Butterscotch Crunchies Recipe

Butterscotch Crunchies Recipe for Sweet Snackers

Sweet memories dance through my kitchen whenever I whip up these delightful butterscotch crunchies that promise pure nostalgic comfort.

Childhood whispers echo from every crispy bite of this magical treat.

Unexpected textures surprise and delight with each golden morsel.

Buttery notes mingle seamlessly with caramel undertones, creating an irresistible symphony of flavor.

Crisp edges give way to a tender center that melts effortlessly on your tongue.

Minimal ingredients combine for maximum pleasure in this simple yet spectacular dessert.

Bake these crunchies and watch smiles bloom around your table.

Why Butterscotch Crunchies Work for Any Occasion

  • Requires only two primary ingredients- butterscotch chips and peanut butter- making this recipe incredibly accessible for home cooks of all skill levels.
  • Perfect for unexpected guests, after-school snacks, or casual gatherings where you want a sweet, no-bake dessert that satisfies everyone's cravings.
  • Children can safely help with mixing and stirring under adult supervision, turning this recipe into a fun family cooking activity that creates delicious memories.

Butterscotch Crunchies Ingredient Breakdown

Base Ingredients:
  • Butterscotch Chips: Sweet golden chips that provide the signature flavor and creamy base for the dessert, best when using high-quality brand for rich taste.
  • Peanut Butter: Smooth, creamy binding agent that adds nutty richness and helps create a silky texture, smooth variety works best for even melting.
Melting Method:
  • Microwave: Convenient tool for quick and even melting of ingredients, use microwave-safe bowl for safe heating.
  • Saucepan: Alternative heating method for controlled, gentle melting of ingredients, use low heat to prevent scorching.

How to Whip Up Butterscotch Crunchies With Ease

Step 1: Prepare Melting Station

Set up a microwave-safe bowl or saucepan for melting ingredients.

Ingredients:
  • Butterscotch chips
  • Peanut butter

Step 2: Create Smooth Mixture

Combine butterscotch chips and peanut butter in the bowl.

Microwave using 30-second intervals, stirring thoroughly between each interval.

Continue heating until the mixture becomes completely smooth and glossy.

Alternative method: Use a saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly to prevent burning.

Step 3: Add Crispy Base

Mix in:
  • Corn flakes
  • Rice Krispies

Gently fold the cereals into the melted butterscotch mixture, ensuring even coating.

Step 4: Shape Crunchies

Scoop mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Use a spoon or cookie scoop to create uniform clusters.

Step 5: Cool and Set

Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator.

Allow crunchies to firm up for about 15-20 minutes.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Remove crunchies from the refrigerator.

Transfer to a serving plate.

Enjoy the sweet, crunchy treats at room temperature.

Tips to Get Butterscotch Crunchies Just Right

  • Prevent Burning: Stir the butterscotch and peanut butter mixture frequently during melting to avoid scorching and ensure a smooth, even consistency.
  • Control Texture: Use room temperature peanut butter for easier melting and smoother blending with butterscotch chips.
  • Master Microwave Technique: Heat in short 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly and prevent overheating.
  • Substitute with Caution: Replace peanut butter with almond or sunflower seed butter for nut-free version, but expect slight variations in flavor and texture.
  • Store Smartly: Keep crunchies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain their crisp texture and prevent staleness.

Storing Butterscotch Crunchies Properly

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Keep the crunchies separated by parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • Wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen butterscotch crunchies will maintain quality for 2-3 months.
  • For best texture, let frozen or refrigerated treats sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to restore their original crispness.
  • Warm briefly in the microwave for 5-10 seconds if you prefer a softer, slightly melted consistency. Avoid overheating to maintain the treat's delicate crunch.

Butterscotch Crunchies Pairing Ideas

  • The cold, smooth vanilla ice cream perfectly complements the rich butterscotch and peanut butter crunchies, creating a delightful temperature and texture contrast.
  • The warm, sweet caramel notes in the latte enhance the butterscotch flavor, while the coffee's boldness cuts through the treat's richness.
  • The spicy, aromatic chai tea provides a complex flavor profile that beautifully balances the sweet and nutty crunchies, offering a sophisticated taste experience.
  • The classic milk and cookie combination works wonderfully here, with the milk's coolness and subtle sweetness highlighting the butterscotch and peanut butter flavors.

