Lonesome Cowboy Cajun Bars
Ingredients
24
servings
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup corn syrup
- 1 1/2 cup crunchy peanut butter
- 6 cups corn flakes
- 12 ounces butterscotch chips
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Over medium heat, bring sugar and syrup to a boil, stirring frequently. This should take about 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in peanut butter until well combined.
- Pour the peanut butter mixture over cornflakes in a large mixing bowl. Mix well until all the cereal is evenly coated, then pack firmly into a 9x13 cake pan that has been greased with butter.
- Melt butterscotch chips in microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until smooth (about 1-2 minutes total). Spread evenly on top of cereal mixture.
- Cool completely at room temperature or refrigerate for 10-15 minutes to speed up setting. Cut into 24 bars.
Common Problems and Solutions
Q: Why won't my butterscotch layer spread smoothly?
A: Make sure the butterscotch chips are fully melted and smooth. If they're too thick, microwave for another 15-20 seconds and stir. Work quickly while the butterscotch is still warm.
Q: Can I use smooth peanut butter instead of crunchy?
A: Yes, smooth peanut butter works fine, though you'll lose some of the texture contrast. The bars will be a bit less crunchy overall.
Tips and Techniques
Don’t let the sugar mixture boil too long or it will become too hard when cooled. Just bring it to a boil and remove from heat immediately. Press the cereal mixture firmly into the pan for bars that hold together better when cut.
Ingredient Substitutions
- corn flakes: rice cereal, bran flakes, or any leftover cereal
- butterscotch chips: chocolate chips or peanut butter chips
- crunchy peanut butter: smooth peanut butter
Equipment Needed
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium saucepan
- 9x13 inch cake pan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Microwave-safe bowl
