
Scotchy Peanut Bars are a nostalgic dessert favorite combining the rich flavors of butterscotch and peanut butter layered over a soft, crumbly base. These bars were especially popular in mid-century American households, often made for potlucks, school events, or family gatherings. The signature mix of corn syrup and butterscotch chips gives them a gooey, chewy top that contrasts delightfully with the crunch of corn flakes. Their simplicity and classic flavor have made them a lasting staple in vintage dessert recipes.
Ingredients
- ⅔ cup butter
- ½ cup brown sugar (firmly packed )
- 1 ⅓ cups flour (sifted )
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 6 oz butterscotch morsels
- 1 ¼ cups peanut butter
- 3 cups corn flakes
Instructions
Step 1: Make Base
- Cream butter in a mixing bowl.
- Add brown sugar and mix well.
- Blend in sifted flour. (Mixture may be crumbly.)
Step 2: Bake Base
- Press mixture into the bottom of an ungreased 13×9-inch baking pan.
- Bake at 350°F for 15 to 20 minutes.
Step 3: Prepare Topping
- In a medium saucepan, combine sugar and corn syrup.
- Bring to a boil over medium heat; remove from heat.
- Stir in butterscotch morsels and peanut butter until melted and smooth.
- Mix in corn flakes.
Step 4: Assemble
- Spread the topping evenly over the baked base.
- Allow to cool. Frost with any chocolate frosting recipe if desired.
- Cut into bars.
Tips
- Use crunchy peanut butter for added texture.
- Add ¼ cup mini chocolate chips to the topping for a chocolate–butterscotch mix.
- Substitute cornflakes with Rice Krispies for a lighter, crispier bar.
- Drizzle melted chocolate over the top instead of using frosting.
- Add a pinch of salt to the topping to balance sweetness.
- Mix in chopped peanuts for extra crunch.
- Line the pan with parchment to make removing bars easier.
- Use dark brown sugar for a deeper caramel flavor.
- Chill bars before cutting for cleaner edges.
Nutrition
Calories: 245kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 3.5gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 5.5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 3.5gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 95mgPotassium: 955mgFiber: 0.7gSugar: 20gVitamin A: 185IUCalcium: 25mgIron: 0.7mg
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