Butterscotch Bars by Trisha Yearwood

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There’s something uniquely nostalgic about a warm, chewy bar that sticks just slightly to your fingers and sweetly to your soul. Trisha Yearwood’s Butterscotch Bars are exactly that kind of treat. These bars are a tribute to everything homemade and heartwarming—brown sugar-laced, rich with butterscotch chips, and delightfully crisp on the edges. If you love classic Southern baking, these are about to become your go-to dessert.

Whether you’re making them for a cozy night in or packing them up for a bake sale or picnic, these bars travel well and hold their chewy texture for days. The combination of pantry staples with the velvety depth of butterscotch makes this recipe both simple and rich. They may look humble, but one bite tells you they’re anything but.

Why You’ll Love This Butterscotch Bars Recipe

This recipe shines for its ease and reliability. With just a handful of ingredients and no need for fancy equipment, anyone can whip up a batch with minimal effort. The bars strike that magical balance of chewy and crisp, and they’re not overly sweet, letting the buttery brown sugar and butterscotch take center stage.

It’s also versatile—you can add nuts for extra crunch or a dash of sea salt on top to accent the sweetness. Plus, these bars freeze beautifully, making them an excellent make-ahead dessert for parties or holiday trays.

What Kind of Butterscotch Should I Use?

Good question. While you might find several versions of butterscotch chips at the store, go for high-quality chips that have real flavor and melt well. Avoid the ultra-waxy kinds, which can leave an artificial taste and resist melting into the batter. If you want to take this recipe up a notch, you can even use homemade butterscotch sauce swirled into the top before baking, though Trisha’s original keeps it delightfully simple with chips folded straight into the batter.

Ingredients for the Butterscotch Bars by Trisha Yearwood

The beauty of these bars is that they use everyday pantry staples, but each ingredient has a specific role in building that signature flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need:

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Packed brown sugar
• Unsalted butter
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Butterscotch chips

All-purpose flour gives the bars structure and chewiness. Baking powder provides a gentle lift to keep them from being too dense. A pinch of salt balances the sweetness beautifully. The brown sugar is the heart of this recipe, delivering that deep molasses-like sweetness and signature chewy bite. Butter adds richness, while the eggs bind everything together. Vanilla extract enhances the warm flavor notes, and of course, the butterscotch chips melt into gooey pockets of bliss in every bite.

How To Make the Butterscotch Bars by Trisha Yearwood

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it. This ensures easy removal after baking and helps with even cooking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this aside so it’s ready to incorporate without overmixing later.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream the brown sugar and softened butter until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is essential for creating that tender bar texture.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract to round out the flavor.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry

Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bars soft and chewy.

Step 6: Fold in Butterscotch Chips

Gently fold in the butterscotch chips with a spatula, distributing them evenly through the batter.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with moist crumbs.

Step 8: Cool and Slice

Let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares. They firm up as they cool, making them easier to cut cleanly.

How to Serve and Store Butterscotch Bars by Trisha Yearwood

These butterscotch bars are ready to serve once they’ve fully cooled and been sliced into neat squares. The texture is ideal at room temperature, where the edges hold a slight crunch and the centers remain chewy and rich. They make an easy addition to dessert trays, lunchboxes, or holiday cookie platters. This recipe yields around 24 bars, making it perfect for gatherings or gifting.

To store, place the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If you’re making them ahead, they also freeze well. Just wrap each bar in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy.

What to Serve With Butterscotch Bars?

A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream

The smooth creaminess of vanilla ice cream pairs beautifully with the deep butterscotch flavor, adding a cool contrast to the warm, chewy texture.

Fresh strawberries or raspberries

The bright tartness of berries helps cut through the richness, bringing a refreshing balance to the dessert.

Hot coffee or espresso

The boldness of coffee complements the sweetness of the bars and enhances the caramel notes.

A glass of cold milk

Nothing beats the classic combo of cookies or bars with cold milk. It’s comforting and nostalgic.

Whipped cream with a sprinkle of cinnamon

For a lighter topping option, a small dollop of whipped cream dusted with cinnamon adds warmth without overpowering the butterscotch.

Salted caramel drizzle

Lean into the sweet side with a drizzle of salted caramel over each bar before serving—perfect for a more decadent presentation.

Chopped toasted pecans

Sprinkle on top just before serving for an added nutty crunch that pairs beautifully with the brown sugar base.

Want More Dessert Bar Ideas?

If you’re a fan of these chewy butterscotch bars, you’ll want to explore more baked treats that bring sweetness and creativity to your kitchen. Check out these reader favorites:

• Rhubarb Shortbread Bars for a tart and buttery balance.
• Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwiches if you love indulgent, crispy-edged treats.
• Hot Fudge Brownie Bread when you’re craving something rich, chocolatey, and ultra-fudgy.
• Peanut Butter Cornflake Cookies for a no-bake snack that’s all about texture.
• Southern Banana Cobbler to bring a warm, comforting twist to dessert time.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you sneak in any chocolate chips? Try a nutty twist? I love hearing the ways people make these bars their own—questions and ideas are always welcome.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks and sweet comfort treats on Luna Meals on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for feeling great!

Conclusion

Trisha Yearwood’s Butterscotch Bars are a classic dessert that never goes out of style. They’re unfussy, deeply satisfying, and the kind of bake that makes your kitchen smell like home. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned home cook, these bars are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Bake a batch and share the joy—one chewy square at a time.

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