Butterscotch Butter Bars Recipe

Introduction

These butterscotch bars combine the rich flavors of peanut butter and sweet butterscotch chips in a soft, chewy treat. Topped with a creamy peanut butter glaze, they’re perfect for a cozy dessert or an indulgent snack.

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
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup quick-cooking oatmeal
• 1 cup butterscotch chips
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 4 tablespoons milk
• 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter to prevent sticking.
2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and 1/2 cup peanut butter using an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well incorporated.
3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Stir in the oatmeal for added texture.
4. Step 4: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until fully combined. The dough will be thick and slightly sticky.
5. Step 5: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle butterscotch chips over the top, pressing them lightly into the batter.
6. Step 6: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
7. Step 7: While the bars bake, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and the remaining 1/4 cup peanut butter until smooth and creamy.
8. Step 8: Remove the bars from the oven and immediately pour the glaze over the warm surface, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
9. Step 9: Let the bars cool completely before slicing to ensure clean cuts and allow the glaze to set.

Tips & Variations

• For a nut-free version, substitute sunflower seed butter for peanut butter and check that butterscotch chips are allergy-safe.
• Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the batter for extra crunch.
• If you prefer a thicker glaze, reduce the milk slightly or add more powdered sugar.

Storage

Store the butterscotch bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat briefly in the microwave if desired, but it’s best enjoyed fresh or at room temperature to preserve texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use old-fashioned oats instead of quick-cooking oatmeal?

Yes, you can use old-fashioned oats, but the texture will be chewier and less uniform. Quick-cooking oats blend more easily into the batter for a smoother texture.

What can I substitute for butterscotch chips?

If you don’t have butterscotch chips, white chocolate or caramel chips can be good alternatives, offering a similar sweet and creamy flavor.

Butterscotch Butter Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 66 reviews

Delightfully rich and chewy butterscotch bars featuring a peanut butter-infused base studded with butterscotch chips and topped with a smooth peanut butter glaze. These bars combine creamy, sweet, and nutty flavors in every bite, perfect for a comforting dessert or snack.

• Author: liam
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 24 bars 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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

Glaze Ingredients

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

Instructions

1. Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the bars.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, and 1/2 cup of creamy peanut butter until the mixture is light and fluffy. Then add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly until well combined.
3. Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Stir in the quick-cooking oatmeal to add texture to the bars.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring carefully until fully incorporated. The resulting dough will be thick and slightly sticky, which is perfect for the bars.
5. Assemble the Bars: Spread the dough evenly in the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the butterscotch chips evenly over the surface, pressing them lightly into the batter so they adhere well.
6. Bake to Perfection: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. The edges should turn golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
7. Prepare the Glaze: While the bars are baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and the remaining 1/4 cup of creamy peanut butter until the glaze is smooth and creamy without lumps.
8. Finish with a Glaze: When the bars come out of the oven, immediately pour the glaze over the warm surface. Use a spatula to spread the glaze evenly across the bars while it’s still warm to ensure good coverage.
9. Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the baking dish before slicing. Cooling helps the glaze set properly and allows for clean, neat bars when sliced.

Notes

• You can substitute creamy peanut butter with natural peanut butter but ensure it’s smooth to maintain the right texture.
• If you prefer, add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.
• For a richer glaze, use half-and-half instead of milk.
• Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
• Make sure bars are fully cooled before slicing to avoid crumbling.

Keywords: butterscotch bars, peanut butter bars, chewy dessert bars, butterscotch chips, peanut butter glaze, easy dessert