Ever thought about making Kellogg’s cereal bars at home? These Special K Bars are a tasty, peanut butter-filled treat that’s easy to make. With a few simple ingredients and a bit of effort, you can make a batch of these treats. Your family and friends will love them.
Key Takeaways
- Special K Bars are a classic no-bake treat that combine peanut butter, chocolate, and Kellogg’s Special K cereal
- The recipe takes only 15 minutes to prepare and 30 minutes to set, making them a quick and easy option
- With just 7-8 simple ingredients, these bars are budget-friendly and customizable to your taste preferences
- Cleanup is minimal, rated a 2 out of 5, so you can enjoy the delicious results without the hassle
- Serving size is 1 square piece, providing a satisfying snack or dessert with 366 calories, 12g of fat, 59g of carbs, and 10g of protein
What Are Special K Bars?
Special K bars, also known as Scotcheroos, are a classic homemade special k cereal bars treat. They are no-bake chewy cereal treats made with Kellogg’s Special K cereal, peanut butter, sugar, and corn syrup. The mix is pressed into a pan and topped with a delicious frosting of melted chocolate and butterscotch chips.
A Chewy, Peanut Butter Delight
The outcome is a peanut butter bars with a chewy texture and a rich, chocolatey topping. These no-bake desserts are great for satisfying sweet cravings. They make a wonderful snack or dessert.
“Special K bars are a nostalgic treat that takes me back to my childhood. The combination of crunchy cereal, creamy peanut butter, and gooey chocolate is simply divine.”
Looking for a quick and easy homemade treat or a crowd-pleasing dessert? Special K bars are sure to become a new favorite in your household.
Ingredients for the Perfect Special K Bars
To make the ultimate homemade Special K bars, you need a few key ingredients. Let’s explore what makes these treats so special.
Bar Ingredients
For the base of the Special K bars, you’ll need:
- 6 cups (approx. 180 g per cup) of Kellogg’s Special K cereal, original
- 1 ½ cups (300 g) of granulated sugar
- 1 ½ cups (511.5 g) of light corn syrup
- 1 ½ cups (387 g) of smooth peanut butter, preferably a commercial brand like Jif or Skippy
Frosting Ingredients
For the chocolate butterscotch frosting, you’ll need:
- 6 ounces of milk chocolate chips
- 6 ounces of butterscotch chips
The secret to chewy and flavorful Special K bars is using the right ingredients. Commercial-style peanut butter is key. It makes the bars stick together and gives them a gooey texture.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Special K Cereal | 6 cups (approx. 180 g per cup) |
| Granulated Sugar | 1 ½ cups (300 g) |
| Light Corn Syrup | 1 ½ cups (511.5 g) |
| Smooth Peanut Butter | 1 ½ cups (387 g) |
| Milk Chocolate Chips | 6 ounces |
| Butterscotch Chips | 6 ounces |
With these ingredients, you’re ready to make the perfect homemade special k bar ingredients, peanut butter cereal bars, and chocolate butterscotch frosting.
Easy, No-Bake Preparation
Making homemade peanut butter bars is super easy with this no-bake recipe for no bake special k bars. You can make a batch of these chewy treats in just a few steps. They’re perfect for when you need a sweet fix.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a saucepan, mix 1 cup of light corn syrup and 1 cup of sugar. Heat and stir until it’s smooth.
- Take the pan off the heat and add 1 cup of peanut butter and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Stir until it’s creamy.
- Pour the peanut butter mix over 6 cups of easy cereal bar recipe Special K cereal (or Rice Crispies). Stir until the cereal is coated.
- Press the mix into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt 1 cup of chocolate chips and 1 cup of butterscotch chips (or peanut butter chips) with 1/2 cup of butter. Stir until smooth.
- Spread the melted chocolate-butterscotch frosting over the cereal mix.
- Refrigerate the bars for at least 30 minutes, or until the frosting sets.
- Cut the bars into squares and enjoy your tasty no bake special k bars!
This easy cereal bar recipe needs just a few ingredients and no baking. It’s a quick way to get a sweet, peanut butter snack. The mix of crunchy cereal, creamy peanut butter, and rich chocolate-butterscotch topping is irresistible.
