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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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