name brand peanut butter will improve the taste and texture of the scotcheroo
    MYTH #3:Β  Adding butter to the sugar and corn syrup mixture will improve taste and texture of the scotcheroo

    Best Ever Scotcheroos food science experiment laid out on a cutting board.

    The Experiment

    After a little searching, I found a few different variables in Scotcheroo recipes floating around the internet.  I had a β€œcontrol,” which is the recipe that both Karo syrup and Rice Krispies has on their websites.  Then the variations were all in the base layer – I tested cooking methods, peanut butter brands, and amounts of corn syrup and peanut butter. 

    One afternoon I mixed up each of the seven variations.  I used a scale to weigh ingredients to make sure they were as precise as possible.  I then cut each test batch into small squares and brought them into work for coworkers to blind taste. 

    CONTROL RECIPE:
    Ingredients

    • 1 c sugar
    • 1 c light corn syrup
    • 1 c creamy peanut butter
    • 6 c Rice Krispie cereal
    • 1 c semi-sweet chocolate chips
    • 1 c butterscotch chips

    Directions
    Grease a 9 x 13” pan with cooking spray and set aside.Β  Over medium heat, cook the corn syrup and sugar in a large saucepan.Β  Bring the mixture to a boil and remove from the heat.Β  Stir in the peanut butter.Β  Add the cereal and stir until combined.Β  Pour the cereal mixture into prepared pan and press into place.Β  Melt the chocolate and butterscotch chips; stir; spread over base layer.Β  Cool and cut into bars.

    Experiment Variations

    EXPERIMENT VARIATIONS
    A – Control recipe, no boil
    B – Control recipe, boil
    C – Control recipe + Β½ c extra corn syrup
    D – Control recipe, but with Skippy peanut butter instead of cheap brand
    E – Control recipe + Β½ c extra peanut butter
    F – Control recipe + ΒΌ c butter in sugar/corn syrup mixture
    G – Control recipe + β…“ c extra peanut butter + β…“ c extra corn syrup

    NOTE: Unless otherwise noted, I did not bring the sugar/corn syrup mixture to a boil (as I had tested and noticed a negative affect when boiled) an used the That’s Smart brand of peanut butter

      Change Results
    A Control recipe,
    no boil
    These were good; had decent texture but were
    slightly firm
    B Control recipe,
    boil
    Although the recipe says to bring the sugar/corn syrup mixture to a boil, this was by far the worst of all the experiments.  The base layer was simply too hard and crunchy
    C Control recipe +
    Β½ c extra corn
    syrup
    These were the second favorite of the bunch.  The texture was chewy and soft, but was lacking a little bit of peanut butter flavor
    D Control recipe,
    used Skippy
    brand peanut
    butter
    Using Skippy peanut butter (rather than the That’s Smart brand) changed the flavor (not bad, just different) and made them slightly more crumbly
    E Control recipe +
    Β½ c extra peanut butter
    Slightly less dense, and a bit less β€œgooey” than a couple other top favorites
    F Control recipe +
    ΒΌ c butter in
    sugar/syrup
    mixture
    Different flavor; nobody really enjoyed this one
    G Control recipe + β…“ c extra peanut butter + β…“ c extra corn syrup This was by far the favorite!  It was soft, chewy, and had excellent peanut butter flavor.  YUM!
    scotcheroos cut into squares with their experiment numbers on them.
    scotcheroos cut into squares with a bit out of each one with their experiment numbers on them.

    Conclusions

    MYTH #1:  Following the original recipe (boiling the corn syrup/sugar) will result in a scotcheroo that is too firm..........TRUE!!  DO NOT boil the corn syrup and sugar!!!  This was the factor that seemed to have the largest impact on the end product.  It’s so important to cook the syrup mixture on low just until the sugar has dissolved.  If you see a bubble or two starting to form, pull off the burner immediately so it doesn’t start boiling.

