Butterscotch Bars are a traditional dessert that has been around for centuries. These chewy bars are bound to please your entire family. They are made from brown sugar, butter, corn syrup, and vanilla extract. It is usually topped with toasted nuts or whipped cream.

I’ve always found that butterscotch is one of the most underrated flavors in all of cooking. It has this warmth to it, like a hug from an old friend.

Butterscotch Bars

The word "butterscotch" comes from the Scottish term "buthar scoth", which means "to scorch." This refers to the technique of heating the ingredients until they form a thick sauce. Originally butterscotch was used as an inexpensive substitute for chocolate because it could be easily molded into any shape before hardening without breaking apart. Nowadays people mostly enjoy them as a delicious treat!

Ingredients

These homemade bars are so simple to make and take very few ingredients. You might not even need to make a trip to the grocery store.

• butter
• brown sugar
• salt
• all-purpose flour
• butterscotch chips
• corn syrup
• water
• cashews

Instructions

Butterscotch Bars are extremely easy to make so easy that even the kids can help you make these sweet bars.

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350ºF.

Step 2: Prepare a 9x13 cake pan by spraying it with cooking spray. Using two sheets of parchment paper, line the pan’s width and length, creating a parchment “sling.” Spray the parchment paper with cooking spray.

Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter, brown sugar, and salt until smooth.

Step 4: Add the flour and mix until uniform.

Step 5: Press dough evenly into your prepared pan. Poke holes in the dough all over with a fork.

Step 6: Bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until the crust is golden brown. Cool on a wire rack.

Step 7: In a heavy saucepan, over low heat, stir together the butterscotch chips, corn syrup, and water. Stir until the mixture comes to a simmer and the butterscotch chips are melted.

Step 8: Pour over the crust.

Step 9: Sprinkle the cashews over the butterscotch caramel.

Step 10: Bake for 5 minutes. Cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 11: After cooling, remove from pan and use a very sharp knife to cut into bars.

Equipment

You will need these kitchen supplies to make this recipe.

• 9x13 baking pan
• large mixing bowl
• mixer
• fork
• heavy saucepan
• wire rack

Substitutions

Nuts: Use almonds or pecans in place of cashews if you want a different nut taste.

Corn syrup: Use light or dark corn syrup in this recipe.

Options

Looking for ways to change these Butterscotch bars up? Here are some suggestions.

Adult: For a more adult version of these bars, try adding 1/4 cup of bourbon whiskey to your crust!

Gluten-free: Substitute gluten-free flour for all-purpose flour.

Tips:

No nuts: If you are allergic to nuts or want to save some calories, leave the cashews out!

Homemade caramel sauce: Try making your own caramel sauce instead of using store-bought! It is easy and definitely worth a try.

Removal: For easy removal of the bars from your pan line your 9x13 pan with parchment paper. This makes cutting the bars so much easier.

More Dessert Recipes

• Air Fryer Churros
• Caramel Crush Bars
• 3-Ingredient Oreo Truffles

FAQ

Butterscotch Bars

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