Trisha Yearwood’s Butterscotch Bars are a delightful treat that perfectly blend the creamy richness of peanut butter with the sweet tang of butterscotch. These bars are a fantastic choice for potlucks, family gatherings, or simply as a delicious snack to brighten a regular day. With a simple preparation process and common pantry ingredients, these bars offer a comforting taste that’s both nostalgic and deeply satisfying.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, at room temperature, plus more for greasing the 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
Preparation
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter to prevent sticking.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the room-temperature butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and 1/2 cup of the peanut butter until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Step 3: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Step 4: In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Stir in the quick-cooking oatmeal to mix thoroughly.
Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until everything is just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the texture of the bars tender.
Step 6: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the butterscotch chips over the top.
Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 8: While the bars are baking, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, milk, and the remaining 1/4 cup of peanut butter until smooth.
Step 9: Once the bars are done, remove from the oven and immediately pour the glaze over the warm bars, spreading it out to cover the surface.
Step 10: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before slicing into squares to serve.
Variation
For a nut-free version, substitute the peanut butter with a seed butter like sunflower butter, and replace the butterscotch chips with chocolate chips or a safe alternative that meets dietary needs.
Cooking Note
Ensure that the butterscotch chips are evenly distributed to get the perfect balance of flavor in every bite.
Serving Suggestions
These bars can be served at room temperature or chilled, depending on your preference. They pair wonderfully with a tall glass of cold milk or a cup of coffee.
Tips
- For best results, use high-quality peanut butter to enhance the flavor.
- To ensure even baking, rotate the pan halfway through the cooking time.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting to ensure they set properly and hold their shape.
Prep Time:
- 10 minutes
Cooking Time:
- 30 minutes
Total Time:
- 40 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: Approximately 320
- Protein: 6g
- Sodium: 200mg
FAQs
Q: Can I make these bars gluten-free?
A: Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to make these bars suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Q: How long can I store these butterscotch bars?
A: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or refrigerate for up to 10 days.
Conclusion
Trisha Yearwood’s Butterscotch Bars offer a scrumptious, easy-to-make treat that’s bound to be a hit at any event. Their chewy texture and sweet-and-salty flavor profile make them uniquely satisfying. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or a casual treat, these bars are sure to delight anyone who tries them.
Print
Trisha Yearwood’s Butterscotch Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, at room temperature, plus more for greasing the 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
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter to prevent sticking.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the room-temperature butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and 1/2 cup of the peanut butter until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Step 3: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Step 4: In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Stir in the quick-cooking oatmeal to mix thoroughly.
Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until everything is just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the texture of the bars tender.
Step 6: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the butterscotch chips over the top.
Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 8: While the bars are baking, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, milk, and the remaining 1/4 cup of peanut butter until smooth.
Step 9: Once the bars are done, remove from the oven and immediately pour the glaze over the warm bars, spreading it out to cover the surface.
Step 10: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before slicing into squares to serve.
Variation
For a nut-free version, substitute the peanut butter with a seed butter like sunflower butter, and replace the butterscotch chips with chocolate chips or a safe alternative that meets dietary needs.
Notes
Ensure that the butterscotch chips are evenly distributed to get the perfect balance of flavor in every bite.
Serving Suggestions
These bars can be served at room temperature or chilled, depending on your preference. They pair wonderfully with a tall glass of cold milk or a cup of coffee.
Tips
- For best results, use high-quality peanut butter to enhance the flavor.
- To ensure even baking, rotate the pan halfway through the cooking time.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting to ensure they set properly and hold their shape.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: Approximately 320
- Sodium: 200mg
- Protein: 6g
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