Switch Things Up With Butterscotch Crunchies

  • Chocolate Lover's Crunch: Replace butterscotch chips with dark chocolate chips for a rich, intense flavor. Swap peanut butter with almond butter for a nutty alternative.
  • Vegan Sweet Treat: Use vegan butterscotch chips and coconut oil instead of peanut butter. Ensure all ingredients are plant-based for a dairy-free version.
  • Gluten-Free Crunchies: Confirm all ingredients are certified gluten-free. Select gluten-free cereal as the base to accommodate those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Nutty-Free Option: Substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter for those with nut allergies. Choose a seed-based alternative to maintain the creamy texture.

Butterscotch Crunchies FAQs

  • What ingredients do I need for Butterscotch Crunchies?

You’ll need butterscotch chips, peanut butter, and crispy rice cereal. These three simple ingredients create a delicious no-bake treat that’s quick and easy to make.

  • Can I substitute the peanut butter?

Yes, you can use almond butter or sunflower seed butter if you have a peanut allergy. Just make sure to choose a creamy version that melts smoothly with the butterscotch chips.

  • How do I prevent the mixture from burning when melting?

Always use short microwave intervals of 30 seconds and stir between each interval. This helps distribute heat evenly and prevents scorching. If using a stovetop, keep the heat low and stir constantly.

  • Are Butterscotch Crunchies good for kids' parties?

Absolutely! They’re no-bake, require minimal ingredients, and have a sweet crunch that kids love. Plus, children can help mix the ingredients, making it a fun family cooking activity.

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Butterscotch Crunchies Recipe

Butterscotch Crunchies Recipe


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4.8 from 15 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Butterscotch crunchies deliver a nostalgic dance of sweet and crispy textures that whisper childhood memories. Sweet caramel notes mingle with golden crackle, promising pure delight for dessert enthusiasts wanting a simple yet irresistible treat.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 bag (11 oz/310 g) butterscotch chips
  • 1 cup (250 g) creamy peanut butter
  • 4 cups (100 g) crispy rice cereal (like Rice Krispies)

Texture Enhancers:

  • 1 cup (120 g) mini marshmallows (optional)

Instructions

  1. Gather a microwave-safe bowl and place butterscotch chips with peanut butter inside, ensuring an even distribution of both ingredients.
  2. Heat the mixture in the microwave using 30-second intervals, pausing to stir thoroughly between each interval to promote uniform melting and prevent scorching.
  3. Continue microwaving and stirring until the butterscotch and peanut butter transform into a completely smooth, glossy liquid with no remaining solid pieces.
  4. As an alternative method, chefs can opt to melt the ingredients in a saucepan over low heat, maintaining constant gentle stirring to prevent burning and achieve a consistent texture.
  5. Once fully melted and integrated, the mixture should have a silky, uniform appearance with a rich golden-brown color and glossy sheen.

Notes

  • Use high-quality butterscotch chips for a richer, more authentic flavor that elevates the entire dessert.
  • Ensure peanut butter is at room temperature to help it melt more evenly and create a smoother consistency.
  • For a gluten-free version, swap regular cornflakes with gluten-free cornflakes or rice cereal to accommodate dietary restrictions.
  • Allow the mixture to cool slightly before adding cornflakes to prevent them from becoming soggy and maintain their signature crunch.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 204
  • Sugar: 17 g
  • Sodium: 78 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 27 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
Jamie Granger

Jamie Granger

Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

  • Fusion Cuisine Development
  • Recipe Development and Food Styling
  • Culinary Writing and Content Creation
  • Nutrition and Healthy Cooking​

Education

Culinary Institute of America

  • Degree: Associate in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Emphasis on flavor development, classic and contemporary culinary techniques, menu design, and global cuisine preparation; combined with food-service management, communication, and finance training; and immersive hands‑on restaurant operations through paid industry internships.

Jamie Granger turns ingredients into memories. With her recipes, she brings a fusion-forward flair to every creation. 

Her dishes reflect the places she’s explored, the chefs she’s learned from, and the deep connection she has to food as a form of expression. 

At Pass and Provision, Jamie develops recipes that balance flavor, health, and beauty, meals that don’t just satisfy your appetite but speak to your curiosity.

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