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Butterscotch Butter Bars Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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