    MYTH #2:  Using name brand peanut butter will improve the taste and texture of the Scotcheroo..........FALSE!!  The peanut butter brand doesn’t seem to have much of an impact on the finished product.

    MYTH #3:  Adding butter to the corn syrup/sugar mixture will improve taste and texture of the Scotcheroo............FALSE!!  The butter took away from the peanut butter flavor and didn’t have a large affect on the texture.

    VIDEO: How to Make the Best Ever Scotcheroos

    Should they be served at room temperature?

    Yes, they are best served at room temperature.

    Can you freeze scotcheroos?

    Yes, these cereal bars can be frozen in a freezer bag or in an airtight container. If you can't fit them in a single layer, be sure to place a piece of parchment paper between layers so they don't stick together.

    Can you use different cereal?

    Yes! Many people call these Special K Bars because they grew up using Special K cereal instead of Rice Krispies. I like them either way!

    Can you use almond butter?

    I tested this once (awhile back) and had good luck using almond butter in the peanut butter mixture (which is great for people with peanut allergies!).

    Can you use natural peanut butter?

    I don't recommend it because natural peanut butter would give a different texture that might not hold the krispy treats together well.

    Can you replace the butterscotch chips with something else?

    Sure. I love the butterscotch flavor (for me, it's part of classic scotcheroos) but you could use additional chocolate chips or replace it with peanut butter chips.

    Can you use brown sugar in place of regular sugar?

    Yes. I don't think there would be any problem with that - it'll change the flavor a bit, but not necessarily in a bad way!

    Love all things chocolate??

    Here's a couple more of my favorite chocolate-y treats!
    Chocolate Cobbler
    Oh Henry Bars
    Monster Cookie Bars

    stack of scotcheroos with parchment paper between them and a pan in the background.

    So, what's the Best Ever recipe?!! I took the learnings from my experiment and added a little vanilla to boost the flavor. Once I tried it, I knew this was THE ONE. The BEST scotcheroo recipe ever.

    Here you have it......the BEST EVER SCOTCHEROOS!

    Best Ever Scotcheroos

    kelsey
    The perfect addition to any potluck, tailgate, or party, these scotcheroos are chocolatey, peanut buttery, chewy, crispy, creamy, and simply delicious!
    5 from 19 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Rate this Recipe
    Prevent your screen from going to sleep.
    Prep Time 10 mins
    Cook Time 5 mins
    Total Time 15 mins
    Course Dessert
    Cuisine American
    Servings 24 squares
    Calories 301 kcal

    Equipment

    • 1 9x13" pan

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 cup sugar
    • 1 β…“ cups light corn syrup
    • 1 β…“ cups peanut butter
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 6 cups Rice Krispies
    • 1 cup chocolate chips
    • 1 cup butterscotch chips

    Instructions
     

    • Grease a 9x13" pan and set aside.
    • In a large saucepan, add the sugar and corn syrup and combine.
    • Turn the stovetop on low heat and stir until the sugar is dissolved. DO NOT let the mixture come to a boil. Once the sugar is dissolved, remove the saucepan from the heat. (If you see any bubbles begin to form, remove it immediately from the stovetop)
    • Stir in the peanut butter and vanilla
    • Stir in the Rice Krispies, being careful not to crush them, but making sure they're well-combined
    • Pour into the prepared pan and pat into place
    • In a microwave safe bowl, add the chocolate and butterscotch chips
    • Cook on high in 20 second intervals, stirring after each interval until the chocolate is melted and smooth
    • Spread over the Rice Krispie mixture and let cool before cutting into bars.....if you can wait! πŸ™‚

    Video

    https://dancearoundthekitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/How-to-Make-Best-Ever-Scotcheroos.mp4

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1barCalories: 301kcalCarbohydrates: 45.5gProtein: 4.8gFat: 12.5gSaturated Fat: 5.5gSodium: 156mgPotassium: 93mgFiber: 1.5gSugar: 27gIron: 4mg
    Keyword chocolate, dessert, peanut butter, rice krispie, snack
    Tried this recipe?Follow me at @dancearoundthekitchen.kelsey and let me know how you liked it!
    Best Ever Scotcheroos - a no bake dessert
    Trying to take photos with a toddler.....apparently she love scotcheroos as much as her mama!

