Sweet Scotcharoos Recipe

A perfect blend of crunchy, sweet, and salty, the Scotcharoos Delight recipe is a delightful treat that can be enjoyed at any time of the day. With just a handful of ingredients, this dish will transport you to a world of mouthwatering flavors. A combination of peanut butter, cereal, and butterscotch chips, this is a recipe that's as fun to make as it is to eat.

Photos of Scotcharoos Recipe

The main ingredients for this recipe are quite common and can be found in your local supermarket. Butterscotch chips and light Karo syrup might not be staples in your pantry. Butterscotch chips are used in baking and have a distinctive sweet, buttery flavor. Karo syrup is a type of corn syrup and is used in recipes to keep them moist and add a hint of sweetness.

Scotcharoos Delight Essential Ingredients

Peanut butter: A creamy, rich substance that's a staple in many cuisines around the world.

Sugar: Used to add sweetness to the bars.

Light Karo syrup: Adds a touch of sweetness and helps to keep the bars moist.

Rice Krispie treat cereal: Adds a delightful crunch to the bars.

Butterscotch chips: Gives the bars a unique, buttery flavor.

Semisweet chocolate chips: Provides a hint of chocolatey goodness to the recipe.

One reader, Kira Desai says:

This scotcharoos delight recipe is a game-changer! The combination of peanut butter, butterscotch, and chocolate creates a heavenly treat. It's easy to make and always a hit at gatherings. The chewy texture and sweet flavor make it an irresistible delight for anyone with a sweet tooth.

Kira Desai

Techniques Required for Making Scotcharoos Delight

How to melt peanut butter, sugar, and karo syrup: In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the peanut butter, sugar, and light karo syrup. Melt the mixture in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth.

How to mix in rice krispie treat cereal: Once the peanut butter, sugar, and karo syrup mixture is smooth, add in the rice krispie treat cereal and stir until well combined.

How to line a pan with aluminum foil or parchment paper: Line a 9x13-inch pan with aluminum foil or parchment paper to easily remove the bars after they have set.

How to melt butterscotch and chocolate chips: In a medium-sized microwave-safe bowl, melt the butterscotch chips and semisweet chocolate chips in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth.

How to spread the chocolate and butterscotch mixture: Pour the melted chocolate and butterscotch mixture on top of the bars and spread it evenly over the surface.

How to let the bars cool: Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting and serving.

How To Make Scotcharoos

To make this scotcharoos recipe, rice krispies are coated with peanut butter and sugar to make a crisp layer that’s then topped with caramel and chocolate.

Preparation: 15 minutes

Cooking:

Total: 15 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

1cuppeanut butter
1cupsugar
1cuplight karo syrup
5cupsrice krispie treat cereal
1cupbutterscotch chips
1cupsemisweet chocolate chips

Instructions

In a large sized microwave safe bowl, combine the peanut butter, sugar and karo syrup.
Melt, stirring every 30 seconds, until smooth. Add in Rice Krispies and stir until combined.
Line a 9×13-inch pan with aluminum foil or parchment paper. Spread the mixture evenly into the pan.
In a medium sized microwave safe bowl, add the butterscotch chips and chocolate chips. Melt, stirring every 30 seconds, until smooth.
Pour on top and spread evenly over the bars. Let cool completely.
Serve and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 301.84kcal
Fat: 11.78g
Saturated Fat: 3.64g
Trans Fat: 0.01g
Monounsaturated Fat: 5.33g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.22g
Carbohydrates: 49.22g
Fiber: 3.29g
Sugar: 33.99g
Protein: 5.76g
Cholesterol: 0.03mg
Sodium: 53.18mg
Calcium: 36.11mg
Potassium: 209.57mg
Iron: 1.10mg
Vitamin A: 0.09µg

Helpful Technique for Perfecting Scotcharoos Delight

When melting your chocolate chips and butterscotch chips, it's crucial to stir them every 30 seconds to prevent them from burning. The heat from the microwave can be intense and uneven, so frequent stirring ensures that the chips melt evenly and smoothly. Also, using a microwave-safe bowl is essential to prevent any unwanted chemicals from leaching into your dessert.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Scotcharoos Delight

Plan ahead: Prepare all your ingredients and equipment before you start cooking to streamline the process.

