Chex Scotcheroos: A Nostalgic No-Bake Treat for the Whole Family
Chex Scotcheroos: A Nostalgic No-Bake Treat for the Whole Family
There’s something truly special about those nostalgic treats that remind you of simpler times. For me, Chex Scotcheroos are one of those recipes that instantly transport me back to my childhood, where the kitchen would fill with the delicious aroma of peanut butter, chocolate, and butterscotch melting together into something pure magic. Whether you’re making them for a family gathering, a bake sale, or just because you need a sweet pick-me-up, this Chex Scotcheroos recipe is one of those classics that never goes out of style.
What I love most about these Chex bars is how quick and easy they are to whip up, with no baking required! A few simple ingredients, a little stirring, and you’re on your way to making an irresistible treat that everyone will enjoy. The crunch of the Chex cereal, combined with the rich, gooey peanut butter and the smooth chocolate-butterscotch topping, creates a combination that is downright addicting. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and salty with a satisfying crunch, making it hard to stop at just one piece.
I remember making these with my mom when I was little, and we’d always get our hands messy while pressing the cereal mixture into the pan. It’s a memory I cherish, and now I’m excited to share this simple yet delicious recipe with you. Let’s dive into how you can make these perfect Chex Scotcheroos!
Chex Scotcheroos Recipe
Ingredients:
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6 cups rice or corn Chex
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1 cup light corn syrup
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1 cup sugar
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1 1/2 cups peanut butter
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2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
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2 cups butterscotch chips
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1/2 cup peanut butter
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1 teaspoon vanilla
Directions:
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Grease a large round bowl and pour the cereal in. Set aside.
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Grease a 9×13 inch pan and set aside.
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In a pan on the stove, combine the corn syrup and sugar. Stir over medium-high heat until it comes to a boil.
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Immediately remove from heat and stir in 1 1/2 cups of peanut butter. Then, immediately pour this mixture over the cereal and fold it in. Pour into the greased 9×13 pan.
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In a microwaveable 4-cup measuring cup, combine the butterscotch chips, chocolate chips, 1/2 cup of peanut butter, and vanilla. Microwave for 30 seconds at a time.
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Make sure to stir very well after each interval until it is completely melted and smooth. This should take about 1 minute and a half.
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Pour the melted chocolate-butter mixture over the bars. Allow to cool completely at room temperature before cutting.
Cooking Tips & Possible Substitutions
This recipe is pretty foolproof, but here are a few tips to ensure perfect Chex Scotcheroos every time:
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Cereal Choice: Whether you use rice Chex or corn Chex is entirely up to you. I personally love the light crunch of rice Chex, but corn Chex will work just as well. Both are delicious, so pick whichever you prefer!
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Peanut Butter: While creamy peanut butter works best in this recipe, you can also use chunky peanut butter for an extra bit of texture. Just make sure it’s the smooth variety for the melted chocolate topping to pour evenly.
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Chocolate/Butterscotch Chips: If you’re not a fan of butterscotch chips, you can replace them with an extra cup of chocolate chips. Or, get creative and mix in white chocolate or peanut butter chips for a fun twist.
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Corn Syrup Substitution: If you prefer a more natural option, you can try substituting the corn syrup with honey or maple syrup, although the texture of the bars may be slightly different.
Serving Ideas & When to Enjoy
Chex Scotcheroos are a versatile treat. Whether you’re serving them at a family gathering, a holiday party, or just enjoying a cozy night at home, they’re always a hit. Here are a few serving ideas to get you started:
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For Parties: Cut them into bite-sized pieces for a crowd-friendly snack.
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As a Dessert: Serve them after dinner with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or alongside a hot cup of cocoa.
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For Lunchboxes: These bars are perfect for packing in lunchboxes or taking along to a picnic.
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Snack for Kids: They’re a great treat for kids after school – just sweet enough to keep them satisfied without being overly indulgent.
Storage & Freezing Tips
If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare!), storing your Chex Scotcheroos is easy:
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Room Temperature: Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. They’ll stay fresh and chewy with that perfect crunch!
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Freezing: You can freeze these bars for up to 3 months. To freeze, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then store in a freezer-safe container or bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, just let them thaw at room temperature.
FAQ
Q: Can I use a different type of cereal for this recipe?
A: Yes! While Chex cereal is traditional, you can experiment with other cereals like Crispix or even use a combination of cereals. Just make sure the texture holds up well for the sticky peanut butter mixture.
Q: Do I need to refrigerate Chex Scotcheroos?
A: No, Chex Scotcheroos don’t need refrigeration. The bars set perfectly at room temperature, and refrigeration could make them a bit too firm.
Q: Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?
A: Absolutely! Just double the ingredients and use a larger pan (such as a 10×15-inch pan) to accommodate the increased amount.
Q: My bars didn’t set properly, what went wrong?
A: If the bars don’t set properly, the issue could be that the peanut butter-corn syrup mixture wasn’t boiled long enough. Be sure to bring it to a full boil before removing from the heat.