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    about kelsey

    About Kelsey

    Combining my love for food and family is a pretty easy calculation. Almost all family gatherings include food… After all, a party without cake is just a meeting right? Read more...

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Patrice says

      January 11, 2021 at 12:29 pm

      I love reading the experiments you made. I have accomplished a similar result by lessening the amount of Rice Krispies. Using 6 cups always seemed to make them too dry for me. I like your idea of increasing the corn syrup and peanut butter instead β€” makes more scotcharoos! And adding vanilla can never be bad. My favorite tip is that I cook mine in the microwave. So fast and easy that way. I will definitely try your new recipe.

      Reply
      • Kelsey says

        January 12, 2021 at 3:02 pm

        Hi Patrice! I'm so glad you found this post and enjoyed reading about the different experiments I did. Using the microwave is a great idea - so quick and easy! I hope you enjoy this recipe!
        Kelsey

        Reply
    2. Kari says

      February 25, 2021 at 9:07 pm

      5 stars
      Excellent. Rave reviews every time I make these. Your tip to take off heat before boiling the sugar/corn syrup makes ALL the difference. Thanks!!

      Reply
      • Kelsey says

        February 26, 2021 at 2:10 pm

        So happy to hear, Kari!! πŸ™‚ Thanks for the great review - I appreciate it!
        Kelsey

        Reply
    3. Emily says

      July 05, 2021 at 5:34 pm

      as someone who's currently on a Scotcheroo kick (been making it weekly) this was THE most helpful Scotcheroo-recipe-related things I've read. My initial time making it resulted in a horrible result because I unknowingly let it boil, without any knowledge of how crucial that factor is. And many recipes are very vague and don't include any info about how far to heat it. This page answered a lot of questions and the experiment outcomes are so valuable. Thanks for sharing

      Reply
      • Kelsey says

        July 19, 2021 at 3:52 pm

        Oh my goodness - this made my day!!! The experiment was so much fun and I'm happy to hear it's helping others as well! Cheers to delicious scotcheroos! πŸ™‚

        Reply
    4. Brenda says

      September 20, 2021 at 6:32 pm

      5 stars
      I quit making scotcheroos a long time ago as I could never get them to be soft like this. Then my kids started asking so I started looking. Thank you so much for taking the time to make this post as I have now made them several times and even took a couple batches to the high school concession stand and they were gone within the hour. Simple tips that made all the difference! Thank you again!

      Reply
      • Kelsey says

        October 12, 2021 at 9:22 pm

        So so SO happy to hear this, Brenda!!! Nothing beats a good, soft scotcheroo and I'm glad my post could help you out! And thank you tons for the 5-star rating and review. You have no idea how much this means to me and my small business! πŸ™‚ -Kelsey

        Reply
    5. Pauline Beth Peterson says

      November 04, 2021 at 9:43 pm

      my daughter does not like chocolate. I suggested to her to try White chocolate on her Scotcheroos . Her family loved them. that's the only way she will make them now.

      Reply
    6. Jon Golsteyn says

      November 23, 2021 at 1:22 pm

      5 stars
      Thanks for all the effort in getting the best recipe. I made these today and they are perfect. I love the chewiness of these along with the flavor. This recipe is a keeper, and they were very easy to make too.

      Reply
      • Kelsey says

        December 09, 2021 at 9:44 pm

        So so so happy to hear, Jon. This was such a fun experiment and the end result is SO tasty! πŸ™‚

        Reply
    7. Alex πŸ’• says

      November 29, 2021 at 12:10 pm

      5 stars
      Literally the best scotcheroos I’ve ever had. So easy to make and loved following along with your pictures!!!!

