Creamy, nutty, and loaded with sweet butterscotch goodness, these Peanut Butter Butterscotch Bars are a crowd-pleasing treat that hits every craving. Imagine a tender, chewy bar with rich peanut butter folding into pockets of melted butterscotch chips — simple comfort food that tastes like nostalgia. Fun fact: many classic bar cookies were born from pantry staples and a dose of kitchen creativity, which is exactly how these bars came to be.
This recipe is special because it’s simple, quick to prepare, and absolutely family-friendly. You don’t need advanced baking skills or fancy equipment — just a mixing bowl and a baking pan. If you love easy bars like our butterscotch brownies, you’ll find these just as satisfying but with a peanut butter twist. Ready to bake? Let’s make something delicious and shareable!
What is Peanut Butter Butterscotch Bars?
What’s in a name? Peanut Butter Butterscotch Bars are exactly what they sound like: a buttery, peanut-packed base studded with sweet butterscotch chips that bake up into squares you’ll want to hide from family members. Where did the name come from — a kitchen wiggle of words, or a poetically literal description? Who knows, but it’s easy to imagine someone declaring, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” while sliding a fresh pan from the oven. Maybe that’s how it became a classic. Try the recipe and see if it becomes your go-to comfort snack.
Why You’ll Love This:
- Irresistible main highlight: The combination of creamy peanut butter and melty butterscotch chips creates a rich, chewy, and slightly gooey center with a golden-baked top that delivers texture and flavor in every bite.
- Cost-saving benefits: Pantry-friendly ingredients mean you can make a big batch for less than buying specialty bakery bars. Staples like flour, sugar, and chips often last in your pantry and turn into something magical here.
- Flavorful toppings and mix-ins: The butterscotch chips provide caramel-like sweetness while optional chocolate chips add contrast and depth, making every square feel like a little celebration.
If you enjoy sweet bars with crowd-pleasing appeal, these are a great complement to other treats on the blog like our chocolate peanut butter banana cream trifle. Grab a pan, and get ready to impress.
How to Make:
Quick Overview
This recipe is easy, fast, and satisfying. The batter comes together in one bowl, bakes in under 30 minutes, and cools into squares that are perfect for lunchboxes, potlucks, or an after-dinner treat. Expect a tender crumb with a chewy, slightly caramel-like finish from the brown sugar and butterscotch chips. Prep time: about 10 minutes. Bake time: 25 to 30 minutes. Total time: 35 to 40 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter, room temperature
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup butterscotch chips
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a large bowl, combine the melted butter and peanut butter until smooth and fully blended.
- Stir in the brown sugar and granulated sugar until combined and slightly glossy.
- Add the eggs, one at a time if you prefer, mixing until fully incorporated. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined — do not overmix.
- Fold in the butterscotch chips and chocolate chips, if using, so they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Spread the batter evenly in the prepared 9×9-inch pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean with a few moist crumbs attached.
- Let the bars cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the parchment paper and slicing into squares. Serve and enjoy!
What to Serve With:
- A tall glass of cold milk or a creamy latte for dunking and balancing the sweetness.
- Fresh fruit like sliced apples or berries to add brightness and a light contrast.
- A simple scoop of vanilla ice cream for a warm-and-cold dessert experience.
- For parties, plate with salty snacks like pretzels or roasted nuts to offset the sweetness.
Top Tips for Perfecting:
- Substitutions: Swap creamy peanut butter for crunchy if you want texture; reduce salt if using salted butter. For a nut-free version, try sunflower seed butter.
- Timing adjustments: Bake on the shorter end for softer, chewier bars and a little longer for a firmer, slightly drier bar.
- Flavor enhancements: Add a pinch of cinnamon or a dash of espresso powder to deepen flavor; sprinkle flaky sea salt on top right after baking for a gourmet touch.
- Common mistakes to avoid: Don’t overmix once the flour is added or the bars can become tough. Let the bars cool fully before slicing to prevent crumbling.
- Chip distribution: If the batter feels thick, reserve a few chips to press on top before baking for a prettier finish.
Storing and Reheating Tips:
- Refrigeration: Store cooled bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4–5 days.
- Freezing: Wrap bars individually in plastic wrap or place layers between parchment in an airtight container; freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or overnight in the fridge.
- Shelf life: At room temperature (in an airtight container) these bars can last 2 days; refrigerate for longer freshness.
- Reheating: Warm individual bars in the microwave for 10–15 seconds for a fresh-from-the-oven feel, or place on a baking sheet and warm at 300°F for 5–8 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use natural peanut butter in this recipe?
Yes, but natural peanut butter can be more oily and runnier. Stir well and consider chilling the batter briefly if it seems too loose.
Do I have to use butterscotch chips?
Butterscotch chips provide the signature flavor, but you can substitute caramel chips or extra chocolate chips if preferred.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes — substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and ensure baking powder is gluten-free. Texture may vary slightly.
Why did my bars turn out crumbly?
Overbaking or overmixing the flour can cause dryness. Check at 25 minutes and cool completely before slicing to minimize crumbling.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, double ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. Keep an eye on bake time — it may need slightly longer, check with a toothpick.
Conclusion
These Peanut Butter Butterscotch Bars are a quick, comforting bake that turns pantry staples into a sweet, chewy treat everyone will love. They’re easy enough for busy weeknights, portable for school lunches, and indulgent enough for dessert. Give them a try and share the results — I bet they’ll become a frequent request at your house.
For more inspiration and variations, check out Peanut Butter Butterscotch Bars – Parsley and Icing and this classic take on the concept at Peanut Butter Butterscotch Squares (aka Classic Confetti Squares!).
Peanut Butter Butterscotch Bars
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- 9x9 inch Baking Pan
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter room temperature
- 1 cup brown sugar packed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup butterscotch chips
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9x9-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a large bowl, combine the melted butter and peanut butter until smooth and fully blended.
- Stir in the brown sugar and granulated sugar until combined and slightly glossy.
- Add the eggs, one at a time if you prefer, mixing until fully incorporated. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined — do not overmix.
- Fold in the butterscotch chips and chocolate chips, if using, so they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Spread the batter evenly in the prepared 9x9-inch pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean with a few moist crumbs attached.
- Let the bars cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the parchment paper and slicing into squares. Serve and enjoy!
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