Trisha Yearwood Butterscotch Bars Recipe
There’s something undeniably irresistible about Trisha Yearwood Butterscotch Bars. Each bite captures a satisfying blend of sweet butterscotch, nutty peanut butter, and the comforting chew of oatmeal. Whether you’re sharing them at a family gathering or sneaking a square for yourself with a cup of coffee, these bars offer pure homemade joy. This recipe brings together the best parts of homemade baking: simple ingredients, easy steps, and a vibrant butterscotch flavor that’s perfectly balanced and not too sweet.

Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Trisha Yearwood Butterscotch Bars is how everyday pantry staples come together to create something so wonderful. Each ingredient serves a genuine purpose, whether it’s for depth of flavor or that signature chewy, tender texture.
- Butter: Use room temperature butter for a tender, rich base that creams smoothly with sugar.
- Granulated sugar: This gives structure and just the right hint of sweetness to the bars.
- Brown sugar: Packed brown sugar adds a caramel note and extra moisture.
- Creamy peanut butter: Adds nuttiness, softness, and warmth; don’t use chunky for this recipe.
- Egg: A large egg binds the batter and provides richness.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors and perfumes the bars.
- All-purpose flour: A classic base for sturdy but still soft bars.
- Baking soda: Helps the bars rise a bit and prevents them from being too dense.
- Salt: Just enough to balance the sweetness and intensify all the flavors.
- Quick-cooking oatmeal: Gives chewiness and perfect texture while blending beautifully into the bars.
- Butterscotch chips: The star ingredient! Melts into little pockets of gold throughout each square.
- Confectioners’ sugar (for glaze): Makes the glaze deliciously smooth with a melt-in-your-mouth finish.
- Milk (for glaze): Thins out the glaze just right for drizzling or spreading.
How to Make Trisha Yearwood Butterscotch Bars
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Preheat
Get your oven preheating at 350°F. Take a 9×13-inch baking dish and thoroughly grease it with butter, then line it with parchment paper. This makes getting the bars out later unbelievably easy and gives you neat slices every single time.
Step 2: Cream Together Butter, Sugars, and Peanut Butter
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and creamy peanut butter. Give it 3 to 4 minutes—watch it transform from gritty to fluffy and pale. This step is key, as it sets up that classic, tender Trisha Yearwood Butterscotch Bars texture.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Crack in your egg and pour in the vanilla extract. Beat again until the mixture is glossy and smooth. This is where your batter really starts to come together, and you’ll notice the aroma is already heavenly.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Stir in the quick oats so they’re evenly distributed. This step ensures your dry ingredients are fully blended before meeting the wet mix, resulting in even, beautiful bars.
Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add your dry mixture to the bowl with the creamed ingredients, stirring just until combined. Don’t overmix—just enough for no white streaks of flour to remain. The batter should be soft and slightly sticky.
Step 6: Spread and Sprinkle Butterscotch
Use a spatula to spread the batter evenly into your prepared pan. Now: the magic moment. Sprinkle all those butterscotch chips over the top. They’ll sink in a bit as the bars bake, creating golden pockets of flavor in every square.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Slide the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Watch for lightly golden edges and a set-but-still-soft center. Don’t overbake—the center should have just a gentle spring to it.
Step 8: Whisk and Pour Glaze
While the bars are still warm, quickly whisk together the confectioners’ sugar, creamy peanut butter, and milk for the glaze. Pour or spread the glaze over the top—wait for it to set into that perfect, sweet finish.
Step 9: Cool, Chill, and Slice
Let the bars cool completely in the pan, then pop them in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This helps the glaze firm up and makes slicing a breeze. Use the parchment to lift the bars out and cut into neat squares.
How to Serve Trisha Yearwood Butterscotch Bars

Garnishes
Enhance your Trisha Yearwood Butterscotch Bars with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, a drizzle of melted chocolate, or a dusting of extra confectioners’ sugar. Even a handful of chopped roasted peanuts adds irresistible crunch and a touch of elegance.
Side Dishes
These bars are fantastic alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. For a little contrast, serve with fresh berries or a tart fruit salad to balance out the sweetness and introduce a pop of color to your dessert spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack your Trisha Yearwood Butterscotch Bars on a rustic wooden board for a homey, inviting look, or use mini cupcake liners for easy grab-and-go treats at a party. You can also cut them into bite-sized pieces and serve them as part of a dessert buffet for a charming, no-plate-required vibe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Trisha Yearwood Butterscotch Bars fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If your kitchen’s especially warm, stash them in the fridge so the glaze stays firm and the bars moist.
Freezing
To extend their shelf-life, freeze the bars in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then stack between sheets of parchment in an airtight container. They’ll keep beautifully for up to three months—just let them sit at room temperature to thaw.
Reheating
If you’re craving that freshly baked taste, zap individual bars in the microwave for 5 to 10 seconds. This warms them just enough to soften the glaze and bring out the aromas, making the butterscotch and peanut butter flavors even more satisfying.
FAQs
Can I use old-fashioned oats instead of quick-cooking oatmeal?
For the best texture in Trisha Yearwood Butterscotch Bars, stick with quick-cooking oats. Old-fashioned oats can work in a pinch, but they’ll give a heartier, chewier result and may change the way the bars hold together.
What type of peanut butter is best for this recipe?
Smooth, creamy peanut butter works best to ensure the structure is just right and the glaze is perfectly silky. Avoid natural styles with separated oil, as they may not blend as smoothly or set up as well.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The edges should be lightly golden, and the center set but still a little soft. Don’t wait for the middle to be firm—it’ll finish setting as it cools, which keeps the bars moist and fudgy rather than dry.
Can I double this recipe for a crowd?
Absolutely! Trisha Yearwood Butterscotch Bars double beautifully. Use two pans or a larger one if available, but keep an eye on the baking time—it may take a few extra minutes.
What’s the easiest way to cut perfect squares?
After chilling the glazed bars, use the parchment to lift them from the pan, then slice with a sharp knife warmed slightly in hot water. Wiping the knife between cuts helps keep those squares clean and beautiful.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a treat that’s every bit as comforting as it is decadent, these Trisha Yearwood Butterscotch Bars have you covered. Each batch is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, guaranteed to win over anyone who tries them—yourself included. Don’t wait for a special occasion: gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy homemade butterscotch bliss today!
PrintTrisha Yearwood Butterscotch Bars Recipe
These Butterscotch Bars by Trisha Yearwood are a delightful treat that combines the rich flavors of butterscotch with the creaminess of peanut butter. Perfect for any occasion, these bars are sure to be a hit with family and friends!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Bars:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, room temperature, plus more for greasing
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup quick-cooking oatmeal
- 6 ounces butterscotch chips (about 1 cup)
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
- 4 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x13x2-inch baking dish and line with parchment paper.
- Cream together butter, sugars, and 1/2 cup peanut butter until light and fluffy (3-4 minutes).
- Beat in egg and vanilla extract until smooth and glossy.
- Sift together flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix in oatmeal.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, mixing just until combined.
- Spread batter evenly in prepared pan and sprinkle with butterscotch chips.
- Bake 20-25 minutes until edges are lightly browned and center is set but soft.
- While bars are warm, whisk together glaze ingredients until smooth and pour over bars.
- Cool completely, then refrigerate 30 minutes before cutting into squares.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Butterscotch Bars, Trisha Yearwood, Dessert, Peanut Butter, Easy Recipe