Butterscotch Dessert Bars Recipe (2024)

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Butterscotch Dessert Bars Recipe (1)

Butterscotch bars are a deliciously rich treat, blending buttery brown sugar with melty butterscotch chips in a chewy bar that's sure to delight both your friends and family.

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Table of Contents
  1. Ingredients for Butterscotch Bars
  2. Butterscotch Bars Variations
  3. How to make Butterscotch Bars
  4. Frequently Asked Questions
  5. Why You'll Love This Recipe
  6. Storing this Recipe
  7. More Recipes You'll Love
  8. JUMP TO RECIPE


Prepare to indulge your dessert cravings with these tempting butterscotch bars. Their mix of smooth butterscotch and soft, buttery texture makes these cookie bars a delightful treat for any event.

Butterscotch Dessert Bars Recipe (2)

Every component is key to creating the perfect chewy butterscotch cookie bars. The blend of flour, cornstarch, and baking powder results in their soft, chewy consistency.


Brown sugar contributes a rich caramel taste, and the butterscotch chips offer a sweet, melting delight.

Ingredients for Butterscotch Bars

Butterscotch Dessert Bars Recipe (3)

What you’ll need:

  • FLOUR: 2½ cups, spooned and leveled
  • CORNSTARCH: 2 teaspoons
  • BAKING POWDER: 1 teaspoon
  • SALT: ½ teaspoon
  • SALTED BUTTER: 1 cup, softened to room temperature
  • LIGHT BROWN SUGAR: 1 cup, tightly packed
  • GRANULATED SUGAR: ¾ cup
  • EGGS: 2, room temperature
  • PURE VANILLA EXTRACT: 2 teaspoons
  • BUTTERSCOTCH BAKING CHIPS: 2 cups

Butterscotch Bars Variations

These easy substitutions and additions can easily be swapped out while still maintaining the deliciousness of these dessert bars!

  • CORNSTARCH:If you don't have cornstarch, use the same amount of tapioca starch or potato starch to achieve a comparable texture.
  • SALTED BUTTER:If using unsalted butter, simply include an additional pinch of salt to even out the flavors.
  • DARK BROWN SUGAR: Opt for dark brown sugar if you prefer a deeper butterscotch taste.
  • ALMOND EXTRACT: Try using almond extract in place of vanilla extract for a nutty flavor variation.
  • CHOCOLATE VARIANTS: Replace butterscotch chips with chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, or a combination to create a distinct taste in this simple recipe.

How to make Butterscotch Bars

FIRST STEP:Preheat the oven to 350°F. Generously spray a 9×13 (or 13×9) baking pan with nonstick cooking spray. Set it aside.

SECOND STEP:Add the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and table salt to a medium-sized mixing bowl (2-3 quarts). Whisk to combine. Set it aside.

Butterscotch Dessert Bars Recipe (4)

THIRD STEP:Using either a stand mixer, or a medium-sized mixing bowl and electric hand mixer, on medium-high speed, beat together the softened butter, brown, and granulated sugars for 1½-2 minutes or until light and fluffy.

Butterscotch Dessert Bars Recipe (5)

FOURTH STEP:Lower the mixer speed to medium-low. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each egg until no yellow streaks remain.

Butterscotch Dessert Bars Recipe (6)

FIFTH STEP:Add the vanilla and mix just until combined.

SIXTH STEP:Keep the mixer speed on medium-low and add ½ of the flour mixture, mixing just until incorporated. Add the remaining flour, again mix just until incorporated.

SEVENTH STEP:Fold in 1½ cups of the butterscotch baking chips. Evenly spread the butterscotch batter into the prepared pan.

Butterscotch Dessert Bars Recipe (7)

Sprinkle the remaining butterscotch baking chips evenly over the top of the batter.

EIGHTH STEP:Bake treats for 26-28 minutes (every oven cooks differently, so begin checking your bars at the 22-minute mark) or until the corners and edges of the bars are golden brown.

Butterscotch Dessert Bars Recipe (8)

The center should appear firm yet slightly underdone, aiming for a dense texture.

Let the bars cool fully before slicing into three rows and six columns. Cover them until it's time to serve.

Butterscotch Dessert Bars Recipe (9)

Frequently Asked Questions

I don't have salted butter, can I use unsalted butter?

Using unsalted butter is fine; just include a pinch of salt to even out the flavors.

Is it possible to include nuts or dried fruits in the bars?

Yes! You can customize these bars with any of your favorite add-ins.

Is it okay to make a bigger batch for more people?

Yes, simply double the ingredients and use a bigger pan.

