Butterscotch Bars

Butterscotch bars are a delectable dessert, combining the rich, comforting flavors of buttery brown sugar and gooey butterscotch chips in a chewy, crowd-pleasing treat.

Prep Time10

Cook Time28

Rest Time1

Total Time1 38

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Butterscotch Bars Recipe

Servings: slices

Calories: 317kcal

Ingredients

2½ cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
2 teaspoons cornstarch
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon table salt
1 cup salted butter, softened to room temperature
1 cup light brown sugar, tightly packed
¾ cup granulated sugar
2 extra-large eggs, room temperature
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
2 cups butterscotch baking chips (divided 1½ cups and ½ cup)

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Generously spray a 9x13 (or 13x9) baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Set it aside.
Add the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and table salt to a medium-sized mixing bowl (2-3 quarts). Whisk to combine. Set it aside.
Using either a stand mixer, or a medium-sized mixing bowl and handheld mixer, on medium-high speed, beat together the softened butter, brown and granulated sugars for 1½-2 minutes or until light and fluffy.
Lower the mixer speed to medium-low. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each egg until no yellow streaks remain.
Add the vanilla and mix just until combined.
Keep the mixer speed on medium-low and add ½ of the flour mixture, mixing just until incorporated. Add the remaining flour, again mix just until incorporated.
Fold in 1½ cups of the butterscotch baking chips. Evenly spread the butterscotch batter into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining butterscotch baking chips evenly over the top of the batter.
Bake for 26-28 minutes or until the corners and edges of the bars are golden brown. The center still looks to be set but still undercooked. You want the center to be dense. Allow the bars to completely cool before cutting the bars into 3 slices x 6 slices. Cover until you are ready to serve.

Notes

Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before starting. Room-temperature ingredients blend more smoothly, resulting in a better texture.
When adding the dry ingredients, mix just until they're incorporated. Overmixing can make the bars tough. It's okay if there are a few streaks of flour.
Oven temperatures vary and may need to be recalibrated periodically to ensure they are accurate. Make sure to check your butterscotch bars at the lower end of the recommended baking time.

Nutrition