If you’re craving a sweet, buttery dessert that’s rich, chewy, and loaded with caramel flavor, these Butterscotch Brownies are exactly what you need. This quick and simple recipe delivers that irresistible brown sugar warmth with melty butterscotch chips in every bite — the perfect treat for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love These Butterscotch Brownies
These butterscotch brownies are everything you love about classic brownies — just without the chocolate! Instead, they’re filled with the deep, buttery sweetness of brown sugar and creamy butterscotch chips.
You’ll love this recipe because:
- It’s quick and easy to make (no mixer needed).
- The flavor is rich, caramel-like, and slightly nutty.
- The texture is soft, chewy, and perfectly dense.
- It’s ideal for bake sales, lunch boxes, or cozy evenings at home.
- They store beautifully and taste even better the next day.
Ingredients for Butterscotch Brownies
Here’s everything you’ll need to make these classic dessert bars:
Main Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup chopped pecans (optional but adds crunch)
- ½ cup butterscotch chips
Ingredient Notes (Substitutions & Tips)
- Butter: Use real butter for the best flavor. If you prefer, substitute with plant-based butter for a dairy-free version.
- Brown Sugar: Light brown sugar gives a mellow caramel taste, while dark brown sugar will deepen the flavor.
- Egg: Helps bind everything together — one large egg is perfect.
- Flour: Regular all-purpose flour works best; whole wheat flour will make the texture denser.
- Butterscotch Chips: You can use caramel chips or white chocolate chips for a fun twist.
- Pecans: Swap with walnuts, almonds, or leave them out for a nut-free version.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these easy steps to make the most irresistible butterscotch brownies.
Step 1 – Prep Your Pan and Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it. This helps the brownies lift out easily once cooled.
Step 2 – Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and brown sugar. Whisk until smooth and slightly thickened.
Add the egg and vanilla extract, whisking until the mixture looks glossy and well-blended.
Step 3 – Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even mixing and prevents lumps.
Step 4 – Mix Wet and Dry Together
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Stir with a spatula until just combined — do not overmix, or the brownies will be too dense.
Step 5 – Add the Mix-Ins
Fold in the butterscotch chips and chopped pecans. The batter will be thick and sticky — that’s exactly what you want.
Step 6 – Bake to Perfection
Spread the batter evenly into your prepared pan. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Step 7 – Cool and Serve
Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares. This step helps them set and keeps their chewy texture intact.
Enjoy as-is or top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic dessert combo!
Pro Tips for Success
- Don’t overbake. Butterscotch brownies should be soft in the center; they’ll firm up as they cool.
- Use parchment paper. Makes lifting and cutting super easy.
- Melt butter gently. Too hot can scramble the egg when added.
- Cool before slicing. This keeps the squares clean and neat.
- Customize the mix-ins. Try white chocolate chips, coconut, or even a swirl of peanut butter.
- Double the batch. These go fast — consider baking two pans if sharing!
Flavor Variations
Want to get creative? Here are a few fun twists on the classic:
- Salted Caramel Brownies: Add a drizzle of caramel sauce and a sprinkle of sea salt on top.
- White Chocolate Butterscotch Bars: Swap half the chips for white chocolate chunks.
- Nut-Free Version: Skip the pecans and add crushed pretzels for a salty-sweet crunch.
- Coconut Bliss Bars: Stir in ½ cup of shredded coconut for a tropical flavor.
- Peanut Butter Swirl: Drop spoonfuls of peanut butter on top before baking, then swirl gently with a knife.
Serving Suggestions
These chewy bars are delicious any time of day!
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream.
- Pair with a cup of hot coffee or cocoa for an afternoon pick-me-up.
- Cut into small squares and wrap for holiday gift boxes.
- Add to a dessert platter with cookies and fudge for parties.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Refrigerate: Keeps for up to 1 week — great for make-ahead treats.
- Freeze: Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 210 |
| Protein | 3g |
| Carbohydrates | 26g |
| Total Fat | 11g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sodium | 120mg |
(Values are approximate and depend on ingredients used.)
FAQ About Butterscotch Brownies
What makes butterscotch brownies different from blondies?
Butterscotch brownies focus on the buttery, brown sugar flavor enhanced by butterscotch chips, while blondies have a more vanilla-forward taste and often include chocolate chips.
Can I make these without nuts?
Absolutely! Simply omit the pecans. The brownies will still be rich and chewy without them.
How do I know when they’re done baking?
Check the edges — they should be golden brown and slightly pulling away from the pan. The center should look set but soft.
Can I make these brownies gluten-free?
Yes, substitute a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. The texture will be slightly more crumbly but still delicious.
How can I make them extra gooey?
Slightly underbake them by 2–3 minutes and let them cool in the pan. This keeps the center soft and fudge-like.
Final Thoughts
These Delicious Butterscotch Brownies are a timeless dessert that never disappoints. With their sweet caramel notes, buttery texture, and chewy bite, they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for bake sales, birthdays, or cozy weekends. Quick, simple, and utterly delicious — this is one recipe you’ll want to make again and again!
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Delicious Butterscotch Brownies (Quick & Simple Recipe)
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Yield: 16 brownies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft, chewy, and buttery, these classic Butterscotch Brownies are the perfect quick dessert bar with rich caramel flavor.
Ingredients
½ cup unsalted butter
1 cup light brown sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt
½ cup chopped pecans
½ cup butterscotch chips
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. Mix melted butter and brown sugar until smooth.
3. Add egg and vanilla; whisk until combined.
4. In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. Stir dry ingredients into wet ingredients until just combined.
6. Fold in butterscotch chips and pecans.
7. Spread batter evenly in pan.
8. Bake 25–30 minutes or until golden.
9. Cool completely before slicing.
Notes
Store in an airtight container up to 4 days.
For nut-free brownies, omit pecans.
For extra gooey texture, slightly underbake.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
