Imagine a gooey, chewy treat that marries rich peanut butter, deep brown sugar, and the irresistible caramel notes of butterscotch. That’s exactly what you get with Peanut Butter Butterscotch Bars! Each bite is a heavenly combination of textures, from the soft crumb to the melty pockets of butterscotch and chocolate chips. If you’re searching for a crowd-pleaser, these bars check every box, bringing together simple ingredients for pure comfort food bliss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at how a handful of kitchen staples can make something so unforgettable. Every ingredient in these Peanut Butter Butterscotch Bars has an important role — from kickstarting bold flavors to creating that signature chewy texture. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need and why each item deserves a spot in your mixing bowl.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, melted): The foundation of richness, using melted butter makes for a moist, tender bar.
- Creamy peanut butter (1 cup): The main event, this brings both flavor and structure to the bars—creamy is key for smooth mixing!
- Brown sugar (1 cup, packed): Adds moisture and a lovely caramel depth that enhances the butterscotch flavor.
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup): Balances the brown sugar and helps the edges crisp just the right amount.
- Large eggs (2): For structure and that soft, slightly fudgy texture we love.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): A touch of vanilla rounds out the flavors for a homemade warmth.
- All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): Gives the bars their sturdy, yet tender bite without being cakey.
- Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Just enough leavening for a gentle rise.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Brightens and balances every sweet, buttery bite.
- Butterscotch chips (1 cup): The star mix-in for classic butterscotch swirl in every bite.
- Chocolate chips (1/2 cup, optional): For a bit of extra decadence—try semi-sweet or milk chocolate, whatever you love most.
How to Make Peanut Butter Butterscotch Bars
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×9-inch pan and either line it with parchment paper or give it a generous greasing—this will make your bars super easy to lift out later (and prevent any tragic sticking incidents). Just a tiny bit of prep here will reward you big time when it comes time to slice and serve.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, stir together the melted butter and creamy peanut butter until completely smooth and combined. Next, drop in the brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Give it all a really good mix, making sure the eggs are well incorporated and everything looks glossy and unified. This is what gives our Peanut Butter Butterscotch Bars their fudgy foundation!
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisk to blend, which keeps any clumps at bay. Then, gently add this dry mixture to the big bowl of wet ingredients. Stir until everything is just combined—don’t overmix! Overmixing can make your bars tough instead of chewy.
Step 4: Fold in the Chips
Now for the fun part: gently fold in the butterscotch chips (and chocolate chips, if you’re going all out). You don’t need to be too vigorous—just enough that the chips are evenly spread throughout the batter so you’ll get a sweet burst in every bite.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Spread that glorious, thick batter evenly into your prepared pan. Pop it into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean with just a crumb or two clinging to it—this means your Peanut Butter Butterscotch Bars will set up perfectly as they cool.
Step 6: Cool and Slice
This is the hard part: patience! Let the bars cool completely in the pan. This makes them easier to slice into perfectly neat squares (and lets the flavors mingle and settle). Once they’re cool, lift them out using the parchment (if you used it), slice into bars, and get ready to dig in!
How to Serve Peanut Butter Butterscotch Bars
Garnishes
Dress up your Peanut Butter Butterscotch Bars with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, a few extra butterscotch chips scattered on top, or a light dusting of powdered sugar just before serving. For a real showstopper (and a nod to their flavor profile), a light drizzle of warm peanut butter or chocolate sauce never hurts!
Side Dishes
Pair these sweet, chewy bars with a cold glass of milk, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a hot mug of coffee. The rich flavors truly shine when balanced with a simple, creamy side. If you’re setting them out at a party, some fresh fruit on the plate like sliced strawberries or apple wedges offers a nice, fresh contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Think outside the basic square! Stack the bars high for an eye-catching dessert platter, or cut them into bite-size pieces for snack boards. If you’re feeling playful, sandwich a scoop of ice cream between two bars for an indulgent dessert sandwich, or wrap individually for lunchbox treats and edible gifts.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Peanut Butter Butterscotch Bars keep well at room temperature for up to 4 days. Just pop them into an airtight container (layered with a bit of wax or parchment paper if you’re stacking) to lock in all that fresh, chewy goodness. They taste just as fabulous on day three as right out of the oven!
Freezing
These bars are freezer-friendly; simply wrap well in plastic wrap and pop into a zip-top freezer bag. They’ll keep beautifully for up to 2 months. To enjoy, thaw at room temperature or give them a quick few seconds in the microwave for a just-baked taste.
Reheating
If you want to serve your Peanut Butter Butterscotch Bars slightly warm (and who could blame you?), just heat them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. This brings those butterscotch chips back to a melty, gooey state, making each bite even more decadent.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter will add some extra texture and nutty bits throughout the bars. The final product might be a bit denser, but if you love a little crunch, it’s a fun swap.
Can I double the recipe for a bigger crowd?
Definitely. Just double all the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. Keep a close eye during baking—start checking around 30 minutes, but be prepared to add a few more minutes since the batch will be thicker.
What’s the best way to tell when the bars are done baking?
Check with a toothpick in the center: you’re looking for just a few moist crumbs, but not raw batter clinging. The edges will look set and slightly pulled away from the pan.
Are there any gluten-free substitutions?
You can swap in your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour. Make sure it’s a good quality blend for best texture—you won’t even notice the difference!
Can I make these bars without chocolate chips?
Absolutely! The chocolate chips are optional, so feel free to leave them out if you prefer a purer peanut butter and butterscotch experience—the bars will still taste incredible.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to wow your friends, family, or just your own sweet tooth, these Peanut Butter Butterscotch Bars are the answer. They’ve got all the nostalgia of a bake sale classic with a little gourmet twist, and they’re so simple to throw together. Give them a try—you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again!
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *