Indulge your sweet tooth with a taste of down-home goodness with Trisha Yearwood’s Butterscotch Bars! These irresistible bars are a delightful combination of buttery, sugary goodness and creamy peanut butter, all wrapped up in a chewy oatmeal cookie base. Whether you’re hosting a bake sale, potluck, or simply craving a comforting homemade treat, these bars are sure to be a hit. Let’s dive into the recipe and learn how to recreate this beloved classic from country music superstar Trisha Yearwood’s kitchen!
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, at room temperature, plus more for greasing pan
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter, divided
- 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
- 1 cup butterscotch chips
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 4 tablespoons milk
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add 1/2 cup of creamy peanut butter to the butter-sugar mixture and beat until well combined.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Stir in the quick-cooking oatmeal and butterscotch chips until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Press the dough into the prepared baking dish in an even layer.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set.
- Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Peanut Butter Options: Feel free to use crunchy peanut butter for added texture, or almond butter for a nutty twist.
- Mix-ins: Customize the bars by adding chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or shredded coconut to the dough for extra flavor and texture.
- Glaze: Drizzle the cooled bars with melted chocolate or a peanut butter glaze for an extra indulgent touch.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use natural peanut butter in this recipe? A: While natural peanut butter can be used, keep in mind that it may affect the texture and flavor of the bars. Natural peanut butter tends to be more oily, so you may need to adjust the amount of flour or baking time accordingly.
Q: Can I make these bars ahead of time? A: Yes, these bars can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They can also be frozen for longer storage. Simply let them thaw at room temperature before serving.
Q: Can I omit the peanut butter from this recipe? A: The peanut butter adds flavor and richness to the bars, but you can omit it if you have allergies or prefer not to use it. You can substitute it with almond butter or simply increase the amount of butter in the recipe.
Q: Can I use old-fashioned oats instead of quick-cooking oats? A: Yes, old-fashioned oats can be used in place of quick-cooking oats, but keep in mind that they will result in a slightly different texture. Quick-cooking oats are finer and cook faster, while old-fashioned oats are thicker and chewier.
Q: Can I use a different type of chips instead of butterscotch chips? A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different types of chips such as chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, or caramel chips for a unique flavor combination.
Keto Versions and Low Carb Versions:
- Keto Version: To make a keto-friendly version of these bars, substitute the granulated sugar and light brown sugar with a keto-friendly sweetener such as erythritol or stevia. Use sugar-free peanut butter and butterscotch chips, and replace the all-purpose flour with almond flour or coconut flour.
- Low Carb Version: For a low-carb version, use a low-carb sweetener in place of the sugars and opt for sugar-free peanut butter and butterscotch chips. Choose almond flour or a combination of almond and coconut flour for a lower carb count.
Trisha Yearwood’s Butterscotch Bars are a nostalgic nod to homemade goodness that’s perfect for sharing with family and friends. With their buttery, peanut buttery, and butterscotch-y flavors, these bars are sure to evoke feelings of warmth and comfort with every bite. Whether you enjoy them as an afternoon snack, dessert, or midnight treat, these bars are bound to become a new favorite in your baking repertoire. So grab your ingredients and get ready to whip up a batch of these deliciously addictive Butterscotch Bars – your taste buds will thank you!
