Name: 5 Ingredient Scotcheroos: Easy Recipe & Delicious Dessert
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 150 min
Yield: 24 squares
Ingredients: 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 cup light corn syrup; 1 cup creamy peanut butter; 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal; 1 (12 ounce) package chocolate chips; 1 (12 ounce) package butterscotch chips

5 Ingredient Scotcheroos: Prepare to be amazed by this ridiculously easy and utterly irresistible treat! Imagine a symphony of peanut butter, butterscotch, and chocolate, all harmonizing in a crispy, chewy bar that requires minimal effort. That's the magic of Scotcheroos, and I'm thrilled to share my foolproof recipe with you.

While the exact origins of Scotcheroos are a bit hazy, they've been a beloved Midwestern staple for generations, often appearing at potlucks, bake sales, and family gatherings. Their popularity stems from their simplicity and the sheer delight they bring. Who can resist the combination of creamy peanut butter, rich butterscotch, and decadent chocolate?

What makes these 5 Ingredient Scotcheroos so special? It's the perfect balance of textures – the satisfying crunch of the Rice Krispies cereal against the smooth, melt-in-your-mouth topping. Plus, they are incredibly convenient to make. With just five ingredients and no baking required, you can whip up a batch in minutes. The taste is simply divine, a nostalgic blend of sweet and salty that will have you reaching for seconds (and thirds!). So, gather your ingredients, and let's get ready to create some Scotcheroo magic!

Ingredients:

1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup light corn syrup
1 cup creamy peanut butter
6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
1 (12 ounce) package chocolate chips
1 (12 ounce) package butterscotch chips

Making the Scotcheroos

Okay, let's get started! These Scotcheroos are seriously addictive, and the best part is they only require five ingredients (plus a little patience while they set). I've made these for potlucks, bake sales, and just because I needed a sweet treat, and they're always a hit. Trust me, you'll want to bookmark this recipe!

Combine Sugar and Corn Syrup: In a large saucepan, combine the granulated sugar and light corn syrup. Make sure you're using a saucepan that's big enough to hold all the ingredients later on. You don't want any overflow disasters!
Cook Over Medium Heat: Place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir the sugar and corn syrup constantly until the sugar is completely dissolved and the mixture comes to a gentle boil. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Keep stirring! We don't want any burnt sugar at the bottom of the pan.
Remove from Heat and Add Peanut Butter: Once the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is boiling, remove the saucepan from the heat. Immediately add the creamy peanut butter. Stir until the peanut butter is completely melted and the mixture is smooth and well combined. This is where your arm might get a little workout, but it's worth it! Make sure there are no streaks of peanut butter remaining.
Incorporate the Rice Krispies: Now for the fun part! Add the Rice Krispies cereal to the peanut butter mixture. Gently fold the cereal into the mixture until it's evenly coated. Be careful not to crush the Rice Krispies too much, you want them to retain their crispy texture. I usually use a large spatula for this step to make sure everything gets mixed in properly.
Press into Prepared Pan: Prepare a 9x13 inch baking pan by lining it with parchment paper or greasing it well. This will make it much easier to remove the Scotcheroos later. Pour the Rice Krispies mixture into the prepared pan and press it down firmly and evenly. I like to use the back of a spatula or a piece of parchment paper to press it down. You want a nice, compact layer.

Creating the Chocolate Butterscotch Topping

The topping is what really makes these Scotcheroos special. The combination of chocolate and butterscotch is just heavenly! Don't skimp on the quality of the chocolate and butterscotch chips – it makes a difference.

Melt Chocolate and Butterscotch Chips: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and butterscotch chips. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until the chips are completely melted and smooth. Be careful not to overheat the chips, as they can burn easily. If you prefer, you can melt the chips in a double boiler over simmering water.
Stir Until Smooth: Once the chips are melted, stir them together until they are completely smooth and well combined. The mixture should be glossy and easy to pour. If it seems too thick, you can add a teaspoon of vegetable oil or shortening to thin it out slightly.
Pour Over Cereal Mixture: Pour the melted chocolate butterscotch mixture evenly over the Rice Krispies mixture in the pan. Use a spatula to spread the topping to the edges of the pan, ensuring that the entire surface is covered.
Optional: Create Swirls: If you want to get fancy, you can create swirls in the topping. To do this, take a knife or toothpick and drag it through the topping in a swirling motion. This will create a beautiful marbled effect.

Setting and Cutting the Scotcheroos

Patience is key here! You need to let the Scotcheroos set completely before cutting them. This will prevent them from being too sticky and messy.

