Step-by-Step Instructions for Peanut Butter Butterscotch Bars:
1️⃣ Preheat the Oven:
- Set oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal.
2️⃣ Mix the Wet Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk together:
✔ Melted butter
✔ Creamy peanut butter
✔ Brown sugar
✔ Granulated sugar - Whisk until smooth and combined.
3️⃣ Add Eggs & Vanilla:
- Beat in eggs and vanilla extract until the mixture is creamy and thickened.
4️⃣ Add the Dry Ingredients:
- Stir in:
✔ All-purpose flour
✔ Baking powder
✔ Salt - Mix just until no streaks of flour remain—don’t overmix!
5️⃣ Fold in the Good Stuff:
- Gently fold in butterscotch chips and chocolate chips if using.
- The batter will be thick—that’s perfect!
6️⃣ Bake It Up:
- Spread batter evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until edges are golden and a toothpick comes out with just a few moist crumbs.
7️⃣ Cool & Slice:
- Let bars cool completely in the pan.
- Slice into squares and serve (or sneak one warm—we won’t judge).
Quick Snapshot:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Bake Time: 25–30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yields: 24 bars
- Calories: ~210 per bar
Pro Tips for Perfect Peanut Butter Bars:
- Use Melted Butter: It blends better with peanut butter and keeps the bars soft.
- Chocolate Chips = Bonus Flavor: Optional but highly recommended for balance.
- Cool Before Cutting: Letting them set helps with clean slices and chewy texture.
- Nutty Upgrade: Add chopped peanuts for a little crunch.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Simple Pantry Staples: No fancy ingredients—just tried-and-true comfort.
- One Bowl Wonder: Easy cleanup, fast prep.
- Kid-Friendly Favorite: Soft, sweet, and made for little hands and big appetites.
- Snack or Dessert: Perfect for lunchboxes, after-school bites, or coffee breaks.
FAQ About Peanut Butter Butterscotch Bars:
Can I use natural peanut butter?
Stick with creamy, shelf-stable peanut butter for best results—natural versions can be too oily.
Can I freeze them?
Yes! Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temp for a quick treat.
Not a fan of butterscotch?
Swap in white chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, or use all chocolate.
Common Problems and Fixes:
Bars came out dry?
Be sure not to overbake—look for golden edges and a few moist crumbs on the toothpick.
Too crumbly?
Let them cool completely before cutting, and measure flour with care (don’t pack it in!).
Not sweet enough?
Add a drizzle of melted chocolate or caramel over the top for extra decadence.
Flavor Variations You Can Try:
- Salty-Sweet: Top with flaky sea salt before baking.
- Banana Twist: Mix in mashed banana for a soft, cake-like version.
- Tropical Vibe: Add shredded coconut or chopped macadamias.
- Swirl It: Swirl in extra peanut butter or Nutella on top before baking.
Perfect for Any Occasion:
Whether you’re bringing dessert to a gathering or just baking to satisfy your own sweet tooth, these Peanut Butter Butterscotch Bars deliver chewy, nutty, nostalgic bliss—every single time.
Bar-Baking Success:
Rich peanut butter, melty butterscotch, and chewy perfection—these bars are sweet simplicity at its best. A guaranteed keeper for every baker’s recipe box.
Made them? Share the love!
Snap a pic and tag your golden bars of peanut-buttery goodness—we can’t wait to see your dessert win
