Butterscotch Bars

by

Trisha Yearwood’s Butterscotch Bars: Chewy, Sweet, and Southern-Style Comfort

A rich peanut butter base, studded with butterscotch chips and topped with a creamy glaze—these bars are pure indulgence

Introduction: A Southern Classic with a Sweet Twist

Trisha Yearwood’s recipes are known for their warmth, simplicity, and Southern charm—and these Butterscotch Bars are no exception. With a chewy peanut butter base, golden butterscotch chips, and a silky glaze, they’re the kind of dessert that feels like a hug from home.

Perfect for potlucks, bake sales, or cozy weekends, these bars are easy to make and impossible to resist. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Trisha’s cooking or just discovering her sweet side, this recipe is a must-bake.

Ingredients Breakdown

Let’s take a closer look at what makes these bars so irresistible:

Base Batter:

  • Butter (½ cup / 1 stick, room temperature)
    Adds richness and helps create a tender crumb.
  • Granulated sugar (½ cup)
    Sweetens and balances the peanut butter.
  • Light brown sugar (½ cup, packed)
    Adds moisture and a hint of molasses flavor.
  • Creamy peanut butter (¾ cup, divided)
    The star of the show—adds flavor, chewiness, and depth.
  • Large egg (1)
    Binds the batter and adds structure.
  • Vanilla extract (1 tsp)
    Enhances the sweetness and rounds out the flavor.

Dry Ingredients:

  • All-purpose flour (1 cup)
    Provides structure and keeps the bars chewy.
  • Baking soda (1 tsp)
    Helps the bars rise slightly and stay soft.
  • Salt (¼ tsp)
    Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
  • Quick-cooking oatmeal (½ cup)
    Adds texture and a subtle nutty flavor.

Mix-In:

  • Butterscotch chips (1 cup)
    Sweet, creamy, and slightly caramelized—perfect contrast to the peanut butter.

Glaze:

  • Powdered sugar (1 cup)
    Creates a smooth, sweet glaze.
  • Milk (4 tbsp)
    Thins the glaze to a pourable consistency.
  • Remaining peanut butter (¼ cup)
    Adds creaminess and ties the glaze to the base flavor.

Optional: Add a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of maple syrup to the glaze for extra warmth.

Equipment Needed

  • 9×13-inch baking dish
  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer or hand whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Rubber spatula
  • Wire cooling rack

Tip: Use parchment paper for easy removal and cleaner slicing.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or line with parchment paper.

Step 2: Make the Batter

In a large bowl:

  • Cream together ½ cup butter, ½ cup granulated sugar, ½ cup brown sugar, and ½ cup peanut butter until light and fluffy.

Add:

  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Mix until well combined.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl:

  • Sift together 1 cup flour, 1 tsp baking soda, and ¼ tsp salt.

Stir in ½ cup quick-cooking oatmeal.

Gradually add dry mixture to wet mixture.

Mix until fully incorporated.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Spread batter evenly into prepared pan.

Sprinkle 1 cup butterscotch chips over the top.

Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until:

  • Edges are golden brown
  • Center is set but still soft

Tip: Don’t overbake—bars will continue to firm up as they cool.

Step 5: Make the Glaze

While bars are baking:

  • Whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar, 4 tbsp milk, and ¼ cup peanut butter until smooth.

Optional: Warm glaze slightly for easier pouring.

Step 6: Glaze and Cool

Once bars are out of the oven:

  • Pour glaze evenly over the warm bars.

Let cool completely in the pan before slicing.

Yields:

  • 12 servings

Presentation Tip: Garnish with crushed peanuts or a drizzle of melted butterscotch for extra flair.

Serving Suggestions

Perfect for:

  • Bake sales
  • Holiday trays
  • Afternoon tea
  • Southern-style dessert spreads

Pair with:

  • Cold milk
  • Coffee or espresso
  • Vanilla ice cream
  • Sweet tea

Tip: Serve warm for extra gooeyness or chilled for a firmer bite.

Variations to Try

Want to make them your own? Try these delicious twists:

Chocolate Chip Swap

Use chocolate chips instead of butterscotch for a classic twist.

Bacon Peanut Butter Bars

Add crumbled cooked bacon for a sweet-savory combo.

Mini Muffin Bars

Bake in mini muffin tins for bite-sized treats.

Vegan Version

Use plant-based butter, egg replacer, and dairy-free chips.

Coconut Crunch

Add shredded coconut to the batter or glaze.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

  • Make-Ahead: Prepare up to 2 days in advance.
  • Refrigerate: Store in airtight container for up to 5 days.
  • Freeze: Freeze bars (unglazed) for up to 2 months. Thaw and glaze before serving.

Tip: Layer with parchment to prevent sticking.

Nutrition Notes (Per Bar, ~1 of 12)

  • Calories: ~280
  • Protein: ~5g
  • Carbohydrates: ~28g
  • Fat: ~16g
  • Sugar: ~20g
  • Sodium: ~180mg
  • Fiber: ~1g

These bars are:

  • Chewy and rich
  • Easy to make
  • Perfectly portioned
  • Great for gifting

Final Thoughts

Trisha Yearwood’s Butterscotch Bars are more than just a dessert—they’re a celebration of Southern comfort, sweet nostalgia, and simple joy. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just treating yourself, they’re guaranteed to satisfy and impress.

Leave a Comment