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If you are on the lookout for a dessert that blends rich, buttery sweetness with the chewy, fudgy satisfaction of classic brownies, you’ve come to the right place. This Butterscotch Brownies Recipe is an absolute showstopper, loaded with the deep caramel notes of brown sugar and finished with a luscious buttery glaze that takes every bite to cloud nine. It’s a recipe that warmly invites you to bake, share, and relish a beloved treat that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly unique.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this Butterscotch Brownies Recipe is delightfully simple, with every component playing a crucial role in texture, sweetness, and color. These pantry staples combine to create the perfect balance of chewy, soft, and melt-in-your-mouth goodness.
- 2 cups light brown sugar (packed): Provides that deep, caramelized flavor essential to butterscotch’s richness.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Forms the sturdy structure that holds these brownies together while keeping them tender.
- 1/2 tsp baking powder: Adds just enough lift for a perfect bite without making them cakey.
- 1 tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the butterscotch notes.
- 1 cup unsalted butter: The heart of the recipe, melting to infuse that creamy, buttery depth.
- 2 eggs: Bind everything together while adding moisture and richness.
- 2 tsp vanilla extract: Amplifies the warm flavors and complements the butterscotch perfectly.
- 2 Tbsp butter: For the glaze, this extra butter creates a silky, shiny finish.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (packed): Adds sweetness and a caramel tone to the glaze.
- 2 Tbsp milk: Makes the glaze smooth and spreadable without overpowering sweetness.
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the glaze to create a perfect frosting.
How to Make Butterscotch Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350° F. This ensures that when your batter is ready, the brownies bake evenly from the moment they enter the oven. Line a 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it with non-stick spray for easy removal after baking.
Step 2: Craft the Butterscotch Base
Melt 1 cup of unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Once completely melted, remove the pan from heat and stir in 2 cups of packed light brown sugar until it’s fully combined. Setting this mixture aside to cool slightly helps prevent cooking the eggs prematurely in future steps, keeping the texture silky smooth.
Step 3: Mix the Eggs and Vanilla
In a small bowl, whisk together the 2 eggs and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and homogeneous. This step introduces air and flavor, giving your brownies a light yet rich feel.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, and 1 teaspoon salt until evenly mixed. This ensures every bite has a consistent texture and perfect rise.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Pour your egg and vanilla mixture into the flour bowl followed by the cooled butterscotch butter and brown sugar mixture. Stir gently and just until combined — overmixing can make brownies tough instead of tender and chewy, so fold carefully!
Step 6: Bake the Brownies
Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake the brownies for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once baked, let the brownies cool completely before moving on to the frosting step.
Step 7: Prepare the Butterscotch Glaze
In a small saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over low heat. Stir in 1/4 cup packed brown sugar and 2 tablespoons milk until the sugar dissolves completely. Remove from heat, then whisk in 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar until the glaze is smooth and slightly thickened. Spread this luscious glaze over the cooled brownies for the perfect finishing touch.
How to Serve Butterscotch Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the glaze before it sets for an added crunch and nutty contrast to the soft brownies. A light dusting of flaky sea salt on top can also enhance the buttery sweetness, making each bite deeply satisfying and multi-dimensional in flavor.
Side Dishes
Pair your Butterscotch Brownies with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream for an indulgent dessert experience. Fresh berries or a drizzle of caramel sauce bring a bright, fruity, or extra sweet element that complements the rich butterscotch notes beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging the brownies on a wooden board with small bowls of toppings like crushed toffee, mini chocolate chips, and sprinkles. You can also cut them into small bite-sized pieces and serve alongside coffee or tea for an irresistible afternoon treat that’s perfect for sharing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Butterscotch Brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep them moist and chewy. If your kitchen is particularly warm, refrigerate to prevent the glaze from becoming sticky, bringing them back to room temperature before serving.
Freezing
You can freeze these brownies for up to 2 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then bring to room temperature for the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
To enjoy warm brownies, microwave individual portions for about 10-15 seconds or warm the entire pan in a low oven (around 300°F) for 5-10 minutes. This revives their softness and makes the butterscotch glaze wonderfully gooey again.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, you can substitute salted butter, but reduce the added salt in the recipe slightly to avoid oversalting the brownies. Unsalted butter gives you more control over the salt balance, which is why it’s preferred.
What type of brown sugar is best for this recipe?
Light brown sugar is ideal because it offers a mild molasses flavor that complements the butterscotch taste without overpowering it. Dark brown sugar can be used for deeper flavor but may slightly alter the sweetness and color.
Can these brownies be made gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to choose one that includes xanthan gum or another binding agent to maintain the chewy texture.
How do I know when the brownies are done?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the brownies; it should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter. The edges will also start to pull away slightly from the pan.
Can I add chocolate chips or nuts to the batter?
Yes, feel free to mix in 1/2 to 1 cup of chocolate chips or your favorite nuts to the batter before baking. They add extra texture and flavor that work beautifully alongside the butterscotch.
Final Thoughts
This Butterscotch Brownies Recipe is a treasure that combines the best of both worlds—rich buttery sweetness and classic brownie satisfaction. Baking these is an absolute joy, and sharing them with loved ones creates smiles all around. I can’t wait for you to try it and discover your new favorite sweet treat!
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Butterscotch Brownies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Butterscotch Brownies combine the rich, classic sweetness of brownies with a luscious butterscotch frosting. Perfectly moist and chewy with a melt-in-your-mouth topping, they are ideal for any dessert table or special occasion.
Ingredients
Brownie Batter
- 2 cups light brown sugar (packed)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Butterscotch Frosting
- 2 Tbsp butter
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 2 Tbsp milk
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350° F. Line a 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper or grease it well using non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Melt Butter and Mix with Sugar: In a small saucepan, melt 1 cup of unsalted butter over low heat. Once fully melted, remove the pan from heat and stir in 2 cups packed light brown sugar. Set this mixture aside to cool slightly, helping to avoid cooking the eggs in the next steps.
- Combine Eggs and Vanilla: In a separate small bowl, whisk together 2 eggs and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract until well blended. Set aside.
- Mix Dry Ingredients and Combine: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, and 1 teaspoon salt. Pour the egg and vanilla mixture into the dry ingredients, then add the cooled butter and brown sugar mixture. Stir gently just until combined, making sure not to overmix to keep the brownies tender.
- Bake the Brownies: Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and allow the brownies to cool completely before frosting.
- Prepare the Butterscotch Frosting: In a small saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Stir in 1/4 cup packed brown sugar and 2 tablespoons milk, cooking until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is smooth. Remove from heat and gradually whisk in 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar until the frosting is thick and creamy. Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled brownies.
- Serve: Allow the frosting to set before slicing the brownies into 16 squares. Enjoy your rich, homemade butterscotch brownies!
Notes
- For best results, do not overmix the batter to keep brownies tender and moist.
- Allow the brownies to cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- You can substitute vanilla extract with bourbon or rum extract for a flavor twist.
- Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
