Scotcheroos are a delicious treat that combines the crunch of crispy rice cereal with the creaminess of peanut butter and a smooth, sweet topping of chocolate and butterscotch. This version of the traditional recipe substitutes honey for corn syrup, offering a more natural sweetness that doesn't compromise on taste.
Most of the ingredients for this recipe are pantry staples, but there are a couple you might need to pick up. Butterscotch morsels, found in the baking aisle of most supermarkets, bring a unique flavor to the scotcheroos. Semi-sweet chocolate is the preferred type for this recipe, but feel free to experiment with milk or dark chocolate if you prefer.
Ingredients for Scotcheroos without Corn Syrup
Honey: A natural sweetener that's a healthier alternative to corn syrup.
Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to the bars.
Creamy peanut butter: Bonds the ingredients together and adds a rich, nutty flavor.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
Crispy rice cereal: Gives the scotcheroos their classic texture.
Semi-sweet chocolate: Melts into a delicious topping for the bars.
Butterscotch morsels: Melted into the chocolate topping for a sweet, buttery flavor.
Coconut oil or butter: Helps the chocolate and butterscotch topping melt smoothly.
Sea salt: A pinch enhances the sweetness of the bars.
One reader, Chic Stern says:
This scotcheroos recipe without corn syrup is a game-changer! The use of honey adds a delightful flavor, and the combination of chocolate and butterscotch is simply divine. The bars turned out perfectly chewy and sweet, making them a hit with my family. A must-try for anyone looking for a healthier twist on a classic treat!
Essential Techniques for Making Scotcheroos Without Corn Syrup
How to line a baking pan with parchment paper: Cut a piece of parchment paper to fit the bottom of the pan, leaving an overhang on two opposite sides. Press the paper into the pan, and the overhang will make it easy to lift the bars out after they're set.
How to gently spread the mixture in the pan: Use a rubber spatula to gently spread the mixture evenly in the pan without pressing down too firmly.
How to melt the chocolate and butterscotch: Combine the chopped chocolate, butterscotch morsels, and coconut oil in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir constantly until melted together. The mixture will be thick.
How To Make Scotcheroos (Without Corn Syrup)
A perfect snack, or a post-workout bite, these scotcheroos are a no-bake chewy, soft cereal bar made with butterscotch, chocolate, and some sea salt crunch.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1cuphoney
- ½cupgranulated sugar
- 1cupcreamy peanut butter
- 1tsppure vanilla extract
- 6cupscrispy rice cereal
- 6ozsemi-sweet chocolate,chopped
- 1½cupsbutterscotch morsels
- 1tbspcoconut oil or butter
- sea salt,for topping, optional
Instructions
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Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper. No need to grease the parchment. Set aside.
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Combine honey and granulated sugar in a medium or large saucepan over medium heat. (Larger size because to make room for the crispy rice cereal in the next step.)
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Stirring occasionally, bring to a gentle simmer. Allow simmering for about 1 minute without stirring. Do not bring to a rapid boil– that’s too hot. Remove from heat.
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Stir in the peanut butter and vanilla extract until combined, then stir in the crispy rice cereal until it’s all completely coated.
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Transfer mixture to prepared pan. Using a rubber spatula, gently spread mixture to fit the pan. Very gently press the mixture down into the pan. Do not pack it down with force, just lightly press down so it’s secure in the pan.
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Combine chopped chocolate, butterscotch morsels, and coconut oil in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir constantly until it’s melted together. The mixture will be thick.
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Spread evenly over bars. A small offset spatula is helpful for this. Top with a sprinkle of sea salt, if desired. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours or up to 2 days.
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Lift the scotcheroos as a whole out of the pan using the parchment paper. Cut into squares. Cover and store leftover squares at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Nutrition
- Calories: 280.92kcal
- Fat: 13.58g
- Saturated Fat: 6.51g
- Trans Fat: 0.01g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 4.52g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.84g
- Carbohydrates: 39.63g
- Fiber: 1.25g
- Sugar: 33.48g
- Protein: 3.82g
- Sodium: 142.31mg
- Calcium: 14.80mg
- Potassium: 125.18mg
- Iron: 1.91mg
- Vitamin C: 0.10mg
Helpful Technique for Making Scotcheroos Without Corn Syrup
When melting the chocolate and butterscotch morsels together, it's important to keep the heat on medium-low and stir constantly. This prevents the mixture from burning and ensures a smooth, even consistency. If the mixture seems too thick, you can add a little more coconut oil or butter to thin it out. Remember, patience is key when melting chocolate to prevent it from seizing or burning.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Scotcheroos
Prepare the ingredients: Gather all the ingredients and measure them out before starting the recipe to streamline the cooking process.