Use pre-measured ingredients: Measure out all your ingredients in advance to avoid stopping to measure as you go.

Organize your workspace: Keep your kitchen tidy and organized to make it easier to find what you need and work efficiently.

Multi-task: Look for opportunities to cook multiple components simultaneously to save time.

Clean as you go: Wash dishes and clean up spills as you cook to minimize the mess and make post-cooking cleanup faster.

Invest in quality tools: High-quality kitchen tools can make cooking tasks quicker and more efficient.

Follow the recipe: Stick to the recipe to avoid mistakes that can lead to time-consuming fixes.

Use kitchen hacks: Utilize time-saving kitchen hacks and shortcuts to simplify the cooking process.

Substitute Ingredients For Scotcharoos Recipe

peanut butter - Substitute with almond butter: Almond butter can be used as a substitute for peanut butter, providing a similar nutty flavor and creamy texture. It's a great alternative for those with peanut allergies or looking for a different flavor profile.
sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey can be used as a natural sweetener in place of sugar, adding a unique flavor and sweetness to the recipe. It also provides a healthier alternative to refined sugar.
light karo syrup - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup can be used as a substitute for light corn syrup, offering a rich, sweet flavor with a hint of caramel. It can add depth to the recipe while serving as a natural sweetener.
rice krispie treat cereal - Substitute with crispy rice cereal: Crispy rice cereal can be used as a substitute for rice krispie treat cereal, providing a similar texture and crunch to the dessert.
butterscotch chips - Substitute with caramel chips: Caramel chips can be used as a substitute for butterscotch chips, offering a similar sweet and buttery flavor to the recipe.
semisweet chocolate chips - Substitute with dark chocolate chips: Dark chocolate chips can be used as a substitute for semisweet chocolate chips, providing a richer and more intense chocolate flavor to the dessert.

Best Way to Present Scotcharoos Delight

Elevate the plating: When presenting the scotcharoos delight, focus on creating a visually appealing plate. Use clean lines and precise placement to showcase the layers and textures of the dessert.
Garnish with finesse: Add a touch of sophistication to the dish by garnishing with delicate edible flowers or finely grated cocoa powder. This adds a pop of color and elevates the overall presentation.
Incorporate contrasting textures: Introduce a contrasting element such as a quenelle of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to provide a balance of creamy and crunchy textures.
Utilize elegant serving ware: Choose dessert plates and utensils that complement the dessert, enhancing the overall dining experience.
Consider portion control: Present the scotcharoos delight in smaller, refined portions to encourage savoring and appreciation of each bite.
Emphasize symmetry and balance: Arrange the scotcharoos delight with precision, ensuring that each component is thoughtfully placed to create a harmonious visual composition.
Highlight the chocolate drizzle: Use a piping bag to create an intricate chocolate drizzle pattern, adding a touch of artistry to the final presentation.
Add a touch of gold leaf: For an extra touch of luxury, delicately place edible gold leaf on the dessert to impart a sense of opulence and refinement.

Essential Tools for Making Scotcharoos Delight

Microwave safe bowl: A bowl that is safe to use in the microwave for heating or melting ingredients.
9x13-inch pan: A baking pan with dimensions of 9x13 inches, used for baking and setting bars, cakes, and other baked goods.
Aluminum foil or parchment paper: Used for lining the baking pan to prevent sticking and make it easier to remove the bars.
Mixing spoon: Used for stirring and combining the ingredients in the bowl.
Food processor: Not used in this recipe.
Mixing bowl: A large bowl used for mixing and combining the ingredients for the scotcharoos delight.

