If you’ve got a soft spot for old-fashioned dessert bars, these Butterscotch Bars might just become your new favorite. This recipe is inspired by Trisha Yearwood, and let me tell you, it’s one of those no-fuss, high-reward kind of bakes. These bars are rich, chewy, and loaded with that warm butterscotch flavor we all love.
I made these for the first time when I had friends over for coffee, and they were gone before the pot was empty. Every bite has the perfect balance of sweet brown sugar, buttery richness, and soft texture, with just a little crunch from the pecans. And the best part? They come together fast. No need to cream butter, no electric mixer, just a few bowls and about 45 minutes from start to finish.
These bars are perfect for potlucks, bake sales, or just something sweet to have on hand during the week.
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 cups packed brown sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup butterscotch chips
½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
How to Make Butterscotch Bars
1. Preheat the oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper if you want easy cleanup later.
2. Mix the dry ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This step helps evenly distribute the baking powder so your bars rise just right.
3. Make the batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and brown sugar. Stir until smooth. Add in the eggs and vanilla, and mix until everything is well blended. It’ll smell like a brown sugar dream already.
4. Combine the wet and dry
Gradually stir in the flour mixture until just combined. Don’t overmix here—you want to keep the bars soft and tender.
5. Fold in the extras
Add the butterscotch chips and chopped nuts, if you’re using them. The chips add sweetness and melt into little pockets of goodness, while the nuts bring in that satisfying crunch.
6. Bake the bars
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Your kitchen is going to smell incredible.
7. Cool and slice
Let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing them into squares. Trust me, they’re worth the wait.
Serving Tip
These butterscotch bars pair perfectly with a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of coffee. They also freeze well, so you can stash a few away for later… if they last that long.
Whether you’re baking for the holidays or just because, this butterscotch bar recipe is the kind of treat that makes you feel right at home. Simple ingredients, big flavor, and easy enough for any level of baker.
