Butterscotch Pumpkin Cheerio Treat Bars

If you’re looking for a quick fall treat that’s simple but still feels special, these Butterscotch Pumpkin Cheerio Treat Bars are the answer. The combination of butterscotch, marshmallow, and pumpkin spice creates a cozy flavor that’s perfect for the season. No oven needed, just a few ingredients and less than 10 minutes of prep time.

I’m kicking off fall baking with these Butterscotch Pumpkin Cheerio Treat Bars. If these bars are giving you a sense of déjà vu, there’s a reason. They are inspired by the recipe I shared last year for Emily’s Cheerio Treat Bars.

What I love about these Butterscotch Pumpkin Cheerio Treat Bars is that actually no baking is required. In fact, the only kitchen appliance you need is a microwave. It doesn’t get much easier than that. These bars can be made in under 10 minutes. You can dig in as soon as the white chocolate sets.

The original recipe for these treat bars features the classically delicious pairing of peanut butter and chocolate. To give my version a new and seasonal twist, I opted for butterscotch, pumpkin spice, and white chocolate.

(Since I’m a big fan of butterscotch, I’m slightly obsessed with this lavor twist. However, if butterscotch isn’t your jam, feel free to substitute peanut butter chips. I’m sure they would be equally wonderful.)

I also added a couple spices: pumpkin spice to the bars and cinnamon to the white chocolate drizzle. These spices bring out the seasonal warmth and flavor of the treats.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• These bars come together in no time. Since everything is mixed and melted in the microwave, you can have these ready in less than 10 minutes.
• It’s a seasonal twist on a nostalgic favorite. If you grew up making Cheerios or Rice Krispie treat bars, this version will feel familiar but with a fun fall makeover thanks to pumpkin spice Cheerios, butterscotch, and cinnamon. A must-make fall treat.
• The flavors and textures are spot on. You get that chewy-crunchy balance from the cereal and marshmallows, a smooth creamy sweetness from the butterscotch, and just enough spice to make them taste warm and cozy.

Enjoy pumpkin recipes? Me too! That why I know you’ll love this collection of my best pumpkin recipes for fall. There’s so much to love!

Ingredients

It’s time to get together all of the ingredients you’ll need to make this sweet fall treat. Here’s what to gather:

• Butterscotch chips – These melt into a smooth, sweet base that gives the bars their signature butterscotch flavor.
• Light corn syrup – Helps bind everything together while adding just the right amount of sweetness.
• Butter – Adds richness and makes the bars soft and chewy rather than overly sticky.
• Miniature marshmallows – They melt down to create the gooey, chewy texture that holds the cereal in place.
• Pumpkin pie spice – A cozy blend of warm spices that enhances the seasonal flavor of the bars.
• Pumpkin Spice Cheerios – The star ingredient that gives these bars their crunch and a festive pumpkin spice twist.
• White chocolate chips – Melted and drizzled on top for a creamy finish and an extra layer of sweetness.
• Cinnamon – Mixed into the white chocolate drizzle for a warm, spicy accent that ties everything together.

How to Make

I’m going to show you how to make these Butterscotch Pumpkin Cheerio Treat Bars. I’ll take you through the steps below. I’ve also provided a full ingredient list and detailed instructions in the printable recipe card below. 

1. Lightly spray a 9×13″ cake pan with cooking spray. Set aside.
2. In a large microwave-safe bowl, microwave butterscotch chips, light corn syrup, butter, and mini marshmallows on high for 2-3 minutes or until smooth. Stir after each minute.
3. Stir in the pumpkin pie spice until evenly mixed.

4. Add the Cheerios and quickly mix them in until they are evenly coated.
5. Press the Cheerio mixture into your prepared pan. Press with a spoon (or your hands) that have been lightly sprayed with cooking spray.

6. In a small bowl, melt the white chocolate chips in the microwave. Heat at 30-second intervals, stirring in between. Heat until smooth; then stir in the cinnamon.

7. Spread the chocolate evenly over the bars. (Alternatively, add the melted white chocolate to a plastic baggie and then snip off one corner of the baggie in order to drizzle the chocolate over the bars.)
8. Refrigerate for about one hour or until firm. Slice and serve. Store in an airtight container.

And that’s it! I’m totally loving these easy-to-make bars.

I think that all of us who are ready for Pumpkin Spice Season should make a batch of these for our friends who are hating on anything fall at the moment. I guarantee that after one bite, we will have won them over to our side.

Totally simple, right?

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use regular Cheerios if I can’t find the Pumpkin Spice variety?

Yes, regular Cheerios (or even Honey Nut Cheerios) will work. You’ll lose some of the pumpkin flavor, but the butterscotch and spices will still give you a cozy fall-inspired treat.

How far in advance can I make these?

These bars are best enjoyed within 2–3 days of making them, but you can prepare them a day ahead and store them covered until ready to serve. The texture holds up well, especially if kept cool.

Can I freeze these bars?

Yes, they freeze surprisingly well. Wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap or foil, place them in a freezer bag, and store for up to a month. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

What’s the best way to cut them neatly?

Spray a sharp knife with a little cooking spray before slicing. This keeps the marshmallow and butterscotch mixture from sticking and helps you get clean edges.

Can I switch up the topping instead of using white chocolate?

Definitely. You could drizzle melted milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even caramel sauce instead of the white chocolate and cinnamon. It’s an easy way to make the bars your own.

More Pumpkin Bar Recipes You’ll Love

• Pumpkin Pie Bars
• Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars
• Pumpkin Cranberry Bars
• Classic Pumpkin Bars
• Pumpkin Pie Cake Bars

PS. In case you’re wondering how the Pumpkin Spice Cheerios taste on their own, I think they’re pretty yummy. I haven’t had them with milk yet, but they make a splendid afternoon snack right out of the box.

 If you give these Butterscotch Pumpkin Cheerio Bars a try, I’d love to hear what you think. Please stop back and leave a comment and a 5-star rating below. I’d appreciate it! Happy Fall!

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Butterscotch Pumpkin Cheerio Treat Bars

These Butterscotch Pumpkin Cheerio Treat Bars are a seasonal take on classic cereal bars. They are so simple to make and packed with the pumpkin spice flavor you love.

Print Pin Rate

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American

Keyword: butterscotch, cereal bar, cheerio treat bars, cheerios, fall baking, pumpkin spice

Prep Time: 25 minutes minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes minutes

Servings: 24

Calories: 141kcal

Ingredients

• 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
• 6 cups Pumpkin Spice Cheerios
• 1 cup white chocolate chips
• 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions

• Lightly spray a 9×13″ cake pan with cooking spray. Set aside.
• In a large microwave-safe bowl, microwave butterscotch chips, light corn syrup, butter, and mini marshmallows on high for 2-3 minutes or until smooth. Stir after each minute.
• Stir in the pumpkin pie spice until evenly mixed.
• Add the Cheerios and quickly mix them in until they are evenly coated.
• Press the Cheerio mixture into your prepared pan. Press with a spoon (or your hands) that have been lightly sprayed with cooking spray.
• In a small bowl, melt the white chocolate chips in the microwave. Heat at 30-second intervals, stirring in between. Heat until smooth; then stir in the cinnamon.
• Spread the chocolate evenly over the bars. (Alternatively, add the melted white chocolate to a plastic baggie and then snip off one corner of the baggie in order to drizzle the chocolate over the bars.)
• Refrigerate for about one hour or until firm. Slice and serve. Store in an airtight container.

Nutrition

Calories: 141kcal | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 5mg | Sodium: 59mg | Potassium: 56mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 18g | Vitamin A: 219IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 36mg | Iron: 2mg