Vegan Scotcharoos
Vegan scotcheroos feature rich, peanut butter-infused cereal topped with a caramel-flavored chocolate topping. Also called Special K Bars, these no-bake treats are so easy to make.
No-bake scotcharoos are for you If you’re looking for a quick and easy dessert. I love fast desserts, but my burning question was whether you could make scotcheroos vegan. But after a few tests of this recipe, I’m glad the answer is yes!
How to Make Vegan Scotcharoos
You can find the full printable recipe, including ingredient quantities, below. But first, here are some explanations of ingredients and steps to help you make this recipe perfect every time.
- Heat sugar and corn syrup in a microwave-safe bowl until sugar is dissolved.
- Add peanut butter and salt and stir to combine.
- Pour the peanut butter mixture over the cereal.
- Stir until combined.
- Pour it into the prepared baking dish and press into an even layer.
- Place chocolate chips and remaining frosting ingredients in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in the microwave until melted, around 1 minute. Stir until combined. Drizzle over the bars and use a spatula to spread it out evenly
- Cut the cereal bars
Key Ingredients
Here are the ingredients you’ll need for this recipe:
- Cereal — I use Special K cereal, but you can substitute puffed rice cereal.
- Brown sugar — You can use light or dark brown sugar.
- Syrup — I prefer to use dark Karo syrup for this recipe because adds a hint of caramel flavor that we’re after. You can substitute maple syrup.
- Peanut butter — I prefer using creamy peanut butter, but you can substitute natural or even chunky peanut butter.
- Salt — A little bit of salt enhances the sweetness of these dessert bars.
- Chocolate Chips — Use your favorite dairy-free chocolate chips.
- Vanilla extract — Adding vanilla extract brings out the “butterscotch” flavor in the chocolate topping.
Why This Recipe is a Winner
- EASY — This recipe is made with only 8 simple ingredients!
- CROWD FAVORITE — Everyone loves cereal bars infused with peanut butter and chocolate!
- FREEZER-FRIENDLY — Make these tasty treats ahead of time and freeze them to serve later.
Frequently-Asked Questions
Are scotcharoos vegan?
Most scotcharoos are made with dairy milk and butter ingredients. However, it’s easy to make dairy-free scotcharoos at home!
Can you freeze scotcharoos?
Scotcharoos are basically cereal bars topped with chocolate. As such, they’re easy to freeze. To do so, cut them into bars and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 2 or even 3 months.
Reader Reviews
★★★★★
Gretchen
This recipe was so easy. Everyone loved it!
Serving Suggestions
Serve this vegan scotcharoos with these toppings (be sure to add toppings before the chocolate sets):
- Flaky sea salt sprinkled on top
- Add sprinkles for festive occasions
- Add extra crunch with chopped peanuts.
Storage Tips
Cut scotcharoos into bars and transfer them to an airtight container. They can be kept at room temperature for up to 4 or 5 days or in the fridge for up to 10 days. They can also be frozen in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
Dessert Bars
It’s true these vegan scotcharoos are amazing! Here are even more vegan dessert bars you’ll love:
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Special K Bars
Ingredients
Bars:
- ½ cup light brown sugar
- 1 cup dark Karo syrup (substitute agave syrup or maple syrup)
- 1 cup peanut butter
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 6 cups Special K cereal (substitute puffed rice cereal)
Frosting:
- 2 cups dairy-free chocolate chips
- ⅓ cup vegan butter
- 4 tablespoons dark karo syrup
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Line a baking a 9×13 baking dish with parchment paper. Give it a quick spray of vegetable cooking spray.
- Add sugar and corn syrup to a microwave-safe bowl. Cook for 90 seconds, stopping to stir once or twice. Don't let the mixture come to a boil. We're trying to get it hot enough to dissolve the sugar, but not too hot. See notes for stovetop instructions.
- Stir in the peanut butter and salt.
- Add the cereal to a large bowl. Pour the peanut butter mixture over the cereal and stir until combined. Spread this mixture into the prepared pan and use a spatula to gently press into an even layer.
Frosting:
- Place chocolate chips and remaining frosting ingredients in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in the microwave until melted, around 1 minute. Stir until combined. Drizzle over the bars and use a spatula to spread it out evenly.
Recommended Equipment
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Notes
Stovetop Instructions
If you prefer to cook the peanut butter mixture on the stovetop, combine sugar and corn syrup in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook until the mixture just begins to boil. Then remove from heat and stir in the peanut butter and salt.The nutrition information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator and should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
Can I use something besides peanut butter? I am deathly allergic.
Hi Rene. You can use your favorite peanut butter substitute. I’m wondering if almond butter or seed butter would work for you. I haven’t tried these, but they should work. Once you have a substitute that works for your allergies, mix it, and taste the cereal batter. It may require a bit more syrup, depending on your tastes.
This recipe was so easy. Everyone loved it!
I’m so glad you and your people liked this recipe!