Special K Bars

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Special K Bars strike the perfect balance of salty, sweet, and crunchy. The peanut butter base holds everything together with a chewy texture, while the chocolate-butterscotch topping adds a creamy, decadent finish. They’re easy to make with pantry staples and don’t require any oven time, making them a go-to favorite for all occasions.

Ingredients

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

• Special K cereal (or any crisp rice flake cereal)
• Granulated sugar
• Light corn syrup
• Creamy peanut butter
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips
• Butterscotch chips
• Optional: vanilla extract, pinch of salt

Directions

1. Grease a 9×13-inch pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. In a large saucepan, combine sugar and corn syrup. Heat over medium until the mixture just begins to boil, stirring constantly.
3. Remove from heat and stir in the peanut butter and optional vanilla extract until smooth and fully incorporated.
4. Gently fold in the Special K cereal until well coated.
5. Press the mixture evenly into the prepared pan using a spatula or wax paper.
6. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips and butterscotch chips. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until fully melted and smooth.
7. Pour the melted chocolate-butterscotch mixture over the cereal base and spread evenly.
8. Allow bars to cool at room temperature until set, about 1–2 hours. You can chill them briefly in the fridge to speed up the process.
9. Slice into bars once the topping has hardened.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 24 bars.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Cooling Time: 1–2 hours
Total Time: About 2 hours 15 minutes

Variations

• Add marshmallows: Stir in mini marshmallows with the cereal for added chew.
• Use crunchy peanut butter: Adds extra texture and a nutty bite.
• Salted topping: Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt over the chocolate layer for a sweet-salty contrast.
• Make them gluten-free: Use a gluten-free crispy cereal and confirm all other ingredients are gluten-free.
• Extra chocolate: Use dark chocolate chips or a chocolate-peanut butter swirl on top for a richer flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Store Special K Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
If your kitchen is warm, refrigerate to prevent the topping from becoming too soft.
They can be frozen for up to 2 months—separate layers with parchment paper before freezing.
No reheating is required; simply thaw at room temperature before serving.

FAQs

Can I use a different cereal instead of Special K?

Yes, Rice Krispies or cornflakes are good substitutes if you don’t have Special K on hand.

Why are my bars too hard?

Overcooking the sugar and corn syrup mixture can make the bars too firm. Remove from heat as soon as it starts boiling.

Can I use natural peanut butter?

Yes, but the texture may be softer and the mixture might separate slightly if the peanut butter is very oily.

How do I keep the topping smooth?

Microwave in short intervals and stir thoroughly to prevent overheating and seizing.

Are Special K Bars gluten-free?

Not by default—use certified gluten-free cereal and check all labels to ensure they’re safe.

Can I add nuts or seeds?

Absolutely—chopped peanuts, sunflower seeds, or even chia seeds can be added for extra texture and nutrition.

How long do these bars last?

They’ll keep at room temperature for up to 5 days, or longer in the fridge or freezer.

Do I need to refrigerate them?

Not necessarily, but refrigeration can help the bars hold their shape, especially in warmer environments.

Can I make these dairy-free?

Yes, use dairy-free chocolate and butterscotch chips, and check the cereal for dairy ingredients.

What’s the best way to cut the bars cleanly?

Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts. Slightly warm the knife if the topping is very firm.

Conclusion

Special K Bars are a nostalgic, no-bake dessert that delivers on flavor, texture, and ease. With their chewy peanut butter base and rich chocolate-butterscotch topping, they’re always a hit whether you’re making them for a casual snack, a school event, or holiday gatherings. Once you try them, they’ll quickly earn a permanent spot in your treat rotation.

Special K Bars

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• Author: Amina
• Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes (includes cooling)
• Yield: 24 bars
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Special K Bars are a no-bake dessert featuring a chewy peanut butter and cereal base topped with a rich chocolate-butterscotch layer. They’re sweet, crunchy, and perfect for parties or everyday snacking.

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Ingredients

• 6 cups Special K cereal (or crisp rice flake cereal)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup light corn syrup
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
• 1/4 tsp salt (optional)
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup butterscotch chips

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Instructions

1. Grease a 9×13-inch pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. In a large saucepan, combine sugar and corn syrup over medium heat. Stir constantly until the mixture just begins to boil.
3. Remove from heat and stir in the peanut butter, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth and fully combined.
4. Fold in the Special K cereal until evenly coated.
5. Press the mixture firmly into the prepared pan using a spatula or wax paper.
6. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips and butterscotch chips. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until melted and smooth.
7. Spread the melted topping evenly over the cereal base.
8. Let bars cool at room temperature for 1–2 hours, or chill briefly to set faster.
9. Once the topping is firm, slice into bars and serve.

Notes

• Do not overboil the sugar mixture or the bars will become too hard.
• Use crunchy peanut butter for added texture if desired.
• Sprinkle flaky sea salt over the chocolate layer for a sweet-salty finish.
• Bars freeze well—separate layers with parchment before freezing.
• Store in a cool place to prevent the topping from becoming too soft.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Category: Dessert, Snack
• Method: No-Bake
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bar
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 19g
• Sodium: 95mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 0mg