scotcharoos

Three years ago, when I started my gluten free diet I was devastated. I thought it was the end for pasta, pizza, bread and desserts in general. Although my gluten free diet has forced and taught me how to eat healthier, I've also learned that its not the end to decadent, delicious treats. I'm always searching for new things to make because I like to entertain or bring dishes to other parties and get togethers. I'm a fan of desserts that come in forms of bars especially for large groups or on the go. Anything no bake is a plus as well! 

I've come across several recipes for rice cereal bars over the years. The good thing about rice cereal is that it's easy to find it in a gluten free form. You have to be careful because some brands have malt in their rice cereal. 

One product I love in specific on my gluten free adventure happens to be Chex cereal. They make all kinds of flavors and most are gluten free. I feel safe using their product. I picked up a box at the grocery store this week!

I am a total peanut butter nut (ha, no pun intended!) and chocolate makes it even better! I decided to make some scotcharoos with my box of Chex cereal!

My scotcharoos turned out gooey, moist and delicious as hoped for!

I just love the texture and the ooey gooey goodness!

Give these babies a whirl! Your friends and family will not be disappointed. It's extremely hard not to lick the spoon the entire time. No worries, Lindsay and Erica. I didn't lick it until the very end. They were my official taste testers and I think they were satisfied!

Bar ingredients:

6 cups Chex rice cereal 

1 cup of lite corn syrup

3/4 cup of white sugar

2 cups of peanut butter

Topping ingredients:

1/2 cup of peanut butter

1 bag of milkchocolate chips 

1 bag of butterscotch chips 

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

1/2 tsp almond extract

Disclaimer: If you're making these gluten free, keep a close eye on your chips and extracts as they can easily contain hidden gluten. It all varies with your sensitivity level.

Grease a 9x13 pan and set aside. Dump your 6 cups of cereal into a large mixing bowl. In a sauce pan, bring the cup of corn syrup and the 3/4 cup of sugar to a boil on the stove using medium high heat, stirring frequently. When mixture is boiling, lower heat and add the 2 cups of peanut butter. Quickly stir and remove from heat. Pour mixture into bowl of cereal. Stir and coat evenly with a wooden spoon. Pour mixture into 9x13 pan and spread evenly. 

For the topping, use the same sauce pan. Pour your bags of chocolate and butterscotch chips along with the 1/2 cup of peanut butter, 1/2 tsp vanilla extract and 1/2 tsp almond extract. Stir frequently on medium heat until everything is smooth. It should look like melted chocolate. Remove from heat and pour mixture over bars. Smooth evenly with a frosting knife.

Let pan cool at room temp then cut into bars! Store in a sealed container. 

What is your favorite dessert made with cereal? I think these may be even better than my beloved rice crispy treat!