What’s your go-to easy dessert recipe? Try Trisha Yearwood’s Butterscotch Bars, a quick and irresistible homemade treat made with gooey butterscotch and a simple shortbread crust, perfect for a weeknight dinner or family favorite, Save for later

Trisha Yearwood’s Butterscotch Bars (So Easy and Irresistible!)

Introduction

Indulge in the rich, velvety goodness of Trisha Yearwood’s Butterscotch Bars, a dessert so divine it will leave everyone begging for more. What makes these bars truly special is their effortless preparation, using everyday ingredients that you likely have stocked in your pantry. The combination of a shortbread crust, a gooey butterscotch filling, and a layer of melted chocolate on top creates a flavor and texture experience that is nothing short of irresistible. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner in the kitchen, these bars are sure to become a favorite, perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or simply as a sweet treat to brighten up your day.

Why This Works

Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: The recipe strikes a perfect balance between the buttery shortbread, the sweet and slightly salty butterscotch, and the richness of chocolate, all made with ingredients that are easy to find in most supermarkets.
Ease of preparation: Despite their impressive appearance and taste, these bars are incredibly easy to make. The process involves mixing, pressing, and baking, steps that are hard to mess up, even for the most novice bakers.
Impressive results with minimal effort: The best part of Trisha Yearwood’s Butterscotch Bars is the wow factor they bring to the table with very little fuss. They are perfect for when you need a dessert that will impress without requiring hours of intricate preparation.

Key Ingredients

The magic of these bars begins with a few key ingredients. For the shortbread crust, you will need all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and cold butter. The butterscotch filling requires sweetened condensed milk, brown sugar, butter, and a teaspoon of sea salt, along with a teaspoon of vanilla extract for added depth of flavor. Finally, melted chocolate adds a luxurious finish. Practical substitutions can be made, such as using salted butter and omitting additional salt, or swapping dark chocolate for milk chocolate, depending on your preference.

Instructions

Step 1: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C). Prepare your baking dish by lining it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal of the bars once they are set.
Step 2: Mix the ingredients for the shortbread crust until they form a crumbly dough. Press this dough evenly into the prepared baking dish and bake until it is lightly golden, about 20 minutes. Let it cool completely.
Step 3: While the crust is cooling, prepare the butterscotch filling by melting the butter, sweetened condensed milk, brown sugar, and sea salt in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture turns a deep amber color. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Pour this filling over the cooled shortbread crust and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set.
Step 4: Melt your chocolate in a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval until smooth. Pour the melted chocolate over the butterscotch layer and refrigerate the bars until the chocolate is set. Cut into bars and serve.

Handy Tips

For a perfectly set butterscotch filling, avoid overbaking. It should still be slightly jiggly in the center when you remove it from the oven.
Use high-quality chocolate for the best flavor. Dark, milk, or white chocolate can be used depending on your preference.
To ensure clean cuts, refrigerate the bars for at least 30 minutes before cutting. Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts.

Heat Control

Heat control is crucial, especially when making the butterscotch filling. Medium heat is ideal, as it allows for a gentle melting and cooking of the sugars without burning. Stir constantly to prevent hot spots and to ensure an even color and texture. For the shortbread crust and the baking process, a moderate oven temperature of 350°F (180°C) is used to prevent overcooking and to achieve a light golden color.

Crunch Factor

The texture of these bars is a highlight, with a crunchy shortbread base giving way to a gooey, chewy butterscotch center, all topped with a smooth layer of chocolate. To achieve this perfect crunch and chew, bake the shortbread until it is lightly golden and firm to the touch, and cook the butterscotch filling until it is just set and still slightly tender in the center.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

For easier removal, make sure to leave enough parchment paper overhang and lightly spray the parchment with cooking spray before pressing in the shortbread dough.
If you find that your butterscotch filling is too runny, refrigerate the bars for about 10 minutes before adding the chocolate layer to allow it to set a bit more.
Experiment with different types of chocolate or add-ins like nuts or dried cranberries to the butterscotch filling for unique variations.

Storage Tips

Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Let them come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
These bars can be frozen for up to 2 months. Cut them before freezing and place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw at room temperature or refrigerate overnight.
For the freshest flavor, consume within a few days of baking. If you must store them for longer, freezing is recommended.

Gift Packaging Ideas

Trisha Yearwood’s Butterscotch Bars make a wonderful gift, especially when packaged with care. Consider placing them in decorative tin containers, glass jars, or even cellophane bags tied with a ribbon. A handwritten note with the recipe or a few serving suggestions adds a personal touch. For a more rustic look, wrap the bars individually in parchment paper and twine, perfect for a homemade gift basket.

Flavor Variations

🌟 Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the chocolate for a salty-sweet contrast.
🌟 Mix in chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts into the butterscotch filling for added texture.
🌟 Substitute the vanilla extract with a different flavor, like almond or coconut extract, for a unique twist.

Troubleshooting

Texture problems: If your shortbread is too hard, it may have been overbaked. If the butterscotch is too runny, it might not have been cooked enough or could have been overheated, causing it to seize up when cooled.
Ingredient replacements: Always try to use the ingredients called for in the recipe, but in a pinch, you can substitute sweetened condensed milk with a mixture of evaporated milk and granulated sugar, though the flavor might be slightly different.
Over/undercooking signs: Keep an eye on your baking time and check frequently towards the end of the baking time. The shortbread should be lightly golden, and the butterscotch filling should be set but still slightly jiggly.

FAQs

Can I freeze it? Yes, these bars can be frozen for up to 2 months. It’s best to cut them before freezing for easier thawing and serving.
Is it gluten-free? The traditional recipe includes all-purpose flour, making it not gluten-free. However, you can experiment with gluten-free flours to adapt the recipe, though the texture may vary.
Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can double the recipe, but keep in mind that you will need a larger baking dish. Also, be aware that the baking time might be slightly longer, so keep an eye on the bars to prevent overcooking.

Conclusion

Trisha Yearwood’s Butterscotch Bars are a true delight, offering a perfect blend of textures and flavors that are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. With their ease of preparation and impressive presentation, they are ideal for any occasion, from casual gatherings to special events. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and toppings to make the recipe your own, and enjoy the process of creating something truly delicious and memorable. Whether you’re a fan of butterscotch, chocolate, or just great desserts in general, these bars are sure to become a new favorite, and with the tips and variations provided, you’ll be well on your way to dessert perfection.

Trisha Yearwood Butterscotch Bars Easy Dessert