Butterscotch Bars - 1

Whenever I crave something sweet and nostalgic, I whip up these irresistibly fudgy butterscotch bars.

Thick, chewy, buttery, and studded with melty butterscotch chips, they hit the spot every time.

I’d swear they came from a bakery if I didn’t make them myself.

The best part? They’re incredibly easy to make, so you can indulge anytime a craving strikes.

Square slices of butterscotch bars stacked on top of each other served on a white plate, side view - 2

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Why You’ll Love These Butterscotch Bars

Timeless Taste: With a rich, buttery sweetness and deep caramel notes, these bars embody a cozy, old-fashioned flavor. Simple Ingredients: Whip these up with common pantry staples – no fancy ingredients required. You don’t even need a mixer! Crowd-Pleaser: For parties, potlucks, or family gatherings, these dessert bars will steal the show! Make-Ahead Must: These treats store well, so they’re perfect for party prepping or even as gifts during the holidays.

Whole butterscotch bars on top of parchment paper. - 3

Ingredients

  • Salted Butter : Adds rich flavor and moisture, creating a buttery base for the bars.

  • Light Brown Sugar : Brings a warm, caramel-like sweetness that complements the butterscotch.

  • Granulated Sugar : Adds sweetness and helps achieve a chewy texture.

  • Eggs : Bind the ingredients and add richness. You’ll use a couple of yolks to make the bars extra tender and fudgy.

  • Vanilla Extract : Enhances the flavor with a sweet, fragrant note.

  • All-Purpose Flour : Provides structure and ensures the bars hold together.

  • Cornstarch : Keeps the bars soft and helps them maintain a tender texture.

  • Baking Powder : Adds a bit of lift for a light, chewy bite.

  • Butterscotch Chips : The star of the show, adding bursts of sweet, buttery flavor in every bite.

Hand holding a piece of butterscotch bar. - 4

How to Make Butterscotch Bars

There’s something about the combination of rich, gooey butterscotch and a soft, buttery bar that I just can’t resist.

And the aroma that fills the kitchen while these bars are baking? It’s enough to make your mouth water.

Luckily, they’re about as easy to make as a boxed mix!

  1. PREP. Grease and line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang. 2. MIX WET : Whisk the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth. Beat in the egg, yolks, and vanilla. 3. MIX DRY : Whisk the flour, cornstarch, and baking powder in a separate bowl. 4. COMBINE : Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing until halfway combined. Stir in 3/4 cup of butterscotch chips. 5. SPREAD : Evenly spread the batter into the pan and sprinkle with remaining chips. 6. BAKE : Bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes until golden brown. Let the bars cool completely before cutting. Enjoy!
Butterscotch bars with mini butterscotch chips served on a white plate. - 5

Tips For the Best Butterscotch Bars

These butterscotch bars are perfect for a cozy night in, a family gathering, or even as a special treat to brighten someone’s day.

And with these tips, they’ll be perfect every time.

  • Quality matters. High-quality butterscotch chips will provide a richer, more authentic flavor than generic chips.

  • Avoid overmixing. Mix the wet and dry ingredients just until combined. Mixing too much will make the bars tough.

  • Make ‘em gooey. To achieve a gooey, chewy texture, slightly underbake them.

  • Add a topping. Feeling extra indulgent? Add a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. You can also drizzle them with salted caramel or butterscotch sauce.

  • Mix-ins ideas. Add more flavor and texture with mix-ins like chopped nuts, chocolate chips, M&M’s, or dried fruit.

Square slices of butterscotch bars on top of parchment paper, top view - 6

How to Store

The recipe for these butterscotch bars yields a generous amount.

You know what that means, right? There’s plenty to share, and you’ll still have leftovers, too.

To Store: Place cooled bars in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper. Store at room temperature for up to 5 days or refrigerate for up to a week. To Freeze: Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

More Delicious Desserts You’ll Love

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Butterscotch Bars

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These fudgy butterscotch bars are packed with buttery richness and studded with butterscotch chips. They’re easy to make and irresistibly delicious.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup salted butter, melted and cooled
  • 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg + 2 egg yolks
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 cup butterscotch chips, divided

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. Beat in the egg and yolks one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, cornstarch, and baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until about halfway combined. Add 3/4 cup of butterscotch chips and mix just until no streaks of flour are visible.
  • Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan and sprinkle the remaining butterscotch chips on top. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
  • Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. Enjoy!

Notes

  • Quality matters. High-quality butterscotch chips will provide a richer, more authentic flavor than generic chips.

  • Make ‘em gooey. To achieve a gooey, chewy texture, slightly underbake them.

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