The Perfect Portable Treat
Special K bars are great for busy lives. They taste like peanut butter-chocolate and are chewy. They also give you energy because they have Special K cereal.
These bars are perfect for lunchboxes, road trips, or hikes. They’re small and easy to carry. So, you can enjoy a tasty, healthy snack anywhere.
| Yield | Prep Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|
| 16 squares | 10 minutes | 10 minutes |
Peanut butter, chocolate, and Special K cereal make these bars tasty and healthy. They’re great for anyone looking for a quick, nutritious snack.
Special K bars are perfect for work, travel, or outdoor fun. They keep you energized and happy all day. Enjoy their mix of flavor and nutrition.
Variations and Customizations
The classic Special K bar recipe is loved by many. But, you can make it your own with many custom options. Whether you want to try new flavors or meet dietary needs, there’s a lot you can do.
Try using different nut butters instead of peanut butter. Almond butter, cashew butter, or a mix can add unique tastes and textures. It’s a great way to explore new flavors.
Want to change the cereal? You can swap Special K for Cheerios or Rice Krispies. This makes it easy to find the perfect special k bar recipe variations and personalized snack ideas for you.
Adding mix-ins is another fun way to customize cereal bars. Try chopped nuts, dried fruit, or shredded coconut. They add a nice crunch and flavor.
| Variation | Ingredients |
|---|---|
| Chocolate Peanut Butter | Peanut butter, chocolate chips, Special K cereal |
| Fruit and Nut | Almond butter, dried cranberries, chopped almonds, Special K cereal |
| Coconut Almond | Coconut butter, sliced almonds, shredded coconut, Special K cereal |
Special K bars are all about being creative. With the right ingredients, you can make unique and personalized snack ideas. They’ll be a hit with everyone.
“The possibilities are endless when it comes to creating your own signature Special K bar creations.”
Special K Bars: A Nostalgic Favorite
For many, Special K bars bring back happy memories. They remind us of childhood or family gatherings. These bars have been loved for generations, passed down in families and enjoyed at special times.
The mix of Special K cereal, peanut butter, and chocolate-butterscotch topping is irresistible. It’s both comforting and indulgent, making them a true classic Kellogg’s recipe.
Special K Bars are known as “K Bars” in places like Wisconsin and Minnesota. They have a big following. In other areas, “Scotcheroos” using Rice Krispies instead of Special K cereal is also popular. These nostalgic cereal treats are a favorite among childhood desserts.
The recipe for Special K Bars includes 1 cup each of sugar, corn syrup, and peanut butter. It also needs 5 cups of Special K cereal, 1 cup of chocolate chips, and 1 cup of butterscotch chips. The mix is cut into 24 to 36 bars.
To make them, you heat the sugar and corn syrup until it boils. Then, you add peanut butter and mix it with the cereal. Finally, you add a frosting made of melted chocolate and butterscotch chips.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Granulated Sugar | 1 cup |
| Light Corn Syrup | 1 cup |
| Peanut Butter | 1 1/2 cups |
| Special K Cereal | 6 cups |
| Butterscotch Chips | 1 bag |
| Chocolate Chips | 1 bag |
These nostalgic cereal treats are not just tasty. They hold a special place in many hearts and memories. Whether enjoyed as a childhood dessert or shared at a family gathering, Special K Bars are a beloved classic Kellogg’s recipe that brings comfort and indulgence.
“Special K Bars have been a staple in our family for as long as I can remember. The perfect combination of crunchy cereal, creamy peanut butter, and rich chocolate-butterscotch topping is simply irresistible.”
Tips for Perfect Special K Bars
Making homemade Special K bars is easier than you think. Just follow a few simple tips and secrets. You’ll make chewy, peanut butter treats that taste amazing. Let’s explore how to make these bars perfectly.
Secrets to Success
First, avoid overcooking the sugar and corn syrup mix. If it cooks too long, the bars will be hard, not chewy. Watch the pot closely and remove it when it’s just right.
Next, use emulsified peanut butter, not natural peanut butter. It mixes well with other ingredients, making the bars smooth and creamy.