Can I try other chip flavors like chocolate or white chocolate?

Absolutely, feel free to use different chips to explore new flavors in this recipe.

Can I replace brown sugar with white sugar?

While brown sugar adds to the butterscotch taste, white sugar is fine if you want a milder flavor.

Butterscotch Dessert Bars Recipe (10)

Our gooey butterscotch bars are a charming treat that blend nostalgic warmth with simple ingredients. Their rich, buttery taste, easy prep, and sweet, chewy texture make them a favorite for many occasions.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Butterscotch bars are a favorite for many reasons:

AMAZING BUTTERSCOTCH TASTE: The highlight is the butterscotch chips, creating delicious, buttery sweet spots in each bite.

POPULAR WITH EVERYONE: Their chewy feel and deep taste make these bars a hit with both children and adults.

CONVENIENT TO PREPARE AHEAD: You can make them in advance, ensuring a tasty treat is always on hand.

Storing this Recipe

Here are some tips for storing your delicious butterscotch squares to enjoy later:

PREP AHEAD: Make these butterscotch bars in advance and keep them in a sealed container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer keeping, you can freeze them.

REFRIGERATOR STORAGE: To maintain freshness, store the bars in a sealed container in the fridge for up to a week.

FREEZER STORAGE: These bars freeze very well. Wrap each bar individually in plastic and store in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to three months.

THAWING: When you're ready to eat them, let them thaw at room temperature or briefly warm them in the microwave.

REHEATING: To reheat, microwave a bar for 10-15 seconds, or warm in an oven preheated to 350°F for about five minutes.

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Butterscotch Dessert Bars Recipe (11)

Butterscotch Dessert Bars Recipe (12)

Butterscotch Bars

Butterscotch bars are a deliciously rich treat, blending buttery brown sugar with melty butterscotch chips in a chewy bar that's sure to delight both your friends and family.

Butterscotch Dessert Bars Recipe (13)

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 28 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 38 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 18 bars

Calories 315 kcal

Ingredients

  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
  • 2 tsp cornstarch
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp table salt
  • 1 cup salted butter (softened to room temperature)
  • 1 cup light brown sugar (tightly packed)
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 extra-large eggs (room temperature)
  • 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 2 cups butterscotch baking chips (divided 1 ½ cups and ½ cup)

DIRECTIONS

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F. Generously spray a 9×13 (or 13×9) baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Set it aside.

  • Add the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and table salt to a medium-sized mixing bowl (2-3 quarts). Whisk to combine. Set it aside.

  • Using either a stand mixer, or a medium-sized mixing bowl and handheld mixer, on medium-high speed, beat together the softened butter, brown and granulated sugars for 1½-2 minutes or until light and fluffy.

  • Lower the mixer speed to medium-low. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each egg until no yellow streaks remain.

  • Add the vanilla and mix just until combined.

  • Keep the mixer speed on medium-low and add ½ of the flour mixture, mixing just until incorporated. Add the remaining flour, again mix just until incorporated.

  • Fold in 1½ cups of the butterscotch baking chips. Evenly spread the butterscotch batter into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining butterscotch baking chips evenly over the top of the batter.

  • Bake for 26-28 minutes or until the corners and edges of the bars are golden brown. The center still looks to be set but still undercooked. You want the center to be dense. Allow the bars to completely cool before cutting the bars into 3 slices x 6 slices. Cover until you are ready to serve.

Notes

  • Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before starting. Room-temperature ingredients blend more smoothly, resulting in a better texture.
  • When adding the dry ingredients, mix just until they’re incorporated. Overmixing can make the bars tough. It’s okay if there are a few streaks of flour.
  • Oven temperatures vary and may need to be recalibrated periodically to ensure they are accurate. Make sure to check your butterscotch bars at the lower end of the recommended baking time.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bar | Calories: 315kcal | Carbohydrates: 51g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.4g | Cholesterol: 47mg | Sodium: 231mg | Potassium: 68mg | Fiber: 0.5g | Sugar: 36g | Vitamin A: 360IU | Calcium: 29mg | Iron: 1mg

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Butterscotch Dessert Bars Recipe (14)

Butterscotch Dessert Bars Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What flavor is good with butterscotch? ›

In the kitchen, FOBs (friends of butterscotch) include apples, pecans, cream, nutmeg, cloves, cardamom, chocolate, dessert sherry, rum and Scotch whisky. Here are some simple ways to showcase its flavor: Make butterscotch sundaes. Add a little Scotch or rum to warm butterscotch sauce.

