Irresistible Homemade Butterscotch Bars Recipe – Sweet & Chewy

Butterscotch bars represent a delightful intersection of comfort and culinary creativity.

These sweet treats blend rich, caramel-adjacent flavors with a luxurious texture that melts effortlessly.

Warm notes of butter and brown sugar dance across the palate, creating a nostalgic sensory experience.

Each bar promises a complex flavor profile that converts ordinary moments into something special.

Smooth and indulgent, they challenge traditional dessert expectations with their unique charm.

Sophisticated yet approachable, these bars appeal to dessert lovers seeking something beyond standard confections.

Prepare to elevate your baking repertoire with a recipe that promises pure deliciousness.

Why You’ll Love Rich and Chewy Butterscotch Bars

• Savor Decadent Depth: These butterscotch bars pack incredible richness from brown sugar and maple flavoring, creating a complex sweet profile that dances across your taste buds with warm, caramel-like undertones.
• Nail Textural Perfection: Combining creamy butter with chopped nuts delivers an irresistible contrast between soft, chewy base and crunchy pecan/walnut bits, ensuring every bite offers delightful sensory excitement.
• Master Quick Baking Ease: Requiring just one mixing bowl, simple ingredient blending, and a straightforward 30-minute baking time, this recipe welcomes bakers of all skill levels to create something impressively delicious without complicated techniques.

The Best Ingredients for Rich and Chewy Butterscotch Bars

• Brown Sugar: Deep caramel-like sweetness that forms the core of butterscotch flavor profile.
• Butter: Rich, creamy foundation that provides tender texture and enhances overall richness.
• Maple Flavoring: Adds warm, sweet notes that complement the butterscotch essence.

• Eggs: Crucial for structure, moisture, and helping bind all ingredients together.
• Flour: Provides structure and creates the classic bar texture.
• Baking Powder: Ensures light and soft rise for the bars.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor complexity.

• Pecans, Walnuts: Optional add-ins that provide delightful nutty crunch and earthy undertones.

How to Make Rich and Chewy Butterscotch Bars

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch square baking pan, setting it aside for later use.

Step 2: Create the Wet Mixture

• Brown sugar
• Melted butter
• Maple flavoring

Cream these ingredients until smooth. Add eggs gradually, mixing until the texture becomes even and well-incorporated.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

• Flour
• Baking powder
• Salt

Ensure the dry ingredients are thoroughly mixed.

Step 4: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly incorporate the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients. Stir gently to create a uniform batter.

Step 5: Add Nutty Crunch

Fold in chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts) into the batter. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 6: Prepare for Baking

Transfer the batter to the greased pan. Spread evenly across the surface using a spatula.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 30 minutes. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick – if it comes out clean, the bars are ready.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Let the bars cool completely on a wire rack while still in the pan. Once cooled, slice into squares and enjoy the rich, butterscotch goodness.

Tips for Perfect Rich and Chewy Butterscotch Bars

• Measure Precisely: Use exact measurements for ingredients to ensure the perfect balance of butterscotch flavor and texture.
• Soften Butter Strategically: Let butter reach room temperature before creaming to create a smoother, more consistent batter.
• Fold Nuts Gently: Mix chopped nuts delicately to prevent breaking them and maintain their crunchy texture throughout the bars.
• Check Oven Temperature: Verify your oven's accuracy with a separate thermometer to avoid over or underbaking these delicate bars.
• Cool Completely: Allow bars to cool entirely in the pan before cutting to help them set and maintain their rich, chewy consistency.

Storing and Reheating Rich and Chewy Butterscotch Bars

• Refrigerator Storage: Wrap cooled butterscotch bars tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in an airtight container. These delicious treats will stay fresh for up to 5 days when stored in the refrigerator, maintaining their rich, chewy texture and incredible flavor.
• Freezer Preservation: Carefully stack bars between sheets of parchment paper inside a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Frozen butterscotch bars can last up to 3 months, providing a delightful sweet treat whenever a craving strikes. Label the container with the date to keep track of freshness.
• Reheating Method: Bring refrigerated or frozen bars to room temperature naturally for the best taste and texture.

Pairing Suggestions for Rich and Chewy Butterscotch Bars

• Pair with Caramel Macchiato: The rich butterscotch notes perfectly complement the sweet, creamy espresso drink, creating a luxurious dessert experience that enhances both the bar's deep flavor and the coffee's warmth.
• Match with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Serve a cold scoop alongside the warm butterscotch bars for a delightful temperature and texture contrast that brings out the nutty pecan undertones and buttery sweetness.
• Enjoy with Aged Bourbon: The complex, smooth whiskey's oak and caramel hints beautifully echo the butterscotch's deep, warm profile, providing an elegant adult pairing that elevates the dessert's richness.

Fun Variations of Rich and Chewy Butterscotch Bars

• Chocolate Chip Companion: Fold in semi-sweet chocolate chips to the batter for an extra layer of richness and melty goodness.
• Salted Caramel Edition: Drizzle homemade salted caramel sauce over the cooled bars, creating a decadent sweet-and-salty flavor profile.
• Coconut Crunch Upgrade: Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes on top of the batter before baking, adding a tropical texture and nutty undertone.
• Espresso Infusion: Mix in 1-2 tablespoons of instant espresso powder to the wet ingredients for a sophisticated coffee-enhanced butterscotch experience.

Rich and Chewy Butterscotch Bars Recipe

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4.6 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 16 1x

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Description

Homemade butterscotch bars blend classic comfort with irresistible sweetness. Caramel-like depths and buttery layers invite baking enthusiasts to savor these delectable treats that connect memories and indulgence.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 ¼ cups (296 ml) brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup (113 grams) melted butter
• 1 ½ cups (180 grams) all-purpose flour

Nuts and Flavoring:

• ¾ cup (85 grams) chopped pecans or walnuts
• 1 ½ teaspoons maple flavoring

Leavening and Seasoning:

• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350°F (175°C) and thoroughly coat a 9-inch square baking pan with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. In a large mixing bowl, blend brown sugar, melted unsalted butter, and maple flavoring until the mixture becomes creamy and well-integrated.
3. Gradually introduce eggs into the sugar mixture, whisking thoroughly to create a smooth, homogeneous base.
4. Sift together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl to eliminate potential lumps and ensure even distribution.
5. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring carefully to maintain a light, consistent batter without overmixing.
6. Roughly chop pecans or walnuts, then delicately incorporate them into the batter, distributing evenly throughout.
7. Transfer the prepared batter into the prepared baking pan, using a spatula to spread it uniformly and create an even surface.
8. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, watching carefully until a toothpick inserted into the center emerges clean and dry.
9. Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely within the pan on a wire cooling rack to allow proper setting.
10. Once cooled, slice into square servings, ensuring clean and precise cuts for an elegant presentation.

Notes

• Gather all ingredients before starting to ensure a smooth baking experience.
• Toasting nuts beforehand intensifies their flavor and adds delightful crunch to the butterscotch bars.
• Mixing wet and dry ingredients separately prevents lumps and creates a more uniform texture.
• Brown sugar provides deep caramel undertones that elevate the classic butterscotch profile.
• Cooling bars completely helps them set and develop a rich, chewy consistency.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 16
• Calories: 250 kcal
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 75 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg