If you have a sweet tooth and a soft spot for rich, buttery treats, you are absolutely going to adore this Butterscotch Brownies Recipe. These brownies bring together the deep caramel notes of butterscotch chips and the satisfying crunch of pecans, all wrapped up in a tender, moist brownie base that’s just the right balance of fudge and cakey. Whether you’re baking for a cozy night in or impressing friends with a festive dessert, these brownies are an absolute winner that transforms simple ingredients into a nostalgic, crave-worthy delight.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Butterscotch Brownies Recipe lies in its simplicity and the perfect harmony of the ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role, from the richness of butter to the subtle warmth of brown sugar, making every bite unforgettable.
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter (melted and cooled): Provides a smooth, buttery base and ensures a moist texture throughout.
- 2 cups light brown sugar: Adds sweetness with a hint of molasses for that classic caramel flavor.
- 2 large eggs (room temperature): Helps bind the ingredients while adding structure and richness.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with warm, floral notes.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Gives the brownies their tender but sturdy crumb.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Leavens the batter just enough to keep it from being too dense.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and amplifies the butterscotch’s richness.
- 1/2 cup pecans (finely chopped): Adds a crunchy texture and nutty flavor contrast.
- 1/2 cup butterscotch chips: Melts into pockets of sweet, creamy goodness in every bite.
How to Make Butterscotch Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, making sure to leave some overhang on the sides for easy removal later. This simple prep ensures your brownies come out clean and intact after baking.
Step 2: Mix Butter and Brown Sugar
In a large bowl, stir together the melted, cooled butter with the brown sugar until they’re well combined. This step is key for creating a glossy, smooth batter base that will help your brownies achieve that perfect chewy texture.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Now, add the eggs one at a time to the butter and sugar mixture, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract for that warm, inviting aroma that makes these brownies feel like a hug from your oven.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution of leavening and seasoning for those perfectly balanced brownies.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Add half of the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined. Then, fold in the rest of the flour, mixing until smooth but not overworked to maintain a great texture.
Step 6: Fold in Pecans and Butterscotch Chips
Gently fold the chopped pecans and butterscotch chips into the batter. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to make sure everything is evenly distributed, promising that every square has a little nutty crunch and bursts of sticky sweetness.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Spread the batter evenly in your prepared pan and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, but start checking around 25 minutes. You’re looking for a golden, shiny top with a slightly cracked surface that signals they’re just right.
Step 8: Cool and Cut
Once baked, let your butterscotch brownies cool completely before lifting them out using the parchment paper overhang. This helps them set for clean slicing, making your presentation just as impressive as the flavors.
How to Serve Butterscotch Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt over the brownies right after baking to enhance the butterscotch sweetness and add a subtle salty crunch. For an extra indulgent touch, drizzle melted chocolate or a caramel sauce over the top for drama and richness.
Side Dishes
These brownies pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream, which adds a creamy contrast to their chewy texture. For a refreshing option, serve alongside fresh berries that cut through the richness and brighten the palate.
Creative Ways to Present
Go beyond the classic squares by cutting the brownies into bite-sized cubes and serving them on skewers with marshmallows and fresh fruit for a fun dessert platter. You can also sandwich them with whipped cream or frosting, turning this Butterscotch Brownies Recipe into a mini layered cake experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftovers tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature to keep the brownies soft and moist. They’re best enjoyed within 3 to 4 days for maximum freshness.
Freezing
If you want to keep your butterscotch brownies longer, freeze them in a sealed container or freezer bag between sheets of parchment paper. They can stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months, making it easy to enjoy them anytime you crave a nostalgic treat.
Reheating
Warm your refrigerated or frozen brownies in the microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds. This brings out the softness and melts the butterscotch chips for that freshly baked feel. For a crisper edge, pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5 to 7 minutes.
FAQs
Can I substitute nuts if I have allergies?
Absolutely! You can omit the pecans or replace them with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds for crunch. Alternatively, toasted coconut flakes add a lovely texture and complementary flavor.
Are these brownies very sweet?
The butterscotch chips and brown sugar give these brownies a sweet, caramel-forward taste, but the slight saltiness and nutty pecans balance it out nicely, so it’s never overwhelming.
Can I use chocolate chips instead of butterscotch chips?
Yes, you can swap butterscotch chips for chocolate chips if you prefer. However, the unique flavor of this Butterscotch Brownies Recipe comes from those chips, so the taste will be different but still delicious.
What makes these brownies different from regular brownies?
Instead of the classic cocoa base, these brownies rely on butterscotch chips and brown sugar to create a rich, caramel-like flavor, complemented by pecans for added texture and complexity.
Do I need to use parchment paper?
Using parchment paper makes removing your brownies from the pan much easier and helps them keep their shape. It’s highly recommended for neat cutting and clean presentation.
Final Thoughts
This Butterscotch Brownies Recipe is one of those special desserts that feels like a warm, familiar hug every time you bite into it. The blend of buttery sweetness, nutty crunch, and soft, chewy texture makes it perfect for sharing or savoring all to yourself. I truly encourage you to give this recipe a try—you’ll find yourself reaching for these brownies over and over again!
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
Deliciously rich and buttery butterscotch brownies featuring a perfect balance of sweet brown sugar, nutty pecans, and melty butterscotch chips. These brownies offer a moist, tender crumb with a slightly crunchy top, baked to golden perfection in just 45 minutes.
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 the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, making sure to leave an overhang on the sides for easy removal of the brownies after baking.
- Combine Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted and cooled butter with the light brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Incorporate the eggs one at a time into the butter and sugar mixture, making sure each egg is fully blended before adding the next. Then add the vanilla extract and mix thoroughly.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to ensure even distribution of the leavening agent and salt.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Add half of the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Add the remaining flour mixture and mix until the batter is smooth and free of lumps.
- Fold in Pecans and Butterscotch Chips: Gently fold the finely chopped pecans and butterscotch chips into the batter, scraping down the sides of the bowl to achieve an even mixture.
- Prepare for Baking: Spread the brownie batter evenly into the prepared 9×9-inch baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Start checking for doneness at 25 minutes; the brownies are ready when the surface is golden, shiny, and slightly cracked.
- Cool and Serve: Let the brownies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the brownies out, then cut into 9 equal servings and enjoy.
Notes
- Allowing the eggs to come to room temperature ensures better mixing and a more uniform batter.
- Cooling the melted butter before mixing prevents cooking the eggs prematurely.
- For extra flavor, lightly toast the chopped pecans before folding them into the batter.
- Make sure not to overbake to keep the brownies moist and fudgy.
- Store leftovers tightly covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
