Trisha Yearwood’s Butterscotch Bars Recipe

Introduction

Trisha Yearwood’s Butterscotch Bars Recipe is a wonderfully simple dessert that delivers rich, caramel-like flavor with minimal effort. These chewy, sweet bars are perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or a quick treat. If you enjoy this type of easy confection, you might also love classic Penuche Fudge for its similar brown sugar goodness.

Ingredients

These butterscotch bars deliver a perfect combination of chewy, sweet, and nutty flavors, with a soft, irresistible texture that makes them a crowd-pleasing treat.

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, at room temperature, plus more for greasing
• 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
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup quick-cooking oatmeal
• 1 cup butterscotch chips
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 4 tablespoons milk

Timing

Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	25 minutes
Total Time	40 minutes

Context: This Recipe Title: Trisha Yearwood s Butterscotch Bars comes together about 20% faster than similar bar recipes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.

Step 2 — Combine Base Ingredients

In a large bowl, mix together the flour, brown sugar, and softened butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press this evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan to form the crust.

Step 3 — Bake the Crust

Bake the crust for 10–12 minutes, or until it is lightly golden around the edges. This partial baking ensures a firm base that won’t become soggy when the topping is added.

Step 4 — Prepare Butterscotch Topping

While the crust bakes, whisk together the eggs, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and flour in a medium bowl until smooth. Stir in the butterscotch chips and chopped nuts, if using.

Step 5 — Add Topping to Crust

Pour the butterscotch mixture over the warm, partially baked crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Work quickly so the warm crust helps the topping set properly.

Step 6 — Bake Until Set

Return the pan to the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center no longer jiggles when gently shaken. A toothpick inserted near the center should come out clean.

Step 7 — Cool Completely

Place the pan on a wire rack and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan—this usually takes 1–2 hours. For best texture and clean cuts, do not slice while warm.

Step 8 — Slice and Serve

Once fully cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the entire slab out of the pan. Cut into squares using a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts for neat edges.

Nutritional Information

Calories	280
Protein	3g
Carbohydrates	38g
Fat	14g
Fiber	1g
Sodium	180mg

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.

Healthier Alternatives

• Whole wheat flour — Swaps all-purpose flour for more fiber and nutrients while maintaining a similar texture.
• Greek yogurt — Replaces some butter for added protein and a moist, tangy flavor.
• Coconut sugar — A lower glycemic alternative to brown sugar with a caramel-like taste.
• Almond flour — A gluten-free, lower-carb option that adds a nutty flavor to the bars.
• Dairy-free butter — Provides the same richness without dairy, ideal for lactose intolerance.
• Unsweetened applesauce — Reduces oil content for fewer calories while keeping bars moist.
• Low-sodium baking powder — Cuts sodium without affecting the rise or texture of the bars.
• Protein powder — Mixes into the batter for a protein boost, complementing the butterscotch flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic dessert combination.
• Serve alongside a hot cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk.
• Perfect for potlucks, bake sales, or family gatherings.
• Cut into small squares for a bite-sized treat at parties.
• Dust with powdered sugar for an elegant finishing touch.
• Enjoy as an afternoon snack with a cup of tea.

These Trisha Yearwood’s Butterscotch Bars are wonderfully versatile and sure to be a crowd-pleaser no matter how you choose to serve them.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using cold butter straight from the fridge. Fix: Let butter soften at room temperature for proper creaming with sugars, which is essential for the right bar texture.
• Mistake: Overmixing the batter after adding flour. Fix: Mix just until the flour disappears to prevent developing too much gluten, which makes the bars tough instead of tender.
• Mistake: Not properly lining the baking pan. Fix: Use parchment paper with overhanging edges for easy removal and clean slicing of the finished butterscotch bars.
• Mistake: Baking in a pan that’s the wrong size. Fix: Stick to the specified 9×13-inch pan; a different size alters baking time and bar thickness, risking under or overcooking.
• Mistake: Overbaking the bars until they are brown. Fix: Remove them from the oven when the edges are just lightly golden; the center will firm up as it cools for a perfect, chewy texture.
• Mistake: Cutting the bars while they are still warm. Fix: Allow them to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack to set properly, which prevents crumbling and ensures neat squares.
• Mistake: Substituting butterscotch chips with another flavor. Fix: Use high-quality real butterscotch chips to achieve the authentic, rich flavor that defines Trisha Yearwood’s recipe.
• Mistake: Packing the brown sugar into the measuring cup. Fix: Lightly spoon brown sugar into the cup and level it off for an accurate measurement, as packed sugar can make the bars overly sweet and dense.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Store Trisha Yearwood’s Butterscotch Bars in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Freezer: Wrap bars tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: Warm individual bars in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a 300°F oven until heated through.

Always let frozen butterscotch bars thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. For food safety, ensure reheated bars reach an internal temperature of at least 165°F if they contain perishable ingredients.

Conclusion

We hope you love making Trisha Yearwood’s Butterscotch Bars as much as we do. For another delicious bar dessert, try our Pumpkin Cheesecake Heaven Bars Recipe. Don’t forget to rate this recipe and leave a comment with your results—we love hearing from you!

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FAQs

Can I make Trisha Yearwood’s Butterscotch Bars ahead of time?

Yes, these bars are perfect for making ahead. They store well in an airtight container at room temperature for several days. This makes the Recipe Title: Trisha Yearwood s Butterscotch Bars a convenient choice for parties or gatherings.

What is the best way to cut Trisha Yearwood’s Butterscotch Bars cleanly?

For clean cuts, use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between slices. Chilling the bars in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before cutting helps them firm up. This technique prevents the topping from dragging and gives you neat squares.

Can I substitute the butterscotch chips in this recipe?

While butterscotch chips are key to the classic flavor, you can use chocolate or peanut butter chips for a variation. Keep in mind this will change the taste profile of the original Recipe Title: Trisha Yearwood s Butterscotch Bars.