Easy Scotcheroos {Without Corn Syrup}

Easy scotcheroos recipe, homemade with simple ingredients. They are no bake, soft, chewy and and healthier with no corn syrup. Loaded with rice krispies cereal, chocolate, butterscotch chips and peanut butter.

*Thank you Vital Proteins for sponsoring today's post so that I can share this recipe with all of you. As always, all opinions are mine.*

Growing up, I would see these in cafes and bakeries but it makes me sad to see their popularity go down over time. Many people don't even know about this recipe nowadays but please try it out and let me know what you think.

This classic treat doesn't last too long at our place, especially during the holidays. They are so ooey gooey and taste like a peanut butter version of Rice Krispie Treats. I think they are just as good as these old fashioned No Bake Peanut Butter Bars and these awesome Rainbow Cereal Bars.

Jump to:

• Key ingredients
• How to make easy scotcheroos recipe without corn syrup?
• Variations
• Tips and techniques
• Recipe FAQs
• Storage
• More chocolate peanut butter desserts
• Recipe

Key ingredients

• Honey- Raw is always best, if you can get it.
• Sugar- Use your regular granulated sugar for this recipe.
• Peanut butter- I like to use creamy so that the bars are easier to slice through.
• Protein powder- This is optional but adds nutrition.
• Cereal- Rice Krispies are best, but you can experiment others.
• Butterscotch chips- Used for that quintessential scotcheroo taste.
• Chocolate chips- Adds another layer of sweet decadence.

How to make easy scotcheroos recipe without corn syrup?

1. Cook over medium heat- The honey, sugar, and peanut butter (Images 1, 2 and 3).
2. Remove from heat- Then mix in the cereal (Images 4 and 5).
3. Spread mixture- In a prepared pan (Image 6).
4. Top it off- With melted chocolate and butterscotch chips (Images 7 and 8).
5. Chill- Then slice and enjoy.

Variations

• If you are not fond of honey- You can use maple syrup.
• To make bite-sized bars- Simply cut into smaller slices. 
• Peanut butter can be replaced- With almond butter, sun butter, cookie butter (Biscoff), or even Nutella. It will obviously change the flavor profile.
• Add toppings- Like sprinkles, mini chocolate chips, crushed Oreos, or mini marshmallows.
• You can also swirl in- Some Homemade Caramel Sauce or Homemade Dule de Leche on the chocolate mixture topping with a toothpick or wooden skewer.
• Vital protein substitutes- You can actually omit this altogether or use 1.5 tablespoon of a protein powder you prefer.
• Chex cereal or Cornflakes- Are a good replacement for rice cereal. I do think the Chex version is more crunchy and the Rick Krispie version is more chewy. It's entirely a personal preference as to what texture you like. To try more cereal inspired treats, check out these Rainbow Cereal Bars or Rice Krispie Treats.
• Use a shaped pan- For different holiday fun. For example, spread the mixture into a heart shaped pan during Valentines Day.
• Change up the top spread- By not using butterscotch chips it will change these quite a bit, but you can also frost the tops with Caramel Frosting or Chocolate Ganache Frosting.
• Drizzle- Some Caramel Sauce, fruit puree, or Chocolate Ganache instead of the melted chips, or in addition to them.

Tips and techniques

• Use a nonstick pot- Because that prevents sticking and burning. Be very careful not to burn the peanut butter mixture because there is no way to fix that.
• Prepare your pan- So that the bars don't stick to the bottom. You can use parchment paper or wax paper, or make sure it is well greased.
• Use creamy peanut butter- Rather than the chunky one to make it easier to slice.
• If you want to make these in the microwave- You would heat honey, sugar and peanut butter in the microwave at 30 second increments, mixing each time until sugar is fully melted and mixture is smooth. The rest of the steps are the same.
• These make a great homemade gift too- Especially during the holidays. For more inspiration, check out these Easy Homemade Christmas Gift Ideas (Food). Package them nicely in saran wrap or small containers with a ribbon. If you have never done this before, check out these Easy Food and Cookie Packaging Ideas.
• Use raw honey- Simply because it tastes the best.

To make this dessert healthier, I used pure peanut butter, no margarine or shortening. I also reduced the quantity of granulated sugar. Furthermore, I replaced corn syrup with honey and replaced milk chocolate with dark chocolate. Plus, there is some protein powder sneaked in here too. I am a big fan of Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides and have been using it for a couple of years now. I used 1 packet in this recipe. The fact that it’s flavorless, colorless and odorless makes it so easy to add it into my recipes without any problems. It’s packed with so many wonderful nutrients that are good for your health! It’s affordable and absolutely worth it.

Recipe FAQs

Storage

• Refrigerate- Store them in a sealed container up to 5 days. Separate the bars with wax paper to prevent them from sticking together.  
• Freezer- Place in a sealed container for up to 1 month. Let it thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes and enjoy. 
• Make ahead- Make these up to 5 days before you need them by sealing them in an airtight container and placing them in the fridge. You can also do the same by putting them in the freezer for 1 month. Then just thaw them out and serve.
• Room temperature- I wouldn't leave these out more than 2-3 hours just because the topping will get melty.

More chocolate peanut butter desserts

• Easy Peanut Butter Blossoms
• Easy Buckeyes Recipe (Peanut Butter Balls)
• Peanut Butter Cookie Dough Bars (Eggless)
• Chocolate Crunch Bars
• Easy Reese's Cookie (With Cake Mix)

Recipe