Trisha Yearwood Butterscotch Bars recipe

If you’re in the mood for a rich and comforting dessert, look no further than The Ultimate treat: Trisha Yearwood Butterscotch Bars. Imagine chewy peanut butter bars loaded with velvety butterscotch chips, all topped with a sweet peanut butter glaze that soaks into every bite. With a texture that’s both fudgy and tender and a flavor that’s pure nostalgia, these bars are guaranteed to win hearts at family gatherings, bake sales, or just your next cozy night in. Let’s dive in and bring a new favorite to your baking repertoire!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of The Ultimate butterscotch bars comes down to a handful of wholesome pantry staples and a few decadent additions. Each ingredient plays a unique part, from chewiness to sweetness to that crave-worthy nutty backbone. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Butter: Provides a rich, creamy base and ensures the bars are moist and tender.
• Granulated sugar: Lends sweetness and helps the bars achieve a golden-brown top.
• Brown sugar: Adds depth of flavor and creates a beautiful chewy texture.
• Creamy peanut butter: Brings richness and a hint of saltiness, balancing all the sweet notes.
• Egg: Binds the batter and adds additional softness and structure.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors and gives the bars a warm, aromatic finish.
• All-purpose flour: Forms the structural backbone to hold everything together.
• Baking soda: Helps the bars rise slightly for a soft, cake-like crumb.
• Salt: Brightens every flavor and counteracts the sweetness—don’t skip it!
• Quick-cooking oatmeal: Contributes gentle chewiness and a delicate bite.
• Butterscotch chips: Create irresistible bursts of butterscotch in every bite.
• Confectioners’ sugar: Forms the sweet, smooth glaze for the perfect finish.
• Milk: Loosens the glaze so it spreads effortlessly over the bars.

How to Make The Ultimate

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan

The Ultimate bar starts with a good foundation: preheat your oven to 350°F, grease a 9×13-inch baking dish, and line it with parchment paper. This not only keeps the bars from sticking but also makes it easy to lift them out for perfectly clean slices.

Step 2: Cream the Butter, Sugars, and Peanut Butter

In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and 1/2 cup of creamy peanut butter together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 3 to 4 minutes. Creaming well here is key for a soft, bakery-style texture in The Ultimate butterscotch bars.

Step 3: Add the Egg and Vanilla

Beat in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until you have a smooth and glossy batter. These two ingredients help create a rich, cohesive mixture that forms the heart of your bars.

Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift together your flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix in the quick-cooking oatmeal for a bit of rustic chew. This step ensures the leavening and seasoning are evenly distributed, setting your bars up for perfect flavor and structure.

Step 5: Bring Everything Together

Gradually add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Take care not to overmix—this keeps The Ultimate bars tender. You should have a thick, scoopable batter at this stage.

Step 6: Add the Butterscotch Magic

Spread the batter evenly into your prepared pan, making sure to reach every corner. Generously sprinkle butterscotch chips over the top for pops of caramelized sweetness throughout.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake the bars for 20 to 25 minutes, watching for lightly golden edges and a center that’s just set. The resulting bars will be soft and fudgy rather than dry, so don’t overbake for The Ultimate gooey bite!

Step 8: Make and Add the Glaze

While the bars are still warm, whisk together confectioners’ sugar, creamy peanut butter, and milk until smooth. Pour this luscious glaze all over the bars, allowing it to seep into every nook and cranny.

Step 9: Cool and Chill Before Slicing

Let the bars cool completely in the pan, then pop them into the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This step firms them up, making it easy to slice The Ultimate bars into clean, beautiful squares.

How to Serve The Ultimate

Garnishes

Give The Ultimate butterscotch bars a professional (and delicious) finish by sprinkling on extra butterscotch chips or a light dusting of sea salt. A light drizzle of melted peanut butter or even a handful of chopped toasted peanuts can add another dimension, both visually and flavor-wise.

Side Dishes

Pair these dreamy bars with a scoop of classic vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream for a cool and creamy contrast. For a lighter touch, serve with tart berries on the side, which help cut through the rich sweetness of The Ultimate bars.

Creative Ways to Present

For a bake sale or party platter, stack the bars in a pyramid and garnish with a few butterscotch chips on top. Hosting brunch? Cut them into mini squares and serve alongside coffee for a sweet treat that’s sure to disappear fast. Or, wrap individual pieces in parchment for a thoughtful homemade gift.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

The Ultimate butterscotch bars keep beautifully for several days. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. The flavor deepens as they sit and the glaze stays soft and fudgy.

Freezing

If you’d like to plan ahead, these bars freeze exceptionally well. Once they’re fully cooled and cut, layer them between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. Just let them thaw at room temp before serving for best texture.

Reheating

To restore that fresh-baked softness, warm the bars in the microwave for 5 to 10 seconds per square. This makes the butterscotch chips melt just enough and reinvigorates the gooey, irresistible texture that makes The Ultimate bar unforgettable.

FAQs

Can I substitute crunchy peanut butter?

Absolutely! If you love a little nutty texture, using crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy will give The Ultimate bars a satisfying bite and more peanut pieces in every square.

Do I have to use quick-cooking oats?

Quick-cooking oats are ideal for tenderness, but old-fashioned oats will give the bars a chewier texture. Steel-cut oats, however, are too coarse for this recipe.

Can I use chocolate chips instead of butterscotch?

You sure can! While butterscotch chips deliver that signature flavor, chocolate chips will turn these into a delicious twist that’s just as crowd-pleasing. Try a mix for extra decadence.

Is it okay to skip the glaze?

The Ultimate glaze adds a signature sweetness and moistness, but if you’re looking for something a little less sweet, you can serve the bars plain or with a light dusting of confectioners’ sugar.

Why do I need to chill the bars before slicing?

Chilling sets the glaze and firms up the bars, ensuring you get clean, picture-perfect squares without crumbling. If you love neat, bakery-style treats, don’t skip this step!

Final Thoughts

You’re about to discover why these are truly called The Ultimate butterscotch bars. Every chewy, peanut buttery, butterscotch-loaded bite is pure comfort and joy. Whether you’re baking for a celebration or just to make someone’s day a little sweeter, don’t wait—give The Ultimate recipe a try and share the love!

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