Lastly, let the bars chill completely before cutting. This makes the frosting set right, giving you a nice-looking dessert. Follow these tips for soft, chewy Special K bars every time.
| Tip | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Don’t overcook the sugar and corn syrup | Overcooking can lead to hard, crunchy bars instead of the desired chewy texture. |
| Use emulsified peanut butter | Emulsified peanut butter blends seamlessly into the other ingredients for a smooth and creamy peanut butter flavor. |
| Chill the bars before cutting | Allowing the bars to chill completely ensures the frosting sets properly for a beautifully presented dessert. |
Follow these tips for making special k bars, secrets to chewy cereal bars, and troubleshooting homemade peanut butter treats. You’ll make perfect Special K bars every time.
“The keys to making the best Special K bars are all about attention to detail and a little patience. With these simple secrets, you’ll have a batch of soft, chewy, and indulgent treats that will transport you back to your childhood in no time.”
Nutritional Information
Understanding the nutritional profile of Special K bars is key. Each 23g serving has about 94 calories. It includes 2.1g of fat, 17g of carbs, and 2.1g of protein. They also offer some vitamins and minerals like iron, calcium, and potassium.
However, they have a lot of sugar, 7.3g per serving. This is something to consider when deciding if they fit into your diet.
Here’s a detailed look at what’s in a Special K bar:
- Calories: 94
- Total Fat: 2.1g (3% daily value)
- Sodium: 98mg (4% daily value)
- Total Carbohydrates: 17g (6% daily value)
- Dietary Fiber: 0.4g (1% daily value)
- Sugar: 7.3g
- Protein: 2.1g (4% daily value)
- Vitamin A: 0.00 mcg (0% daily value)
- Iron: 0.59mg (3% daily value)
- Calcium: 7.13mg (1% daily value)
- Potassium: 33mg (1% daily value)
While Special K bars may have mixed nutritional facts, they’re meant for occasional snacking. Enjoy them in moderation as part of a healthy lifestyle.
Storage and Serving Suggestions
Keeping Your Special K Bars Fresh
After making a batch of Special K Bars, you’ll want them to stay fresh. These no-bake treats are easy to store and serve perfectly.
For short-term storage, keep them at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 4 days. This keeps their chewy texture. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months. Cut them into portions, stack with parchment paper, and freeze in a dish or bag.
Before serving, let your Special K Bars sit at room temperature for a bit. This softens the frosting and makes them chewier. With the right storage and patience, you can enjoy these treats for days or weeks.
FAQ
What are Special K Bars?
Special K Bars, also known as Scotcheroos, are a homemade treat. They’re made with Kellogg’s Special K cereal, peanut butter, sugar, and corn syrup. The mix is pressed into a pan and topped with a chocolate and butterscotch frosting. This creates a chewy, peanut butter-flavored bar with a rich chocolate topping.
What ingredients are needed to make the perfect Special K Bars?
You’ll need Special K cereal, sugar, corn syrup, and peanut butter for the base. For the frosting, use semisweet chocolate chips and butterscotch chips. It’s important to use commercial peanut butter for the bars to stick together.
How do you make Special K Bars?
First, mix sugar and corn syrup in a saucepan until melted. Then, add peanut butter and vanilla. Pour this over Special K cereal, mixing until coated.
Press the mix into a pan and top with a melted chocolate-butterscotch frosting.
What makes Special K Bars a great portable treat?
Special K Bars are perfect for on-the-go. They’re chewy, with a peanut butter-chocolate flavor. They also have Special K cereal for extra nutrition. These bars are great for lunchboxes, road trips, or hikes.
Can I customize or personalize Special K Bars?
Yes, you can try different nut butters or cereals. Use almond or cashew butter, or mix peanut butter with others. You can also add nuts, dried fruit, or coconut. This lets you create your own Special K Bar.
How should I store Special K Bars?
Store Special K Bars at room temperature for up to 4 days in a covered container. For longer storage, freeze them. Let them sit at room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Are Special K Bars healthy?
Special K Bars are tasty but should be eaten in moderation. Each bar has 245 calories, 49 grams of carbs, 6 grams of fat, and 1 gram of protein. They also have some fiber, potassium, and iron. But, they’re high in sugar, with 39 grams per serving. Enjoy them as part of a balanced diet.