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Irresistible Chocolate Peanut Butterscotch Bars: A Dreamy Trio of Flavors

Indulge in the ultimate sweet treat with these incredibly chewy Chocolate Peanut Butterscotch Bars! Each bite is a symphony of rich butterscotch, creamy peanut butter, and luscious chocolate, creating a dessert experience you won’t soon forget. Perfect for any occasion, these bars are easy to make and guaranteed to become a new family favorite.

Rediscovering the Magic of Butterscotch

Let’s take a moment to appreciate butterscotch. This delightful, often underrated flavor, a harmonious blend of brown sugar and butter, creates a caramel-like richness that’s truly unique. It’s a classic that seems to fade into the background sometimes, overshadowed by its more popular cousin, caramel. But for those of us who truly savor its deep, comforting notes, butterscotch holds a special place in our hearts – and our kitchens!

These dreamy Chocolate Peanut Butterscotch Bars are poised to bring butterscotch back into the spotlight. Since baking and indulging in these incredible treats, I’ve found myself thinking about them constantly. They are nothing short of amazing – the kind of dessert that makes you close your eyes and truly savor each moment. Every bar boasts an irresistibly chewy texture, a generous infusion of rich butterscotch flavor, a subtle yet distinct hint of creamy peanut butter, and a luxurious swirl of smooth chocolate. It’s a combination that hits all the right notes, satisfying every sweet craving with its complex yet comforting profile.

The Perfect Flavor Combination: Chocolate, Peanut Butter, and Butterscotch

There’s something inherently magical about certain flavor pairings, and the trio of chocolate, peanut butter, and butterscotch is undoubtedly one of them. Each ingredient brings its own unique character to the table, and when combined, they create a symphony of tastes and textures that is simply irresistible. The deep, often slightly bitter notes of chocolate provide a beautiful contrast to the sweet, nutty creaminess of peanut butter. Add in the rich, buttery, and slightly burnt sugar undertones of butterscotch, and you have a flavor profile that is both complex and comforting. These bars leverage this legendary combination to perfection, offering a harmonious balance that will delight your palate.

Whether you’re a long-time fan of butterscotch or just discovering its charm, these bars are the perfect introduction. They are not just a dessert; they are an experience, a nostalgic journey for some, and a delightful discovery for others. Prepare to fall in love with the chewy texture and the decadent layers of flavor in every single bite!

Chocolate Peanut Butterscotch Bars

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Author: Maegan – The BakerMama
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Yield: 15
Category: Dessert

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Description

These dreamy bars are super chewy with a rich butterscotch flavor, a hint of peanut butter and some creamy chocolate in every bite!

Ingredients

6 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1–1/2 cups light brown sugar
2 large eggs
2 cups Gold Medal® self-rising flour
1 cup butterscotch chips
2 cups chocolate chips

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F. Coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.
Melt the butter in a large microwavable bowl. Whisk in the peanut butter until smooth. Whisk in the brown sugar then the eggs until well combined. Stir in the flour. Add the butterscotch chips and stir or mix with your hands until evenly distrubted throughout the dough.
Press dough evenly into prepared baking dish. Bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Sprinkle chocolate chips evenly over bars and return to oven for 2 minutes to soften chocolate. Spread melted chocolate chips evenly over bars. Cool completely on a wire rack, about 2 hours. Or place in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before cutting into bars.

Essential Baking Tips for Perfect Bars

Achieving the perfect chewy texture and balanced flavor in these Chocolate Peanut Butterscotch Bars is surprisingly simple, but a few key tips can elevate your baking game. Firstly, ensuring your butter and peanut butter are fully melted and smoothly combined is crucial for a consistent dough. When whisking in the brown sugar and eggs, make sure everything is thoroughly incorporated before adding the flour. Overmixing the flour can lead to tough bars, so mix just until the flour streaks disappear.

The method of incorporating butterscotch chips is flexible – you can stir them in with a spoon or even use your hands for a more tactile and even distribution. This ensures that every bite gets a delightful pop of butterscotch flavor. For baking, keep a close eye on your oven. Oven temperatures can vary, so while 25 minutes is a good guideline, the true test is when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This indicates that your bars are perfectly cooked through without being dry. Finally, don’t rush the cooling process! Allowing the bars to cool completely on a wire rack is essential for them to set properly and achieve that ideal chewy consistency before slicing.

