Hey friends!
Today, I’m thrilled to share a dessert that’s pure nostalgia with a modern twist: Peanut Butter Butterscotch Bars. These bars are a cozy hug in edible form—soft and chewy, with the rich creaminess of peanut butter and the caramely sweetness of butterscotch chips. Topped with a luscious peanut butter glaze, they’re the kind of treat that makes you close your eyes and savor every bite.
I first made these on a rainy afternoon when I needed a pick-me-up. The scent of melting butterscotch and warm oats filled the kitchen, and suddenly, everything felt a little brighter. They’re simple to make, yet taste like something you’d find in a bakery window.
Let’s dive in!
Recipe at a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Bake Time | 25 minutes |
| Total Time | ~40 minutes |
| Skill Level | Easy |
| Servings | 8–12 bars |
| Tools Needed | 8×8-inch pan, hand mixer, mixing bowls, spatula |
| Make-Ahead Friendly? | Yes! Glaze and chill for best texture |
Ingredients List
Bar Base
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
Sub: margarine if needed - ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup light brown sugar
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup quick-cooking oats
Sub: pulse rolled oats briefly - Pinch of salt
- ¾ cup butterscotch chips
Peanut Butter Glaze
- ⅓ cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
- ¼ cup milk
Add more for thinner glaze
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line an 8×8-inch pan with foil or parchment and spray lightly.
Step 2: Make the Dough
- Cream together butter, sugars, and peanut butter until fluffy.
- Beat in egg and vanilla.
- Mix in flour, oats, and salt until just combined.
- Spread dough evenly in pan and sprinkle with butterscotch chips.
Pro Tip: The dough will be thick—use a spatula to smooth it out.
Step 3: Bake
- Bake for 25 minutes, or until edges are golden and center is just set.
- A toothpick should come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter.
Step 4: Make the Glaze
- While bars bake, beat peanut butter, confectioners’ sugar, and milk until smooth and creamy.
- As soon as bars come out of the oven, spread glaze over the warm surface.
Sensory Checkpoint: The glaze should be satiny and spreadable, not runny.
Step 5: Cool & Slice
- Let bars cool completely in pan.
- Chill for 1 hour for clean slicing.
- Cut into squares and serve!
Serving & Storage Tips
| Method | Instructions |
|---|---|
| Room Temp | Store airtight for up to 3 days |
| Fridge | Keeps fresh for 5–6 days |
| Freezer | Freeze tightly wrapped for 2 months |
| Serving | Best chilled or slightly warmed. Great with coffee or milk! |
Troubleshooting & FAQ
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| Bars too soft | Chill before slicing for cleaner edges |
| Glaze too thick | Add 1 tsp milk at a time until spreadable |
| Dry texture | Don’t overbake—edges should be firm, center just set |
| Oats too chewy | Use quick oats or pulse rolled oats briefly |
Variations to Try
- Chocolate Twist: Swap butterscotch chips for chocolate chips.
- Nutty Crunch: Add chopped peanuts or pretzels to the dough.
- Salted Caramel Glaze: Replace glaze with caramel and a sprinkle of sea salt.
Closing Encouragement
These Peanut Butter Butterscotch Bars are the kind of dessert that feels like home. They’re easy to make, bursting with flavor, and perfect for sharing—or not, we won’t judge! Whether you’re baking for a party or just treating yourself, this recipe is a guaranteed win.