Peanut Butter Butterscotch Bars – Soft, Chewy & Totally Irresistible
If you love the cozy flavor of peanut butter and the nostalgic sweetness of butterscotch, these Peanut Butter Butterscotch Bars are about to become one of your go-to desserts. Soft, chewy, and packed with flavor, they strike the perfect balance between sweet and salty.
Whether you enjoy them as an afternoon snack with a cup of coffee, tuck them into lunch boxes, or serve them at family gatherings, these bars are a treat that both kids and adults will adore. Best of all? They’re super easy to make in just one bowl and ready in under an hour!
Ingredients
- ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup (250 g) creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup (200 g) packed brown sugar
- ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups (190 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (170 g) butterscotch chips
- ½ cup (85 g) chocolate chips (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat and prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Mix the wet ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, peanut butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy.
3. Add eggs and vanilla
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. This gives the bars a rich, moist texture.
4. Combine the dry ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add this mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring just until the flour disappears (do not overmix).
5. Add the mix-ins
Fold in the butterscotch chips and chocolate chips (if using). For extra crunch, you can also add chopped walnuts or pecans.
6. Bake
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
7. Cool and cut
Let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares or rectangles. Cooling ensures clean cuts and the perfect chewy texture.
Tips for Perfect Bars
- Do not overbake – The bars should look slightly soft in the middle; they’ll set as they cool.
- Use natural peanut butter (unsweetened, no additives) for a stronger, more authentic peanut flavor.
- For an extra flavor boost, sprinkle a little sea salt on top before baking.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.
- These bars freeze beautifully! Wrap them tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
Variations
- Nutty Twist – Add chopped almonds, cashews, or pecans for crunch.
- Sweet & Salty – Drizzle melted chocolate and sprinkle flaky sea salt on top.
- Holiday Style – Mix in festive M&M’s or colored sprinkles.
- Gluten-Free – Substitute with a gluten-free flour blend.
Serving Ideas
- Pair with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate for the perfect afternoon pick-me-up.
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce for a decadent dessert.
- Cut into bite-sized squares and arrange on a dessert platter for parties and potlucks.
Nutrition (per bar, approx.)
- Calories: 210
- Fat: 11 g
- Carbs: 25 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Fiber: 1 g