If you have a sweet tooth craving something rich, buttery, and perfectly chewy, you are in for a treat with this Butterscotch Brownies Recipe. These brownies have a lovely caramel-like sweetness from the butterscotch chips, combined with the deep warmth of brown sugar and a delightfully soft yet slightly crisp texture. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just craving a cozy dessert, this recipe is straightforward, comforting, and bound to become a favorite you’ll reach for again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Butterscotch Brownies Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in creating that perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color which makes these brownies irresistible.
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter (melted and cooled): Provides richness and moisture while helping to bind the ingredients.
- 2 cups light brown sugar: Adds sweetness and a slight molasses flavor that deepens the browning and chewiness.
- 2 large eggs (room temperature): Help with structure and create a tender crumb.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor with warm, aromatic notes.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base of the brownies, giving them their sturdy yet soft texture.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Adds a bit of lift, preventing the brownies from being too dense.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and deepens flavor complexity.
- 1/2 cup pecans (finely chopped): Introduces a pleasant crunch and nutty flavor.
- 1/2 cup butterscotch chips: The star ingredient that provides those gooey pockets of buttery caramel sweetness.
How to Make Butterscotch Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Then, line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, making sure to leave some overhang on the sides. This little trick makes it so much easier to lift out your brownies after baking without any mess or sticky fingers.
Step 2: Mix the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted and cooled butter with the light brown sugar. Stir them together until fully combined. This step is crucial because it ensures your brownies have that beautiful, chewy texture and a glossy top.
Step 3: Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time to the butter and sugar mixture, beating well after each addition. Don’t rush this part—fully mixing each egg helps achieve a smooth batter. Next, stir in the vanilla extract to infuse the mixture with aromatic sweetness.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients Separately
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This process helps to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning, so every bite tastes just right.
Step 5: Add the Flour to the Wet Ingredients
Adding the flour mixture in two parts makes it easier to blend without overmixing, which can toughen the brownies. Stir in half the flour until just incorporated, then add the rest and mix until the batter becomes smooth and shiny.
Step 6: Fold in Pecans and Butterscotch Chips
Now the real fun begins! Gently fold in the chopped pecans and the butterscotch chips. Make sure to scrape down the sides of your bowl so that each bite has a perfect distribution of nuts and those delicious pockets of melting butterscotch.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Spread the batter evenly into your prepared pan, smoothing the top. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Keep an eye on that golden, shiny, slightly cracked surface starting at 25 minutes to prevent overbaking. When done, your brownies will look invitingly moist and fudgy.
Step 8: Cool and Cut
Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before lifting them out with the parchment paper overhang. This waiting game is worth it because cutting warm brownies can be messy. Once cooled, slice into nine generous servings and get ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Butterscotch Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
While the Butterscotch Brownies Recipe shines on its own, you can take your presentation up a notch with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, which beautifully contrasts the sweet butterscotch. A dollop of whipped cream or a dusting of powdered sugar can add a lovely touch of elegance as well.
Side Dishes
For an indulgent experience, serve your brownies alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce. Fresh berries like raspberries or sliced strawberries offer a bright, tangy balance that complements the buttery richness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not turn your Butterscotch Brownies Recipe into decadent brownie parfaits? Layer chunks of these brownies with whipped cream and butterscotch drizzle in glasses for a fun and fancy dessert. Or, cut them into bite-sized squares and arrange on a platter for a party-ready treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your brownies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay moist and flavorful for up to 4 days—perfect for satisfying those snack cravings whenever they hit.
Freezing
To enjoy your Butterscotch Brownies Recipe anytime, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen brownies can last for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for a few hours before serving.
Reheating
If you prefer warm brownies, simply microwave a slice for 15 to 20 seconds or warm it briefly in a low oven. This will bring back that freshly baked, gooey goodness as if you pulled them right out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
Yes, you can use salted butter, but be sure to reduce or omit the additional salt in the recipe to avoid making the brownies too salty. The balance of flavors is important in this Butterscotch Brownies Recipe.
What can I substitute for butterscotch chips?
If you don’t have butterscotch chips, white chocolate chips or caramel chunks are good alternatives. However, the unique flavor of butterscotch chips is what makes these brownies special, so try to use them if possible.
Are pecans necessary?
Pecans add a lovely crunch and nutty flavor, but if you have allergies or prefer them nut-free, you can omit them or substitute with other nuts like walnuts or even chocolate chunks for extra indulgence.
How do I know when the brownies are done baking?
The top of the brownies should be golden and shiny with a slightly cracked appearance. When you insert a toothpick, it should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter. This ensures chewy, fudgy brownies.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that’s suitable for baking. Just make sure it contains xanthan gum or another binder to replicate the texture properly.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about baking a batch of these Butterscotch Brownies Recipe, and even more so about sharing them with those you love. The harmonious blend of sweet, buttery, and nutty flavors will have everyone asking for seconds. So go ahead, roll up your sleeves, and treat yourself to some homemade goodness that feels both special and completely comforting. You won’t regret it!
Print
Butterscotch Brownies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Butterscotch Brownies are a rich, buttery twist on classic brownies, packed with sweet butterscotch chips and crunchy pecans. The texture is dense and chewy with a glossy, golden top and a slightly cracked crust, making them an irresistible treat perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 2 cups light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Add-ins
- 1/2 cup pecans, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup butterscotch chips
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal of the brownies later.
- Mix Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, stir together the melted and cooled unsalted butter with the light brown sugar until the mixture is well combined and smooth.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add eggs one at a time to the butter and sugar mixture, beating after each addition until fully incorporated. Then stir in the vanilla extract until evenly mixed.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to ensure they are evenly distributed.
- Incorporate Flour Mixture: Add half of the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined. Then add the remaining flour mixture and mix until the batter is smooth, being careful not to overmix.
- Fold in Pecans and Butterscotch Chips: Gently fold in the finely chopped pecans and butterscotch chips, scraping down the sides and bottom of the bowl to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Bake: Spread the brownie batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Start checking for doneness at 25 minutes; the top should be golden and shiny with a slightly cracked appearance when ready.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the brownies from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift them out before cutting into 9 to 9 servings.
Notes
- Ensure the melted butter is cooled before mixing with sugar to prevent the eggs from cooking prematurely.
- Chilling the batter briefly can improve the texture, but it’s optional.
- For a nuttier flavor, lightly toast pecans before chopping and adding to the batter.
- Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer shelf life.
- Use parchment paper for easy removal and clean-up.
