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–+ servings
Scotchy Peanut Bars
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.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 24 bars
Calories 245 kcal

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 13x9-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
Keyword bars, butterscotch, classic comfort food, easy bake, heirloom recipes, homemade bars, peanut butter, retro recipes, sweet snack, vintage recipes
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