Trisha Yearwood’s Butterscotch Bars: A Crowd-Pleasing Dessert

When it comes to homemade desserts that are easy to whip up and irresistibly delicious, Trisha Yearwood’s Butterscotch Bars stand out as a crowd favorite. With their chewy texture, sweet butterscotch glaze, and nutty peanut butter undertones, these bars are perfect for holidays, potlucks, or just a quiet evening at home. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about preparing these delectable treats, plus tips to make them your own!

Why Are Trisha Yearwood’s Butterscotch Bars So Popular?

Trisha Yearwood is renowned for her hearty, homestyle recipes that never fail to impress. Her butterscotch bars combine simple ingredients with a foolproof method, making them accessible even to novice bakers. But it’s not just their simplicity that makes these bars shine—they’re packed with layers of flavor and texture that cater to every sweet tooth.

Here’s why you’ll fall in love with this recipe:

• Irresistible Flavors: The combination of peanut butter and butterscotch creates a harmonious balance of nutty and sweet.
• Chewy Perfection: Thanks to the oatmeal base, these bars have the ideal chewy texture.
• Quick & Easy: This recipe takes under an hour, including baking time!
• Versatile: Perfect for holidays, bake sales, or as a quick weeknight dessert.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you get started, gather these pantry staples and fresh ingredients. Trust us—quality ingredients make all the difference.

Wet Ingredients

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened, plus extra for greasing the pan
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter, divided
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup quick-cooking oatmeal

Add-Ins

• 1 cup butterscotch chips

For the Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 4 tablespoons milk
• 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish generously with butter. This step ensures your bars won’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze.

2. Cream the Wet Ingredients

Using an electric mixer, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and 1/2 cup of peanut butter. Beat the mixture until it’s light, fluffy, and fully combined. Add the egg and vanilla extract, then mix again until smooth.

3. Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Stir in the oatmeal for a touch of chewiness. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just incorporated.

4. Assemble the Bars

Spread the batter evenly into your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the butterscotch chips over the top, pressing them lightly into the batter.

5. Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs.

6. Prepare the Glaze

While the bars bake, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and the remaining 1/4 cup of peanut butter. Stir until the glaze is smooth and pourable.

7. Finish with a Glaze

Once the bars are out of the oven, pour the glaze evenly over the warm bars. Use a spatula to spread it if needed. Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting into squares.

Tips for Success

Want to take your butterscotch bars to the next level? Follow these pro tips:

• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can make the bars dense. Mix just until combined.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and egg are at room temperature for smoother blending.
• Chill Before Cutting: Refrigerate the bars for 30 minutes after cooling to make slicing easier and neater.
• Storage: Keep the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days or freeze for up to three months.

Creative Variations

While Trisha Yearwood’s Butterscotch Bars are incredible as is, they’re also versatile. Here are some fun ways to customize the recipe:

• Add Chocolate Chips: Swap some of the butterscotch chips for chocolate chips for a classic flavor twist.
• Include Nuts: Add chopped pecans or walnuts for a crunchy texture.
• Drizzle with Caramel: For an extra indulgent treat, drizzle caramel sauce over the glaze before it sets.
• Make It Festive: Add colored sprinkles for holidays like Christmas or Valentine’s Day.

Nutritional Information

While these bars are a sweet treat, they do provide some nutritional benefits thanks to the oatmeal and peanut butter.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 210
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Cholesterol: 20mg
• Sodium: 180mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 18g
• Vitamin A: 2% DV
• Calcium: 2% DV
• Iron: 4% DV

FAQs

1. Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking mix and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free.

2. Can I use natural peanut butter?
Natural peanut butter can be used, but it may slightly alter the texture. Stir well before adding it to the recipe.

3. How do I know when the bars are done?
The edges will be golden brown, and a toothpick inserted in the center will come out mostly clean.

4. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Use a larger baking dish and adjust the baking time slightly.

5. How can I store leftovers?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days or freeze for longer storage.

Why You Should Try Trisha Yearwood’s Butterscotch Bars Today

With their chewy texture, sweet glaze, and incredible flavors, Trisha Yearwood’s Butterscotch Bars are a must-try for any dessert lover. This recipe is easy to follow, uses pantry staples, and delivers a dessert that’s guaranteed to wow. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a newbie in the kitchen, these bars are foolproof and fun to make.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and treat yourself to a batch of these irresistible bars. Your taste buds—and your family—will thank you!

More Relevant Recipes

• Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
• Christmas Cookie Bars
• No-Bake Homemade Crunch Bars

Print