Chex Scotcheroos

Crunchy cereal, sticky peanut butter, and melty chocolate come together in these simple yet irresistible Chex Scotcheroos. Born from the need for quick, no-bake treats, these squares have become a family favorite everywhere. The bottom part features Chex cereal drenched in a sweet peanut butter coating, while the top showcases a velvety chocolate-butterscotch blend that sets up with a satisfying crunch and melts in your mouth with each bite.

INGREDIENTS

• Creamy peanut butter: 1 cup, adds a nutty, rich flavor throughout.
• Granulated sugar: 1 cup, sweetens the binding syrup.
• Light corn syrup: 1 cup, sticks everything together nicely.
• Chex cereal (corn or rice): 6 cups, creates the crunchy foundation.
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips: 1 cup, melts into a decadent topping.
• Butterscotch chips: 1 cup, adds a sweet, creamy finishing touch.

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1:

Grab a big mixing bowl and pour in 6 cups of Chex cereal.

Step 2:

Mix 1 cup light corn syrup with 1 cup granulated sugar in a pot over medium heat. Keep stirring until sugar melts and mixture bubbles. Take it off the heat.

Step 3:

Mix 1 cup creamy peanut butter into your hot syrup mixture until it's all blended.

Step 4:

Pour this warm peanut butter mix onto your cereal and gently fold everything together until cereal is coated.

Step 5:

Get a 9x13-inch pan ready with grease or liner. Press your coated cereal mixture in and flatten the surface.

Step 6:

Combine 1 cup butterscotch chips and 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips and melt them in your microwave, stirring until they're smooth.

Step 7:

Pour your melted chocolate-butterscotch mix on top of the cereal layer.

Step 8:

Let it sit at room temp or pop it in the fridge until it's solid. Then cut into squares and enjoy.

Serving and Storage Tips

• Make sure they're totally cool before cutting if you want neat squares.
• Keep them in a sealed container for up to a week at room temp, or stick them in the fridge if you like them firmer.

Helpful Notes

• Try mixing dark and milk chocolate chips for a more complex flavor.
• If you can't do dairy, look for dairy-free chocolate and butterscotch chips.

Tips from Well-Known Chefs

• "Toss in some chopped nuts with your cereal for extra texture," says Chef Joan at Sweet Confections.

Adding Layers of Sweetness

Want to make your Scotcheroos even better? Try adding a layer of marshmallow fluff or mixing in some dried fruit for unexpected bursts of flavor.

FAQ: Common Questions about Chex Scotcheroos

Can I substitute honey for corn syrup?

You can use honey instead, but remember your bars will taste different and won't be as firm.

How do I keep the topping from cracking?

Let your bars warm up to room temperature before you cut them and they won't crack as much.

Are these bars gluten-free?

They can be if you pick gluten-free labeled Chex cereal and make sure your chips are certified gluten-free too.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Sure thing, you can make them up to 3 days early and just keep them in an airtight container.

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Summary

These no-bake cereal bars are a great mix of soft and crispy. With a chewy peanut butter base and a chocolatey butterscotch top, they're quick to make and use simple ingredients. Great for parties, holidays, or just because—they're a favorite for all ages. Enjoy them fresh or after a quick chill for the ultimate treat!