Pumpkin Butterscotch Bars Recipe

I absolutely love this Pumpkin Butterscotch Bars Recipe because it brings together the cozy warmth of pumpkin spice with the rich, buttery sweetness of butterscotch chips in every bite. It’s one of those recipes that instantly feels like fall comfort food, yet it’s easy enough to whip up any time you want a sweet treat with a little seasonal flair. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering or just craving something festive to enjoy with your afternoon coffee, these bars hit the spot perfectly.

When I first tried this Pumpkin Butterscotch Bars Recipe, I was impressed by how moist and flavorful the bars turned out without feeling too dense or heavy. The combination of pumpkin puree and spices keeps the bars tender and cozy, while the butterscotch chips add just the right amount of gooey sweetness. You’ll find that these bars are easy to make ahead and slice up for a crowd, making them a practical go-to for busy days or unexpected visitors.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Pumpkin Butterscotch Bars Recipe is carefully chosen to balance flavor, texture, and ease. Using unsweetened applesauce keeps the bars moist without extra fat, and the pumpkin pie spice blends warmly with the butterscotch chips for that classic sweet-spicy combo.

• Butter: Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for easier creaming and a smoother batter.
• Granulated Sugar: This adds sweetness and helps create that classic tender crumb.
• Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and a hint of caramel flavor, complementing the butterscotch perfectly.
• Unsweetened Applesauce: This ingredient keeps the bars moist and helps reduce the need for extra oil or butter.
• Vanilla Extract: For that subtle background warmth that brings all the flavors together.
• Egg: Gives structure and helps bind all the ingredients smoothly.
• Pumpkin Puree: The star ingredient delivering moist texture and seasonal flavor. Use pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling.
• All-Purpose Flour: The base of the bars; make sure it’s fresh for best results.
• Baking Soda: For that gentle lift and lightness in the texture.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
• Pumpkin Pie Spice: A blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves – key for the authentic pumpkin spice taste.
• Butterscotch Chips: The gooey, sweet surprise in each bite that makes these bars unforgettable.

Variations

I love tweaking this Pumpkin Butterscotch Bars Recipe to suit different moods or occasions. It’s so versatile that you can easily swap out ingredients or add extras to personalize it exactly how you like.

• Nutty Twist: I sometimes add chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch, which my family absolutely adores.
• Chocolate Version: Replacing half of the butterscotch chips with semi-sweet chocolate chips creates a decadent flavor combo.
• Gluten-Free: Using a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend works well for this recipe without compromising texture.
• Vegan Adjustment: Swap the egg for flaxseed meal and use a non-dairy butter substitute, and you’ve got a vegan-friendly treat.

How to Make Pumpkin Butterscotch Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat Oven

First off, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later. I’ve found that parchment paper makes clean-up a breeze and keeps your bars looking nice and neat when you cut them.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl or your stand mixer, beat the softened butter with both granulated and brown sugars until the mix looks smooth and fluffy. This part is key because a light, airy batter gives you nice texture in the bars. If you skip this step or rush it, the bars won’t be as tender.

Step 3: Mix in Applesauce, Vanilla, Egg, and Pumpkin

Next, add the applesauce and vanilla extract. Stir these together well before lightly beating in the egg. The batter will start to get a bit lumpy when you add the pumpkin puree—don’t worry, that’s normal! Mix just enough to combine everything without overworking the batter.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients and Fold into Wet Mixture

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice. Gradually add this dry mix to the wet ingredients and stir just until combined — the batter should be thick but not overmixed. Then fold in the butterscotch chips carefully so they’re evenly distributed without melting.

Step 5: Bake and Cool

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Bake for about 30-40 minutes, but start checking at 30 minutes. The bars are done when the edges begin to pull away from the pan and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool completely before slicing to help them set and reduce crumbling.

How to Serve Pumpkin Butterscotch Bars Recipe

Garnishes

I like to top these bars with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of warm caramel sauce to amplify the sweetness. Fresh whipped cream or a dollop of cream cheese frosting also does wonders if you want to dress them up for a party or dessert table.

Side Dishes

Pairs wonderfully with a cup of hot coffee or chai tea—perfect for chilly mornings or afternoon breaks. If you’re serving a crowd, some spiced apple cider or even vanilla ice cream can complement these bars really nicely.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive touch, I’ve arranged these bars on a rustic wooden platter lined with autumn leaves or kitchen towels in seasonal colors. Wrapping each bar individually in wax paper tied with twine makes a charming gift or party favor that everyone loves.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, and they stay surprisingly moist and flavorful. If your kitchen is warm, I recommend refrigeration to keep the butterscotch chips from melting, though this can slightly firm up the texture.

Freezing

These bars freeze exceptionally well. I cut them into squares, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They keep well for up to 3 months, and thaw beautifully overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

To warm frozen or refrigerated bars, I like popping them in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or into a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes. This brings back that soft, gooey presentation and makes the butterscotch chips melty and irresistible again.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Pumpkin Butterscotch Bars Recipe quickly became one of my favorites for those moments when I want a dessert that’s comforting, festive, and easy to make. I encourage you to give it a try—you’ll enjoy the sweet pumpkin spice flavor paired perfectly with that melty butterscotch goodness. Whether for a cozy night in or a party treat, these bars are sure to bring smiles and maybe even become a new seasonal staple in your kitchen!

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