Special K Bars

Special K Bars are a no-bake dessert made with crispy rice cereal, creamy peanut butter, and a rich chocolate-butterscotch topping. These chewy, sweet, and crunchy bars are a nostalgic Midwest favorite—perfect for school lunches, bake sales, or any casual get-together.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Just 15 minutes of prep—no oven required.
• No-Bake: Perfect for warm days or when you need a treat fast.
• Classic Combo: Peanut butter and chocolate are always a winning pair.
• Great for a Crowd: Makes a full 9×13 pan, ideal for sharing.
• Customizable: Swap cereals or nut butters to fit your needs.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Bars:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup light corn syrup
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 6 cups Special K cereal (or another crispy rice cereal)

For the Topping:

• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup butterscotch chips

Directions

1. Prepare Pan: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Heat Sugar and Syrup: In a large saucepan, combine sugar and corn syrup. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, just until it begins to boil.
3. Add Peanut Butter: Remove from heat and stir in the peanut butter until fully combined and smooth.
4. Mix in Cereal: Gently fold in the Special K cereal until fully coated.
5. Press into Pan: Spread the mixture into the prepared dish and press down evenly with a spatula or wax paper.
6. Melt Topping: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips and butterscotch chips. Microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each, until smooth.
7. Top the Bars: Pour the melted chocolate-butterscotch mixture over the bars and spread evenly.
8. Cool and Set: Let bars cool at room temperature or chill in the fridge until the topping is firm. Cut into squares and serve.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 24 bars
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Cooling Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: About 1 hour and 15 minutes

Variations

• Nut-Free: Use sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter.
• Extra Crunch: Add crushed pretzels or chopped nuts to the cereal mixture.
• Different Cereal: Try Rice Krispies or cornflakes for a twist on texture.
• Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free chocolate and butterscotch chips.

Storage/Reheating

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Refrigeration: Keeps up to a week in the fridge for firmer bars.
• Freezing: Freeze in layers separated by wax paper for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Reheating: Not necessary; best served at room temperature.

FAQs

Are Special K Bars gluten-free?

Most Special K cereals are not gluten-free, but you can substitute with a certified gluten-free rice cereal.

Can I use natural peanut butter?

Natural peanut butter can be used, but make sure it’s well mixed and not too runny for the best consistency.

Can I skip the butterscotch chips?

Yes, you can use all chocolate chips or substitute with white chocolate for a different flavor.

Do these bars need to be refrigerated?

No, they can be stored at room temperature, but refrigeration helps the topping set more firmly.

Can I use honey instead of corn syrup?

Honey can work in a pinch, but the bars may be stickier and have a different flavor.

How do I prevent them from getting too hard?

Boil the sugar and corn syrup mixture just until bubbles appear—overcooking can make the bars too firm.

What’s the best way to press the mixture into the pan?

Use a piece of wax paper or the back of a greased spatula to press evenly without sticking.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can double and use two 9×13 pans or a larger sheet pan.

Are these good for mailing?

Yes, they hold up well and travel nicely when cut and packed properly.

Can I make these with almond butter?

Absolutely. Almond or cashew butter are great alternatives for a different nutty flavor.

Conclusion

Special K Bars are a beloved no-bake treat that blends sweet, salty, chewy, and crunchy into one irresistible bite. Whether you’re whipping up a batch for a party or stocking your snack drawer, these bars are sure to become a go-to favorite. Quick to make, easy to love—give them a try today.

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