Description
Trisha Yearwood’s Butterscotch Bars offer a simple, delightful way to indulge your sweet tooth.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened – adds rich flavor and keeps the bars moist.
- 1 cup packed brown sugar – brings that sweet molasses flavor to the mix.
- 2 large eggs – for binding and added moisture.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract – enhances the overall flavor.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – provides structure to the bars.
- 1 tsp baking powder – ensures the bars rise slightly for a soft texture.
- 1/4 tsp salt – balances the sweetness.
- 1 cup butterscotch chips – the star of the recipe for that classic butterscotch flavor.
- 1 cup chopped nuts (optional, such as walnuts or pecans) – adds crunch and flavor (skip if you prefer nut-free).
Instructions
- Start the baking process by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This initial step is crucial as it allows your dessert to bake evenly from the start. Prepare your 9×13-inch baking pan by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper. Lining the pan helps to make removing the bars much easier once they’ve cooled.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and packed brown sugar. Using an electric mixer or a whisk, beat these ingredients together until they are smooth and creamy. This step is essential; the air infused into the butter-sugar mixture contributes to the bars’ soft, chewy texture. Once you achieve a fluffy consistency, add the eggs one at a time, mixing in the vanilla extract afterward until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This step helps to ensure that the baking powder is evenly distributed throughout the flour, which is vital for achieving that desirable rise. Gradually incorporate this dry mixture into your wet ingredients, stirring until everything is thoroughly combined to create a cohesive batter.
- Gently fold in the butterscotch chips and chopped nuts (if you choose to include them) into the batter. Be careful not to overmix; folding helps ensure that you maintain a light texture while evenly distributing the chips and nuts. The butterscotch chips will melt slightly during baking, creating delicious pockets of flavor throughout the bars.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out to form an even layer. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Avoid overbaking, as this can lead to dry bars instead of the intended chewy texture.
- Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let the butterscotch bars cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This cooling period allows them to set, making them easier to cut. After this time, transfer the bars to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, slice them into squares or bars, ready to be enjoyed!
Notes
Ensure that your butter is softened at room temperature for easy mixing and the best results.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
Nutrition
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Protein: 2 g