Special K Bars

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Special K Bars are a no-bake classic that combines crispy cereal, rich peanut butter, and a smooth chocolate-butterscotch topping. These chewy, sweet, and salty bars are perfect for potlucks, lunchboxes, or an easy treat to whip up in minutes with pantry staples.

ingredients

this Recipe

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

Special K cereal (crushed slightly)light corn syrupgranulated sugarcreamy peanut buttersemisweet chocolate chipsbutterscotch chipsvanilla extract (optional)

directions

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.

In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine corn syrup and sugar. Stir constantly until the sugar dissolves and the mixture just begins to boil—do not overboil.

Remove from heat and stir in peanut butter and vanilla extract until smooth.

Add the cereal to the saucepan and stir until evenly coated.

Press the mixture into the prepared pan using a greased spatula or wax paper.

In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate and butterscotch chips together in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until smooth.

Spread the melted mixture over the cereal base and smooth with a spatula.

Let cool at room temperature until set, or refrigerate briefly for faster setting.

Cut into squares and serve.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 24 bars.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooling time: 30-45 minutes
Total time: 40-55 minutes

Variations

Use crunchy peanut butter for added texture.
Replace butterscotch chips with white chocolate or dark chocolate chips.
Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top for contrast.
Stir in mini marshmallows or coconut flakes to the base for added fun.

storage/reheating

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Refrigerate for firmer texture, or freeze for up to 2 months.
Thaw at room temperature before serving—no reheating needed.

FAQs

Can I use a different cereal?
Yes, cornflakes or rice cereal work well as substitutes.

Why did my bars turn out hard?
Boiling the sugar mixture too long makes the bars too firm—remove from heat as soon as it boils.

Can I skip the butterscotch chips?
Yes, you can use only chocolate chips or substitute another flavor you like.

Do these need to be refrigerated?
Not necessarily, but chilling helps the topping set faster.

Can I use natural peanut butter?
It may separate or be too oily—processed peanut butter is more reliable for texture.

Conclusion

Special K Bars are a nostalgic, no-fail treat that’s chewy, crispy, and full of peanut butter-chocolate flavor. Quick to make and even quicker to disappear, these bars are perfect for every sweet craving or special occasion.

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