Storing and Freezing Scotcharoos Delight

Once the scotcharoos have cooled completely, cut them into squares or bars using a sharp knife.
Place the cut scotcharoos in an airtight container, separating each layer with a piece of parchment paper or wax paper to prevent sticking.
Store the container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
To freeze the scotcharoos, wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or resealable freezer bag.
Label the container or bag with the date and contents, and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
To thaw frozen scotcharoos, remove the desired number of bars from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for about an hour, or in the refrigerator overnight.
For best results, consume thawed scotcharoos within 2-3 days.

How To Reheat Scotcharoos Delight Leftovers

To reheat leftover scotcharoos, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the scotcharoos on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and heat them for 5-7 minutes, or until they are warmed through and the chocolate and butterscotch topping is slightly melted. This method will help to restore the texture of the rice krispie treat cereal base and make the topping gooey again.
Another option is to use the microwave. Place a single serving of scotcharoos on a microwave-safe plate and heat it for 15-20 seconds, or until the topping begins to melt. Be careful not to overheat the scotcharoos, as this can cause the chocolate and butterscotch to burn and the rice krispie treat cereal to become soggy.
If you want to reheat a larger batch of scotcharoos, you can use a slow cooker. Place the scotcharoos in the slow cooker and set it to low heat. Cover the slow cooker and let the scotcharoos warm for 30-45 minutes, or until they are heated through and the topping is melted. This method is ideal for keeping the scotcharoos warm for an extended period, such as at a party or potluck.
For a quick and easy reheating method, you can use a toaster oven. Preheat the toaster oven to 350°F (175°C) and place a single serving of scotcharoos on a small baking sheet or piece of aluminum foil. Heat the scotcharoos for 3-5 minutes, or until they are warmed through and the topping is melted. This method is perfect for reheating small portions of scotcharoos without having to use a full-sized oven.

Interesting Fact About Scotcharoos Delight

The recipe for scotcharoos delight is a classic American treat that originated in the Midwest. It is a popular dessert at potlucks and bake sales, known for its sweet and crunchy texture. The combination of peanut butter, butterscotch, and chocolate creates a delicious flavor profile that appeals to many. This dessert is also versatile and can be customized with different types of cereal or additional toppings. It's a simple and tasty treat that is loved by both kids and adults alike.

Is Making Scotcharoos Delight at Home Cost-Effective?

This scotcharoos delight recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients, such as peanut butter, sugar, and rice krispie treat cereal, are affordable and readily available. The addition of butterscotch chips and semisweet chocolate chips may slightly increase the cost, but they are optional and can be adjusted based on budget. Overall, this recipe offers a delightful treat at a reasonable price. I would rate it 9/10 for cost-effectiveness. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $10-$15, making it a budget-friendly dessert option.

Is This Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?

The Scotcharoos Delight recipe, while undeniably delicious, is not particularly healthy. Here's why:

The recipe is high in sugar, with a full cup of sugar and an additional cup of corn syrup. Excessive sugar consumption can lead to obesity, diabetes, and other health issues.
Peanut butter, while a good source of protein and healthy fats, is also high in calories.
The recipe uses a significant amount of butter in the form of butterscotch chips, adding to the overall fat and calorie content.
Rice Krispie cereal, although low in calories, is a processed food with little nutritional value.
The chocolate chips contribute additional sugar and fat to the recipe.

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:

Reduce the amount of sugar and corn syrup, or replace them with natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup.
Use a natural, unsweetened peanut butter to reduce added sugars and oils.
Replace some of the Rice Krispie cereal with a whole grain alternative, such as puffed quinoa or whole grain oats, to increase the fiber and nutrient content.
Opt for dark chocolate chips instead of semisweet, as dark chocolate contains more antioxidants and less sugar.
Incorporate some chopped nuts, seeds, or dried fruit to add more texture, flavor, and nutritional benefits.
Cut the Scotcharoos into smaller portions to encourage mindful eating and portion control.

