Trisha Yearwood’s Butterscotch Bars

Introduction

Trisha Yearwood’s Butterscotch Bars have quickly become one of my favorite go-to dessert recipes. These bars are not only easy to make but they also deliver a rich, chewy, and buttery treat that satisfies every sweet craving. I first made them for a family gathering, and they were an instant hit. The combination of butterscotch chips and brown sugar creates a deeply satisfying sweetness that’s not overwhelming, while the chopped nuts (if you choose to add them) provide a lovely crunch that perfectly complements the soft, dense texture of the bars. My family was hooked, and we’ve made these bars countless times since. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving a quick and delicious dessert, these Butterscotch Bars never disappoint.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup butterscotch chips
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
   In a large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, light brown sugar, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
3. Add the Eggs:
   Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This ensures the eggs are fully incorporated into the mixture, creating a smooth batter.
4. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
   In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix well to evenly distribute the dry ingredients.
5. Mix the Wet and Dry Ingredients:
   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can affect the texture of the bars.
6. Fold in the Butterscotch Chips and Nuts (if using):
   Gently fold in the butterscotch chips and, if desired, the chopped pecans or walnuts. The chips will melt slightly into the batter while baking, giving the bars a deliciously rich flavor.
7. Prepare the Pan:
   Pour the batter into the prepared 8×8-inch baking pan and spread it out evenly to ensure the bars bake uniformly.
8. Bake the Bars:
   Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Be sure to check the bars towards the end of the baking time to prevent overbaking.
9. Cool and Slice:
   Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares. Cutting them while they are still warm may cause them to fall apart, so give them time to set.
10. Enjoy:
    Serve and enjoy these rich and chewy Butterscotch Bars that are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth!

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 12
• Calories per serving: 250

Nutrition Breakdown (per serving):

• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 110mg
• Fat: 13g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 31g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 55mg

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes (including cooling time)

How to Serve

• Serve as a Sweet Snack: These butterscotch bars are perfect for an afternoon snack or dessert. Enjoy them with a cup of coffee or tea.
• With Ice Cream: For an extra indulgent treat, serve a warm piece of butterscotch bar with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.
• At Parties or Gatherings: Cut them into smaller squares and serve at parties or family gatherings as an easy, shareable dessert.
• As a Breakfast Treat: While they may be more of a dessert, these bars can also be a sweet breakfast treat with a cup of coffee.

Additional Tips

1. Don’t Overmix the Batter: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to dense, tough bars.
2. Adjust the Nuts: If you’re not a fan of nuts, feel free to skip them entirely. The bars are just as delicious without them, but they do add a nice texture and flavor.
3. Check for Doneness: Start checking the bars at the 25-minute mark. They should be golden on top, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
4. Cool Completely Before Cutting: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting to ensure they hold their shape.
5. Add Extra Flavor: For a deeper flavor, try adding a dash of cinnamon or a pinch of sea salt on top of the bars after baking.

Recipe Variations

• Chocolate Butterscotch Bars: Substitute half of the butterscotch chips with chocolate chips for a delicious twist.
• Caramel Butterscotch Bars: Drizzle some caramel sauce over the bars after baking to give them a rich, caramel flavor in addition to the butterscotch.
• Peanut Butter Butterscotch Bars: Add a half cup of peanut butter to the batter to give these bars a nutty, creamy flavor.
• Vegan Butterscotch Bars: Use vegan butter and flax eggs or chia eggs as a substitute for regular eggs and butter to make these bars vegan-friendly.
• Gluten-Free Butterscotch Bars: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these bars gluten-free while maintaining the same delicious flavor and texture.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with Hot Beverages: These bars go wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee, hot chocolate, or a rich latte. The sweetness of the bars complements the bitterness of the coffee perfectly.
• Serve with Fresh Fruit: Pair these rich bars with a side of fresh fruit, such as strawberries or raspberries, to add a refreshing contrast to their sweetness.
• With Whipped Cream: For an extra decadent touch, serve these bars with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• As a Dessert Table Treat: Cut the bars into small squares and place them on a dessert table alongside other treats for an impressive dessert spread.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: These butterscotch bars freeze well. Once they’ve cooled completely, place them in an airtight container and store in the freezer for up to 2 months. To enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature or warm them up in the microwave.
• Storage: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, place them in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar?
   Yes, dark brown sugar will add a slightly richer flavor, but the bars will still turn out delicious.
2. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
   Yes, you can use margarine as a substitute for butter if needed.
3. How can I make these bars more chewy?
   To make them chewier, try reducing the amount of flour by 1/4 cup and baking for a slightly shorter time.
4. Can I use other types of chips in place of butterscotch?
   Yes, chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, or even white chocolate chips would work well as alternatives.
5. Do I have to use nuts?
   No, you can skip the nuts if you prefer a smooth, butterscotch-only bar. They’re delicious with or without them!
6. Can I use almond flour for gluten-free bars?
   Almond flour could work, but it will change the texture and flavor significantly. I recommend using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for better results.
7. Can I double this recipe?
   Yes, you can double the recipe and bake it in a 9×13-inch pan. Just be sure to adjust the baking time slightly.
8. How do I know when the bars are done?
   When a toothpick comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, the bars are done. They should also be golden on top.
9. Can I add more sugar for extra sweetness?
   You can increase the sugar by a tablespoon or two if you prefer sweeter bars, but be careful not to add too much, as it could affect the texture.
10. Can I add frosting to these bars?
    You can certainly frost them with a simple buttercream or cream cheese frosting if you want to add an extra layer of sweetness and creaminess.

Conclusion

Trisha Yearwood’s Butterscotch Bars are the perfect treat to satisfy your sweet tooth. The combination of soft, chewy texture, rich butterscotch flavor, and the optional crunch of nuts makes them irresistible. Whether you’re serving them at a family gathering, enjoying them as an afternoon snack, or packing them up as a homemade gift, these bars are always a crowd-pleaser. Simple to make, delightful to eat, and always a hit, these bars are a must-try for any dessert lover!

Print