Butterscotch Bars

These buttery, chewy butterscotch bars with a smooth peanut butter glaze are the perfect dessert for any occasion. With a combination of creamy peanut butter, butterscotch chips, and oatmeal, this treat is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving something sweet, these bars are a must-try!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Trisha Yearwood’s Butterscotch Bars are an irresistible treat that blends the richness of peanut butter with the sweetness of butterscotch chips. The chewy texture from the oatmeal adds the perfect balance, while the decadent peanut butter glaze takes these bars to the next level. Whether you’re a fan of peanut butter or butterscotch, this dessert will satisfy your cravings in every bite. Plus, the easy-to-make recipe ensures you’ll have a batch of these delicious bars ready in no time!

Ingredients

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

Wet Ingredients

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter, divided
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup quick-cooking oatmeal

Add-Ins & Toppings

• 1 cup butterscotch chips

For the Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 4 tablespoons milk
• 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter

Directions

1. Preheat Your Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and 1/2 cup peanut butter using an electric mixer. Beat until light and fluffy. Add in the egg and vanilla extract, and continue mixing until well combined.
3. Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Stir in the oatmeal to add texture to the bars.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until fully incorporated. The dough will be thick and slightly sticky.
5. Assemble the Bars: Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the butterscotch chips over the top, pressing them lightly into the batter.
6. Bake to Perfection: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. To check doneness, insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
7. Prepare the Glaze: While the bars are baking, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and the remaining 1/4 cup of peanut butter until smooth and creamy.
8. Finish with a Glaze: As soon as the bars come out of the oven, pour the glaze over the warm surface. Spread it evenly with a spatula.
9. Cool and Serve: Let the bars cool completely before slicing. This helps the glaze set and ensures clean cuts.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 12 bars

Variations

• Chocolate Chips: Add chocolate chips to the dough for a richer flavor profile.
• Nuts: Include chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
• Coconut: Add shredded coconut to the dough or as a topping for a tropical twist.
• Double Glaze: For an even sweeter finish, you can drizzle the bars with a second layer of glaze once they’ve cooled.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the butterscotch bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer shelf life, refrigerate for up to a week.
• Reheating: To enjoy the bars warm, microwave them for 10-15 seconds, or warm them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy peanut butter?

Yes, you can substitute crunchy peanut butter, but the bars will have a more textured bite.

2. Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour.

3. Can I freeze these bars?

Yes, you can freeze the bars. Place them in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers, and freeze for up to 3 months.

4. How can I make the glaze thicker?

If you’d like the glaze to be thicker, reduce the amount of milk slightly or add a bit more powdered sugar.

5. Can I use old-fashioned oats instead of quick oats?

Yes, old-fashioned oats can be used, but the texture of the bars may be slightly different.

6. How do I prevent the glaze from being too runny?

Make sure the glaze ingredients are well-mixed and that you’re using powdered sugar for the right consistency. If it’s too runny, add more powdered sugar.

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

The bars are done when the edges turn golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

8. Can I add other chips to the batter?

Yes, feel free to add chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, or even peanut butter chips for added flavor.

9. Can I make the glaze in advance?

It’s best to make the glaze fresh while the bars are baking so that it’s warm when poured over the bars. However, you can refrigerate the glaze and warm it before using.

10. Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?

You can try reducing the sugar slightly, but keep in mind that it may alter the texture and sweetness of the bars.

Conclusion

Trisha Yearwood’s Butterscotch Bars are a delightful combination of buttery richness, chewy texture, and a sweet peanut butter glaze. These bars are easy to make, versatile with various add-ins, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party or just indulging in a homemade treat, these bars are sure to impress. Try them today, and enjoy a delicious dessert that everyone will love!

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