Trisha Yearwood Butterscotch Bars

If you’re looking for a dessert that brings smiles to every gathering, look no further than Trisha Yearwood Butterscotch Bars. These delightful treats are a perfect blend of creamy peanut butter and sweet butterscotch chips, topped with a luscious glaze that makes each bite irresistible. I can’t tell you how many times these bars have saved the day on busy weeknights or brightened up family gatherings. Their chewy texture and nutty flavor make them an instant favorite for kids and adults alike.

What I love about this recipe is how easy it is to whip up. You don’t need any fancy equipment or hard-to-find ingredients—just simple pantry staples. Trust me, once you try these bars, they’ll become a go-to dessert in your home!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to prepare: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can get these bars in the oven without a fuss.
• Family-friendly: Everyone loves the combination of peanut butter and butterscotch, making them a hit with kids!
• Perfect for sharing: Whether it’s a bake sale or a potluck, these bars are great for sharing or serving at gatherings.
• Make-ahead convenience: You can prepare these bars in advance and store them for later enjoyment.
• Deliciously satisfying: The chewy texture combined with the sweet glaze creates a treat that’s hard to resist!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Trisha Yearwood Butterscotch Bars use simple, wholesome ingredients that are likely already in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need to bring this delicious recipe to life:

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 variations to consider:

• Add nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch.
• Try different chips: Swap butterscotch chips for chocolate or white chocolate chips if you want to mix up the flavors.
• Incorporate spices: A sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg can add warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
• Go gluten-free: Substitute all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free blend for a gluten-free version.

How to Make Trisha Yearwood Butterscotch Bars

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This step ensures that your bars bake evenly and won’t stick when it’s time to cut them. A well-prepped pan makes all the difference!

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and 1/2 cup of peanut butter until light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into your mixture, helping create those lovely chewy bars we all crave.

Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla

Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is well combined. These ingredients not only add moisture but also enrich the flavor profile of your bars.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, mix together the dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, oats, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet mixture until just combined. Don’t overmix; we want our bars to be soft and chewy!

Step 5: Spread Batter and Top with Chips

Spread the batter evenly into your prepared pan. Top with butterscotch chips for that extra layer of sweetness that melts beautifully as they bake.

Step 6: Bake Time!

Bake in your preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the edges are lightly browned. Keep an eye on them! You want that perfect golden edge while ensuring they stay soft inside.

Step 7: Prepare the Glaze

While the bars cool slightly, whisk together confectioners’ sugar, remaining peanut butter, and milk until smooth. This glaze adds a delightful sweetness that contrasts perfectly with the nutty base.

Step 8: Glaze the Bars

Pour the glaze over warm bars allowing it to soak in slightly before letting everything cool completely. Once cooled, cut into squares and enjoy every delicious bite!

And there you have it—delicious Trisha Yearwood Butterscotch Bars ready to impress!

Pro Tips for Making Trisha Yearwood Butterscotch Bars

Making these butterscotch bars is a delightful experience, and a few pro tips can ensure they turn out perfectly every time.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Starting with room temperature butter and eggs helps create a smooth batter, ensuring even mixing and a better texture in your final bars.

• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Once you combine the dry ingredients with the wet, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to dense bars instead of the chewy, soft texture we love!

• Check for Doneness: Ovens can vary, so keep an eye on your bars during the last few minutes of baking. The edges should be lightly golden, but a toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs for perfect chewiness.

• Cool Completely Before Cutting: While it’s tempting to dig in right away, letting the bars cool completely allows them to set up nicely, making it easier to cut them into neat squares without crumbling.

• Experiment with Mix-Ins: Feel free to add nuts or even chocolate chips if you want to customize your butterscotch bars. This adds variety and personal flair to your treats!

How to Serve Trisha Yearwood Butterscotch Bars

Serving these delightful butterscotch bars can elevate any gathering or simply make your afternoon snack feel extra special. Here are some ideas to present them beautifully!

Garnishes

• Chopped Nuts: Sprinkle some chopped peanuts or walnuts on top of the glaze for added crunch and flavor.
• Drizzle of Caramel: A light drizzle of caramel sauce adds both sweetness and a beautiful presentation that will impress your guests.

Side Dishes

• Fresh Fruit Salad: A colorful mix of seasonal fruits provides a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the bars and adds a healthy component to your dessert table.
• Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream served alongside warm butterscotch bars creates a classic dessert duo that’s hard to resist.
• Coffee or Tea: Pairing these treats with a cup of coffee or herbal tea enhances the flavors and makes for a comforting after-meal experience.
• Milkshake: For a fun twist, serve these bars with a rich milkshake. The creamy texture will complement the chewy goodness of the butterscotch bars beautifully.

With these serving suggestions and tips, you can truly enjoy Trisha Yearwood Butterscotch Bars in style!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Trisha Yearwood Butterscotch Bars are perfect for meal prep! You can make them ahead of time, store them, and enjoy them fresh throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Place the cooled bars in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
• Store at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
• If storing in the fridge, allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.

Freezing

• Cut the bars into squares before freezing for easy portioning.
• Wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator when ready to enjoy.

Reheating

• To reheat, place a bar on a microwave-safe plate and heat for about 10-15 seconds until warm.
• For a slightly crispy texture, you can also reheat them in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making Trisha Yearwood Butterscotch Bars.

Can I use another type of nut butter instead of peanut butter?

Yes! You can substitute almond butter or sunflower seed butter if you prefer. Just keep in mind that it may slightly alter the flavor.

How do I know when my Trisha Yearwood Butterscotch Bars are done baking?

The bars are done when the edges are lightly browned and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

Can I add nuts to my Trisha Yearwood Butterscotch Bars?

Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans would add an extra crunch and flavor. Just fold them into the batter before spreading it into the pan.

What should I do if my glaze is too thick?

If your glaze is too thick, simply add a little more milk, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.

Final Thoughts

I hope you love making these Trisha Yearwood Butterscotch Bars as much as I do! They bring together warmth, nostalgia, and delicious flavors that are sure to brighten your day. Whether you’re enjoying them with friends or saving them for a sweet treat later, these bars will surely delight everyone. Happy baking!