Crunchy, chewy, chocolatey, and peanut buttery—these no-bake bars are pure nostalgia with a sweet, gooey twist.
📋 Recipe Card
Yield Prep Time Chill Time Total Time
24 bars 10 min 1 hour ~1 hr 10 min
Dietary Tags: No-Bake, Kid-Friendly, Gluten-Free (if using certified GF cereal)
Ingredients (Checklist-style)
▢ 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
▢ 1 cup light corn syrup
▢ 1 cup peanut butter
▢ ½ cup packed light brown sugar
▢ ½ cup granulated sugar
▢ ½ tsp salt
▢ 1 tsp vanilla extract
▢ 11 oz bag butterscotch chips
▢ 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
🔪 Instructions
Prep the Pan:
Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray. Set aside.
Measure Cereal:
Add Rice Krispies cereal to a large mixing bowl. Set aside.
Make the Syrup Mixture:
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine corn syrup, peanut butter, both sugars, and salt. Stir constantly until smooth and just beginning to bubble. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.
Combine with Cereal:
Pour the hot syrup over the cereal and stir immediately until evenly coated.
Press into Pan:
Transfer mixture to prepared pan. Press down evenly using a spatula or wax paper.
Melt Chocolate Topping:
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine butterscotch and chocolate chips. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each, until smooth and fully melted.
Top & Chill:
Spread the melted chocolate mixture evenly over the cereal layer. Chill in the refrigerator for about 1 hour or until set.
Cut & Serve:
Slice into squares and enjoy!
📝 Additional Notes
Use fresh cereal for maximum crunch.
Don’t overboil the syrup—it can harden too much when cooled.
For easy slicing, use a warm knife and wipe between cuts.
✨ Introduction
These Chocolate Butterscotch Rice Krispie Bars are a deliciously gooey, crunchy blast from the past. With rich peanut butter, sweet butterscotch, and a silky chocolate topping, they’re everything you loved about childhood treats—only better. They’re no-bake, easy to make, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at parties or potlucks.
📸 Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prep Your Pan & Cereal
Spray a 9×13 dish and get your cereal measured out ahead—once the syrup is ready, you’ll need to move fast!
2. Cook the Syrup Base
Combine corn syrup, peanut butter, brown and white sugar, and salt in a saucepan. Stir over medium heat until smooth and just bubbling.
Tip: Remove immediately once bubbling to avoid over-thickening.
3. Mix with the Cereal
Pour the hot mixture over the cereal and stir quickly to coat everything evenly.
Tip: Use a silicone spatula for easy mixing.
4. Press into the Pan
Spread the mixture evenly in your dish. Press down firmly using parchment or lightly greased hands.
Tip: Don’t press too hard or bars will become dense.
5. Melt the Topping
Microwave chocolate and butterscotch chips together until smooth, stirring every 30 seconds.
Tip: You can also melt gently over a double boiler.
6. Spread & Chill
Pour the melted topping over the bars, spread evenly, and refrigerate until set—about 1 hour. Slice and enjoy!
🧂 Ingredient Details & Substitutions
Ingredient Substitution Ideas Notes
Peanut butter Almond butter, cashew butter, sunflower butter Use no-stir type for best texture
Butterscotch chips White chocolate or caramel chips Flavor will vary
Corn syrup Brown rice syrup or golden syrup Will affect consistency slightly
Semi-sweet chocolate Milk or dark chocolate chips Adjust sweetness to taste
🍰 Variations & Serving Ideas
Salted Top: Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top of the melted chocolate layer before chilling.
Crunch Boost: Add chopped peanuts, pretzels, or mini marshmallows to the cereal mix.
Holiday Vibes: Use colored candy melts for festive themes or drizzle with white chocolate.
Serving Suggestions:
Perfect for bake sales, holiday trays, or kids’ parties.
Cut into bite-size pieces for snack platters.
🧊 Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
Method Duration Notes
Countertop 3–4 days In an airtight container, away from heat
Refrigerator 7 days Keeps topping firm
Freezer 2 months Wrap tightly; thaw in fridge before serving
🔍 Nutrition Snapshot (Per Bar – Estimate)
Calories: 260 kcal
Carbs: 32g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 13g
Allergens: Peanut, Soy (if chips contain soy lecithin)
Diet Tags: Gluten-Free (with certified GF cereal)
❓ FAQs
Can I skip the butterscotch chips?
Yes—just use all chocolate chips or sub with white chocolate. Flavor will be different but still delicious.
Do I have to refrigerate them?
Refrigeration helps the topping set, but you can leave them at room temperature once fully cooled.
How do I cut clean bars without cracking the top?
Use a sharp knife warmed under hot water and wiped dry between cuts.
💬 Personal Note
This recipe is one of my oldest comfort treats—the kind of thing that gets cheers from kids and grown-ups alike. The combo of peanut butter and butterscotch makes them feel just indulgent enough, and they’re so easy, I usually double the batch!
📣 Call to Action
Made these no-bake bars? Tag me with your sweet creations!
Leave a comment with your fun mix-ins or favorite candy melts used—we love seeing your twists on this nostalgic classic. 🧡🍫🥄