Old Fashioned Butterscotch Bars Recipe

Introduction

These Old Fashioned Butterscotch Bars are a nostalgic treat with a rich, buttery flavor and delightful sweetness from the butterscotch chips. Perfectly chewy and easy to make, they’re great for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as a comforting snack.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup salted butter, softened (4 ounces)
• 2 cups light brown sugar (400 grams)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (10 grams)
• 2 large eggs
• 2 cups all-purpose flour (260 grams)
• 2 teaspoons baking powder (8 grams)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (2 grams)
• 1 cup butterscotch chips

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray, then line it with a piece of parchment paper. Spray the top of the parchment paper as well to prevent sticking.
2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and light brown sugar using an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
3. Step 3: Add the vanilla extract and eggs to the butter and sugar mixture. Mix well until fully combined.
4. Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
5. Step 5: Fold the butterscotch chips gently into the dough until evenly distributed.
6. Step 6: Spread the cookie dough evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the bars are set in the middle.
7. Step 7: Remove from the oven and cut into bars while still warm, using a plastic knife for clean edges. Allow to cool completely before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use an electric mixer for creaming butter and sugar to achieve a light, fluffy texture.
• Swap butterscotch chips for white chocolate chips or a mix of both for a different flavor.
• For a nuttier twist, add 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts to the dough before baking.
• If you prefer softer bars, slightly underbake by reducing baking time by 3-5 minutes.

Storage

Store these bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them refrigerated for up to a week. Reheat briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to soften before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted butter?

Yes, you can use unsalted butter. Just add a pinch more salt to the dough to compensate for the missing saltiness.

Can these bars be frozen?

Absolutely! Wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Old Fashioned Butterscotch Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 129 reviews

These Old Fashioned Butterscotch Bars feature a rich, buttery base combined with the sweet, caramel-like flavor of butterscotch chips. Easy to prepare and perfect for a nostalgic dessert, these bars are soft in the center with a lightly crisped edge, making them a delightful treat for any occasion.

• Author: Amy
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
• Total Time: 45-50 minutes
• Yield: 12–16 bars 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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Wet Ingredients

• 1/2 cup salted butter, softened (4 ounces)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (10 grams)
• 2 large eggs

Dry Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour (260 grams)
• 2 teaspoons baking powder (8 grams)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (2 grams)

Sweeteners and Mix-ins

• 2 cups light brown sugar (400 grams)
• 1 cup butterscotch chips

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (177ºC). Spray a 9×13″ baking pan with cooking spray, then line it with parchment paper. Spray the top of the parchment paper as well to prevent sticking.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter and light brown sugar until smooth and well combined. This step ensures a soft and tender bar texture.
3. Add Vanilla and Eggs: Incorporate the vanilla extract and eggs into the creamed mixture. Mix thoroughly to combine all wet ingredients evenly.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing well to form a thick dough.
5. Fold in Butterscotch Chips: Gently fold in the butterscotch chips, distributing them evenly throughout the dough without over-mixing.
6. Spread and Bake: Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until the bars appear set in the center and a toothpick inserted comes out mostly clean.
7. Cool and Cut: While still warm, carefully cut the bars using a plastic knife to prevent cracking. Allow the bars to cool completely before serving to let them firm up.

Notes

• Using a plastic knife to cut the bars while warm helps prevent cracking and ensures neat pieces.
• Make sure the butter is softened, not melted, for proper creaming with the sugar.
• Line the pan with parchment paper to easily lift out the bars for cutting and serving.
• These bars store well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• For a richer flavor, you can substitute half the butter with browned butter.

Keywords: Butterscotch bars, old fashioned dessert, easy dessert bars, baking bars, sweet treats