Tasty, No Bake Valentine’s Heart-Shaped Dessert – Scotcharoos
Valentineโs Day is the perfect time to whip up festive, heartfelt treats for your loved ones. These heart-shaped scotcharoos bring a delightful twist to a Midwest classic. Theyโre simple to make, require no baking, and offer a satisfying blend of peanut butter, chocolate, and butterscotch that will leave everyone asking for more. Whether youโre preparing a sweet surprise for your kids, a romantic dessert for your partner, or an easy dish for a school party, this recipe is your go-to.
What Are Scotcharoos?
If youโre new to scotcharoos, think of them as rice krispie treats with a major upgrade. The base is made of crispy rice cereal mixed with a gooey peanut butter and corn syrup blend. The topping? A smooth, rich layer of melted chocolate and butterscotch. Now imagine this Midwest classic dressed up for Valentineโs Day, cut into heart shapes, and topped with festive sprinkles. Adorable and irresistible!
Easy Scotcharoo Hearts – No Bake Valentine’s Treat
I love traditional scotcharoos when it comes to a tasty dessert. For Valentine’s Day, we like to make these heart shaped no bake scotcharoos. They’re so much fun to make and they make the cutest treats!
P.S. Another tasty treat to make for the special holiday are these Valentine’s Day cake balls.
Ingredients Needed for Valentine’s Scotcharoos
Hereโs what youโll need to create these easy Valentineโs treats:
- 6 cups crispy rice cereal
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup butterscotch chips
- Valentine-themed sprinkles
- Heart-shaped cookie cutters
How To Make No Bake Valentine’s Scotcharoo Treats
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Base
- In a large saucepan, combine the sugar and corn syrup. Heat over medium, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves and the mixture just begins to boil.
- Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the peanut butter until smooth.
- Add the crispy rice cereal, folding gently to ensure itโs fully coated.
2. Mold and Cut into Hearts
- Spread the mixture evenly onto a greased 9×13-inch pan. Press down firmly with a spatula to create an even surface.
- Allow the mixture to cool for 10โ15 minutes.
- Use heart-shaped cookie cutters to cut out your treats. If scraps remain, reshape them and continue cutting.
3. Make the Chocolate-Butterscotch Topping
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and butterscotch chips. Heat in 20-second increments, stirring between each, until fully melted.
- Pour the melted mixture over your heart-shaped scotcharoos, spreading evenly with a spatula.
4. Add Festive Touches
- Before the topping sets, sprinkle Valentineโs sprinkles or red and pink sugar crystals over the chocolate layer.
- Let the topping cool and harden completely before serving.
Why Heart-Shaped Scotcharoos Are Perfect for Valentineโs Day
Valentineโs Day is all about showing love, and what better way than with heart-shaped treats that feel homemade and thoughtful? The no-bake aspect means you wonโt need to spend hours in the kitchen, and the recipe is simple enough to involve your kids. Plus, the combination of chocolate, peanut butter, and butterscotch is universally loved.
Tips and Tricks for Success
- Customize Your Cutters: While heart-shaped cutters are perfect for Valentineโs Day, you can switch it up with other shapes for different occasions.
- Make Cleanup Easy: Use parchment paper or silicone mats to line your pans and counters. It minimizes mess and makes removing the treats a breeze.
- Store Properly: Keep scotcharoos in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If youโre making them ahead, consider freezing the cutouts without the topping and adding the chocolate layer closer to serving time.
Tell me in the comments if you have ever had scotcharoos or have made these no bake Valentine’s treats!
No Bake Treat Scotcharoos
Equipment
- microwave
- stovetop
- Mixing Bowl
- 9×13 Glass Baking Dish
- large pan
Ingredients
- 6 cups Rice Crispie cereal
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1 cup chocolate chips melted
- 1 cup butterscotch chips melted
- sprinkles to top, if desired
Instructions
- Combine one cup corn syrup and one cup sugar in a pan, heat over medium heat until melting and bubbly.
- Once mixture is bubbling, remove from heat and add one cup peanut butter. Stir until completely smooth.
- In a large mixing bowl, add 6 cups of Rice Crispies treats and mix in peanut butter and sugar mixture. Combine until well coated.
- Using a microwave, safe bowl, add one cup chocolate chips and one cup butterscotch chips. Melt slowly, stirring every 30 seconds to make sure that the chocolate doesn't burn.
- Line 9×13 baking pan with parchment paper and grease the paper
- Press peanut butter Rice Crispie mixture down into the pan firmly, and pour the melted chocolate butterscotch mixture on top. Spread chocolate layer our smoothly.
- Top with sprinkles and let cool completely before cutting. Cut into squares or use metal cookie cutter to cut into fun shapes.
Nutrition
How to Serve Scotcharoos
Scotcharoos are versatile and can be presented in several ways:
- Gift Boxes: Wrap a few heart-shaped treats in decorative boxes or bags for a thoughtful gift.
- Party Platters: Arrange them on a tray with other Valentineโs-themed snacks.
- Lunchbox Surprise: Pop one in your childโs lunchbox for a festive midday treat.
FAQ: Making Scotcharoos
1. Can I use natural peanut butter?
Yes, but make sure to stir it well before use to avoid separating oils.
2. What if I donโt have butterscotch chips?
You can use white chocolate chips or omit them entirely for a pure chocolate topping.
3. Can I make these dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute dairy-free chocolate chips and butterscotch chips.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Heart-shaped scotcharoos hit the sweet spot between festive and practical. Theyโre fun, family-friendly, and packed with nostalgic flavors. Whether youโre making them for a party, a romantic gesture, or a weekend activity, theyโre guaranteed to make Valentineโs Day extra special.
Hope you loved checking out my no bake Valentine’s scotcharoo treats!
Head over to my friends’ blogs to check out other, easy-to-make Valentine’s Treat Ideas
You Might Also Enjoy…
5 Easy Valentineโs Crafts for Kids: While the scotcharoos cool, entertain your little ones with simple crafts.
Kid-Friendly Dessert Recipes: Explore more no-bake options that are perfect for family celebrations.
10 Fun Valentineโs Day Activities: Ideas to turn your treat-making session into a full-fledged celebration.