The Ultimate Scotcheroos Recipe: No-Bake, Gooey, and Guaranteed to Disappear!
Are you ready for a ridiculously easy, unbelievably delicious no-bake treat that's guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser? Then look no further than Scotcheroos, the ultimate combination of buttery shortbread, chewy butterscotch chips, peanut butter, and chocolate. This recipe will walk you through making the perfect batch, every single time.
What are Scotcheroos?
Scotcheroos are a type of no-bake bar that originated in the Midwest. They're a delightful mix of textures and flavors, with a buttery, crumbly base, a rich layer of butterscotch chips and peanut butter, and a final topping of melted chocolate. It's the perfect combination of sweet and salty, crunchy and chewy—a true taste sensation!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe is incredibly simple, using ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. Here's what you'll need:
- For the Shortbread Crust:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For the Butterscotch-Peanut Butter Layer:
- 1 cup butterscotch chips
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- For the Chocolate Topping:
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup milk chocolate chips (optional, for extra deliciousness!)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Let's get baking (or rather, not baking!) Follow these easy steps for perfectly delicious Scotcheroos:
1. Making the Crust:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is only to soften the butter if it's too hard.
- In a large bowl, combine the melted butter and granulated sugar until well combined.
- Add the flour and vanilla extract, mixing until just combined. Don't overmix!
- Press the mixture evenly into a greased 9x13 inch baking pan. Use the bottom of a measuring cup or your hands for even distribution.
2. Adding the Butterscotch-Peanut Butter Layer:
- In a medium microwave-safe bowl, combine the butterscotch chips and peanut butter.
- Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until the chips are melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Pour the butterscotch-peanut butter mixture evenly over the shortbread crust.
3. The Chocolatey Finish:
- In a separate microwave-safe bowl, melt the semi-sweet and milk chocolate chips (if using) in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
- Pour the melted chocolate evenly over the butterscotch layer.
4. Chill and Enjoy!
- Refrigerate the Scotcheroos for at least 2 hours, or until the chocolate is completely set.
- Once set, cut into squares and enjoy!
Tips and Variations:
- For a richer flavor: Use brown butter instead of regular melted butter in the crust.
- Add some crunch: Sprinkle chopped peanuts or pretzels on top of the butterscotch layer before adding the chocolate.
- Get creative with chocolate: Use dark chocolate, white chocolate, or a combination of different types.
- Make it festive: Add sprinkles or chopped candy to the chocolate layer for holidays or special occasions.
Why This Scotcheroos Recipe is the Best:
This recipe is not just easy, it delivers on flavor and texture. The buttery shortbread provides a fantastic base, the butterscotch-peanut butter layer offers a delightful chewiness, and the rich chocolate topping adds a satisfying final touch. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and salty, making it a dessert everyone will adore.
So, gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and prepare to be amazed by the deliciousness of homemade Scotcheroos! They are guaranteed to be a hit at your next gathering or a perfect treat for a quiet night in. Enjoy!