How is butterscotch made? ›

butterscotch, usually hard candy made by boiling brown sugar and butter and sometimes corn syrup together in water. The derivation of the name is disputed as to whether it denotes the candy's origin in Scotland or an original ingredient of “scotched,” or scorched, butter.

What's the difference between caramel and butterscotch cake? ›

Butterscotch and caramel are similar but not quite the same. Caramel is made with white sugar, while butterscotch is made with brown sugar. Caramel also usually is not made with butter. Both caramel and butterscotch are used in this cake and you can definitely notice the difference between the two flavors.

Can you use caramel instead of butterscotch? ›

Caramel and butterscotch are made differently; caramel is a “ mix of white granulated sugar, heavy whipping cream, butter and a small amount of vanilla.” Butterscotch ingredients are “ brown sugar" ( originally butterscotch was a hard candy). I don't think you are able to interchange the two flavours in recipes.

Does butterscotch pair well with chocolate? ›

But when I'm making a cake recipe that needs to impress, this butterscotch cake is at the top of my list. This cake packs big, bold flavor thanks to some melted butterscotch morsels and a bit of brown sugar, and the butterscotch + chocolate combo is always a hit.

Is butterscotch just vanilla and caramel? ›

Caramel and butterscotch are made differently; caramel is a “ mix of white granulated sugar, heavy whipping cream, butter and a small amount of vanilla.” Butterscotch ingredients are “ brown sugar" ( originally butterscotch was a hard candy).

What is the main ingredient in butterscotch? ›

Butterscotch is a type of confectionery whose primary ingredients are brown sugar and butter. Some recipes include corn syrup, cream, vanilla, and salt. The earliest known recipes, in mid-19th century Yorkshire, used treacle (molasses) in place of, or in addition to, sugar.

What is traditional butterscotch? ›

Butterscotch is butter and brown sugar that has been slowly heated together to create a soft-crack candy. Just like caramel, the brown sugar molecules break down and, thanks to the addition of molasses in the sugar, caramelize into a richer, deeper flavor than classic caramel.

Is caramel and butterscotch the same thing? ›

Similar to caramel, butterscotch is made by heating sugar. The main difference between the two is that butterscotch uses brown sugar instead of white. The ingredients are also combined in a slightly different order for butterscotch: your start out by melting butter with brown sugar.

Does dulce de leche taste like butterscotch? ›

Thick, smooth and boasting an intense butterscotch flavour, dulce de leche is the queen of caramel sauces.

Is Werther's caramel or butterscotch? ›

Werther's Original products are made of the finest caramel. We use the best ingredients to make every piece something worthy of being wrapped in gold!

What is the crunchy thing in butterscotch cake? ›

Is it caramel-coated cashew/almonds or is it something else? It is not any coated dry fruit but it is hardened sugar,corn syrup along with few other ingredients then dropped with teaspoon to made chocolate chips like candies. These candies are also available in market like chocolate chips.

Is dulce de leche caramel or butterscotch? ›

Caramelization does not actually take place when you make dulce de leche. Instead, thanks to the Maillard reaction, we get a lovely, nutty, mellow flavor akin to toffee or butterscotch. This is due to the browning of the lactose and lysine in the milk.

What candy is similar to butterscotch? ›

Butterscotch and caramel are very similar, as they both involve caramelized sugar, though there are three primary differences: Caramel is nearly always made with white sugar, though you certainly could use brown sugar.

What the heck is butterscotch? ›

Historically, butterscotch was a hard candy made with unprocessed sugar. The suffix "scotch" means "to cut". When sugar or candy is hot it's difficult to get a clean break, so one must score it while warm to facilitate getting a clean edge later. Today, butterscotch is considered a flavor, much like caramel.

What compliments flavors to caramel? ›

The flavor profiles that go best with caramel
  1. Apples. This pairing is very well known. ...
  2. Coffee. The acidity of coffee is leveled out by the addition of sweet caramel. ...
  3. Chocolate. Candy bars, anyone? ...
  4. Ginger.
Dec 27, 2019

What food goes with butterscotch? ›

What to Serve with Butterscotch Sauce
  • Fudgy Chocolate Brownies.
  • Pear Ginger Maple Pie.
  • Best Chocolate Brownies.
  • Blondies.
  • Peach Cobbler.

What is the flavor profile of butterscotch? ›

The primary taste of butterscotch comes from its main ingredient, brown sugar, which imparts a deep, caramel-like sweetness. This sweetness is characterised by notes of toffee and a hint of molasses, a complexity due to the molasses content in brown sugar.

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