Butterscotch Dessert Bars Recipe

Table of Contents

1. Ingredients for Butterscotch Bars
2. Substitutions and Additions
3. How to Make Butterscotch Bars
4. How To Serve Butterscotch Bars
5. Why You’ll Love This Butterscotch Squares Recipe
6. Recipe FAQ
7. Serving FAQ
8. Storage FAQ
9. JUMP TO RECIPE

These chewy butterscotch bars come packed with sweet flavor, buttery texture, and rich brown sugar goodness. You only need simple pantry ingredients to whip up this classic treat. They bake up golden and gooey with a soft center and crisp edges. Serve them warm or chilled for a sweet snack, party, or easy dessert.

This recipe is easy to make, and you can follow the full step-by-step guide just below. We’ve added clear photos and directions so every step feels simple. Don’t miss our pro tips, tricks, and most frequently asked questions—answered to help you make the best batch ever.

You can mix up these chewy butterscotch squares in just ten minutes and bake them in under thirty. Sweet brown sugar and rich butterscotch chips melt together to make each bite soft, gooey, and full of flavor.

Bring these dessert bars to potlucks, bake sales, or holiday parties—they always disappear fast. Everyone loves the buttery taste, crisp edges, and soft center in every easy-to-make square.

What you’ll need to make this butterscotch bars recipe:

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

These easy substitutions and additions can be swapped out while still maintaining the deliciousness of these dessert bars!

Cornstarch: No cornstarch? Use the same amount of tapioca starch or potato starch to keep the texture right.

Salted Butter: Unsalted butter works fine. Just toss in a pinch more salt to even things out.

Brown Sugar: Want a deeper taste? Try dark brown sugar for extra butterscotch richness.

Vanilla Extract: Swap in almond extract if you want a light, nutty flavor instead.

Follow along with our step-by-step pictures, easy instructions, and helpful tips and tricks listed just below. You’ll bake these sweet butterscotch cookie bars in no time. Let’s get started!

FIRST STEP: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Generously spray a 9×13 (or 13×9) baking pan with nonstick cooking spray. Set it aside.

SECOND STEP: Add the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and table salt to a medium-sized mixing bowl (2-3 quarts). Whisk to combine. Set it aside.

THIRD STEP: Using either a stand mixer, or a medium-sized mixing bowl and electric hand mixer, on medium-high speed, beat together the softened butter, brown, and granulated sugars for 1½-2 minutes or until light and fluffy.

FOURTH STEP: Lower the mixer speed to medium-low. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each egg until no yellow streaks remain.

FIFTH STEP: Add the vanilla and mix just until combined.

SIXTH STEP: 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.

SEVENTH STEP: Fold in 1½ cups of the butterscotch baking chips. Evenly spread the butterscotch batter into the prepared pan. 

Sprinkle the remaining butterscotch baking chips evenly over the top of the batter. 

EIGHTH STEP: Bake treats for 26-28 minutes (every oven cooks differently, so begin checking your bars at the 22-minute mark) 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 cool completely before cutting the bars into three slices x six slices. Cover until you are ready to serve.

You can serve these chewy butterscotch bars at just about any event or time of year. They’re kid-approved, party-ready, and always easy to share.

Our gooey butterscotch bars are a charming treat that blend nostalgic warmth with simple ingredients. Their rich, buttery taste, easy prep, and sweet, chewy texture make them a favorite for many occasions.

Butterscotch bars stay popular for a few simple reasons:

• Rich butterscotch flavor: Butterscotch chips melt into sweet, buttery pockets that make every bite extra tasty.
• Loved by all ages: Their chewy texture and bold flavor keep both kids and grown-ups reaching for seconds.
• Easy to make ahead: Bake them early, then keep them ready for whenever you need a quick and tasty treat.

Do I need to use parchment paper when baking butterscotch bars?
While not necessary, parchment paper helps lift the butterscotch bars out easily and keeps cleanup simple.

How do I know when butterscotch bars are done baking?
You’ll know your butterscotch bars are done when the edges turn golden and the center sets without jiggling.

Why do my bars come out too dry or crumbly?
Your bars may turn dry if they bake too long. Check them early and pull them when the center looks set.

What’s the best way to mix the butterscotch bar batter?
Use a hand mixer or whisk for smooth batter. Mix just until combined to keep the bars soft and chewy.

Why are my butterscotch chips sinking to the bottom?
To keep the chips from sinking, toss them with a spoonful of flour before folding them into the batter.

How long should I let the bars cool before cutting them?
Let your butterscotch bars cool for at least thirty minutes. That way, they cut cleanly without falling apart.

What’s the best way to serve butterscotch bars?
Cut the bars into small squares and arrange them on a tray. Add napkins for easy grab-and-go serving. They fit right in at Christmas parties, potlucks, or just a cozy night at home. Serve them warm with vanilla ice cream on top for a fun and easy dessert. These bars pack well in lunchboxes. Slice them small and wrap individually for a sweet lunchtime treat.

Are butterscotch bars good for bake sales?
Yes, these bars work great for bake sales. Wrap each piece in plastic or parchment for easy serving and transport.

Here are some quick tips to help you store butterscotch bars and keep them fresh for later.

Can I make and store these bars ahead of time?
You can make these easy butterscotch chip bars early. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Freeze them if you need to keep them longer.

How should I keep butterscotch bars in the fridge?
Keep your bars fresh by placing them in an airtight container. Store them in the fridge for up to one week.

Do butterscotch bars store well in the freezer?
These bars freeze well. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then place them in a sealed container or freezer-safe bag for up to three months. Let them thaw on the counter or microwave them for a few seconds.

What is the best way to reheat these bars?
Warm up a cold or frozen bar in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. Or use a 350°F oven for five minutes.

Butterscotch Bars

These chewy butterscotch bars mix rich brown sugar with sweet chips for the perfect homemade treat. Bake them fast with simple pantry ingredients.

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 28 minutes mins

Cooling Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 38 minutes mins

Course Dessert, Dessert Bars

Cuisine American

Servings 18 bars

Calories 315 kcal

• 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)

• Preheat the oven to 350°F. Generously spray a 9×13 (or 13×9) 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.

• 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.

Serving: 1bar | Calories: 315kcal | Carbohydrates: 51g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.4g | Cholesterol: 47mg | Sodium: 231mg | Potassium: 68mg | Fiber: 0.5g | Sugar: 36g | Vitamin A: 360IU | Calcium: 29mg | Iron: 1mg