Description
These Blondie Brownie Butterscotch Swirl Bars are a delightful twist on classic blondies, offering warm, sweet flavor and a chewy texture. Perfect for busy families, this easy recipe allows you to create a special weeknight dessert or after-school snack with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1.75 cups packed light brown sugar
- 0.5 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 1.5 cups butterscotch chips OR 0.75 cup butterscotch sauce
Instructions
- Prep Your Pan: Preheat your oven to 350F (175C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan, or line with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Melt Butter & Mix Sugars: In a large bowl, melt the butter (about 1 minute in the microwave). Add the brown and granulated sugars, then whisk vigorously until smooth and glossy, about 1 minute.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the eggs one at a time until fully incorporated, then stir in the vanilla extract until the mixture lightens slightly and smells fragrant.
- Combine Dry & Wet: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding gently with a spatula until just combined and no dry streaks remain (if it looks dry, splash in 1-2 Tbsp milk).
- Layer the Batter: Pour about half of the blondie batter evenly into your prepared 9×13 inch pan, forming a thin, even layer.
- Swirl the Butterscotch: If using butterscotch chips, sprinkle 0.75 cup over the batter. If using sauce, warm 0.5 cup slightly until pourable (not boiling hot!) and drizzle it over the batter.
- Final Layer & Swirl: Gently dollop the remaining blondie batter over the butterscotch layer. Use a knife or skewer to create gentle swirls, incorporating the butterscotch without fully mixing it.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and set, and the center is still slightly soft with a gentle jiggle. Let cool completely in the pan before slicing.
Notes
For less sweetness, reduce granulated sugar by 0.25 cup. For added fiber, use whole wheat pastry flour. Stir in 0.25 teaspoon cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top enhances butterscotch flavor. Do not overbake; bars should be slightly gooey in the center and will set as they cool. Ensure butterscotch sauce is warm enough to drizzle but not boiling hot. Avoid overmixing the flour to prevent tough, cakey bars.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 28 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (approx. 70 g)
- Calories: 350 calories
- Sugar: 35 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg