I’m always on the hunt for a treat that’s easy to whip up and universally loved by my family. These yankee bars recipe Butterscotch Blondies deliver every time with their irresistible chewy texture and rich, buttery caramel aroma that fills the kitchen. They’re perfect for busy parents, home bakers, or anyone needing a delicious pick-me-up without the fuss. I often bake a batch on Sunday afternoons for easy grab-and-go snacks throughout the week.
Key Ingredients for Perfect Butterscotch Blondies
Getting these chewy, delicious bars right starts with quality ingredients, each playing a vital role in their signature flavor and texture:
- Unsalted Butter (1/2 cup / 113g), melted: Essential for that rich, moist, and wonderfully chewy texture.
- Light Brown Sugar (1 cup / 200g), packed: This is key for the deep, molasses-rich butterscotch flavor and adds significant moisture.
- Large Eggs (2): Act as a binder, providing structure and adding to the blondies’ overall richness.
- Pure Vanilla Extract (1 tsp / 5ml): A flavor enhancer that brightens and balances all the sweet notes.
- All-Purpose Flour (1 cup / 125g): Forms the structural backbone of our blondies. For a gluten-free option, use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend (ensure it contains xanthan gum).
- Baking Powder (1 tsp / 5g): Provides a gentle lift, ensuring the bars are tender without being too cakey.
- Salt (1/2 tsp / 3g): A small but mighty ingredient that perfectly balances the sweetness.
- Butterscotch Chips (1 cup / 170g): The star of our yankee bars recipe Butterscotch Blondies, delivering that iconic flavor.
For smart swaps, feel free to add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips (or chopped nuts like pecans if preferred) for an extra layer of flavor. To make a slightly lighter version, you can reduce the brown sugar by 1/4 cup. Using good quality butterscotch chips, perhaps organic, truly elevates this butterscotch blondies recipe. Always use fresh, pure vanilla extract for the best aroma and taste in your Butterscotch Blondies.
Cooking Butterscotch Blondies Made Simple
Prep Work (5 mins)
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy lifting. This helps prevent sticking and makes slicing simple.
Mix Wet Ingredients (5 mins)
In a large bowl, melt the butter, then whisk in the packed brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and glossy. This takes about 2 minutes and creates a rich base. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, until everything is just combined and looks creamy.
Combine Dry Ingredients (2 mins)
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Ensure there are no lumps, so the ingredients are evenly distributed for consistent blondies.
Bring it All Together (3 mins)
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined; be careful not to overmix. Then, gently fold in the butterscotch chips evenly throughout the batter. If your batter seems a bit stiff, add 1-2 teaspoons of milk to loosen it slightly.
Bake to Golden Perfection (25-30 mins)
Pour the batter into your prepared 9×13 inch baking pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs, not wet batter.
Cool and Slice
Allow the blondies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before attempting to slice them. This patience ensures clean, firm squares of your delicious yankee bars recipe Butterscotch Blondies. Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift them out for easy cutting.
Here are quick variations for different dietary patterns:
- Vegan: Use plant-based butter, flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water per egg), and dairy-free butterscotch chips.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
- High-Protein: Add a scoop (approx. 20-25g) of unflavored protein powder to the dry ingredients; you might need to add an extra tablespoon of milk or water if the batter feels too dry.
And here are some troubleshooting tips for common issues:
- Blondies too dry: This usually means your yankee bars recipe Butterscotch Blondies were overbaked. Keep a close eye on your oven and check for moist crumbs with the toothpick test.
- Blondies too gooey: They might be underbaked or contain too much butter. Ensure they cool completely before slicing, as they firm up significantly.
Ideal Serving Moments and Pairings for Yankee Bars
Our yankee bars recipe Butterscotch Blondies are perfect for family dinners or a quick grab-and-go snack. They also shine at potlucks, bake sales, or holiday events. Serve with vanilla ice cream or a cold glass of milk.
