Butterscotch Cereal Treats

These Rice Krispy squares with a butterscotch twist have become my go-to crowd pleaser for family events and potlucks. The deep caramel flavor from the butterscotch pudding takes this well-loved snack to a whole new level - they're always the first thing to vanish from the table!

I came up with this butterscotch version when my daughter needed something quick for a school fundraiser. They were such a big hit that parents kept asking me for my secret, and now I'm stuck making them for every school event!

Ingredients

• Rice Krispies cereal: 6 cups gives you that perfect snap - always go for a newly opened box for the best crunch
• Butter: ¼ cup forms the rich foundation for your marshmallow mix - stick with unsalted to keep sweetness in check
• Miniature marshmallows: 10 oz package will melt more uniformly than their larger cousins for a better texture
• Butterscotch Instant Pudding: 1 small box is our magic touch that brings in those amazing caramel undertones
• Cooking spray: just a light coat to stop sticking - pick one without strong flavors

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Your Pan:

Coat a 9x13 casserole dish with a thin layer of cooking spray, covering bottom and sides completely. This key step keeps your treats from getting stuck and makes them easy to serve later.

Melt The Butter:

Using a large pot with a thick bottom, slowly melt the butter over low heat until fully liquified. Keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn't brown or burn.

Incorporate Marshmallows And Pudding:

Dump in the full pack of mini marshmallows and the butterscotch pudding powder. The pudding mix will blend into the marshmallows as they melt, creating a smooth butterscotch flavor throughout.

Melt And Mix:

Keep the heat low and stir non-stop with a wooden spoon or rubber spatula. Don't stop mixing until all marshmallows have completely dissolved and you've got a smooth mixture with no lumps, which takes about 3-4 minutes.

Add Rice Krispies:

Take the pot off the heat and quickly add all 6 cups of cereal. Fold it in gently but work fast to coat every bit of cereal before the mixture starts hardening.

Transfer And Shape:

Dump the sticky cereal mix into your greased dish. Use wax paper or slightly wet hands to press it down firmly into an even layer without crushing the cereal too much.

Cool And Cut:

Let everything cool at room temp for about half an hour until firm. Once set, cut into squares using a sharp knife. Clean the knife with warm water between cuts for neater results.

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Adding butterscotch pudding mix was actually a happy accident. I ran low on marshmallows one time and grabbed the pudding to help everything stick together. Not only did it fix the binding issue, but it created this amazing caramel flavor that my family now likes better than the classic version.

Storage Tips

Keep these butterscotch goodies in an airtight container at room temperature and they'll stay fresh for up to 5 days. Put wax paper between layers so they don't stick together. I don't recommend putting them in the fridge as they get too hard. If you need to store them longer, wrap squares individually and freeze them for up to 3 months. Just let them sit out for about 30 minutes before eating.

Variation Ideas

The basic mix is amazing on its own, but you can jazz it up by mixing in half a cup of butterscotch chips for extra flavor punch. White chocolate chips also work really well with the butterscotch taste. Want to get fancy? Try browning your butter first for nutty, deeper caramel notes that really bring out the butterscotch. During fall, a tiny sprinkle of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice adds a cozy touch.

Serving Suggestions

These treats taste great by themselves, but try them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a next-level dessert. The mix of cold, creamy ice cream and chewy butterscotch treats is really something special. For parties, try drizzling melted chocolate or butterscotch sauce over the cooled treats before cutting them. They're also great for dessert bars where guests can add their own toppings like sprinkles, crushed nuts or caramel drizzle.

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You'll fall in love with these butterscotch treats that bring a caramel twist to a childhood favorite!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I swap in flavored marshmallows for this snack?

Sure, flavored marshmallows can change things up! Just know the butterscotch flavor might get toned down.

→ What’s the trick to keeping my hands clean while pressing the mix?

Rub your hands with a tiny bit of oil or press the mix using wax paper for a mess-free experience.

→ Can regular pudding take the place of instant pudding?

Stick with instant pudding since it blends smoothly. Cooked pudding doesn’t work as well for this treat.

→ What’s the best way to store these snacks?

Keep them fresh in a sealed container at room temp for about a week. Don’t refrigerate—they’ll get tough.

→ Are mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts an option?

Absolutely! Toss in extras like chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried berries to add flavor variety.