The rich aroma of warm butterscotch wafting through the kitchen transports me back to lazy weekends of my childhood, where sweet treats were just a pan away. Trisha Yearwood’s Butterscotch Bars are not just a dessert; they’re a nostalgic slice of comfort that brings people together around the table, sharing laughter and gooey goodness. These easy-to-make bars come together in just 40 minutes, making them perfect for unexpected visitors or a cozy family night in. With their soft, chewy texture and buttery flavor, you’ll be amazed at how quickly they disappear! Whether you enjoy them plain or with fun mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts, these bars are bound to become a new favorite. So, are you ready to whip up some nostalgia? Why Are These Butterscotch Bars Irresistible? Nostalgic Flavor: These bars remind you of warm, homemade treats from childhood, bursting with rich butterscotch goodness. Quick & Easy: Ready in just 40 minutes, they’re perfect for any occasion, from casual family dinners to unexpected visitors. Customizable: Whether you prefer classic flavors or adventurous mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts, feel free to make them your own! Crowd-Pleaser: These chewy delights will disappear fast, making them ideal for parties or dessert platters. For more delicious and comforting options, check out my Rhubarb Custard Bars—another treat that brings everyone together. Simple Ingredients: With pantry staples at hand, you can whip these bars up anytime. Trisha Yearwood Butterscotch Bars Ingredients For the Batter Unsalted Butter – Provides rich flavor and moisture; use salted butter if unsalted isn’t available, but reduce added salt. Light Brown Sugar – Adds sweetness and a hint of caramel flavor; dark brown sugar can be used for a richer taste. Granulated Sugar – Enhances sweetness and aids browning; can be replaced by coconut sugar for a lower glycemic index. Large Eggs – Binds ingredients and contributes to structure; consider using egg whites for a lighter texture. Vanilla Extract – Adds depth of flavor; substitute with almond extract for a different twist. All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure; use gluten-free all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version. Baking Soda – Acts as a leavening agent for a light texture; ensure it’s fresh for optimal rise. Salt – Balances sweetness and enhances flavor; omit if using salted butter. Butterscotch Chips – Main flavor component, adding sweetness and texture; can be replaced with chocolate chips for variation. Optional Add-ins Chopped Nuts (Pecans or Walnuts) – Enhance flavor and add crunch; perfect for a nutty twist. Chocolate Chips – Offer a delicious butterscotch-chocolate combo; substitute half the butterscotch chips for a fun variation. Dried Cranberries – Add a pop of color and a hint of tartness; excellent for a holiday twist. Dive into the sweet, buttery goodness of Trisha Yearwood Butterscotch Bars and let your baking adventure begin! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Trisha Yearwood Butterscotch Bars Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms up, take a 9×13 inch baking pan and grease it generously with unsalted butter or non-stick spray. This will ensure that your Trisha Yearwood Butterscotch Bars come out easily after baking, with no sticking! Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars In a mixing bowl, place 1 cup of softened unsalted butter, 1 cup of light brown sugar, and 1 cup of granulated sugar. Using an electric mixer, cream the mixture on medium speed for about 3-5 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the mixture is light and fluffy with a pale color. This creates the perfect base for your soft and chewy bars. Step 3: Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla Next, add in 2 large eggs, one at a time, ensuring they are fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, mixing until smooth. The eggs will help bind your Trisha Yearwood Butterscotch Bars, making them rich and moist. Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and a pinch of salt. This step is crucial to ensure even distribution of the leavening agent. Set this dry mixture aside as you prepare to blend it with the wet ingredients for a perfectly textured batter. Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter-sugar mixture, using a spatula to gently mix them together. Stir until just combined; be careful not to overmix as this can make your Trisha Yearwood Butterscotch Bars tough. You want your batter to be thick and a bit sticky, yet perfectly blended. Step 6: Add Butterscotch Chips Now, fold in 2 cups of butterscotch chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter. The chips are the star of the show and will melt wonderfully during baking, providing those delightful pockets of sweet goodness in your bars. Step 7: Bake the Bars Spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake in your preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. Watch for the edges to turn golden brown, and when you insert a toothpick, it should come out with a few moist crumbs, indicating the perfect chewy texture. Step 8: Cool and Cut Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This will take about 30 minutes. Once cooled, cut into squares or rectangles, making sure to slice all the way through for easy serving. The tantalizing aroma of your Trisha Yearwood Butterscotch Bars will have everyone eager to enjoy! What to Serve with Trisha Yearwood Butterscotch Bars These delightful bars are the perfect centerpiece for a cozy gathering, inviting warmth and sweet memories to your table. Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy, cool texture contrasts beautifully with the warm butterscotch bars, creating a delightful bite that feels like a hug in dessert form. Fresh Berries: Strawberries or raspberries add a vibrant, tangy element that cuts through the sweetness of the bars, providing refreshing bursts of flavor. Whipped Cream: A light dollop of freshly whipped cream enhances the richness while adding a fluffy texture for a comforting twist. Classic Coffee: Pairing these bars with a rich cup of coffee elevates the experience, balancing the sweetness while enhancing the warm butterscotch notes. Chocolate Sauce: Drizzling warm chocolate sauce over your butterscotch bars takes this dessert to the next level. The indulgent chocolate complements the buttery sweetness perfectly! Nutty Crumble: A sprinkle of crushed pecans or walnuts adds a satisfying crunch, bringing additional nutty flavor and texture that harmonizes with the buttery base. Caramel Sauce: For the ultimate treat, drizzle homemade or store-bought caramel sauce over your bars, emphasizing that gooey, indulgent experience we all cherish. Milkshake: For a fun twist, serve alongside a butterscotch or vanilla milkshake, turning your dessert into a nostalgic diner-style treat that transports you back in time! Storage Tips for Trisha Yearwood Butterscotch Bars Room Temperature: Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days to maintain their chewy texture and