Name: Butterscotch Bars with Butterscotch Chips – Easy Dessert Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 cup packed brown sugar; 1 large egg; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 cup all-purpose flour; ½ tsp baking powder; ¼ tsp salt; ½ cup butterscotch chips; ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips; Optional: ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts

Jump to Recipe

If you’re looking for an easy dessert that delivers major flavor with minimal effort, these Butterscotch Bars with Butterscotch Chips are calling your name. They’re rich, chewy, and packed with sweet butterscotch and melty chocolate in every bite — the kind of dessert that disappears quickly at bake sales, potlucks, or late-night snack raids.

What makes these bars so special is the combination of buttery brown sugar base and those creamy, nostalgic butterscotch chips. Toss in a few semi-sweet chocolate chips and maybe a handful of chopped nuts, and you’ve got the perfect balance of sweet and texture. Plus, this is a one-bowl recipe with no mixer required — just melt, stir, bake, and enjoy.

These bars are slightly gooey in the center when done right, giving them a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture that borders on fudge-like, especially when they’re still a little warm. Think brownie energy but with butterscotch instead of cocoa — and just as addicting.

Let’s get started with the ingredients and the first few steps to get these bars into your oven.

Ingredients for Butterscotch Bars

½ cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup brown sugar, packed
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
½ tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt
½ cup butterscotch chips
½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Optional: ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts

STEPS: Mix the Base and Add the Good Stuff

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it so your bars don’t stick later.

Step 2: Combine Butter and Brown Sugar

In a medium mixing bowl, stir together the melted butter and brown sugar. The mixture should be smooth and slightly cooled — this helps prevent cooking the egg in the next step.

Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla

Whisk in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is fully combined and silky. You’re already on your way to that gooey bar texture.

Add the Mix-Ins and Bake to Golden Perfection

With your buttery brown sugar base mixed and smooth, it’s time to bring everything together and transform that simple batter into warm, chewy, flavor-packed Butterscotch Bars. This step is where all the texture and richness come from — thanks to the butterscotch chips, semi-sweet chocolate, and (if you like a little crunch) chopped nuts.

This batter comes together in just a few quick moves, and the result is a soft, slightly gooey bar with golden edges and melty pockets of butterscotch and chocolate throughout. These are the kind of bars you want to let cool — but only just enough to slice without falling apart. Trust me, they’re irresistible when they’re still a little warm.

STEPS: Fold, Spread, and Bake

Step 4: Stir in the Dry Ingredients

Add the flour, baking powder, and salt to your wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined. Don’t overmix — that’s the key to keeping the bars soft and tender.

Step 5: Add the Chips and Nuts

Fold in the butterscotch chips, chocolate chips, and chopped pecans or walnuts if you’re using them. The combo of sweet and slightly salty, soft and crunchy, gives these bars that bakery-style finish.

Step 6: Spread the Batter in the Pan

Transfer the batter to your prepared 8×8-inch baking dish. Use a spatula to smooth the top and push the batter into the corners so it bakes evenly.

Step 7: Bake Until the Edges Are Golden

Bake at 350°F for 25–30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center looks just set. A toothpick might come out with a few moist crumbs — that’s perfect. You don’t want to overbake these or you’ll miss out on that soft, chewy center.

Butterscotch Bars FAQ and Final Tips

Now that your Butterscotch Bars with Butterscotch Chips are baked to golden perfection, all that’s left is to let them cool, slice them up, and enjoy every soft, chewy, chocolatey bite. But before you dive in, let’s answer a few common questions and share some extra tips to make this recipe your go-to for any dessert craving.

These bars are amazing fresh, but they also store beautifully — which means you can make them ahead, stash a few in the freezer, or wrap them up for a sweet gift or lunchbox treat.

1. Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! Just double all the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. You may need to increase the baking time by about 5 minutes — just keep an eye on the center.

2. Can I make these without nuts?

Yes. The nuts are completely optional. You can leave them out or replace them with something else like shredded coconut or crushed pretzels for added texture.

3. How do I store the bars?

Once cooled, store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, keep them in the fridge (they’ll stay chewy) or freeze them individually wrapped for up to 2 months.

4. Can I use all chocolate chips instead of butterscotch?

You sure can. They’ll still be delicious, but you’ll lose the distinct caramel flavor that butterscotch brings. A mix of white chocolate and dark chocolate is also a great twist.

5. Why are my bars too gooey or too dry?

If your bars are too gooey, they may need a few extra minutes of baking. If they’re dry, it could be from overbaking or too much flour — make sure to measure your flour by spooning and leveling, not scooping.

Conclusion: Your New Favorite Bar Cookie

These Butterscotch Bars strike that perfect balance of rich and sweet, soft and chewy, with just enough bite from chocolate chips and nuts (if you’re into that). They’re super simple, endlessly customizable, and guaranteed to win fans wherever they go.

Perfect for holidays, casual get-togethers, or just because — this is the kind of recipe you’ll reach for again and again. Try it once, and don’t be surprised if it ends up on repeat. And if you find a fun variation or creative add-in that works, share it — we love seeing how these classics get personalized!