Trisha Yearwood’s Butterscotch Bars – Ooey Gooey & Irresistible!

There’s something undeniably comforting about old-fashioned desserts, especially the kind that remind us of family gatherings, warm kitchens, and the sweet aroma of something delicious baking in the oven. Trisha Yearwood’s Butterscotch Bars have that exact charm. The first time I made these gooey bars, the entire kitchen was filled with a rich, caramel-like scent that instantly made me feel at home. I was looking for a dessert that would satisfy a sweet craving without being overly complicated or time-consuming—and this recipe delivered on all fronts.

What I truly love about these bars is how they bring together simple ingredients in a way that creates pure magic. The moment you take a bite, you’re met with the buttery richness of brown sugar and the deep, nostalgic taste of butterscotch. The texture is just right—soft, chewy, and slightly crisp around the edges. If you’re a fan of blondies, these are right up your alley, but with even more warmth and decadence.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

These butterscotch bars are the kind of treat that everyone will reach for seconds of—and then ask for the recipe. They’re indulgent, comforting, and truly satisfying. What sets them apart is their soft gooey center, which pairs perfectly with a golden crust. Whether you’re baking for a family get-together, a holiday table, or just a weekend dessert, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Versatile

One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. You can easily add chopped nuts for crunch, swap out the butterscotch chips for chocolate or peanut butter chips, or even sprinkle in some shredded coconut. They work beautifully as a dessert, afternoon snack, or even a sweet brunch item.

Affordable

Another reason I turn to this recipe often is because it uses ingredients I already have in my pantry. There’s no need to run to the store for fancy baking supplies or hard-to-find items. With basic staples like flour, brown sugar, butter, and eggs, you can whip up a decadent dessert without stretching your grocery budget.

Ingredients for the Recipe

• 1 cup packed light brown sugar

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted

• 1 large egg

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

• 1/8 teaspoon baking soda

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)

• 1/2 cup butterscotch chips

How to Prepare This Recipe

Preparing Trisha Yearwood’s Butterscotch Bars is an absolute breeze. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the fact that it doesn’t require any fancy tools or techniques. You only need one bowl, a spoon, and a baking pan to create a batch of bars that taste like they came straight from a professional bakery. This is the kind of recipe I love turning to when I want something quick, comforting, and irresistibly good.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Preparation

Step 1: Preheat the oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the bars bake evenly from the moment they hit the oven.

Step 2: Prepare your baking pan
Lightly grease an 8×8-inch square baking dish or line it with parchment paper. If you’re looking for easy cleanup or want to lift the bars out for perfect slicing, parchment is the way to go.

Step 3: Combine the wet ingredients
In a medium mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of packed light brown sugar with 1/2 cup of melted unsalted butter. Stir these two ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and glossy. This combination gives the bars their signature butterscotch flavor.

Step 4: Add the egg and vanilla
Crack in 1 large egg and stir it in until fully incorporated. Then, add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. These two ingredients bind everything together and add depth of flavor.

Step 5: Add the dry ingredients
Sprinkle in 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/8 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Mix just until no flour streaks remain; don’t overmix, or the bars can turn out tough instead of chewy.

Step 6: Add the mix-ins
Fold in 1/2 cup of butterscotch chips and 1/2 cup of chopped pecans, if using. The chips melt into gooey little pockets of sweetness while the pecans provide a subtle crunch and a nutty contrast.

Step 7: Spread into pan and bake
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and use a spatula to spread it evenly into the corners. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.

Step 8: Cool and slice
Let the bars cool in the pan for at least 15–20 minutes before slicing. This helps them firm up and makes it easier to get clean edges. You can cut them into small squares for bite-sized treats or larger portions if you’re in the mood for something more indulgent.

Quick and Easy

This recipe truly earns its place as a go-to dessert for busy bakers. From start to finish, the entire process takes under 45 minutes, including baking and cooling time. There’s no need for mixers or chilling dough—everything comes together in a single bowl. That’s why it’s one of my favorites for those days when I want something homemade without a lot of effort.

Customizable

Don’t be afraid to experiment with flavors and textures. If you want to skip the nuts, go ahead. Prefer white chocolate chips instead of butterscotch? That works too. You can even add a handful of shredded coconut or mini marshmallows for a fun twist. The base recipe is reliable and easy to tweak depending on your pantry or your mood.

Popular With Many People

Whenever I bring these butterscotch bars to events or gatherings, they’re one of the first things to disappear from the table. They’re sweet without being overly sugary, rich without being too heavy, and they appeal to both kids and adults alike. The balance of flavor and the chewy texture make them a consistent favorite. I’ve even had people who claim they don’t like butterscotch change their minds after just one bite.

Whether you’re baking for your family, hosting a small get-together, or just treating yourself to something delicious, this recipe delivers. And because it uses such simple ingredients, it’s always within reach.

Print

FAQs

Can I make these bars without nuts?
Absolutely. The chopped pecans are optional and can be omitted without changing the structure or taste of the bars. If you want to maintain a bit of crunch, you could substitute with sunflower seeds or just leave them out entirely.

Can I substitute the butterscotch chips?
Yes, you can easily swap the butterscotch chips with chocolate chips, white chocolate, or even peanut butter chips. The flavor profile will change slightly, but the bars will still be soft, sweet, and delicious.

How should I store these butterscotch bars?
Once cooled, place them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to four days. If you want to extend their shelf life, refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to three months.

Can I double the recipe?
Definitely. For larger gatherings, you can double the ingredients and bake them in a 9×13-inch pan. Keep in mind that the baking time may need to be slightly adjusted—check for doneness around the 30-minute mark.

Are these bars freezer-friendly?
Yes. Allow them to cool completely, then wrap individual portions in plastic wrap and store in an airtight freezer-safe container. Thaw at room temperature before serving.