Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Bars (Choc Scotcheroo Treats)

Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Bars are a favorite in my husband’s family. This tradition was upheld for years by his dear Aunt Marsha. We continue to honor her and her legacy of recipes by making and enjoying many of her treats! ❤️

If you love peanut butter and have never had a “Scotcheroo,” just a fair warning. These babies are hard to stop eating!

Growing up, my Mom never made Rice Krispie treats. Those bars are made with Kellogg Company’s Rice Krispies cereal and held together by a marshmallow coating.

It was fine by me as I was never a fan. But when you add peanut butter and a butterscotch chocolate topping (and no marshmallow), you have my undivided attention.

These chocolate peanut butter Rice Krispie treats are incredibly delicious!

For a thicker version, try these Halloween Rice Krispies Treats or check out these adorable bear rice krispie treats.

What is a Scotcheroo?

Chocolate Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats are also called Scotcheroos, a dessert bar with a Rice Krispie and peanut butter base with a creamy chocolate butterscotch topping.

The recipe was originally printed on the Rice Krispies box in the mid-1960s. These bars are quite famous in the Midwestern United States, but there are a few variations with slightly different names and ingredients.

The Difference between Scotcheroos, Special K Bars, and Oh Henry

You may have heard them called Scotcheroos, Peanut Butter Krispies, Special K Bars, K-bars, or Oh-Henry Bars.

You may have seen them at potlucks and gatherings across Minnesota, Iowa, or Wisconsin.

They are all very similarly delicious! The main distinction seems to lie in the type of cereal or grain you choose. Scotcheroos use Kellogg’s Rice Krispies, K-Bars use Kellogg’s Special K cereal, while Oh-Henry Bars contain rolled oats.

Ingredients for Rice Krispie Bars

Chocolate Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Bars or Scotheroos have only six ingredients and take less than 30 minutes.

Granulated Sugar
Karo Light Corn Syrup
Peanut Butter
Kelloggs Rice Cereal
Chocolate Chips
Butterscotch Chips

Without further ado, here are Marsha’s Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Bars.

Marsha’s Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Bars

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★★★★★

4.9 from 7 reviews

• Author: Cindy Munson
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 24 bars 1x

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Description

In my opinion, these delicious and addictive bars are the next step in your Kellogg’s Rice Krispie treat journey. Waaaay better than the plain variety. If you are ready to move up to the next level of flavor, make this recipe STAT! You’re welcome.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup Karo light corn syrup

3/4 cup creamy peanut butter

3 cups Kellogg’s Rice Krispies cereal

8 ounces chocolate chips (1 cup)

8 ounces butterscotch chips (1 cup)

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Instructions

1. Line a 13 x 9-inch pan with parchment paper or lightly spray with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.
2. In a 3.5 quart saucepan, over medium heat, combine the sugar and corn syrup. Stir frequently. When the mixture begins to boil (approximately 1-2 minutes), remove it from the heat.
3. Stir in peanut butter immediately. When blended, mix in the cereal. Fold together until well coated.
4. While the mixture is still warm, press into the bottom of the pan. It will get harden as it cools.
5. Melt the chocolate and butterscotch chips using a microwave or a double boiler. Stir frequently. When melted, pour over the cereal mixture. Spread evenly with a spatula.
6. Cool before cutting into squares. Enjoy!

Notes

Add the peanut butter to the sugar mixture shortly after the sugar melts into the corn syrup. Do NOT overcook, or the bars will be stiff and chewy.

Cover with aluminum foil or store in an airtight container at room temperature.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Kellogg’s, Rice Krispies, bars, peanut butter, chocolate, butterscotch, chocolate desserts, game day, game day dessert, game day treats, holiday bars, midwest recipes, MN game day, no-bake

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Nutrition Label. The nutritional values listed are an approximation based on the ingredients in the recipe card. Actual amounts may vary.

These bars are perfect for a potluck or any kind of kid’s party. Add them to a camping party or backyard carnival. Everyone will gobble them up!

Please let me know what you think by sharing your recipe rating below!

Enjoy!
xo,
Cindy

More Easy Dessert Recipes

Below are more delicious, sweet recipes to try!

Fast and Easy Blueberry Crumble
Easy Chocolate Cake
Halloween Scotcheroo Bars
Failproof Chocolate Chip Cookie
Chocolate Cream Puffs
Easy Chocolate Pudding Brownies
Fun Red White and Blue Desserts
Healthy Oatmeal Bars with Dark Chocolate
Caramel Popcorn with Chocolate
All Desserts

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