Butterscotch Zucchini Bars Recipe
If you’ve never had the pleasure, prepare to fall for Butterscotch Zucchini Bars—an irresistible crowd-pleaser that delivers all the chewy, buttery bliss of a blondie, but with the added magic of tender zucchini and ribboned butterscotch flavor in every bite. These bars unite the rich depth of brown sugar and butterscotch morsels with the moisture of zucchini for a bar that’s beautifully golden, delightfully moist, and absolutely packed with flavor. Whether you’re baking for a summer picnic, a holiday dessert table, or a simple weeknight treat, Butterscotch Zucchini Bars have a way of making any gathering feel just a little more special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed by how this short list of simple ingredients transforms into soft, flavorful Butterscotch Zucchini Bars. Every element here plays an important role—some bring moisture, others crunch, and all of them work together to create a bar that’s greater than the sum of its parts.
- Butter: Room temperature butter is the secret to that irresistible chewy, rich texture—don’t skip the softening step!
- Brown sugar: Go for the packed measurement—this gives the bars their signature caramel note and lovely color.
- Eggs: Room temperature eggs ensure even mixing and that perfect tender crumb.
- Vanilla: Just a dash, but it rounds out the flavors and brings warmth to the bars.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the base structure to keep your bars sturdy but soft.
- Baking powder: Just the right lift so your bars aren’t too dense—don’t confuse it with baking soda!
- Salt: A sprinkle enhances all the sweet, buttery flavors and tempers the richness.
- Zucchini: Finely grated and drained, this sneaks in moisture and tenderness without overpowering the butterscotch flavor.
- Butterscotch morsels: The star of the show—divine little pockets of melting caramelized goodness, both mixed in and sprinkled on top.
How to Make Butterscotch Zucchini Bars
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Give a 9×13-inch pan a generous coating of non-stick spray, or go the old-fashioned route with butter and a dusting of flour. This extra step ensures those Butterscotch Zucchini Bars slip right out in one beautiful piece when it’s time to serve.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Brown Sugar
Grab your biggest mixing bowl and cream together the room temperature butter and brown sugar. Use a hand-held mixer to blend until the mixture looks lighter in color and fluffier in texture—this step is the first secret to that soft, melt-in-your-mouth crumb.
Step 3: Mix in Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time, along with the vanilla. Mix until fully integrated; the batter will turn velvety and glossy. Scrape down the bowl as you go—this ensures every bite of your Butterscotch Zucchini Bars is equally delicious.
Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
On medium-low speed, blend in the flour, baking powder, and salt until just combined. Over-mixing at this stage can make the bars tough, so stop as soon as there are no flour streaks left.
Step 5: Stir in Zucchini
Gently fold in the finely grated and well-drained zucchini. The mixture may look runny—don’t worry! Letting it rest for five minutes lets the flour absorb moisture, ensuring perfectly soft bars.
Step 6: Add Butterscotch Morsels
Stir in one cup of butterscotch morsels with a spatula, saving the rest to sprinkle on top. This gives you pops of gooey caramel flavor in every bite and a gorgeous golden top.
Step 7: Assemble and Bake
Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan and scatter the remaining butterscotch morsels across the top. Bake for about 40 minutes. Look for a dark, caramelized top and edges—the center should pass the toothpick test with just a few sticky crumbs attached (but no wet batter).
How to Serve Butterscotch Zucchini Bars
Garnishes
While Butterscotch Zucchini Bars are truly wonderful just as they are, a little flourish never hurts. Try a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or even a dollop of whipped cream for extra flair when entertaining.
Side Dishes
These bars pair beautifully with a cold glass of milk, hot coffee, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For brunch gatherings, serve them as a sweet bite alongside fruit salad or lightly sweetened yogurt for balance.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re feeling fancy, cut your Butterscotch Zucchini Bars into fun shapes with cookie cutters or wrap them individually in parchment for adorable bake-sale bundles. For an indulgent dessert plate, stack bars in layers with ice cream in between—a treat everyone will remember!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Butterscotch Zucchini Bars fresh by covering them tightly or storing in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay moist for up to 3 days—if they last that long!
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze these bars. Once cooled, cut them into portions, wrap tightly, and pop them into a freezer bag. They’ll keep beautifully for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight and enjoy!
Reheating
If you like your Butterscotch Zucchini Bars a little warm and gooey, heat individual pieces in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This brings back that fresh-baked aroma and makes the butterscotch extra melty.
FAQs
Can I use yellow squash instead of zucchini in this recipe?
Absolutely! Yellow squash works just as well—just be sure to grate and drain it, and your bars will have a similar moist texture and mild veggie sweetness.
Should I peel the zucchini first?
No need to peel! The skin is thin, nearly invisible in the finished bars, and adds lovely green flecks (and extra nutrition) without affecting the flavor or texture.
Can I use white sugar if I’m out of brown sugar?
Brown sugar gives these bars their signature butterscotch depth and chew. While you can swap in white sugar in an emergency, the results won’t be quite as rich or flavorful. If possible, stick with brown sugar for true Butterscotch Zucchini Bars magic!
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
Look for a golden-brown top and firm edges. Insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out with a few moist crumbs but no raw batter, the bars are ready to come out.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the bars?
Definitely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or even a handful of chocolate chips are fantastic additions to your Butterscotch Zucchini Bars and add a lovely crunch or extra layer of flavor.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a dessert that’s a little different but irresistibly delicious, don’t wait any longer—whip up a batch of Butterscotch Zucchini Bars and see why they’re my go-to treat for any occasion. They’re easy, forgiving, and always the first to disappear at any gathering. Give them a try and watch them become a new favorite in your kitchen!
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Butterscotch Zucchini Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and moist Butterscotch Zucchini Bars are a perfect way to sneak in some veggies while satisfying your sweet tooth. These bars are a great treat for any occasion and are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (227g) butter, (room temperature)
- 1 3/4 cup (350g) brown sugar, (packed)
- 2 large eggs, (room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cup finely grated and drained zucchini, (packed)
- 1 1/2 cups butterscotch morsels
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×13 pan with non-stick spray or use the butter & flour method.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Mix in the eggs and vanilla until fully combined.
- Combine dry ingredients: Add flour, baking powder, and salt to the bowl and mix until just combined.
- Add zucchini: Mix in the grated zucchini until just incorporated.
- Add butterscotch: Stir in 1 cup of butterscotch morsels gently.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the pan, top with remaining butterscotch morsels, and bake for 40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out with a few crumbs on it.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Butterscotch Zucchini Bars, Zucchini Bars Recipe, Butterscotch Dessert
