These indulgent Butterscotch Bars, inspired by Trisha Yearwood’s recipe, offer a perfect balance of rich, buttery flavor and the sweetness of butterscotch chips. These bars are simple to prepare, and their chewy texture and melt-in-your-mouth goodness make them an irresistible treat. Whether you’re craving a quick dessert for a family gathering or looking to satisfy your sweet tooth, these bars are sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup butterscotch chips
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until smooth. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the creamed butter and sugar mixture, stirring until fully incorporated.
- Fold in the butterscotch chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the bars to cool in the pan before cutting them into squares.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12 bars
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
Variations
- Add nuts: For extra texture and flavor, try adding 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter.
- Use chocolate chips: If you’re a fan of chocolate, substitute the butterscotch chips with semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips for a different twist.
- Add frosting: For a more indulgent dessert, top the cooled bars with a layer of chocolate ganache or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store the butterscotch bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: You can also freeze these bars for up to 2 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap before freezing. To enjoy, simply let them thaw at room temperature.
- Reheating: If you prefer warm bars, heat them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.
10 FAQs
- Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter? Yes, but reduce the amount of added salt in the recipe to balance the flavors.
- What can I substitute for butterscotch chips? You can substitute butterscotch chips with chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, or even caramel bits for a different flavor profile.
- 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 a few moist crumbs attached.
- Can I make these bars without eggs? Yes, you can substitute eggs with flax eggs or a store-bought egg replacer if needed.
- Why did my bars come out too crumbly? This may happen if the bars were overbaked. Ensure you don’t bake them for longer than the recommended time, and let them cool completely before cutting.
- Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can double the ingredients and bake in a larger pan (such as a 10×15-inch pan), but you may need to adjust the baking time slightly.
- Can I add other flavorings? Yes, adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg can give these bars a warm, spiced flavor.
- How should I cut the bars? After allowing them to cool completely, use a sharp knife to cut into even squares for the perfect presentation.
- Can I freeze the dough before baking? Yes, you can freeze the batter before baking. Simply cover it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Let it thaw slightly before spreading in the pan and baking.
- Can I make these gluten-free? Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make the bars gluten-free. Just make sure the baking powder and other ingredients are also gluten-free.
Conclusion
Trisha Yearwood’s Butterscotch Bars are a fantastic dessert choice that combines ease with delicious results. With their buttery, chewy texture and rich flavor from the brown sugar and butterscotch chips, these bars are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. Whether enjoyed on their own or paired with a scoop of ice cream, they’re a crowd-pleasing treat that’s quick to make and always a hit.