Description
These Butterscotch Pumpkin Cheerio Treat Bars are a delightful autumn-inspired no-bake dessert featuring a chewy blend of butterscotch chips, pumpkin spice Cheerios, and a smooth white chocolate cinnamon drizzle. Perfect for fall gatherings or a sweet snack, these bars combine seasonal flavors with a quick and easy preparation.
Ingredients
Scale
Butterscotch Mixture
- 11 oz. bag (about 1 ½ cups) butterscotch chips
- 3/4 cup light corn syrup
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 1/2 cups miniature marshmallows
- ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
Main Mixture
- 6 cups Pumpkin Spice Cheerios
White Chocolate Topping
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Prepare Pan: Lightly spray a 9×13-inch cake pan with cooking spray and set it aside to prevent sticking.
- Melt Butterscotch Mixture: In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the butterscotch chips, light corn syrup, butter, and miniature marshmallows. Microwave on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring after each minute until the mixture is smooth and fully melted.
- Add Pumpkin Spice: Stir in ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice until the mixture is evenly mixed to infuse the butterscotch base with warm seasonal flavor.
- Combine with Cheerios: Immediately add the 6 cups of Pumpkin Spice Cheerios to the warm mixture. Quickly but gently stir until all the Cheerios are evenly coated with the butterscotch mixture.
- Press into Pan: Transfer the coated Cheerios into the prepared pan, pressing the mixture firmly and evenly with a spoon or lightly sprayed hands to ensure the bars hold together.
- Melt White Chocolate: In a small bowl, microwave the white chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth and melted. Stir in 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon to add a touch of warmth.
- Top Bars: Spread the melted white chocolate cinnamon mixture evenly over the pressed Cheerios bars. Alternatively, place the melted chocolate into a plastic bag, snip off a corner, and drizzle decoratively over the bars.
- Refrigerate: Place the pan in the refrigerator and chill for about one hour or until the bars are firm and the topping is set.
- Serve and Store: Once firm, slice into 24 bars. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Lightly spraying your hands or spoon when pressing the mixture helps prevent sticking.
- Using microwave-safe bowls and stirring frequently ensures the chocolate and butterscotch melt evenly without burning.
- Bars can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
- For a stronger pumpkin flavor, add a bit more pumpkin pie spice or include a small amount of pumpkin puree (adjust dry ingredients accordingly).
- These bars are best enjoyed chilled but can soften slightly at room temperature.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (approximate)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 85 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 21 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg
