Stotcharoos: Peanut Butter Chocolate Butterscotch Crispy Bars

Stotcharoos are the perfect no-bake treat that combines peanut butter, crisp rice cereal, chocolate, and butterscotch into one chewy, sweet bar. Easy to make and utterly delicious, they’re a fantastic snack or dessert for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and No-Bake: No oven needed; just a few minutes on the stovetop.
• Perfect Combo of Flavors: Peanut butter, chocolate, and butterscotch create a layered sweetness.
• Crispy Texture: The rice cereal gives these bars a light crunch, adding to their chewy texture.

Ingredients

• ½ cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 1 ½ cups peanut butter
• 1 cup white sugar
• 1 cup light corn syrup
• 6 cups crisp rice cereal
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, for greasing
• ½ cup butterscotch chips

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Butter the Pan

1. Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan generously with butter. This will make removing the bars much easier later on. Set the pan aside.

Step 2: Heat the Peanut Butter Mixture

2. In a large pot, combine the peanut butter, corn syrup, and sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the peanut butter has melted and the mixture is smooth.
3. Let the mixture come to a gentle boil, then immediately remove it from the heat.

Step 3: Combine with Cereal

4. Add the crisp rice cereal to the peanut butter mixture. Fold it in until the cereal is fully coated.
5. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan and use buttered hands or a spatula to press it down evenly.

Step 4: Melt the Chips

6. In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, combine the chocolate chips and butterscotch chips. Stir until melted and smooth.
7. Spread this chocolate-butterscotch mixture evenly over the cereal layer in the baking pan.

Step 5: Cool and Slice

8. Let the bars sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes or until completely cool. Once cooled, slice into 24 squares and serve.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Large pot for peanut butter mixture
• Medium saucepan for melting chips
• 9×13-inch baking pan
• Spatula for spreading layers

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serving: Serve these bars at room temperature for the best texture.
• Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Freeze bars for up to 2 months, separating layers with wax paper to prevent sticking.

Variations

• Add Nuts: Add 1/2 cup of chopped peanuts or walnuts for extra crunch.
• Drizzle Extra Chocolate: Drizzle melted white chocolate on top for a decorative finish.
• Mini Marshmallows: Stir in 1 cup of mini marshmallows with the cereal for a gooey texture.

Helpful Tips

• Don’t Overboil: Once the peanut butter mixture starts to boil, take it off the heat right away to avoid hardening.
• Press Firmly: Press the cereal mixture into the pan firmly for even bars that hold their shape.
• Room Temperature: Let the bars cool completely at room temperature for easy slicing and the best texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use honey instead of corn syrup?
Yes, honey can be used, but the bars may have a slightly different flavor and texture.

2. Can I use milk chocolate chips?
Absolutely, though the bars will be a bit sweeter with milk chocolate.

3. How can I prevent the chocolate from getting too hard?
Adding a tablespoon of butter or a teaspoon of coconut oil to the melted chocolate mixture will help keep it slightly softer.

4. Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, just use a gluten-free crisp rice cereal to make this recipe gluten-free.

5. Can I double the recipe?
Certainly! Use a larger pan, or make two batches if doubling the recipe.

These Stotcharoos are a fun, easy treat packed with the classic flavors of peanut butter, chocolate, and butterscotch. Perfect for sharing, snacking, or gifting, they’re sure to be a hit!

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