Of course! Here is a comprehensive, grand recipe for Peanut Butter Butterscotch Bars, complete with everything you’ve requested.
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A Grand Recipe for Peanut Butter Butterscotch Bars
Introduction
Imagine the nostalgic, creamy sweetness of butterscotch meeting the rich, savory depth of peanut butter, all bound together in a chewy, irresistible bar. This recipe is more than a dessert; it’s a tribute to comfort food. It requires no mixer, no fancy techniques—just a bowl, a spoon, and a craving for something profoundly satisfying. These bars are the perfect fusion of a blondie’s chew and a candy’s decadence, destined to become a staple in your recipe collection.
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Ingredients
For the Bars:
· ½ cup (1 stick / 113g) unsalted butter, melted
· 1 cup (250g) creamy peanut butter (not natural/oily style)
· 1 cup (200g) packed light or dark brown sugar
· 2 large eggs, at room temperature
· 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
· 1 ¼ cups (160g) all-purpose flour
· ½ teaspoon baking powder
· ¼ teaspoon salt
· 1 ½ cups (270g) butterscotch chips
For the Optional Glaze & Garnish:
· ¼ cup (60g) creamy peanut butter
· ½ cup (85g) butterscotch chips
· 1 teaspoon coconut oil or butter
· Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling
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Historical & Culinary Formation
The union of peanut butter and butterscotch is a distinctly American creation, born from the mid-20th century love affair with convenient, shelf-stable ingredients. Peanut butter became a household staple in the 1920s. Butterscotch, whose name likely derives from “buttered” “scotch” (meaning to cut or score), is an older confection based on butter and brown sugar.
This recipe is a “bar cookie,” a practical post-WWII innovation that allowed home bakers to make one pan of dough and cut it into portions, perfect for potlucks, bake sales, and feeding a crowd. It represents the beautiful alchemy of pantry staples transforming into something greater than the sum of its parts.
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Step-by-Step Instructions & Methods
Method 1: The One-Bowl Mixing Method
1. Prep & Preheat: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 or 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal. Grease lightly.
2. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk the melted butter, peanut butter, and brown sugar until smooth and glossy. Whisk in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
3. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Add the flour, baking powder, and salt directly into the wet mixture. Use a spatula to fold until just combined and no dry streaks remain.
4. Add the Star: Fold in the 1 ½ cups of butterscotch chips until evenly distributed.
5. Bake: Spread the thick batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes (8″ pan may take closer to 35), or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set but still slightly soft. A toothpick inserted near the center should come out with a few moist crumbs.
6. Cool Completely: Let the bars cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 1 hour. This is crucial for clean slicing.
Method 2: The Optional Glaze & Finish
1. In a small microwave-safe bowl, combine the ¼ cup peanut butter, ½ cup butterscotch chips, and coconut oil.
2. Heat in 20-second bursts, stirring between each, until completely melted and smooth.
3. Drizzle artistically over the cooled bars. Immediately sprinkle with a pinch of flaky sea salt to enhance all the flavors.
4. Allow the glaze to set before slicing.
Slicing Formation: Use the parchment overhang to lift the entire slab onto a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, cut into 16 squares (4×4) or 12 larger rectangles.
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Nutritional Profile (Per Bar, Approx. 1/16th)
· Calories: ~320 kcal
· Carbohydrates: 33g
· Fat: 19g
· Protein: 6g
· Sugars: 24g
· Note: This is a rich, indulgent treat. The brown sugar provides molasses notes, while the fats from butter and peanut butter offer satiety. Enjoy in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
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Benefits & For the Lovers
· For the Busy Baker: Minimal cleanup, one-bowl wonder.
· For the Texture Lover: Offers a chewy, soft, and slightly dense bite with pockets of molten butterscotch.
· For the Nostalgia Seeker: A direct flavor portal to childhood bake sales and grandmother’s kitchen.
· For the Entertainer: A universally beloved, crowd-pleasing dessert that travels perfectly.
· Customization Love: Add chopped peanuts for crunch, chocolate chips for a “Scotcheroo” twist, or a sprinkle of cinnamon for warmth.
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Conclusion
The Peanut Butter Butterscotch Bar is a testament to the magic of simple ingredients. It requires no expertise, only a willingness to indulge in a classic, comforting flavor combination. Whether glazed for a special occasion or enjoyed in its unadorned, humble glory, this recipe promises a reward far greater than the effort expended. Bake a batch, share with friends, and savor the sweet, buttery, peanutty delight—a perfect square of homemade happiness.
For the True Lovers: Double the recipe and bake in a 9×13 inch pan for a larger crowd. Always serve with a cold glass of milk, a hot cup of coffee, or simply a contented smile.