Butterscotch Butter Bars Recipe
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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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