rich flavor. Freezer: For longer storage, wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer-safe container. They can last up to 3 months without losing their delicious taste. Thawing: To enjoy frozen Trisha Yearwood Butterscotch Bars, simply thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes or microwave for 10-15 seconds to warm them back up. Serving Suggestions: For best results, enjoy these bars slightly warm, perhaps paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for that extra comfort food experience! Expert Tips for Trisha Yearwood Butterscotch Bars Check Freshness: Ensure your baking soda is fresh for optimal rise; stale baking powder can lead to flat bars. Don’t Overmix: Mix the wet and dry ingredients gently to avoid tough butterscotch bars; a few lumps are okay! Perfectly Soft: Keep an eye on the baking time; pull the bars out when they are slightly underbaked for that chewy texture. Cooling Time: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan to set before cutting; this helps maintain their softness and structure. Add Fun Mix-ins: For a twist, include chopped nuts or chocolate chips for added flavor in your Trisha Yearwood Butterscotch Bars. Trisha Yearwood Butterscotch Bars Variations Feel free to get creative with these delicious bars and tailor them to your taste buds for an even sweeter experience! Nutty Goodness: Add chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch and flavor; they pair beautifully with the chewy texture. Choco Delight: Swap half of the butterscotch chips for chocolate chips for a delightful butterscotch-chocolate combination. Seasonal Twist: Mix in dried cranberries or cherries for a festive touch that brings a hint of tartness. Spiced Up: Incorporate a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, inviting flavor that’s perfect for fall. Coconut Craze: Add shredded coconut to the batter for a tropical twist that complements the buttery taste. Lower Sugar: Substitute granulated sugar with coconut sugar for a lower glycemic index option without sacrificing sweetness. Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free all-purpose flour to make these delicious bars friendlier for those with gluten sensitivities. Ice Cream Sundae: Serve warm bars topped with vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce for an indulgent dessert experience. For more delicious treats to accompany your baking, my Rhubarb Custard Bars offer a fantastic contrast to these sweet butterscotch delights! Make Ahead Options These Trisha Yearwood Butterscotch Bars are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the batter up to 24 hours in advance, simply cover the mixing bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Alternatively, you can bake the bars and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days to maintain their chewy texture. Just make sure they’re completely cool before storing to prevent sogginess. When you’re ready to enjoy, cut the bars into squares and serve them at room temperature or warm them slightly in the oven for that just-baked feeling. With these make-ahead tips, you’ll have a sweet treat ready to delight your family at a moment’s notice! Trisha Yearwood Butterscotch Bars Recipe FAQs What type of butter should I use for the bars? Absolutely! Use unsalted butter for the best flavor and moisture, as it allows you to control the saltiness. If you only have salted butter, just reduce the added salt in the recipe to balance the flavors. How can I tell if my butterscotch bars are underbaked? Very! The trick is to look for golden edges and a slight jiggle in the center. When you insert a toothpick, it should come out with a few moist crumbs, indicating that the bars are perfectly chewy but not dry. How should I store my baked butterscotch bars? You can keep your Trisha Yearwood Butterscotch Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, wrap the bars individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They will last for up to 3 months without losing their delightful flavor! Can I freeze the butterscotch bars? What’s the best way? Absolutely! To freeze, first, let the bars cool completely. Then, wrap them individually in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil or place them in a freezer-safe bag. Label with the date, and they’ll be good for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes or warm them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Are there any dietary considerations for the bars? Very much so! These bars can be made vegetarian, but if you’re concerned about dietary restrictions, you can substitute eggs with a flaxseed meal (1 tablespoon of flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water for each egg). For gluten-free options, swap out the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just be mindful of cross-contamination if you have allergies! What if my bars come out too crumbly? If your bars are too crumbly, it’s often due to overbaking or not enough moisture. Be sure to check for doneness on the earlier side of the baking time, and consider adding an extra tablespoon of butter if the texture seems dry. Remember, they should still be soft and chewy when you take them out! Trisha Yearwood Butterscotch Bars for Blissful Moments Trisha Yearwood's Butterscotch Bars are a nostalgic dessert bursting with butterscotch goodness, perfect for family gatherings and holidays. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 25 minutes minsCooling Time 30 minutes minsTotal Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins Servings: 12 barsCourse: DessertsCuisine: AmericanCalories: 240 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Batter1 cup Unsalted Butter Softened1 cup Light Brown Sugar1 cup Granulated Sugar2 large Eggs1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract2 cups All-Purpose Flour1 teaspoon Baking Soda0.25 teaspoon Salt2 cups Butterscotch ChipsOptional Add-ins1 cup Chopped Nuts (Pecans or Walnuts)1 cup Chocolate Chips1 cup Dried Cranberries Equipment 9x13-inch baking panMixing BowlElectric mixerSpatulaWire rack Method Step-by-Step InstructionsPreheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.In a mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup of unsalted butter, 1 cup of light brown sugar, and 1 cup of granulated sugar until light and fluffy.Add 2 large eggs one at a time, followed by 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and a pinch of salt.Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter-sugar mixture and stir until just combined.Fold in 2 cups of butterscotch chips.Spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking pan and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before cutting into squares. Nutrition Serving: 1barCalories: 240kcalCarbohydrates: 36gProtein: 2gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 100mgPotassium: 50mgFiber: 1gSugar: 18gVitamin A: 150IUCalcium: 20mgIron: 1mg NotesStore bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or freeze for longer storage. For the best experience, serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
