Name: Trisha Yearwood's Butterscotch Bars
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter; 1 cup brown sugar; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup butterscotch chips; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt

If you’re looking for a sweet treat that combines ease of preparation with a delightful flavor profile, look no further than Trisha Yearwood’s Butterscotch Bars. These bars are a warm hug in dessert form, boasting a rich, buttery aroma that fills your kitchen as they bake. The golden-brown color and chewy texture make them irresistible, while the dreamy butterscotch flavor hits just the right note of nostalgia. Perfect for weeknights or gatherings with family and friends, these bars offer comfort and joy in every bite. So why not roll up your sleeves and whip up a batch? Your taste buds will thank you!

What Is Trisha Yearwood’s Butterscotch Bars?

Trisha Yearwood’s Butterscotch Bars are a charming dessert inspired by traditional Southern recipes. They reflect the warmth and simplicity of home-cooked meals and are perfect for anyone who has a soft spot for nostalgic flavors. The dish derives its rich flavor from butterscotch chips, butter, and just the right amount of brown sugar, making them ooey-gooey and decadent. These bars are usually served slightly warm, allowing the butterscotch flavors to shine even brighter, and are often enjoyed alongside a cup of coffee or milk.

When it comes to convenience, Trisha Yearwood’s Butterscotch Bars stand out. They can be made in a simple one-pan method, which minimizes your cleanup while maximizing flavor. This is not just any dessert; it’s one that brings people together. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or looking for a quick weeknight treat, these bars are an excellent choice. Fun fact: they are a beloved recipe from Trisha’s cookbook, showcasing the familial love and hospitality she embodies as a chef and entertainer.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The beauty of Trisha’s Butterscotch Bars lies in their simplicity and the depth of their flavor.

Ease of Preparation: This recipe doesn’t require advanced baking skills or fancy equipment. Just a mixing bowl and a baking pan will do the trick, making it perfect for beginners.
Flavor Complexity: The sweet butterscotch complements the buttery base, resulting in a rich, rounded flavor. With just a handful of ingredients, you’ll achieve a dessert that tastes indulgent without breaking a sweat.
Family-Friendly: Both kids and adults will love these bars. They’re a hit at family gatherings, potlucks, and school events, providing that sweet touch everyone craves.
Budget-Friendly: Most ingredients can be found in your pantry, and you won’t need to splurge on specialty items. Plus, these bars make a large batch—perfect for satisfying a crowd!

Your Guide to Making Trisha Yearwood’s Butterscotch Bars at Home

Making Trisha Yearwood’s Butterscotch Bars is a breeze! In about 30 minutes, you can have warm, delicious bars fresh from the oven. You’ll need a mixing bowl, a baking pan, and an oven for this easy one-pan dessert. The process consists of mixing, baking, and, of course, enjoying the delightful aroma that wafts through your kitchen. Gather your ingredients, and let’s get started!

Ingredients

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter: Adds richness and moisture to the bars.
1 cup brown sugar: Provides that deep, caramel-like sweetness characteristic of butterscotch.
2 cups all-purpose flour: The base ingredient that gives the bars their structure.
1 cup butterscotch chips: These are the stars of the dish, lending that distinct flavor and chewy texture.
2 large eggs: Bind everything together, adding moisture and richness.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor.
1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the bars rise just slightly for a softer texture.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and elevates flavor.

Directions

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your bars bake evenly and achieve that perfect golden-brown hue.
Melt the Butter: In a medium-sized saucepan over low heat, melt the butter until it’s completely liquid. The aroma of melting butter will envelop your kitchen, making you eager to continue!
Mix the Sugars: Once the butter has melted, remove it from the heat and stir in the brown sugar and vanilla until well combined. The mixture will become a smooth, syrupy consistency.
Add the Eggs: Allow the mixture to cool for a minute before adding the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This step is critical; if the mixture is too hot, the eggs can scramble.
Incorporate Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can lead to denser bars.
Fold in Butterscotch Chips: Now comes the fun part—gently fold in your butterscotch chips. The chips will melt slightly during baking, infusing the bars with sweet pockets of richness.
Bake: Pour the batter into a greased 9×13 baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The irresistible scent of butterscotch will fill your home by now!

What to Serve With Butterscotch Bars

Trisha Yearwood’s Butterscotch Bars pair beautifully with a variety of beverages and snacks.

Coffee: A warm cup of coffee complements the sweet, buttery flavors, making it an ideal breakfast or afternoon treat.
Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve a warm bar over a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert that balances warmth and creaminess.
Milk: A classic companion that adds a refreshing element and makes the bars even more kid-approved.
Caramel Sauce Drizzle: For an extra special touch, a drizzle of caramel sauce over the top creates a visually stunning dessert.

Top Tips for Perfecting Trisha Yearwood’s Butterscotch Bars

Your technique can greatly affect the outcome of Trisha Yearwood’s Butterscotch Bars, so here are some tips to ensure perfect results every time.

Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your eggs and butter are at room temperature for a smooth batter.
Don’t Overmix: Mix until just combined; overmixing can make the bars tough.
Check Your Oven: Every oven heats differently, so keep an eye on the baking time. Start checking a few minutes early to prevent overbaking.
Storage: Keep leftover bars in an airtight container to maintain moisture. They can last up to a week at room temperature.

Variations & Add-Ins

If you’d like to put a unique twist on Trisha Yearwood’s Butterscotch Bars, consider these variations:

Nutty Addition: Stir in some chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch.
Chocolate Drizzle: Melt some dark chocolate and drizzle over the bars once they have cooled for a decadent finish.
Pumpkin Spice: For a fall twist, add 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice in with the dry ingredients.

Kid-Friendly Version

Making Trisha Yearwood’s Butterscotch Bars even more kid-friendly is quite easy! Consider presenting them in fun shapes using cookie cutters for an engaging treat. You could also allow kids to help by pouring in the ingredients. To enhance flavors, you might even add a few colorful sprinkles on top for a festive touch that will delight young ones!

Storing and Reheating Tips

These Butterscotch Bars are delicious fresh, but they also make great leftovers! Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you’d like them to last longer, consider refrigerating them where they can stay fresh for an additional week. Using parchment paper to separate layers can help maintain their softness and prevent them from sticking together.

When it comes to reheating, you have a few options! For the best texture, place the bars in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes. Alternatively, you can use a microwave: place a bar on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 15-20 seconds until warm. If you’ve frozen the bars (which is possible!), let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating, ensuring they maintain their gooey goodness.

FAQs

Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! Trisha Yearwood’s Butterscotch Bars can be made a day in advance. Just store them in an airtight container.

Can I substitute the butterscotch chips?
Yes! You can use chocolate chips or even peanut butter chips if you prefer a different flavor profile.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Swapping out the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend will work well in this recipe.

What can I do if the bars seem too crumbly?
If the bars are crumbly, it might be due to overbaking. Keep an eye on them next time and remove them from the oven as soon as a toothpick comes out clean.

How do I store leftover bars?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Refrigeration can extend their freshness!

Conclusion

Trisha Yearwood’s Butterscotch Bars are not just a dessert; they’re a slice of warmth that brings comfort to any occasion. With their rich flavor, easy preparation, and delightful aroma, these bars will quickly become a family favorite. Perfect for sharing or enjoying on your own, they promise sweet satisfaction with every bite. Try them tonight and let me know how it turned out!