Refrigerate to Set: Place the pan in the refrigerator and let the Scotcheroos set for at least 30 minutes, or until the topping is firm. I usually let them set for an hour or two to make sure they're completely solid.
Cut into Squares: Once the Scotcheroos are set, remove them from the refrigerator. Lift the parchment paper (if you used it) out of the pan and place the Scotcheroos on a cutting board. Use a sharp knife to cut the Scotcheroos into squares. The size of the squares is up to you, but I usually cut them into 2-inch squares.
Enjoy! And that's it! Your delicious 5-Ingredient Scotcheroos are ready to be enjoyed. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator. They'll stay fresh for several days, but I doubt they'll last that long!

Tips and Variations

Here are a few tips and variations to make these Scotcheroos even more amazing:

Use Different Nut Butters: If you're not a fan of peanut butter, you can use almond butter, cashew butter, or even sunflower seed butter. Just make sure it's a creamy variety.
Add Sprinkles: For a festive touch, sprinkle the topping with sprinkles before it sets.
Add a Pinch of Salt: A pinch of salt to the peanut butter mixture can enhance the flavors.
Use Dark Chocolate: If you prefer a richer flavor, use dark chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate chips.
Make them Gluten-Free: Ensure your Rice Krispies are certified gluten-free to make this a gluten-free treat.
Drizzle with White Chocolate: After the topping has set, drizzle with melted white chocolate for an extra touch of sweetness and visual appeal.
Add Chopped Nuts: Sprinkle chopped peanuts, walnuts, or pecans over the topping before it sets for added crunch and flavor.

Troubleshooting

Sometimes things don't go exactly as planned. Here are a few common issues and how to fix them:

Scotcheroos are too hard: You may have overcooked the sugar and corn syrup mixture. Be sure to remove from heat as soon as the sugar is dissolved and the mixture comes to a gentle boil.
Scotcheroos are too sticky: You may not have let them set long enough. Refrigerate for a longer period of time.
Topping is too thick: Add a teaspoon of vegetable oil or shortening to thin it out.
Topping is grainy: You may have overheated the chocolate and butterscotch chips. Be sure to microwave in short intervals and stir frequently.

I hope you enjoy making these Scotcheroos as much as I do! They're a simple, delicious, and crowd-pleasing treat that's perfect for any occasion. Happy baking!

Conclusion:

And there you have it! These 5 Ingredient Scotcheroos are truly a must-try for anyone craving a sweet, crunchy, and utterly satisfying treat. I know, I know, I might be biased, but trust me on this one. The simplicity of the recipe combined with the incredible flavor payoff makes it a winner every single time. Forget spending hours in the kitchen wrestling with complicated baking projects; these scotcheroos come together in minutes, leaving you with more time to enjoy the delicious results. But why are they so special? It's the perfect harmony of textures and tastes. The crispy rice cereal provides a delightful crunch, the peanut butter adds a creamy, nutty richness, and the chocolate and butterscotch topping creates a decadent, melt-in-your-mouth experience. It's a symphony of sweetness that will have you reaching for seconds (and maybe even thirds!). Beyond the sheer deliciousness, the versatility of this recipe is another reason to add it to your baking repertoire. While the classic version is undeniably perfect, there are countless ways to customize these 5 Ingredient Scotcheroos to suit your preferences. Feeling adventurous? Try adding a sprinkle of sea salt to the chocolate topping for a salty-sweet contrast that will tantalize your taste buds. Or, for a festive twist, incorporate some chopped-up holiday candies into the mix. Here are a few more serving suggestions and variations to get your creative juices flowing:

Scotcheroo Sundaes: Crumble scotcheroos over vanilla ice cream and drizzle with hot fudge for an extra-indulgent dessert.
Scotcheroo Bark: Spread the scotcheroo mixture thinly on a baking sheet and top with your favorite candies, nuts, or dried fruit. Let it set completely and then break it into pieces.
Peanut-Free Scotcheroos: Substitute the peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or almond butter for a delicious and allergy-friendly alternative.
Dark Chocolate Scotcheroos: Use dark chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate for a richer, more intense flavor.
Mini Scotcheroo Bites: Press the scotcheroo mixture into mini muffin tins for individual bite-sized treats.

The possibilities are truly endless! Don't be afraid to experiment and create your own unique version of these classic treats. I'm so confident that you'll love these 5 Ingredient Scotcheroos that I urge you to give them a try. They're perfect for potlucks, bake sales, holiday gatherings, or simply a sweet treat to enjoy at home. They are also a great recipe to make with kids, as it is simple and doesn't require any baking. Once you've made them (and devoured them!), I would absolutely love to hear about your experience. Did you try any of the variations I suggested? Did you come up with your own creative twist? Share your photos and stories in the comments below! Let's spread the scotcheroo love and inspire others to discover the joy of this simple yet incredibly satisfying dessert. Happy baking (or rather, no-baking!) and enjoy!