Trisha Yearwood’s Butterscotch Bars

Rich, chewy, buttery, and sweet Trisha Yearwood’s Butterscotch Bars are the kind of classic bake-sale treat that never goes out of style. 🍰✨ Packed with brown sugar flavor and studded with melty butterscotch chips, these golden bars are easy to make and impossible to resist. Perfect for potlucks, holidays, coffee breaks, or anytime you crave something warm and comforting from the oven.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup butterscotch chips

Instructions

1. Prep the Oven & Pan00
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Cream Butter & Sugars
   In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and fluffy.
3. Add Eggs & Vanilla
   Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. Mix Wet & Dry
   Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined don’t overmix.
6. Fold in Butterscotch Chips
   Gently fold in the butterscotch chips until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
7. Bake
   Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
   Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Cool & Slice
   Let the bars cool completely before slicing into squares. Enjoy warm, room-temperature, or even chilled!

Variation

• Chocolate Chip Swirl: Replace half the butterscotch chips with chocolate chips for a sweet flavor contrast.
• Nutty Crunch: Add ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter for a crunchy, earthy twist.
• Salted Butterscotch Bars: Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top after baking for a sweet-salty bakery-style finish.
• Cinnamon Sugar Top: Mix 2 tbsp sugar + 1 tsp cinnamon and sprinkle over the batter before baking for a warm, spiced crust.

Cooking Notes

• Overmixing can make the bars dense mix just until the flour disappears.
• Bars will firm as they cool, so avoid overbaking for maximum chewiness.
• If you prefer gooier bars, bake on the lower end of the time range.
• Parchment paper is highly recommended for clean, easy lifting and slicing.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream for a dreamy dessert.
• Cut into mini bite-sized squares for parties, potlucks, and dessert tables.
• Enjoy with a warm cup of coffee, chai, or hot chocolate for the ultimate cozy moment.
• Drizzle melted chocolate or caramel sauce over the bars for an extra-indulgent touch.

Tips

• Make sure butter is softened not melted for the perfect dense-but-chewy texture.
• Toss butterscotch chips with 1 teaspoon flour before adding to prevent sinking.
• Chill bars for 10–15 minutes before slicing for cleaner, sharper cuts.
• Store in an airtight container; they get even better the next day as flavors deepen.

Prep Time:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
• Total Time: 35–40 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per Bar)

• Calories: 235
• Protein: 3 g
• Sodium: 120 mg

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I freeze these bars?
   Yes! Freeze them tightly wrapped for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature.
2. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
   Butter is best for flavor and texture, but margarine works in a pinch.
3. Can I reduce the sugar?
   You can reduce each sugar by ¼ cup, but note the texture will be slightly less chewy.
4. Can I make these in a smaller pan?
   You can, but the bars will be thicker increase bake time slightly and test with a toothpick.

Conclusion

Trisha Yearwood’s Butterscotch Bars are the perfect blend of simple, nostalgic, and delicious. Soft, sweet, and irresistibly chewy, they’re a hit for any occasion and guaranteed to become a family favorite.