Best Ever Scotcheroos Cups (vegan + gluten-free)

The Best Ever Scotcheroos Cups to make! If you love Scotcheroos, try this delicious cups recipe using just 5 ingredients and these are gluten-free and vegan.

If you’re anything like me, the nostalgia of sweet treats from childhood can instantly lift your mood. One such timeless treat is Scotcheroos—the chewy, peanut-buttery, crispy bars that have been a family favorite for generations. But today, we’re adding a modern twist to this beloved classic with Scotcheroos Cups. Think of them as perfectly portioned, handheld treats with layers of flavor, ideal for both kids and adults!

In this blog post, I’ll be sharing everything you need to know about these Scotcheroos Cups—from why they’re so irresistible to step-by-step instructions on making them. I’ll also cover some variations to suit your dietary needs, tips for making the perfect cup, and ideas on how to store them for on-the-go snacking.

What are Scotcheroos?

For those unfamiliar, traditional Scotcheroos are dessert bars made from crispy cereal, peanut butter, and a melted chocolate-butterscotch topping. They’re a no-bake dessert, making them easy to prepare in a pinch. The Scotcheroos Cupstake this same concept but offer a fun, bite-sized version perfect for parties, lunch boxes, or as a quick treat.

In this version, I’ve replaced butterscotch with dark chocolate for a richer, more grown-up flavor while still keeping the core ingredients that make Scotcheroos so beloved.

Why You’ll Love These Scotcheroos Cups:

• No-Bake Goodness: No need to turn on the oven! These Scotcheroos Cups require just a few minutes of stovetop work, making them ideal for hot days when you want something sweet without the extra heat.
• Easy to Customize: Whether you want to make them gluten-free, vegan, or less sweet, these cups are easy to adapt based on dietary preferences.
• Perfect for Sharing: Since they’re made in a muffin tray, each cup is a perfectly portioned snack, great for kids’ parties or even as a holiday treat.

What ingredients you need to make these Scotcheroos Cups:

Let’s jump right into how to make these scrumptious Scotcheroos Cups. They take just 20 minutes to prep, plus some chilling time.

• Cornflake-like cereal – This cereal serves as the foundation of the Scotcheroos Cups, providing the much-needed crunchy texture that makes this treat irresistible. Traditional Scotcheroos are made with crispy rice cereal, but using a cornflake-like cereal adds a slightly different texture and flavor,
• Maple syrup or honey – Maple syrup or honey acts as a natural sweetener in this recipe. Both options are less processed than refined sugars and bring their own unique flavors. 
• Coconut sugar – Coconut sugar has a rich, caramel-like flavor that works perfectly with the nutty peanut butter.
• Creamy peanut butter – Peanut butter is the key flavor and texture component of these Scotcheroos Cups. It provides a creamy, rich texture and acts as the binding agent that holds the cereal together. 
• Dark chocolate chips – Dark chocolate has a rich, bittersweet flavor that contrasts nicely with the sweet peanut butter and cereal mixture.

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Cereal: Start by adding your cornflake-like cereal to a large mixing bowl. You can use regular cornflakes or opt for gluten-free versions if needed. The cereal provides that satisfying crunch we all love in Scotcheroos.

2. Cook the Syrup: In a small saucepan, add the maple syrup or honey and the coconut sugar. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the coconut sugar dissolves and small bubbles start to form. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. The maple syrup or honey adds a natural sweetness, while the coconut sugar gives the cups a slight caramel flavor.

3. Mix in the Peanut Butter: Turn the heat to low and stir in the creamy peanut butter. Mix until the peanut butter is fully incorporated and smooth. Peanut butter is key in giving these Scotcheroos Cups their signature taste and creamy texture.

4. Combine and Press: Pour the peanut butter mixture over the cereal and stir until everything is well combined. The mixture should be sticky but workable. Press the mixture evenly into a silicone muffin tray, filling each slot. Using silicone makes it easier to pop out the cups once they’re chilled.

5. Melt the Chocolate Topping: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the dark chocolate chips and a tablespoon of peanut butter. Microwave in 30-second increments, stirring in between, until fully melted and smooth. The addition of peanut butter keeps the chocolate topping smooth and creamy.

6. Top the Scotcheroos Cups: Evenly pour the melted chocolate mixture over each Scotcheroos cup, covering the top completely. The dark chocolate adds a rich, slightly bitter contrast to the sweet peanut butter base.

7. Chill and Serve: Place the muffin tray in the fridge or freezer for at least one hour, or until the cups are fully set. Once chilled, gently pop the cups out of the tray and enjoy!

Tips for Making Perfect Scotcheroos Cups:

1. Use Silicone Molds: For easy removal, silicone muffin trays or molds work best. You can use paper liners if you don’t have silicone, but they may be trickier to remove.

2. Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet treat, you can reduce the amount of coconut sugar. Since the dark chocolate already has a slightly bitter taste, a more subtle sweetness can create a balanced flavor.

3. Crunch Factor: If you’re not a fan of cornflakes, feel free to use rice cereal for a different texture. You can also experiment with other crunchy cereals or even mix in some chopped nuts for extra crunch.

Variations and Substitutions:

One of the great things about Scotcheroos Cups is how easily customizable they are. Here are a few variations:

• Vegan Version: To make this recipe vegan, opt for maple syrup instead of honey, and choose dairy-free dark chocolate chips. You can also use a plant-based peanut butter or almond butter if preferred.

• Nut-Free: If peanut allergies are a concern, replace the peanut butter with a nut-free alternative like sunflower seed butter. It will still provide the same creamy texture but without the allergens.

• Gluten-Free: Make sure to use gluten-free cornflakes or rice cereal to keep this recipe entirely gluten-free. Double-check the labels on your chocolate chips as well, though most dark chocolates are naturally gluten-free.

How to Store Scotcheroos Cups:

These Scotcheroos Cups store beautifully, which is perfect for when you need to make them ahead of time or want a quick grab-and-go snack.

• In the Fridge: Store your cups in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. The cool temperature helps keep the chocolate topping firm and the base crunchy.

• In the Freezer: If you want to keep them longer, these cups freeze well too. Place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container or zip-lock bag and store for up to 2 months. Just let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before enjoying.

Whether you’re craving a nostalgic treat or looking for a fun snack to share, Scotcheroos Cups are the way to go. Easy to make, no-bake, and endlessly customizable, they’re a delightful dessert that can easily be adapted to suit any taste or dietary need.

Give this recipe a try, and I promise it’ll become a new favorite in your household! Let me know in the comments how your Scotcheroos Cups turn out, or if you have any creative variations that you’d like to share.

A few other delicious and easy salty sweet snacks to make:

The BEST Gluten-free Twix Bars!

Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch Cups

Homemade Kudos Bars (gluten-free)

Addicting Crunchy Grain-free Granola Bars (vegan)