Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats with Karo Syrup

These peanut butter Rice Krispie treats are made with Karo syrup instead of marshmallows and topped with a rich layer of chocolate and butterscotch. Also known as Scotcheroos, these chewy no-bake bars require only six ingredients and come together in minutes.

They are an easy dessert for potlucks, bake sales, cookouts and family gatherings. The combination of peanut butter, crispy rice cereal and chocolate makes these bars difficult to resist—and you never need to turn on the oven.

I keep Karo syrup in my pantry specifically for these peanut butter bars and my homemade caramel corn. There really is something special about the chewy texture it creates in this recipe.

My husband and I both love the taste of peanut butter, chocolate and butterscotch, which is also why these four-ingredient peanut clusters with the same flavor combination are another favorite in our house.

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What Are Scotcheroos?

Scotcheroos are no-bake cereal bars made with crispy rice cereal, peanut butter, sugar and light corn syrup. They are traditionally topped with melted chocolate and butterscotch chips.

Unlike classic Rice Krispie treats, Scotcheroos do not contain marshmallows. Karo syrup binds the cereal mixture together and helps give the bars their signature chewy texture.

Ingredients for Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats

You need only six ingredients to make these chewy peanut butter cereal bars. Karo syrup replaces the marshmallows traditionally used in Rice Krispie treats, while chocolate and butterscotch chips create the classic Scotcheroo topping.

To make these treats you will need:

• Sugar
• Karo corn syrup (If you can’t find it in store, you can find it online here.)
• Rice Krispies
• Peanut butter
• Chocolate chips
• Butterscotch chips

That’s it—only six ingredients are needed to make these easy peanut butter Rice Krispie treats.

Note: For the most consistent texture, use a regular shelf-stable peanut butter rather than a natural peanut butter that separates.

How to Make Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats with Karo Syrup

1. Measure the crispy rice cereal into a large mixing bowl and lightly grease a 9×13-inch pan.
2. Combine the sugar and Karo syrup in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
3. Stir until the mixture begins bubbling around the edges. Remove it from the heat promptly; boiling it too long can make the finished bars hard.
4. Stir the peanut butter into the warm sugar mixture until smooth.
5. Pour the peanut butter mixture over the cereal and stir until evenly coated.
6. Press the cereal mixture into the prepared pan. Avoid packing it too firmly, which can make the bars overly dense.
7. Combine the chocolate and butterscotch chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 90 seconds and stir.
8. Continue microwaving in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until smooth.
9. Spread the melted topping evenly over the bars.
10. Let the bars set at room temperature before cutting. Store at room temperature.

Frequently Asked Questions About Scotcheroos

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