Nutrition, Wellness & Everyday Benefits of Butterscotch Blondies
These Butterscotch Blondies offer a comforting mood boost. For healthier eating, try whole wheat flour or reduced sugar. They are a naturally satisfying, family-friendly, budget-friendly dessert and an easy meal prep idea.
Recipe Advantages for Different Needs
- Time Saver: Quick to mix and bake, ideal for busy schedules.
- Budget-Friendly: This Yankee Bars recipe uses common, affordable pantry ingredients.
- Crowd-Pleaser: A universally loved flavor, perfect for any gathering.
- Versatile: Easily adapted with various mix-ins.
Expert Tips, Flavor Boosts, and Adaptations for Your Blondies
For tender bars, avoid overmixing. Press extra butterscotch chips on top for presentation. Cool completely before slicing. Kid-approved: add sprinkles. Guest-ready: serve warm with whipped cream. For allergies, use nut-free chips; for dairy-free, use plant-based alternatives.
Common Questions About Butterscotch Blondies (Yankee Bars)
Can I make Butterscotch Blondies ahead for meal prep?
Yes, our yankee bars recipe Butterscotch Blondies keep well airtight at room temperature for 3-4 days. You can also freeze individual bars for up to 3 months; thaw at room temperature for an easy meal prep snack.
What’s the healthiest way to prepare Butterscotch Blondies?
For healthier eating, use some whole wheat flour, slightly reduce sugar, or swap for dark chocolate chips. Small changes can make a difference.
Which stores or online shops carry quality butterscotch chips?
Major grocery stores like Kroger and Target carry brands such as Ghirardelli or Nestle. You can also find specialty or organic ingredients online.
Can I add other mix-ins to this Yankee Bars recipe?
Absolutely! This Yankee Bars recipe is versatile for additions like chopped nuts, chocolate chips, shredded coconut, or a cream cheese swirl. Customize for your family’s taste!
How do I know when my Butterscotch Blondies are done baking?
The edges should be golden brown and set. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter; I always look for those moist crumbs for perfect bars.
What’s the difference between blondies and brownies?
Blondies feature brown sugar and vanilla for a rich, butterscotch-like taste. Brownies get their deep flavor from cocoa or melted chocolate for a distinct chocolatey experience.
Conclusion
This Butterscotch Blondies (Yankee Bars) recipe is a simple, satisfying way to bring warmth and sweetness to your home. Save this recipe on Pinterest for easy family dinners and sweet cravings!
yankee bars recipe Butterscotch Blondies
- Total Time: 133 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Diet: General
Description
These Butterscotch Blondies are an easy-to-make, universally loved treat with a chewy texture and rich, buttery caramel aroma, perfect for a quick snack or dessert. They are ideal for busy parents and home bakers.
Ingredients
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 1 cup butterscotch chips
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy lifting.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, melt the butter, then whisk in the packed brown sugar until smooth and glossy (about 2 minutes). Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, until just combined and creamy.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until no lumps remain and ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Combine Mixtures and Fold in Chips: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined (do not overmix). Gently fold in the butterscotch chips evenly throughout the batter. (If batter seems stiff, add 1-2 teaspoons of milk to loosen).
- Bake Blondies: Pour the batter into your prepared 9×13 inch baking pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs, not wet batter.
- Cool and Slice: Allow the blondies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before slicing. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift them out for easy cutting.
Notes
For smart swaps, add 0.5 cup of chocolate chips or chopped nuts (like pecans). To make a lighter version, reduce brown sugar by 0.25 cup. Use good quality butterscotch chips and fresh, pure vanilla extract for the best flavor. If blondies are dry, they were overbaked (check for moist crumbs). If gooey, they might be underbaked or contain too much butter (ensure complete cooling). Variations include Vegan (plant-based butter, flax eggs, dairy-free chips), Gluten-Free (1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend), and High-Protein (add 20-25g unflavored protein powder to dry ingredients, adjust liquid if needed).
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 28 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 300 calories
- Sugar: 30 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
Keywords: butterscotch blondies, easy dessert, chewy, baking, quick snack, family favorite, brown sugar, vanilla, Yankee bars