Classic Peanut Butter Scotcheroo Bars with Sea Salt Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For the cleanest slices, let the bars sit at room temperature for about five minutes after removing them from the refrigerator before cutting. This prevents the chocolate topping from cracking under the pressure of the knife.

If the bars are too hard to slice, warm the blade of your knife under hot water and wipe it dry before each cut for smooth, effortless results.

If you prefer a more pronounced salty-sweet contrast, consider using a slightly heavier hand with the flaky sea salt. The salt acts as a flavor enhancer, so do not be afraid to distribute it evenly across the entire surface.

If you accidentally add too much, you can gently brush off the excess salt before the topping fully hardens, ensuring the flavor remains balanced and enjoyable for everyone.

Variations

• Dark Chocolate Version: Substitute the semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark chocolate chips to reduce the overall sweetness and provide a more intense cocoa flavor that pairs beautifully with the butterscotch.
• Crunchy Peanut Butter: Use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy for added texture in the base, which complements the crunch of the rice cereal and creates a more rustic mouthfeel.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Freezer

Freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months; thaw in the fridge before serving.

Reheat

These bars are intended to be served chilled or at room temperature; do not reheat.

Store the bars in an airtight container to keep them fresh and prevent them from absorbing other odors in the refrigerator. Place a piece of parchment paper between layers if stacking them to prevent sticking. They will maintain their best texture when kept in a cool, dry place or inside the refrigerator if your kitchen tends to be warm.

These bars are an excellent make-ahead dessert, as they actually improve in flavor after sitting for a few hours. You can prepare them up to two days in advance and keep them stored in the refrigerator.

This allows the flavors to meld together perfectly. For the best experience, bring them out of the fridge about ten minutes before serving so the peanut butter base softens slightly.

Serving ideas

Serve these bars on a clean white platter to make the deep colors of the chocolate topping pop. They are perfect for afternoon snacks, dessert tables, or as a thoughtful gift. Because they are rich and satisfying, smaller squares are often sufficient, allowing you to get more servings out of a single batch when hosting larger groups of friends or family members.

Pair these bars with a glass of cold milk or a hot cup of coffee to balance the sweetness of the butterscotch and chocolate.

If serving at a party, consider placing the squares in decorative paper liners to make them easier for guests to pick up and enjoy without getting their fingers messy. This small detail adds a polished touch to an otherwise simple and rustic dessert presentation.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Classic Peanut Butter Scotcheroo Bars with Sea Salt

Prep 15 minCook 5 minRest 1 hTotal 1 h 20 minServes 16

Ingredients

• 6 cups crispy rice cereal
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup butterscotch chips
• 1 tsp flaky sea salt

Instructions

1. Combine the crispy rice cereal with peanut butter in a large bowl. Mix thoroughly until every piece of cereal is evenly coated with the peanut butter mixture. Press this mixture firmly into a parchment-lined baking sheet to create an even, compact slab.
2. Melt the chocolate chips and butterscotch chips together in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly until smooth. Pour this mixture immediately over the prepared peanut butter cereal slab. Use a spatula to spread the topping evenly across the surface, ensuring the edges are covered.
3. Sprinkle the flaky sea salt evenly over the melted chocolate-butterscotch topping while it is still warm and tacky. Transfer the baking sheet to the refrigerator and allow the bars to set completely for at least one hour. Once firm, cut the slab into squares before serving.

Contains: peanuts, milk

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

280

Protein

5 g

Carbohydrates

32 g

Fat

16 g

Fiber

1.5 g

Sugar

22 g

Sodium

180 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.