If you’re looking for a dessert that will vanish before the plate even hits the table, these Peanut Butter Butterscotch Bars are it. Picture creamy, nutty peanut butter meeting the buttery, caramel-like sweetness of butterscotch, all baked into a soft, chewy bar with just the right hint of crispness at the edges. They’re pure comfort in dessert form—quick to whip up, impossible to resist, and perfect for any occasion from weeknight treats to special celebrations.

Why You’ll Love Peanut Butter Butterscotch Bars

These aren’t just tasty; they’re a whole vibe. Think bake sale superstar, lunchbox favorite, and midnight snack hero all rolled into one. You get that satisfying chew, a balanced sweetness, and a flavor combo that feels nostalgic yet indulgent. Best of all, they come together with pantry staples in under an hour.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

• Go creamy—smooth peanut butter gives the best melt-in-your-mouth texture (crunchy works if you want extra bite).
• Don’t overbake—pull them out when they still look a touch soft; they’ll firm up as they cool.
• Line your pan—parchment paper is your best friend for easy cleanup and neat slices.
• Salt it up—a light sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking adds an incredible sweet-salty contrast.

Ingredients

Bars:

1. 1 cup creamy peanut butter
2. 1 cup packed brown sugar
3. 1/2 cup granulated sugar
4. 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
5. 2 large eggs
6. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
7. 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
8. 1 teaspoon baking soda
9. 1/4 teaspoon salt
10. 1 cup butterscotch chips

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper.
2. Beat peanut butter, brown sugar, white sugar, and butter until fluffy.
3. Mix in eggs and vanilla.
4. In another bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. Add dry ingredients to the peanut butter mixture and stir just until combined.
6. Fold in butterscotch chips.
7. Spread batter evenly in the pan and bake for 20–25 minutes, until lightly golden.
8. Cool completely before slicing into bars.

Texture & Flavor Secrets

The key is balance—rich peanut butter cuts through the sweetness of butterscotch, while the edges bake up crisp and the center stays deliciously soft. Every bite gives you that buttery caramel hit from the chips, layered over a nutty base that’s impossible to stop eating.

How to Serve Peanut Butter Butterscotch Bars

• As-is for a grab-and-go treat.
• Warm with ice cream for dessert perfection.
• Crumble over yogurt for a sweet crunch.

Creative Leftover Transformations

• Ice cream sandwiches—two bars + a scoop of vanilla.
• Dessert crumble—over baked fruit for instant cobbler vibes.
• Milkshake upgrade—blend a bar right into your shake.

Additional Tips

• Store airtight at room temp for up to 5 days.
• Freeze unfrosted bars for up to 3 months.
• Drizzle melted chocolate or peanut butter over cooled bars for extra flair.

Make It a Showstopper (Presentation Ideas)

Cut into uniform squares, stack on a platter, dust lightly with powdered sugar, or drizzle with both peanut butter and butterscotch. Garnish with chopped peanuts for texture.

FAQ’s

1. Crunchy or creamy peanut butter? Either works—creamy for smoothness, crunchy for texture.
2. Melt the butterscotch chips first? No, just fold them in.
3. Gluten-free option? Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour mix.
4. Clean slicing tip? Chill bars for 20 minutes before cutting.
5. Natural peanut butter okay? Yes, but mix well so it’s not oily.
6. Add chocolate chips? Absolutely, they pair beautifully.
7. Travel-friendly? Yes, perfect for lunchboxes or picnics.
8. 8×8 pan option? Works fine—just bake longer for thicker bars.
9. No butterscotch chips? Swap in white chocolate or caramel chips.
10. Festive twist? Sprinkle with colorful jimmies before baking.

Conclusion

Peanut Butter Butterscotch Bars are everything you want in a homemade sweet—soft, chewy, rich, and utterly addictive. They’re simple enough for everyday baking yet impressive enough to serve for company. Once you make them, they’ll quickly become a recipe you can’t stop coming back to.

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Watch How to Make Peanut Butter Butterscotch Bars