Ingredient Insights: Making the Most of Your Flavors

The quality of your ingredients directly impacts the final taste of these decadent bars. Let’s delve into why each component plays a vital role:

Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted butter gives you control over the overall saltiness of the recipe. While a pinch of salt can enhance flavors, too much can overpower the sweetness.
Creamy Peanut Butter: Creamy peanut butter provides a smooth, rich texture and a consistent flavor throughout the bar. If you prefer a subtle crunch, you could experiment with chunky peanut butter, but creamy ensures that classic chewy bar texture.
Light Brown Sugar: The molasses in light brown sugar is key to the butterscotch flavor and contributes significantly to the bars’ moisture and chewy texture. Don’t substitute with white sugar, as it will alter the flavor profile and texture.
Large Eggs: Eggs act as a binder, helping to hold the ingredients together and adding to the richness and structure of the bars.
Gold Medal® Self-Rising Flour: Self-rising flour already contains baking powder and salt, simplifying the recipe and ensuring a consistent lift and tender crumb. If you don’t have self-rising flour, you can make your own by combining 2 cups of all-purpose flour with 3 teaspoons of baking powder and 1 teaspoon of salt.
Butterscotch Chips: These are the heart of the butterscotch flavor. Use a good quality brand for the best taste.
Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chocolate chips are a popular choice as they offer a balanced sweetness that complements the other flavors. However, feel free to use milk chocolate for a sweeter bar or dark chocolate for a richer, more intense chocolate experience.

Creative Variations and Serving Suggestions

While the classic Chocolate Peanut Butterscotch Bars are perfect as is, there are always opportunities to customize and get creative in the kitchen!

Variations:

Nutty Crunch: For an added layer of texture, consider folding in a ½ cup of chopped pecans, walnuts, or even salted peanuts into the dough along with the butterscotch chips. This adds a delightful crunch and enhances the nutty flavor.
Different Chocolates: Don’t limit yourself to semi-sweet chocolate chips. Try milk chocolate for a sweeter topping or a high-quality dark chocolate for a more sophisticated, slightly bitter contrast. You can even use a mix of chocolate chips for varied flavor notes.
Spice it Up: A tiny pinch of sea salt sprinkled over the melted chocolate topping can wonderfully enhance all the flavors, balancing the sweetness. You could also add a ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon to the dry ingredients for a warm, comforting twist.
White Chocolate Drizzle: Instead of spreading a full layer of chocolate, you could drizzle melted white chocolate over the cooled bars for an elegant finish and an extra touch of sweetness.
Gluten-Free Option: While not tested with this specific recipe, a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend could potentially be used for those with gluten sensitivities. Be sure to check that the blend contains xantham gum for proper binding.

Serving Suggestions:

These bars are incredibly versatile. They are perfect on their own as a mid-afternoon treat or a comforting dessert after dinner. For an elevated experience:

Warm Delight: Gently warm a bar in the microwave for a few seconds until the chocolate is slightly gooey. Serve with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for an irresistible dessert.
Coffee Break Companion: Pair a bar with your favorite hot beverage – a freshly brewed coffee, a comforting tea, or a glass of cold milk.
Party Platter Essential: Cut into smaller squares for a dessert platter at gatherings. Their rich flavors and satisfying chewiness make them a crowd-pleaser.
Gift Idea: Package a few bars in a pretty box or cellophane bag for a thoughtful homemade gift.

Storage Guidelines

To keep your Chocolate Peanut Butterscotch Bars fresh and delicious:

Room Temperature: Store the cooled and cut bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days.
Refrigeration: For a firmer, chewier texture and extended freshness, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Let them come to room temperature for a softer bite, or enjoy them chilled.
Freezing: These bars freeze wonderfully! Once completely cooled and cut, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze for about an hour. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe airtight container or bag, separating layers with parchment paper. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature or in the refrigerator before serving.

I hope you thoroughly enjoy baking and eating these dreamy bars as much as I do! They truly are a delightful combination of flavors and textures that will satisfy any sweet tooth. Don’t hesitate to share your creations and tag us on social media – we absolutely love seeing your delicious results!

xoxo,