Trisha Yearwood Butterscotch Bars Recipe
Introduction
These Butterscotch Bars, inspired by Trisha Yearwood’s beloved recipe, are a rich and chewy treat bursting with buttery flavor and sweet butterscotch chips. Perfect for dessert or a cozy snack, they bring a delightful balance of sweetness and texture that everyone will love.

Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup butterscotch chips
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Step 3: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract until combined.
- Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the dry ingredients.
- Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing for tender bars.
- Step 6: Fold in the butterscotch chips until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Step 7: Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Step 8: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares to ensure clean slices.
Tips & Variations
- For extra richness, consider adding 1/2 cup chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts along with the butterscotch chips.
- Using parchment paper makes removing and cutting the bars much easier and cleaner.
- If you prefer a gooier texture, slightly underbake by a minute or two, but keep an eye to avoid undercooking.
Storage
Store the butterscotch bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to one week or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat bars briefly in the microwave for a soft, warm treat.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
Yes, but reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to prevent the bars from becoming too salty.
Can these bars be made gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Ensure the blend contains xanthan gum or a similar binder for best results.
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Trisha Yearwood Butterscotch Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
Description
Trisha Yearwood’s Butterscotch Bars are a rich and chewy dessert featuring a buttery base packed with sweet butterscotch chips. These bars combine the deep caramel notes of light brown sugar with the smooth texture of melted butter, making a perfect treat for dessert or snack time. Easy to prepare and baked in a single pan, they yield a golden crust with a soft, flavorful center.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Add-ins
- 1 cup butterscotch chips
Instructions
- Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, use a mixer to beat the softened butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which should take about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Incorporate the eggs one at a time into the creamed mixture, beating well after each addition to ensure they are fully integrated. Stir in the vanilla extract to add flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures the leavening and seasoning are evenly distributed.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture while mixing on low speed. Mix until just combined to avoid overworking the dough, which can make the bars tough.
- Add Butterscotch Chips: Fold in the butterscotch chips evenly to distribute them throughout the batter, ensuring every bite has some sweetness.
- Bake: Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. Place in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached, signaling the bars are baked but still moist inside.
- Cool and Cut: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, cut them into squares and serve.
Notes
- Using room temperature butter helps in creaming thoroughly with the sugars for a light texture.
- Do not overmix the batter once the flour is added to avoid tough bars.
- If you prefer a softer center, bake closer to 20 minutes; for slightly crisper edges, bake up to 25 minutes.
- Storage tip: Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for extended shelf life.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Butterscotch Bars, Trisha Yearwood, dessert bars, baked bars, butterscotch chips, easy dessert