Use a microwave: Melt the chocolate and butterscotch morsels in the microwave instead of on the stovetop for a quicker and easier melting process.
Chill in the freezer: Instead of refrigerating for 2 hours, place the scotcheroos in the freezer for about 30 minutes to speed up the setting process.
Cutting shortcut: Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water to easily cut the scotcheroos into neat squares without sticking.
Cleanup as you go: Wash and put away utensils and bowls as you wait for the scotcheroos to set, making cleanup easier and faster after enjoying the treats.
Substitute Ingredients For Scotcheroos (Without Corn Syrup) Recipe
corn syrup - Substitute with honey: Honey can be used as a natural sweetener and binding agent in place of corn syrup, providing a similar consistency and flavor.
granulated sugar - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup can be used as a natural sweetener and provides a unique flavor profile to the dish.
butterscotch morsels - Substitute with caramel chips: Caramel chips can provide a similar sweet and buttery flavor to the dish, complementing the other ingredients well.
semi-sweet chocolate - Substitute with dark chocolate: Dark chocolate can be used as a substitute for semi-sweet chocolate, providing a richer and more intense chocolate flavor.
Creative Ways to Present Scotcheroos
Elevate the plating: When presenting the scotcheroos to Michelin-starred professionals, the plating should be elegant and refined. Use a rectangular plate to create a clean and modern look, and consider using a minimalist approach to allow the scotcheroos to be the focal point.
Garnish with finesse: Add a touch of sophistication by garnishing the scotcheroos with delicate edible flowers, such as micro orchids or pansies. This adds a pop of color and a subtle floral aroma, enhancing the overall visual appeal.
Incorporate artistic drizzling: Create an artistic and visually appealing element by drizzling a fine, intricate pattern of melted chocolate over the scotcheroos. This not only adds a touch of luxury but also showcases precision and attention to detail.
Utilize negative space: Embrace the concept of negative space on the plate to allow the scotcheroos to stand out. Avoid overcrowding the plate with excessive elements, and instead, focus on simplicity and balance.
Elevate with gold leaf accents: For an opulent touch, consider adorning the scotcheroos with edible gold leaf accents. The shimmering gold adds a touch of luxury and sophistication, elevating the dessert to a truly exquisite presentation.
Emphasize symmetry and precision: Pay attention to symmetry and precision when arranging the scotcheroos on the plate. Each piece should be meticulously placed to create a visually stunning and harmonious presentation.
Highlight with a dusting of cocoa powder: Enhance the visual appeal by delicately dusting the plate with a fine, even layer of cocoa powder. This adds a subtle richness and depth to the presentation while maintaining a clean and polished appearance.
Accompany with a quenelle of vanilla bean ice cream: For an added touch of elegance, consider serving a quenelle of creamy vanilla bean ice cream alongside the scotcheroos. The contrast in temperatures and textures creates a sophisticated and well-rounded dessert experience.
Essential Tools for Making Scotcheroos Without Corn Syrup
- Saucepan: A saucepan is a deep cooking vessel with a handle and a lid, typically used for boiling, simmering, and making sauces.
- Rubber spatula: A rubber spatula is a flexible kitchen tool used for scraping, mixing, and spreading ingredients. It is ideal for folding in delicate mixtures and for ensuring no ingredients are left behind in a bowl or pan.
- 9x13-inch baking pan: This is a rectangular baking pan with a 9x13-inch dimension, commonly used for baking bars, brownies, and sheet cakes.
- Small offset spatula: A small offset spatula is a versatile tool with a thin, angled metal blade and a handle, used for spreading and smoothing frosting, glazes, and melted chocolate.
- Parchment paper: Parchment paper is a non-stick paper used for lining baking pans and trays to prevent food from sticking. It is also used for easy cleanup and as a surface for working with melted chocolate and candies.
- Food processor: A food processor is a versatile kitchen appliance used for chopping, pureeing, mixing, and blending ingredients. It can be used to make nut butters, grind nuts, and prepare various types of dough.
- Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is a deep bowl used for combining and mixing ingredients. It is an essential tool for preparing and combining the crispy rice cereal mixture in this recipe.
- Spatula: A spatula is a broad, flat, flexible tool with a long handle, used for lifting, flipping, and spreading ingredients. It is commonly used for spreading the crispy rice mixture evenly in the baking pan.
