Butterscotch Bars

Whenever I crave something sweet and nostalgic, I whip up these irresistibly fudgy butterscotch bars.

Thick, chewy, buttery, and studded with melty butterscotch chips, they hit the spot every time.

I’d swear they came from a bakery if I didn’t make them myself. 

The best part? They’re incredibly easy to make, so you can indulge anytime a craving strikes.

Square slices of butterscotch bars stacked on top of each other served on a white plate, side view

Why You’ll Love These Butterscotch Bars

Timeless Taste: With a rich, buttery sweetness and deep caramel notes, these bars embody a cozy, old-fashioned flavor. 

Simple Ingredients: Whip these up with common pantry staples – no fancy ingredients required. You don’t even need a mixer!

Crowd-Pleaser: For parties, potlucks, or family gatherings, these dessert bars will steal the show!

Make-Ahead Must: These treats store well, so they’re perfect for party prepping or even as gifts during the holidays.

Whole butterscotch bars on top of parchment paper.

Ingredients

  • Salted Butter: Adds rich flavor and moisture, creating a buttery base for the bars.
  • Light Brown Sugar: Brings a warm, caramel-like sweetness that complements the butterscotch.
  • Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps achieve a chewy texture.
  • Eggs: Bind the ingredients and add richness. You’ll use a couple of yolks to make the bars extra tender and fudgy.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor with a sweet, fragrant note.
  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and ensures the bars hold together.
  • Cornstarch: Keeps the bars soft and helps them maintain a tender texture.
  • Baking Powder: Adds a bit of lift for a light, chewy bite.
  • Butterscotch Chips: The star of the show, adding bursts of sweet, buttery flavor in every bite.
Hand holding a piece of butterscotch bar.

How to Make Butterscotch Bars

There’s something about the combination of rich, gooey butterscotch and a soft, buttery bar that I just can’t resist.

And the aroma that fills the kitchen while these bars are baking? It’s enough to make your mouth water.

Luckily, they’re about as easy to make as a boxed mix!

1. PREP. Grease and line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang.

2. MIX WET: Whisk the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth. Beat in the egg, yolks, and vanilla.

3. MIX DRY: Whisk the flour, cornstarch, and baking powder in a separate bowl.

4. COMBINE: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing until halfway combined. Stir in 3/4 cup of butterscotch chips.

5. SPREAD: Evenly spread the batter into the pan and sprinkle with remaining chips.

6. BAKE: Bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes until golden brown. Let the bars cool completely before cutting. Enjoy!

Butterscotch bars with mini butterscotch chips served on a white plate.

Tips For the Best Butterscotch Bars

These butterscotch bars are perfect for a cozy night in, a family gathering, or even as a special treat to brighten someone’s day.

And with these tips, they’ll be perfect every time.

  • Quality matters. High-quality butterscotch chips will provide a richer, more authentic flavor than generic chips.
  • Avoid overmixing. Mix the wet and dry ingredients just until combined. Mixing too much will make the bars tough.
  • Make ‘em gooey. To achieve a gooey, chewy texture, slightly underbake them.
  • Add a topping. Feeling extra indulgent? Add a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. You can also drizzle them with salted caramel or butterscotch sauce.
  • Mix-ins ideas. Add more flavor and texture with mix-ins like chopped nuts, chocolate chips, M&M’s, or dried fruit.
Square slices of butterscotch bars on top of parchment paper, top view

How to Store

The recipe for these butterscotch bars yields a generous amount. 

You know what that means, right? There’s plenty to share, and you’ll still have leftovers, too.

To Store: Place cooled bars in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper. Store at room temperature for up to 5 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

To Freeze: Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

More Delicious Desserts You’ll Love

Frosted Eggnog Cookies
Red Velvet Whoopie Pies
Potato Chip Cookies
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars

Butterscotch Bars

Course: DessertCuisine: American
Servings

18

servings
Prep time

15

minutes
Cooking time

30

minutes
Calories

316

kcal

These fudgy butterscotch bars are packed with buttery richness and studded with butterscotch chips. They’re easy to make and irresistibly delicious.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup salted butter, melted and cooled

  • 1 cup light brown sugar, packed

  • 1 cup granulated sugar

  • 1 large egg + 2 egg yolks

  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch

  • 1 teaspoon baking powder

  • 1 cup butterscotch chips, divided

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. Beat in the egg and yolks one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, cornstarch, and baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until about halfway combined. Add 3/4 cup of butterscotch chips and mix just until no streaks of flour are visible.
  • Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan and sprinkle the remaining butterscotch chips on top. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
  • Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. Enjoy!

Notes

  • Quality matters. High-quality butterscotch chips will provide a richer, more authentic flavor than generic chips.
  • Make ‘em gooey. To achieve a gooey, chewy texture, slightly underbake them.

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