Did anyone else grow up eating Scotchers or Special K bars? These are crunchy, salty-sweet, peanut butter cereal bars with a chocolate butterscotch topping. And yes, they are only As good as they sound — totally decadent and (sadly) shareable!
We gave this classic, no-bake The ultimate MB Remix treats with a naturally sweet, gluten-free base and a fudgy, vegan chocolate “butterscotch” topping. Simple methodonly 9 ingredients, and no corn syrup or butterscotch chips needed! Let us show you how it’s done!
What is scotcher?
Scotchers were born on the back of Kellogg’s Rice Krispies boxes in the 1960s. Classically made with chocolate, butterscotch, peanut butter, and Rice Krispies, these treats became especially popular in the Midwest.
Since then, the recipe has been adapted and published across cookbooks and blogs. Take our following chocolate, peanut butter cereal bars!
How to make Scotcheroos
We have a healthy take on scotchers No corn syrup Looks like the classic yet tastes like. How? Maple syrup to the rescue!
When you heat with coconut sugar, peanut butter, and vanilla, then stir in crispy rice cereal, you get Naturally sweet, peanut butter cereal base Which holds together nicely when pressed into a pan.
Then it’s time for Chocolate “Butterscotch” Topping (Without butterscotch chips!) Instead, butterscotch flavor comes from a magical combination of vegan butter, coconut cream, coconut sugar, vanilla, and salt.
We combine it with the chocolate chips, let it all melt, and then pour the mixture over the peanut butter. After an hour (the temptation to rush the process will be real), the chocolate layer will have set and it’s ready to slice into bars!
We are so excited for you to try these scotchers! They are:
crisp
salty-sweet
Falling
nuts
edible
And classic, yet healthy!
These no-bake treats are the answer to scotcher nostalgia, afternoon snack cravings, chocolate + peanut butter dessert cravings, and more!
More no-bake treats
Let us know if you try this recipe! Leave a comment, rate it and don’t forget to tag a photo @minimalistbaker on Instagram Cheers, friends!
serving 16 (times)
Bars
- 1/2 the cup Maple syrup
- 1/2 the cup coconut sugar
- 1 the cup Nut butter (We recommend a natural, drippy one // Find our favorite brands here)
- 2 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 4 the cup crisp Rice cereal (No blow up // We use Whole Foods 365 Brand // Confirmed Vegan/Gluten-Free as required)
topping
- 1 the cup Semi-sweet chocolate chips (Dairy-Free/Vegan // We Like to Enjoy Life)
- 1/4 the cup Vegetarian butter (We like Miyoko)
- 1/4 the cup Coconut cream (We like Savoy)
- 2 table spoon coconut sugar
- 1 table spoon Vanilla extract
- 1 A generous pinch Sea salt
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Line an 8 x 8-inch (or similar size) baking dish with parchment paper and set aside.
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Bars: In a small saucepan over low heat, combine maple syrup and coconut sugar. Heat, stirring constantly, until coconut sugar dissolves, about 1-2 minutes. Add the peanut butter and vanilla and mix again until well combined and heated through, 2-3 minutes more. Transfer the mixture to a large heat-proof mixing bowl and add the crispy rice cereal. Mix gently until completely combined.
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Transfer the bar mixture to a parchment-lined baking pan, spread and press into an even layer.
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Topping: Add chocolate chips to a small heatproof bowl and set aside. Add vegan butter, coconut cream, coconut sugar, vanilla and salt to your now empty saucepan (or a separate clean one). Heat over medium-low heat, stirring constantly with a spatula or spoon, until the coconut sugar melts and the mixture begins to bubble at the edges, about 3-4 minutes. When lightly bubbling, remove from heat and carefully pour hot butter mixture over chocolate chips. Cover the chocolate chips with a lid or plate and let sit for 5 minutes, then mix well with a spatula until glossy and smooth.
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Pour the chocolate mixture over the rice bars and spread to coat evenly. Then chill in the refrigerator for ~1 hour or until the chocolate is set. Carefully remove from the pan and gently peel off the parchment paper. Cut into bars and enjoy! Store leftovers in a sealed container for 4-5 days or in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.
*Preparation time includes cooling for 1 hour.
*Nutrition information is a rough estimate calculated with natural, unsalted peanut butter and Nature’s Path Organic Brown Rice Cereal.
Worship: 1 times Calories: 297 Sugars: 34.8 g Protein: 5.6 g Fat: 16.6 g Saturated Fat: 6.8 g Polyunsaturated Fats: 1.6 g Monounsaturated fats: 4.2 g Trans fats: 0 g Cholesterol: 0 mg Sodium: 77 mg Potassium: 124 mg Fiber: 3 g Sugar: 22.1 g Vitamin A: 0 IU Vitamin C: 0 mg Calcium: 40 mg Iron: 0.1 mg