Rich and gooey with the perfect balance of peanut butter and butterscotch, Trisha Yearwood’s Butterscotch Bars are an indulgent treat. Topped with a creamy peanut butter glaze, these dessert bars are ideal for satisfying your sweet tooth or impressing guests at your next gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Combines the classic flavors of peanut butter and butterscotch in every bite.
- Topped with a luscious glaze that takes these bars to the next level.
- Easy to make with simple pantry ingredients.
- Perfect for parties, holidays, or as an anytime dessert.
- Great for make-ahead treats since they store and freeze well.
Ingredients
For the Bars
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup butterscotch chips
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup (1 stick) butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
- ¾ cup creamy peanut butter (divided)
- ½ cup quick oats
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 tsp baking soda
For the Glaze
- 4 tbsp milk
- ¼ cup peanut butter (remaining portion)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or nonstick spray. - Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, and ½ cup of peanut butter until smooth and fluffy. - Add the Egg and Vanilla
Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until well incorporated. - Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and quick oats. - Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until well combined. - Spread the Dough
Evenly press the dough into the prepared baking pan. Sprinkle the butterscotch chips over the top. - Bake the Bars
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. - Prepare the Glaze
While the bars are baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and the remaining ¼ cup of peanut butter until smooth. - Glaze the Bars
Once the bars come out of the oven, immediately pour the glaze over them while they are still warm. Use a spatula to spread it evenly if needed. - Cool and Serve
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into 12 servings.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 12 bars
Variations
- Add Chocolate Chips: Mix in ½ cup of chocolate chips for a peanut butter-chocolate twist.
- Nutty Addition: Stir in chopped peanuts or walnuts for extra crunch.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Dark Chocolate Glaze: Swap the peanut butter in the glaze for melted dark chocolate for a bold flavor contrast.
- Festive Flair: Add colorful sprinkles on top for holidays or celebrations.
Storage/Reheating
- Room Temperature: Store the bars in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerator: Keep them chilled for up to a week for a firmer texture.
- Freezer: Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or in the fridge before serving.
FAQs
1. Can I use natural peanut butter?
Yes, but ensure it’s well mixed as natural peanut butter can separate.
2. Can I replace butterscotch chips with another type?
Chocolate chips or white chocolate chips are great alternatives.
3. What’s the best way to soften butter?
Let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, or microwave it for 10 seconds.
4. Can I make the glaze thicker?
Reduce the amount of milk slightly for a thicker glaze consistency.
5. Can I use old-fashioned oats instead of quick oats?
Quick oats are recommended, but old-fashioned oats can be pulsed in a food processor to mimic the texture.
6. How do I prevent the bars from drying out?
Avoid overbaking, as this can cause the bars to become dry. Check for doneness at the 20-minute mark.
7. Can I double this recipe?
Yes, simply double the ingredients and use a larger baking pan, adjusting baking time as needed.
8. Are these bars suitable for freezing?
Yes, they freeze very well. Wrap tightly to prevent freezer burn.
9. How do I make the bars less sweet?
Reduce the amount of sugar in the dough and glaze slightly, if desired.
10. Can I add a drizzle on top?
Absolutely! A drizzle of melted chocolate or caramel sauce adds an extra touch of decadence.
Conclusion
Trisha Yearwood’s Butterscotch Bars are a decadent combination of sweet, creamy, and nutty flavors with a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or simply treating yourself, these bars are easy to make and even easier to devour. Try them today and experience the magic of this irresistible dessert!
Print
Trisha Yearwood’s Butterscotch Bars
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Trisha Yearwood’s Butterscotch Bars are a decadent treat combining creamy peanut butter, sweet butterscotch chips, and a smooth glaze. Perfect for dessert lovers, these easy-to-make bars are a must-try for any baking day!
Ingredients
For the Bars:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup butterscotch chips
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter (divided)
- 1/2 cup quick oats
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp baking soda
For the Glaze:
- 4 tbsp milk
- 1/4 cup peanut butter (remaining portion)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or non-stick spray.
- Cream the Butter and Sugars:
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, and ½ cup of peanut butter until light and fluffy.
- Incorporate the Egg and Vanilla:
- Stir in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and oats.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a cohesive dough forms.
- Prepare for Baking:
- Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. Sprinkle the butterscotch chips over the top for extra sweetness.
- Bake:
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Make the Glaze:
- While the bars are baking, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and the remaining ¼ cup of peanut butter until smooth.
- Glaze the Bars:
- Pour the glaze over the bars immediately after they come out of the oven.
- Cool and Serve:
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares and serving.
Notes
- Storage: Keep bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 1 week.
- Freezing Tips: Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw before serving.
- Customizations: Swap butterscotch chips for chocolate chips or add chopped nuts for a crunchy twist.
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