Butterscotch Oatmeal Bars

Featured in: Golden Cookies & Treats

These chewy bars blend rolled oats with a rich buttery base and sweet butterscotch chips for a delightful texture and flavor. Brown sugar and vanilla extract add depth, while a gentle bake creates a golden edge and moist center. Easy to prepare in under 40 minutes, these bars offer a comforting treat ideal for snacking or a sweet finish. Optional nuts can add crunch, and various chips provide flavor twists for customization.

Updated on Mon, 08 Dec 2025 18:56:05 GMT
Chewy butterscotch oatmeal bars topped with golden chips for a perfect dessert.  Save
Chewy butterscotch oatmeal bars topped with golden chips for a perfect dessert. | coraloven.com

Butterscotch oatmeal bars are the perfect blend of chewy texture and buttery sweetness, studded with golden butterscotch chips that melt into every bite. This classic American dessert is not only easy to make but also ideal for satisfying sweet cravings any time of day, whether as a snack or a delightful treat after dinner.

Chewy butterscotch oatmeal bars topped with golden chips for a perfect dessert.  Save
Chewy butterscotch oatmeal bars topped with golden chips for a perfect dessert. | coraloven.com

This recipe’s comforting flavors evoke nostalgic memories of homemade treats, making it a crowd-pleaser at family gatherings and casual get-togethers. The hearty oats provide a wholesome base, while the butterscotch chips create pockets of rich, melting sweetness that bring every bite to life.

Ingredients

  • Dry Ingredients
    • 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
    • 1 ½ cups (135 g) old-fashioned rolled oats
    • ½ teaspoon baking soda
    • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • Wet Ingredients
    • ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, melted
    • 1 cup (200 g) light brown sugar, packed
    • 1 large egg
    • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • Add-Ins
    • 1 cup (170 g) butterscotch chips

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8-inch (20 cm) square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, oats, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine melted butter and brown sugar. Whisk until smooth. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
4. Stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Fold in the butterscotch chips.
5. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Smooth the top with a spatula.
6. Bake for 22–25 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
7. Allow to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before lifting out and cutting into bars.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

Ensure the butter is fully melted and warm enough to mix smoothly with the brown sugar for a rich base. When folding in the dry ingredients and chips, mix gently to avoid overworking the batter which could result in tougher bars. Using parchment paper with an overhang allows easy removal once cooled.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For extra texture, add ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts. You can also substitute butterscotch chips with chocolate or peanut butter chips for a different flavor twist that suits your preferences.

Serviervorschläge

These bars are perfect served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or simply on their own as a convenient snack. Ideal for lunchboxes, picnics, or pairing with a cup of coffee or tea during a relaxing break.

Warm butterscotch oatmeal bars fresh from the oven, ideal for delightful snacking.  Save
Warm butterscotch oatmeal bars fresh from the oven, ideal for delightful snacking. | coraloven.com

With just a handful of ingredients and straightforward steps, these butterscotch oatmeal bars are sure to become a favorite go-to recipe. Their rich, buttery flavor combined with wholesome oats offers a satisfying yet simple dessert or snack that everyone will appreciate.

Recipe FAQs

What makes these bars chewy?

The combination of rolled oats and melted butter creates a moist, tender texture that results in chewy bars after baking.

Can I substitute butterscotch chips?

Yes, chocolate or peanut butter chips can be used to vary the flavor while maintaining the soft and sweet character.

How do I ensure even baking?

Spread the batter evenly in a parchment-lined pan and bake until edges turn golden and a toothpick shows moist crumbs.

Are there options to add texture?

Adding chopped pecans or walnuts before baking provides a crunchy contrast to the chewy base.

How should I store the bars?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days to maintain freshness.

Butterscotch Oatmeal Bars

Soft, chewy bars packed with oats and butterscotch chips, perfect for sweet snacking or dessert moments.

Prep time
15 minutes
Time to cook
25 minutes
Time Required
40 minutes
Created by Hannah Lewis


Skill level Easy

Cuisine American

Makes 16 Portions

Dietary details Meatless

What You Need

Dry Ingredients

01 1 cup all-purpose flour
02 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
03 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
04 1/4 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

01 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
02 1 cup packed light brown sugar
03 1 large egg
04 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Add-Ins

01 1 cup butterscotch chips

How To Make

Step 01

Prepare oven and pan: Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, extending edges for easy removal.

Step 02

Combine dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, rolled oats, baking soda, and salt until uniformly mixed.

Step 03

Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk melted butter and brown sugar until smooth. Add egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.

Step 04

Combine wet and dry: Gently fold dry ingredients into wet mixture until just combined. Incorporate butterscotch chips evenly.

Step 05

Spread batter and bake: Transfer batter to prepared pan and smooth surface. Bake for 22 to 25 minutes until edges are golden and center yields moist crumbs with toothpick test.

Step 06

Cool and portion: Allow bars to cool completely in pan on a wire rack before lifting out using parchment overhang and slicing into 16 portions.

Needed utensils

  • 8-inch square baking pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Spatula
  • Parchment paper
  • Wire rack

Allergy details

Check components for allergens, and get advice from a medical expert if you're unsure.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), dairy, eggs, soy. May contain traces of nuts.

Nutrition Details (each serving)

Details are for informational purposes, not medical use.
  • Kilocalories: 205
  • Fat content: 8 g
  • Carbohydrates: 31 g
  • Proteins: 2 g