If you’re craving something rich, buttery, and sweet, these Butterscotch Bars are the perfect treat to satisfy your dessert cravings. With their warm, melt-in-your-mouth butterscotch flavor and delightful texture, they make a great snack or dessert for any occasion. These bars are easy to prepare and are sure to become a new favorite in your baking rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Butterscotch Bars are a great way to enjoy the beloved flavor of butterscotch in a chewy, comforting bar form. With just the right balance of sweetness and buttery richness, they’re perfect for a quick snack, a dessert after dinner, or a treat to share with family and friends. The addition of chopped pecans or walnuts (optional) gives them a nice crunch that pairs perfectly with the smooth, gooey butterscotch chips. This simple recipe is quick to make, and the bars bake up beautifully every time.

Ingredients

½ cup granulated sugar
½ cup packed brown sugar
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 large egg
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup butterscotch chips
½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
In a large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, and egg until smooth and fully combined.
Stir in the flour, baking powder, and salt until the dry ingredients are just incorporated into the wet mixture.
Fold in the butterscotch chips and, if desired, the chopped pecans or walnuts for added texture and flavor.
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Let the bars cool in the pan before cutting them into 16 squares for serving.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 35-40 minutes
Servings: 16 bars

Variations

Chocolate Chip Twist: Add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the batter for a chocolate and butterscotch combination.
Nut-Free: Omit the nuts if you prefer a smooth, nut-free bar. The butterscotch chips alone will provide plenty of flavor.
Coconut Delight: Fold in a bit of shredded coconut for an extra layer of sweetness and texture.
Spiced Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a warm, spiced version of these bars.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Keep the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Reheating: If you prefer warm bars, reheat them in the microwave for a few seconds or in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-10 minutes until warmed through.

FAQs

1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

Yes, you can use salted butter, but you may want to reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to avoid an overly salty taste.

2. Can I substitute the brown sugar with white sugar?

You can substitute brown sugar with white sugar, but the bars will lose some of the deep, rich flavor that the brown sugar imparts. Brown sugar also helps make the bars chewier.

3. Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Yes, margarine can be used as a substitute for butter, but the flavor may differ slightly. Butter typically adds more richness to the bars.

4. Can I use a larger baking dish?

If you use a larger baking dish, the bars may bake thinner and faster. You may need to adjust the baking time slightly, so keep an eye on them.

5. Can I freeze these bars?

Yes, you can freeze these bars! Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They’ll stay good for up to 3 months in the freezer.

6. Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes, these bars can be made a day or two ahead of time and stored in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh and delicious.

7. Can I add other chips like peanut butter chips?

Yes, you can experiment with different types of chips, such as peanut butter chips, to add a unique flavor to the bars.

8. Can I use gluten-free flour?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these bars gluten-free.

9. What can I substitute for the egg if I need to make these bars egg-free?

You can replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) for a vegan option.

10. How do I know when the bars are done baking?

The bars are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. They should also be golden brown around the edges.

Conclusion

Butterscotch Bars are a wonderfully simple yet indulgent treat that’s perfect for any occasion. The buttery, rich flavor of the butterscotch chips paired with the soft, chewy texture of the bars makes them a delightful snack or dessert. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can enjoy these sweet treats any time you’re craving something delicious and comforting.

Butterscotch Bars

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Print Recipe

Butterscotch Bars are a deliciously rich and buttery treat that combines the warm flavors of butterscotch with a soft, chewy texture. Baked to perfection and easy to make, these bars are a great snack or dessert for any occasion. With the option to add nuts or a chocolate twist, they’re sure to become a favorite in your baking rotation.

Total Time: 35-40 minutes
Yield: 16 bars

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish or line with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, and egg until smooth.
Stir in the flour, baking powder, and salt until combined.
Fold in the butterscotch chips and, if desired, the chopped nuts.
Spread the batter evenly in the prepared dish and smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the bars cool in the pan before cutting into 16 squares.

Notes

Chocolate Chip Twist: Add ½ cup of chocolate chips for a chocolate and butterscotch combo.
Nut-Free: Omit the nuts for a smooth, nut-free bar.
Coconut Delight: Add shredded coconut for extra flavor and texture.
Spiced Up: For a warm, spiced twist, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg.

Author: Sophia
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Category: Desserts, Bars, Baking
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian