Trisha Yearwood’s Butterscotch Bars Recipe – Easy Dessert Treat

Introduction

If you are looking for a simple, crowd-pleasing dessert, this Trisha Yearwood’s Butterscotch Bars Recipe is the perfect easy dessert treat. With minimal prep time and classic flavors, these bars are ideal for potlucks, bake sales, or a quick family snack. For another fantastic bar recipe, try this Easy Maple Frosted Apple Blondies Recipe.

Ingredients

This recipe for Trisha Yearwood’s Butterscotch Bars combines the rich, comforting taste of peanut butter with the sweet, buttery flavor of butterscotch chips for an incredibly easy dessert treat. You’ll need the following ingredients.

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, at room temperature, plus more for greasing pan
• 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 straightforward timing makes Trisha Yearwood’s Butterscotch Bars Recipe about 20% faster to prepare than many similar bar cookie recipes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Preheat and Prepare

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the oven is at the perfect temperature when your batter is ready. Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal of the bars later.

Step 2 — Combine the Base Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of packed brown sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda. Use a whisk to blend these dry ingredients together thoroughly, which helps ensure an even texture in your butterscotch bars.

Step 3 — Cut in the Butter

Add 1 cup (2 sticks) of cold, cubed unsalted butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or two forks, cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This step is crucial for creating a tender, shortbread-like crust.

Step 4 — Press the Crust and Bake

Firmly press about two-thirds of the crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan. Pre-bake this crust for 10 minutes. It should look lightly set but not browned; this partial baking prevents a soggy bottom layer.

Step 5 — Create the Butterscotch Layer

While the crust bakes, prepare the filling. In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, melt one 11-ounce bag of butterscotch chips with one 14-ounce can of sweetened condensed milk, stirring constantly until smooth. Remove from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.

Step 6 — Assemble the Bars

Pour the warm butterscotch mixture over the hot, partially baked crust, spreading it into an even layer. Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture evenly over the top. This creates the delightful layered texture that defines these easy dessert treats.

Step 7 — Final Bake and Cool

Return the pan to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbly. The center may still look slightly soft but will set as it cools. Allow the pan to cool completely on a wire rack before cutting into bars for clean slices.

Nutritional Information

Calories	290
Protein	3g
Carbohydrates	38g
Fat	14g
Fiber	1g
Sodium	180mg

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.

Healthier Alternatives

• Protein Powder — Replace a portion of the flour with unflavored or vanilla protein powder for a boost without compromising the butterscotch flavor.
• Almond or Coconut Flour — Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend or almond flour for a lower-carb, gluten-free version of these easy dessert bars.
• Unsweetened Applesauce — Swap out some of the butter with unsweetened applesauce to reduce fat while keeping the bars moist.
• Sugar-Free Butterscotch Chips — Opt for sugar-free butterscotch chips to significantly lower the sugar content of Trisha Yearwood’s Butterscotch Bars Recipe.
• Dairy-Free Butter — Use a plant-based butter alternative to make this treat completely dairy-free.
• Monk Fruit or Erythritol — Substitute granulated sugar with a monk fruit blend for a lower-glycemic option that still provides sweetness.
• Low-Sodium Baking Soda — If concerned about sodium, ensure you are using a low-sodium baking soda.
• Chia or Flax Egg — For an egg-free version, use a chia or flax egg (1 tbsp ground seed + 3 tbsp water per egg) to bind the ingredients.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair a warm bar with a scoop of premium vanilla ice cream for a classic dessert combination.
• Serve alongside a cup of strong coffee or a glass of cold milk to balance the sweetness.
• Dust the top with a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt just before serving to enhance the butterscotch flavor.
• Cut the bars into small, bite-sized pieces for a perfect potluck or party platter.
• For a festive touch, crumble a bar over a bowl of yogurt or pudding for a quick parfait.
• These easy dessert treats are ideal for casual gatherings, bake sales, or as a simple weeknight indulgence.

To elevate the presentation, serve Trisha Yearwood’s Butterscotch Bars on a vintage cake stand or a simple wooden board for a charming, homemade look.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using cold butter straight from the fridge. Fix: Ensure your butter is properly softened at room temperature to cream smoothly with the sugars for a lighter, chewier texture.
• Mistake: Overmixing the batter after adding the flour. Fix: Mix just until the flour is incorporated to avoid developing too much gluten, which can make the bars tough.
• Mistake: Not properly lining the baking pan. Fix: Use parchment paper with overhanging edges to create a sling, making it incredibly easy to lift the entire batch out for clean cutting.
• Mistake: Baking in a pan that’s the wrong size. Fix: Stick to the recommended 9×13-inch pan; a different size will alter the bar’s thickness and baking time, risking under or over-baking.
• Mistake: Overbaking the bars because the edges look done. Fix: The center should still look slightly soft when you remove them from the oven, as they will continue to set as they cool.
• Mistake: Cutting the bars while they are still hot. Fix: Let Trisha Yearwood’s Butterscotch Bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack; this prevents them from crumbling and ensures neat squares.
• Mistake: Substituting butterscotch chips with another flavor. Fix: For the signature taste, use genuine butterscotch morsels; caramel or peanut butter chips will create a different dessert entirely.
• Mistake: Packing the brown sugar into the measuring cup. Fix: Lightly spoon the brown sugar into the cup and level it off for an accurate measurement, ensuring the right moisture and sweetness.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Store cooled butterscotch bars in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Freezer: Wrap bars tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
• Reheat: For a warm, gooey treat, microwave a bar for 10-15 seconds or warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven until heated through.

Always ensure leftovers are cooled to room temperature before storing to maintain food safety and prevent condensation.

Conclusion

We hope you enjoy making and sharing these delicious Trisha Yearwood’s Butterscotch Bars Recipe. They are the perfect easy dessert treat for any occasion. If you love simple bar recipes, you might also want to try our Easy Maple Frosted Apple Blondies Recipe. Don’t forget to rate the recipe and leave a comment below to let us know how it turned out!

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FAQs

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

Yes, these easy dessert treats are perfect for making ahead. The bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.

What is the best way to store these butterscotch bars?

Store the cooled butterscotch bars in a single layer in an airtight container. This prevents them from becoming sticky and keeps them fresh. For Trisha Yearwood’s Butterscotch Bars Recipe, you can also separate layers with parchment paper.

Can I substitute the butterscotch chips in this recipe?

You can use chocolate or peanut butter chips as a substitute for a different flavor. However, using butterscotch chips is essential for the classic taste of Trisha Yearwood’s Butterscotch Bars Recipe.