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Trisha Yearwood’s Butterscotch Bars Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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