Editor's Opinion on Scotcharoos Delight Recipe

This recipe for Scotcharoos Delight is a delightful treat that combines the rich flavors of peanut butter, butterscotch, and chocolate. The combination of crispy rice cereal, creamy peanut butter, and the sweet butterscotch and chocolate chips creates a perfect balance of textures and flavors. The method of melting the ingredients in the microwave makes this recipe quick and easy to prepare. The end result is a delicious, chewy, and indulgent dessert that is sure to be a hit with anyone who tries it.

Enhance Your Scotcharoos Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Mashed Potatoes: Creamy garlic mashed potatoes with a hint of parmesan cheese

Grilled Asparagus: Tender asparagus spears drizzled with balsamic glaze and sprinkled with toasted almonds

Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits tossed in a honey-lime dressing

Chicken Alfredo Pasta: Succulent grilled chicken breast served over a bed of fettuccine pasta in a creamy alfredo sauce

Tomato Basil Soup: Rich and velvety tomato soup infused with fresh basil and a touch of cream

Similar Recipes to Try If You Love Scotcharoos Delight

Savory Stuffed Bell Peppers: Combine ground beef, rice, tomatoes, and spices to create a delicious filling for bell peppers. Top with cheese and bake until golden brown.

Mango Coconut Chia Pudding: Mix chia seeds, coconut milk, and diced mango for a refreshing and healthy dessert. Let it sit in the fridge until the chia seeds expand and create a pudding-like texture.

Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Risotto: Sauté chicken and mushrooms, then add arborio rice and chicken broth to create a creamy and comforting risotto. Finish with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese for extra flavor.

Appetizer and Main Course Pairings for Scotcharoos Delight

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Delight your taste buds with these savory and indulgent stuffed mushrooms. The combination of creamy cheese, flavorful herbs, and earthy mushrooms will leave your guests wanting more.

Bruschetta: Elevate your appetizer game with these fresh and vibrant bruschetta bites. The juicy tomatoes, fragrant basil, and tangy balsamic glaze create a burst of flavor in every bite.

Main Courses:

Chicken Alfredo: Indulge in a creamy and rich pasta dish that combines tender chicken with a luscious Alfredo sauce. The flavors meld together perfectly, creating a comforting and satisfying meal that is sure to please any palate.

Beef Stroganoff: Savor the hearty and comforting flavors of tender beef and savory mushrooms in a creamy sauce, served over a bed of buttery egg noodles. This classic dish is a timeless favorite that never fails to impress.

Why trust this Scotcharoos Recipe:

This recipe is a trusted classic, using peanut butter, sugar, and light karo syrup to create a delicious base. The addition of rice krispie treat cereal adds a satisfying crunch. The decadent topping of melted butterscotch chips and semisweet chocolate chips elevates the flavor profile, making it a delightful treat for any occasion. With a perfect balance of sweet and savory, this recipe is sure to impress and satisfy your cravings.

Share your thoughts, tips, and experiences with making Scotcharoos in the Baking and Desserts forum section. Let's discuss variations, ingredient substitutions, and any fond memories associated with this classic treat!

FAQ:

Can I use a different type of cereal instead of rice krispie treat cereal?

Yes, you can use a different type of cereal if you prefer. Some alternatives include cornflakes, crushed pretzels, or even granola for a different texture and flavor.

Can I substitute the karo syrup with something else?

If you don't have karo syrup, you can use honey or maple syrup as a substitute. Keep in mind that the flavor may vary slightly depending on the substitution.

How long do I need to let the bars cool before cutting them?

It's best to let the bars cool for at least 1-2 hours at room temperature or in the refrigerator before cutting them. This will allow them to set and hold their shape.

Can I use milk chocolate instead of semisweet chocolate chips?

Yes, you can use milk chocolate chips if you prefer a sweeter flavor. The chocolate topping can be customized to your taste.

Can I store these bars at room temperature?

Yes, you can store the bars at room temperature in an airtight container for up to a week. If you prefer a firmer texture, you can also store them in the refrigerator.