Do you have any recipes that remind you of your childhood? This Special K Bars recipe definitely does. This was one of my very favorite treats my mom would make when I was a kid. There’s something about the peanut butter and chocolate combination that I (still) can’t get enough of. It is by far my favorite flavor combination.

This Special K Bars recipe is so simple because there is no baking required. You do need to melt the corn syrup, sugar and peanut butter on the stovetop, but it’s still such an easy recipe. I’m sure you could also just do it in the microwave, but the stovetop way is still super simple.

This recipe is similar to the concept of making rice crispy treats, but this one doesn’t call for marshmallows. The Special K bars recipe is held together with peanut butter and the combination of sugar and corn syrup.

I personally love these bars even more than rice crispy treats, because I love the crunchy peanut butter bottom and the rich chocolate tops. Some people also call these Scotcheroos, although those bars usually use Rice Crispies instead of Special K. I’m not sure if Special K bars are just a midwest thing or if these bars have made it to other parts of the country. My good friend who’s from Minnesota also makes these bars with Special K, but Rice Crispies work well too.

If you like chocolate and peanut butter, I’m sure you’re going to love this recipe. Plus, they will be ready in 15 minutes or less! These bars really are a fan favorite, so I hope you’ll give them a try.

Special K Bars Recipe

Ingredients:

1 cup light corn syrup
1 cup sugar
1 cup peanut butter
6 cups Special K cereal (Rice Crispies work too)
1 cup chocolate chips
1 cup butterscotch chips (can also use peanut butter chips)
1⁄2 cup butter

Directions:

On the stovetop over medium to medium-high heat, melt together corn syrup and sugar until it starts to boil. Turn off the heat and add the peanut butter. Mix until incorporated completely. Stir in the cereal and mix to cover completely.

Pour cereal into a lightly greased 9×13 in. pan, pressing lightly with buttered fingers or wax paper to smooth and remove air pockets.

Melt together the chocolate chips, buttterscotch chips, and butter in the microwave until completely melted. Spread the chocolate mixture over the bars and allow to cool and harden before cutting.