Scotcheroos

It’s no secret that I love salty-sweet treats. Adding a sprinkle of sea salt to sweet desserts just adds something extra that’s hard to resist. So when my kiddos wanted to help me in the kitchen recently, we decided to add a salty kick to a classic: Scotcheroos!

Originally I was going to just add some salt on top, but then my son had the awesome idea to crush up some pretzels and mix them into the crispy rice cereal. The two textures combine amazingly well, so it made complete sense. And who am I to argue with genius?

If you love chocolate and rice krispie treats, these chocolate-topped Scotcheroos are going to hit the spot!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy recipe: You’ll only need a few simple ingredients and techniques to make this recipe.
• Salty-sweet perfection: Between the rice krispy cereal, creamy peanut butter, crushed pretzels and chocolate-butterscotch topping, every bite of these bars is unbelievably satisfying.
• No-bake: Quickly cook some corn syrup and sugar, then mix all the bar ingredients together and press into your pan. Pour melted chocolate on top and give it some time to set. That’s it!
• Can be made ahead: You can make Scotcheroos up to a week in advance, so they’re perfect for holidays or school lunches.

What Are Scotcheroos?

A Scotcheroo is a no-bake dessert bar made with crispy rice cereal, peanut butter, and a melted butterscotch-chocolate topping. It’s a classic Midwest treat in the United States that’s popular at potlucks and holiday gatherings. Here we’re making classic Scotcheroos, but adding in some salty mini pretzels!

Recipe Ingredients

Here’s a quick look at what you’ll need to make this recipe. Don’t forget to scroll down to the recipe card for a printable list.

• Light corn syrup – Karo is my favorite brand for this.
• Granulated sugar – Light brown sugar works too.
• Creamy peanut butter – Feel free to use crunchy peanut butter or almond butter.
• Crispy rice cereal
• Mini pretzels
• Chocolate chips – I prefer semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips.
• Butterscotch chips
• Flaked sea salt

Do I Need To Add Pretzels?

You don’t need to, but adding a handful of pretzels to this scotcheroo recipe gives it a sweet-and-salty flavor profile that’s seriously good.

How To Make Scotcheroos

Let’s take a quick look at how to make this recipe. Scroll to the bottom of the post for the full recipe card.

• Prep the dish. Line a baking dish with foil and grease it with non-stick spray. You can also use parchment paper. Set it aside.
• Boil corn syrup and sugar. Briefly cook the corn syrup and sugar in a large pot over medium heat, until the sugar has completely dissolved. Bring the mixture to a boil and then remove it from the heat.
• Make the bars. Stir in the peanut butter until smooth. Add the cereal and pretzels until well combined.

Tips & Tricks

• More add-ins: Stir 1/2-1 cup chewy cranberries, shredded coconut, or mini chocolate chips into the cereal mixture for more flavor and texture.
• Wipe the knife: Wipe the knife and dip it into freezing cold water after every slice you make to prevent sticking. This should give you cleaner cuts.
• Add more cereal: Swap half of the rice cereal for your favorite puffed-up cereal like Fruit Loops, Corn Pops, or Cocoa Puffs.

Proper Storage

Try to keep your scotcheroos away from moisture so that the rice cereal stays super crispy.

• Counter: Place it in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Keep it away from direct heat and sunlight to keep the chocolate from melting.
• Fridge: Store it in an airtight container, away from onions and chilis, for up to 7 days.

More No Bake Desserts To Try

• No Bake Coconut Pralines
• No Bake Cannoli Cheesecake
• No Bake Nutella Cheesecake
• Peanut Butter No Bake Cookies