Trisha Yearwood Butterscotch Bars

If you’re looking for a delightful dessert that will impress your family and friends, you have to try Trisha Yearwood Butterscotch Bars! These bars are a cherished recipe in my kitchen, bringing together the comforting flavors of peanut butter and butterscotch into one chewy, nutty treat. They make any occasion feel special—whether it’s a busy weeknight when you need something sweet or a family gathering where everyone loves to indulge.

Baking these bars fills your home with an irresistible aroma that will make everyone gather around. They are easy to prepare and perfect for sharing, so grab your apron and let’s get started on this scrumptious adventure!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just 15 minutes of prep time, these bars come together effortlessly.
• Family Favorite: The combination of peanut butter and butterscotch will win over kids and adults alike.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Bake them in advance and store for later; they hold up wonderfully!
• Decadent Flavor: The rich butterscotch chips combined with the creamy glaze create a deliciously indulgent treat.
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for parties, potlucks, or just because you deserve a sweet snack!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making Trisha Yearwood Butterscotch Bars is all about using simple, wholesome ingredients that you might already have in your pantry. Gather these goodies, and let’s whip up something incredible!

For the Bars

• 1/2 cup butter, room temperature
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup quick-cooking oatmeal
• 6 ounces butterscotch chips

For the Glaze

• 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
• 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
• 4 tablespoons milk

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are some fun ideas to customize your Trisha Yearwood Butterscotch Bars:

• Add Some Crunch: Toss in chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for added texture.
• Change the Chips: Swap out butterscotch chips for chocolate chips or even white chocolate for a different flavor twist.
• Try Different Flours: Use whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour to meet dietary preferences.
• Mix in Fruits: Add dried fruits like cranberries or raisins for a fruity touch!

How to Make Trisha Yearwood Butterscotch Bars

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your bars bake evenly from the moment they go in. While that’s heating up, grease a 9×13-inch baking dish so that your treats don’t stick.

Step 2: Cream the Mixture

In a mixing bowl, cream together the room temperature butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and 1/2 cup of peanut butter until it’s light and fluffy. This step is crucial as it incorporates air into the mixture, making your bars tender.

Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla

Beat in one large egg and one teaspoon of vanilla extract until everything is well combined. The egg helps bind everything together while adding moisture.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, mix together the dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and quick-cooking oatmeal. Gradually add this mixture to your wet ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want those bars chewy!

Step 5: Spread the Batter

Spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking dish. Top generously with butterscotch chips before popping it into the oven. This step ensures every bite is packed with sweet goodness.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake for about 20-25 minutes until the edges are lightly browned. Keep an eye on them; you want them set but still soft in the center.

Step 7: Prepare the Glaze

While those delicious bars are cooling slightly, whisk together confectioners’ sugar, remaining peanut butter, and milk until smooth. This glaze adds an extra layer of sweetness that complements our chewy bars perfectly.

Step 8: Drizzle and Cool

Pour that heavenly glaze over warm bars straight from the oven. Allow them to cool completely before cutting into squares—this ensures clean edges and makes them easier to serve!

Enjoy every bite of these delightful Trisha Yearwood Butterscotch Bars!

Pro Tips for Making Trisha Yearwood Butterscotch Bars

Making these delicious butterscotch bars is a breeze, especially with a few handy tips to elevate your baking game!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Ensuring your butter and eggs are at room temperature helps create a smoother batter, which results in even baking and a chewier texture.

• Don’t overmix the batter: Mixing just until combined prevents the bars from becoming tough. Overmixing can develop gluten in the flour, leading to a denser final product rather than the soft, chewy bars we want.

• Check for doneness: Ovens can vary in temperature, so start checking your bars at the 20-minute mark. They should be lightly browned around the edges and set in the middle for that perfect chewy consistency.

• Let them cool before cutting: Allowing the bars to cool completely in the pan makes them easier to cut and ensures they hold their shape without crumbling.

• Add extra butterscotch chips on top: For an extra decadent treat, sprinkle some additional butterscotch chips on top right after they come out of the oven. They will melt slightly and create a deliciously gooey topping!

How to Serve Trisha Yearwood Butterscotch Bars

These butterscotch bars are not only delicious but also versatile when it comes to serving. Here are some delightful ideas to present this sweet treat beautifully!

Garnishes

• Chopped nuts: A sprinkle of chopped peanuts or walnuts adds crunch and enhances the nutty flavor of the bars.
• Whipped topping: A dollop of non-dairy whipped topping can add a creamy element that complements the sweetness of the bars perfectly.

Side Dishes

• Fresh fruit salad: A light fruit salad made with seasonal berries or citrus offers a refreshing contrast to the rich sweetness of the bars.
• Vanilla ice cream: Serving these bars warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream creates a delightful melting experience that is hard to resist!
• Coffee or tea: Pairing these treats with a warm cup of coffee or herbal tea balances their sweetness and adds an inviting touch to your dessert table.

These Trisha Yearwood Butterscotch Bars are sure to become a favorite in your home! With their delightful flavors and chewy texture, they’re perfect for any occasion. Enjoy creating these sweet treats and sharing them with loved ones!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Trisha Yearwood Butterscotch Bars are perfect for meal prep! They can be made in advance and stored, making them a delightful treat to enjoy throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the bars to cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
• For longer freshness, store in the refrigerator.

Freezing

• Cut the bars into individual pieces before freezing.
• Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place wrapped bars in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• Freeze for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.

Reheating

• For best results, reheat individual bars in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds.
• Alternatively, warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

If you have questions about making these delicious bars, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries.

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter will add a delightful texture to your Trisha Yearwood Butterscotch Bars. Just keep in mind that it may slightly alter the smoothness of the batter.

How can I make Trisha Yearwood Butterscotch Bars gluten-free?

To make these bars gluten-free, simply substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. The texture and flavor should still be delicious!

What is the best way to store Trisha Yearwood Butterscotch Bars?

Store your butterscotch bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days or refrigerate them for longer freshness.

Can I add nuts to these butterscotch bars?

Yes! Feel free to mix in your favorite nuts, like walnuts or pecans, for added crunch and flavor. Just ensure they are chopped evenly for even distribution.

Final Thoughts

These Trisha Yearwood Butterscotch Bars are truly special with their rich flavors and chewy texture. Whether you’re making them for a gathering or just treating yourself, they’re sure to bring smiles all around. Enjoy getting creative in the kitchen with this recipe—I hope you love making these as much as I do! Happy baking!