- Sharp knife: A sharp knife is essential for chopping and cutting ingredients, such as chocolate, into smaller pieces for melting and garnishing the scotcheroos.
Storing and Freezing Scotcheroos
- Store leftover scotcheroos in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. If storing in the refrigerator, allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.
- To freeze scotcheroos, place them in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid, about 2 hours. Once frozen, transfer the squares to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Freeze for up to 3 months.
- When ready to enjoy frozen scotcheroos, remove the desired number of squares from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving. If you prefer a firmer texture, you can enjoy them straight from the freezer.
- To maintain the best quality and prevent the chocolate and butterscotch topping from becoming too soft or sticky, store scotcheroos in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight or heat sources.
- If you notice the scotcheroos becoming too soft or losing their shape at room temperature, you can store them in the refrigerator to help them firm up. However, keep in mind that the texture may become slightly harder when chilled.
Interesting Trivia About Scotcheroos
The recipe for Scotcheroos without corn syrup is a healthier alternative to the traditional version. By using honey instead of corn syrup, it reduces the refined sugar content and adds a natural sweetness. This recipe is a great option for those looking to avoid corn syrup or for individuals with dietary restrictions. Additionally, the use of peanut butter provides a good source of protein and healthy fats. Enjoying these Scotcheroos without corn syrup can be a guilt-free treat for those with a sweet tooth!
Is Making Scotcheroos at Home Cost-Effective?
This scotcheroos recipe can be cost-effective for a household. The use of honey instead of corn syrup can be a more affordable and healthier alternative. With pantry staples like peanut butter, rice cereal, and chocolate, the recipe offers good value. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $10-$15, making it a budget-friendly treat. The overall verdict rates this recipe at 8/10 for its simplicity, delicious flavor, and cost-effectiveness.
Are Scotcheroos Without Corn Syrup Healthy?
The scotcheroos recipe, while undeniably delicious, is not particularly healthy. Here's why:
- The recipe is high in sugar, with honey, granulated sugar, and butterscotch morsels all contributing to the sweet treat. Excessive sugar consumption can lead to various health issues, such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
- Peanut butter, although a good source of protein and healthy fats, is also high in calories. When combined with the other ingredients, it adds to the overall calorie count of the dish.
- The recipe uses semi-sweet chocolate and butterscotch morsels, which contain added sugars and saturated fats. These ingredients, when consumed in excess, can negatively impact health.
- Crispy rice cereal, while not inherently unhealthy, does not provide significant nutritional value and is often processed.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:
- Reduce the amount of honey and granulated sugar used in the recipe. You can experiment with using natural sweeteners like dates or applesauce to provide sweetness with added nutritional benefits.
- Opt for a natural, unsweetened peanut butter to minimize added sugars and oils. Alternatively, you can use almond butter or cashew butter for a different flavor profile and nutritional content.
- Replace semi-sweet chocolate with dark chocolate containing at least 70% cocoa solids. Dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants and has less sugar compared to its semi-sweet counterpart.
- Swap out some of the crispy rice cereal with puffed quinoa or puffed brown rice for added protein, fiber, and nutrients.
- Incorporate chopped nuts, such as almonds or walnuts, to increase the protein and healthy fat content of the scotcheroos.
- Reduce the portion size of the scotcheroos to help control calorie intake while still allowing for a sweet indulgence.
Editor's Opinion on This Scotcheroo Recipe
The use of honey instead of corn syrup in this scotcheroos recipe adds a delightful depth of flavor. The combination of creamy peanut butter and crispy rice cereal creates a satisfying texture, while the chocolate and butterscotch topping adds a rich and indulgent finish. The addition of sea salt provides a perfect balance of sweetness and saltiness. Overall, this recipe offers a delicious twist on the classic scotcheroos, making it a delightful treat for any occasion.
Enhance Your Scotcheroos (Without Corn Syrup) Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Similar Recipes to Scotcheroos Without Corn Syrup
Appetizers and Main Dishes to Serve with Scotcheroos
Why trust this Scotcheroos (Without Corn Syrup) Recipe:
This recipe uses honey instead of corn syrup, providing a healthier alternative. The combination of peanut butter and crispy rice cereal creates a delicious and satisfying texture. The use of semi-sweet chocolate and butterscotch morsels adds a rich and indulgent flavor. The addition of coconut oil enhances the smoothness of the chocolate topping. With the perfect balance of sweetness and crunch, these scotcheroos are sure to be a hit at any gathering.
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