      Reply
      • Kelsey says

        November 30, 2021 at 9:59 pm

        So so so happy to hear!!! -Kelsey

        Reply
    8. Cynthia says

      December 24, 2021 at 6:03 pm

      5 stars
      These were awesome! Thanks! God bless!

      Reply
      • Kelsey says

        December 27, 2021 at 6:12 pm

        So happy to hear!! One of my favorite no-bake desserts!

        Reply
    9. Jeffrey Ketterer says

      March 21, 2022 at 10:07 am

      5 stars
      Best Scotcheroo recipe ever! I made a double batch yesterday and they turned out perfect! Very moist, chewy, and flavorful! And for once, not hard as rock! I had so many failed attempts at making these in the past, and I finally figured out that you can NOT let the sugar & corn syrup come to a boil! So many of the other recipes tell you to do this...and they turn out too hard!

      Reply
      • Kelsey says

        March 23, 2022 at 10:05 pm

        YES YES YES!!! "Not hard as a rock"....exactly why I did this experiment after many pans of hard, way too crunchy scotcheroos. So glad others have enjoyed the fruits of this experiment, too!! πŸ™‚ -Kelsey

        Reply
    10. Linda B. says

      March 27, 2022 at 12:58 pm

      I just came across your website. I have had many Scotcheroo failures. I like the myth explanations and recipe comparisons. I appreciate you doing all the work to come up with the best ever recipe. I am anxious to try it. Thank you

      Reply
      • kelsey says

        March 28, 2022 at 9:51 am

        It was such a fun experiment!! And I'm SO pumped with the results! πŸ™‚ I hope you give it a try - let me know what you think! -Kelsey

        Reply
    11. Helen Hanley says

      June 19, 2022 at 4:43 pm

      Thank you!!

      I have a almost full 9x 13 pan of Hard Scothcheroos…..
      How can I soften them?

      Hate to throw out but cheaper than dental work.

      Thank you

      Reply
      • kelsey says

        June 22, 2022 at 2:19 pm

        Hi Helen - Did you use this recipe? I've never had them harden on me....wondering if maybe the sugar/corn syrup mixture boiled? I don't have any ideas for softening...sorry!!

        Reply
    12. Amanda Walhowe says

      November 20, 2022 at 6:22 pm

      5 stars
      Softest, gooiest recipe for these bars-I am always asked to bring these to gatherings and told they are the best ones people have ever had, all thanks to this recipe πŸ˜ƒπŸ‘πŸ½β€οΈ

      Reply
      • kelsey says

        November 23, 2022 at 3:52 pm

        So happy to hear, Amanda!!! πŸ™‚ You just can't go wrong with a pan of scotcheroos!

        Reply
    13. Pam says

      January 01, 2023 at 4:58 pm

      5 stars
      These are so good!

      Reply
      • kelsey says

        January 05, 2023 at 1:04 pm

        Thanks Pam! πŸ™‚

        Reply
    14. Penny Davidson @realizinghome.com says

      January 05, 2023 at 1:00 pm

      5 stars
      Loved these and will be making them again! Thanks for all your scientific experimentation.

      Reply
      • kelsey says

        January 05, 2023 at 1:04 pm

        So happy to hear, Penny!! πŸ™‚

        Reply
    15. Maria Harvey Starkey says

      January 16, 2023 at 9:43 pm

      5 stars
      Great research!!! Plan to make these in the 'best' version tomorrow!
      Thank you! Thank you!

      Reply
      • kelsey says

        January 23, 2023 at 2:54 pm

        Thank you, Maria!! I hope you enjoyed them! πŸ™‚

        Reply
    16. Luke says

      February 12, 2023 at 11:24 am

      5 stars
      Made these for a party and they went down a treat! No leftovers and someone asked for the recipe, delicious.

      Reply
      • kelsey says

        February 13, 2023 at 3:18 pm

        So good to hear!!! -Kelsey

        Reply
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