Trisha Yearwood’s Butterscotch Bars Recipe

Introduction

Trisha Yearwood’s Butterscotch Bars are chewy, buttery treats featuring peanut butter and butterscotch chips, topped with a smooth glaze. They’re easy to make and perfect for any dessert lover looking for a sweet, satisfying bite.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened, plus extra for greasing the pan
• 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
• 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
• 4 tablespoons milk (for glaze)
• 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter (for glaze)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish generously with butter to prevent sticking.
2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and 1/2 cup peanut butter using an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, then mix until smooth.
3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Stir in the oatmeal for added texture.
4. Step 4: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. The dough will be thick and slightly sticky.
5. Step 5: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the butterscotch chips over the top, pressing them lightly into the batter.
6. Step 6: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
7. Step 7: While the bars bake, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and remaining 1/4 cup peanut butter until the glaze is smooth and pourable.
8. Step 8: When the bars are out of the oven, pour the glaze evenly over the warm bars and spread if needed. Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting into squares.

Tips & Variations

• Don’t overmix the batter to keep the bars light and chewy.
• Use room temperature butter and egg for easier blending of ingredients.
• Chill the bars for 30 minutes after cooling to achieve clean, neat slices.
• Swap some butterscotch chips for chocolate chips for a classic twist.
• Add chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.
• Drizzle caramel sauce over the glaze before it sets for an indulgent finish.
• Add colored sprinkles to make the bars festive for holidays.

Storage

Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to three months. To reheat, let thaw at room temperature and enjoy as is or warm briefly for a soft, gooey texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking mix and ensure the oats used are certified gluten-free.

Can I use natural peanut butter?

Natural peanut butter can be used, but it may slightly change the texture. Be sure to stir it well before adding to the recipe.

Trisha Yearwood’s Butterscotch Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 103 reviews

Trisha Yearwood’s Butterscotch Bars are chewy, buttery dessert bars combining the rich flavors of peanut butter and sweet butterscotch chips, topped with a smooth, creamy peanut butter glaze. Perfectly baked to golden edges with a tender center, these bars offer a delightful treat that’s easy to make and sure to impress any sweet tooth.

• Author: Rami
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 12 bars 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Wet Ingredients

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened, plus extra for greasing the pan
• 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

Dry Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup quick-cooking oatmeal

Add-Ins & Toppings

• 1 cup butterscotch chips

For the Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 4 tablespoons milk
• 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish generously with butter to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
2. Cream 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 peanut butter until the mixture is light, fluffy, and fully combined. Add the egg and vanilla extract, then mix again until smooth and well incorporated.
3. Combine 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 chewiness to the bars.
4. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined to avoid overmixing and dense bars.
5. Assemble the Bars: Spread the thick batter evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the butterscotch chips evenly over the top, pressing them lightly into the batter so they adhere well.
6. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
7. Prepare the Glaze: While the bars bake, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and remaining 1/4 cup of peanut butter until the glaze is smooth and pourable.
8. Finish with a Glaze: After removing the bars from the oven, immediately pour the glaze evenly over the warm bars. Use a spatula to spread it if necessary for even coverage.
9. Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely so the glaze can set properly. For neater slicing, chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before cutting into squares.

Notes

• Don’t overmix the batter to maintain a tender, chewy texture; mix just until combined.
• Use room temperature butter and egg for smoother blending and better texture.
• Chill bars for 30 minutes before cutting to make slicing easier and cleaner.
• Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days or freeze for up to three months.
• Customize by adding chocolate chips, chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts, or drizzling caramel sauce over the glaze for extra indulgence.
• Use fresh baking soda and oatmeal for best results.

Keywords: butterscotch bars, peanut butter bars, dessert bars, chewy dessert, easy baking recipe, Trisha Yearwood recipe, butterscotch chips, peanut butter glaze, homemade bars, American dessert