
Butterscotch Pecan Bars: Soft, Chewy, and Irresistibly Buttery
If you love rich, chewy, and nutty desserts, these Butterscotch Pecan Bars are about to become your new favorite treat. They bring together the deep caramel-like sweetness of butterscotch, the crunch of toasted pecans, and a perfectly soft, buttery texture. Best of all, they’re incredibly easy to make—just one bowl, simple ingredients, and no fuss!
Butterscotch has been a beloved flavor in American baking for generations. In fact, its name comes from “scorched butter”, referring to the way brown sugar and butter cook together to create that signature golden, toffee-like taste. When combined with pecans, the result is a dessert that’s both nostalgic and undeniably delicious.
These bars are perfect for bake sales, holiday trays, or just a cozy night in. Plus, they store beautifully, making them great for meal prep or gifting. Whether you enjoy them warm with a scoop of ice cream or pack them up for an on-the-go snack, these Butterscotch Pecan Bars will never disappoint. So, let’s get baking!

Recipe Yield: 12 bars
INGREDIENTS
1 cup all-purpose flour, spooned & leveled
½ tsp baking powder
1 large egg, room temperature
¾ cup butterscotch chips
½ cup chopped pecans
9 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
⅔ cup packed light brown sugar
⅓ cup packed dark brown sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ tsp cornstarch
¼ tsp salt
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Preheat & Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it for easy removal.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, light brown sugar, and dark brown sugar until smooth. Let cool slightly, then whisk in egg and vanilla extract until fully combined.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually stir into the wet mixture until just combined.
4. Fold in Butterscotch & Pecans: Gently fold in butterscotch chips and pecans, ensuring even distribution. The batter will be thick.
5. Bake to Perfection: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 22-26 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. (Do not overbake! They will set as they cool.)
6. Cool & Slice: Let bars cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Once completely cooled, cut into 12 bars and enjoy!
Helpful Tips to Perfect This Recipe
- Toast the Pecans – Lightly toast pecans in a dry pan for 2-3 minutes before adding to enhance their nutty flavor.
- Mix Brown Sugars for Depth – A blend of light and dark brown sugar creates the best caramelized butterscotch flavor.
- Do Not Overmix – Stir just until combined to avoid tough bars—this keeps them soft and chewy.
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