Trisha Yearwood’s Butterscotch Bars Recipe

Imagine savoring a chewy, golden bar with ribbons of rich butterscotch, creamy peanut butter, and a just-sweet-enough glaze that melts in your mouth—Trisha Yearwood’s Butterscotch Bars offer all of that and more! This nostalgic treat strikes the perfect balance between salty and sweet, boasting delightful textures thanks to a secret dash of oatmeal. Whether you’re hosting friends or just indulging in a little weeknight baking therapy, these bars are pure, unfussy comfort and a true crowd-pleaser every time you make them.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every good recipe comes together when your pantry staples join forces, and Trisha Yearwood’s Butterscotch Bars are no exception. These are the tried-and-true building blocks that make the bars so irresistible—each plays its part, from tenderness to flavor to that irresistible gooey top!

• Butter: Gives the bars richness and moisture—make sure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps produce that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Brown Sugar: Brings deep, caramel notes and a touch of chewiness that sets these bars apart.
• Creamy Peanut Butter: Supplies nutty flavor plus creamy body—divided for batter and glaze.
• Large Egg: Binds the mixture together and ensures tenderness.
• Vanilla Extract: Lends that classic warm bakery aroma and flavor.
• All-Purpose Flour: Builds the structure, balancing moist and crumbly perfectly.
• Baking Soda: Helps the bars rise gently and keeps them soft.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors, especially those butterscotch and peanut butter notes.
• Quick-Cooking Oatmeal: Adds fantastic texture—don’t skip it for the best chew!
• Butterscotch Chips: The star ingredient, melting into pockets of pure butterscotch joy.
• Confectioners’ Sugar: Essential for the smooth, sweet glaze that tops the bars.
• Milk: Loosens the glaze to just the right pourable consistency.

How to Make Trisha Yearwood’s Butterscotch Bars

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Begin by heating your oven to 350 degrees F and generously buttering a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. This small step ensures easy release and helps create those delightfully crisp edges on the finished bars.

Step 2: Cream the Butter, Sugars, and Peanut Butter

In a large mixing bowl, blend the soft butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and ½ cup of creamy peanut butter with an electric mixer. You want the mixture to be fluffy and fully combined—this will be the foundation of your bars’ signature chew and flavor.

Step 3: Add the Egg and Vanilla

Crack in the egg and pour in the vanilla extract. Mix until just incorporated. This gives the bars structure and brings out the subtle warmth of the vanilla.

Step 4: Sift and Add Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Then add the quick-cooking oatmeal. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into your wet mixture, taking care not to over-mix—this is how you lock in that tender bite.

Step 5: Spread and Top with Butterscotch Chips

Press the batter into your prepped baking dish, smoothing it out evenly. Sprinkle all those luscious butterscotch chips on top. As the bars bake, these chips form gooey, buttery pockets for the ultimate Trisha Yearwood’s Butterscotch Bars experience.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Bliss

Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the edges turn golden and the center looks set but still soft. Be careful not to overbake—the secret to chewy bars is pulling them out at just the right moment!

Step 7: Whip Up the Peanut Butter Glaze

While the bars cool slightly, mix together the confectioners’ sugar, milk, and remaining ¼ cup of peanut butter. Stir until you have a smooth, pourable glaze that spreads like a dream.

Step 8: Glaze While Warm, Then Slice

Pour that glossy glaze evenly across the warm bars, letting it ooze into every nook. It’ll set up as the bars cool—resist slicing until they’re completely cool for perfect, square servings!

How to Serve Trisha Yearwood’s Butterscotch Bars

Garnishes

Sometimes a little extra flourish takes things over the top! Try a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, a dusting of extra chopped butterscotch chips, or even a few roasted peanuts for irresistible crunch and color contrast.

Side Dishes

Enjoy these bars alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic dessert duo, or pair with a hot cup of coffee or cold glass of milk for a comforting afternoon treat. They’re also right at home on a dessert tray next to brownies or lemon bars.

Creative Ways to Present

Wrap squares individually in parchment and tie with twine for sweet gifts, or stack them on a rustic wooden platter for a homey dessert table. For parties, cut them bite-sized for easy, shareable nibbles—they’ll disappear fast!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place your cooled and sliced Trisha Yearwood’s Butterscotch Bars in an airtight container. They’ll keep beautifully at room temperature for up to four days, staying soft and flavorful, thanks to the glaze and peanut butter.

Freezing

If you’d like to save some for later, wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and freeze in a single layer. They’ll stay fresh up to three months. Thaw them on the counter for about an hour and they’ll taste like you just baked them.

Reheating

If you love gooey bars, pop a square in the microwave for 5–10 seconds—it’ll revive that just-baked warmth and give the butterscotch chips new life. This trick is especially handy on chilly mornings with a cup of coffee!

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter will add an extra dimension of texture to Trisha Yearwood’s Butterscotch Bars—just know the glaze may look a bit rustic, which is charming in its own way.

What if I only have old-fashioned oats?

Pulse them a few times in the food processor to mimic quick oats, and you’re good to go. This keeps the bars from being too dense, helping them bake up tender and chewy.

Is it okay to double the recipe?

Yes, doubling works well if you have a crowd to feed! Use two pans (rather than one extra-large one) for even baking, and check a few minutes early since ovens can vary when multiple items are inside.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Try swapping in your favorite gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and gluten-free oats. The bars will still turn out delicious and keep the spirit of Trisha Yearwood’s Butterscotch Bars alive.

Should I refrigerate the bars if it’s warm out?

If your kitchen is particularly toasty, refrigerate the bars to keep the glaze stable and the texture perfect. Just let them sit out a bit before serving for the best flavor and chew.

Final Thoughts

Baking up a batch of Trisha Yearwood’s Butterscotch Bars is like sharing a sweet piece of nostalgia with everyone you love. Simple to make, endlessly cozy, and guaranteed to disappear fast—give them a try and let them win your heart, one chewy bite at a time!

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