If you’ve ever dreamed of a dessert that combines buttery richness with sweet, gooey butterscotch in every bite, then you’re in for a treat with Trisha Yearwood’s Butterscotch Bars Recipe. This beloved recipe brings together classic baking ingredients with a luscious twist, resulting in bars that are perfectly soft, chewy, and filled with pockets of melty butterscotch chips that will have you coming back for just one more. Whether you’re making these for a family gathering or a cozy night in, these bars are simply irresistible and sure to become a new favorite in your dessert repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started on Trisha Yearwood’s Butterscotch Bars Recipe is a breeze because the ingredients list includes simple, everyday staples that work harmoniously to create the perfect texture and flavor. Each component plays a vital role in building the bars’ buttery sweetness, soft crumb, and delightful chew.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides the rich, creamy base that makes these bars so tender and moist.
- 2 cups packed light brown sugar: Adds a deep caramel-like sweetness and moisture for that chewy texture.
- 2 large eggs: Binds everything together and contributes to the bars’ soft, cakey structure.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor with warm, aromatic notes that perfectly complement the butterscotch.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of the bars, giving them structure and crumb.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the bars rise slightly for a tender bite.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies the other flavors.
- 1½ cups butterscotch chips: The star ingredient, melting slightly so every bar has bursts of butterscotch goodness.
- 1 cup chopped pecans (optional): Adds a toasty crunch and earthy flavor, but feel free to leave them out for a nut-free version.
How to Make Trisha Yearwood’s Butterscotch Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper to make for easy cleanup and to ensure your bars come out perfectly without sticking.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and the packed light brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key for creating a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture, so don’t rush it. The sugar dissolving into the butter helps give the bars that delicious chewiness.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then stir in the vanilla extract, which brings that lovely depth of flavor that makes these bars so memorable.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This evenly distributes the baking powder and salt, preventing any pockets of leavening agents or salt in your batter.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until everything is combined. Overmixing can make the bars tough, so mix gently to keep them tender and cakey.
Step 6: Fold in Butterscotch Chips and Pecans
Finally, fold in the butterscotch chips and the optional chopped pecans. These add texture and those iconic gooey pockets of flavor that bring Trisha Yearwood’s Butterscotch Bars Recipe to life.
Step 7: Bake Until Golden
Spread the batter evenly into your prepared baking dish and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Look for a golden top and test doneness with a toothpick inserted in the center coming out clean. After baking, let the bars cool completely before slicing – this allows them to set perfectly!
How to Serve Trisha Yearwood’s Butterscotch Bars Recipe
Garnishes
While these bars are scrumptious as is, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of caramel sauce can elevate their appearance and add an extra touch of sweetness that’s perfect for serving at parties or special occasions.
Side Dishes
Pairing these bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream brings a cool, creamy contrast that complements the warm, buttery flavor beautifully. A cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk also makes an ideal drink to accompany them.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive look, wrap individual bars in parchment paper tied with twine, making them great for gifting. You can also stack them on a dessert platter with some fresh berries scattered around for color and freshness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store your butterscotch bars in an airtight container at room temperature. This keeps them soft and chewy for up to 4 days, making them easy to enjoy whenever a sweet craving hits.
Freezing
If you want to stash some away for later, these bars freeze well. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing their delightful texture and flavor.
Reheating
To enjoy frozen bars, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature. For a freshly baked taste, warm them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes or pop them in the microwave for about 15 seconds. They’ll taste just as delicious as the day you baked them!
FAQs
Can I substitute the butterscotch chips with chocolate chips?
Absolutely! While the original Trisha Yearwood’s Butterscotch Bars Recipe shines with butterscotch chips, chocolate chips will give the bars a different but equally delicious flavor profile. Dark, milk, or white chocolate chips all work beautifully.
Can I make this recipe nut-free?
Yes, simply omit the chopped pecans. The bars will still be wonderfully rich and chewy without nuts, perfect for those with allergies or nut sensitivities.
What if I don’t have light brown sugar?
You can substitute with dark brown sugar or even white granulated sugar, though light brown sugar gives the best balance of moisture and caramel flavor that makes these bars so special.
How thick will the bars be in a 9×13-inch pan?
The batter spreads out evenly and should produce bars roughly 1 inch thick, giving that perfect chewy yet cakey texture each bite should have.
Are these bars suitable for freezing and then thawing later?
Yes, they freeze wonderfully! Wrap them well to maintain freshness, and when thawed, they’ll retain their rich, moist texture just like freshly baked.
Final Thoughts
Trisha Yearwood’s Butterscotch Bars Recipe is truly a showstopper when it comes to classic, comforting desserts. Each bite invites you into a world of buttery sweetness and soft, chewy perfection that’s hard to resist. If you’re looking to impress your family or simply treat yourself to something indulgent and homemade, give this recipe a try—you’ll be so glad you did!
