Pumpkin Butterscotch Bars Recipe

I absolutely love how this Pumpkin Butterscotch Bars Recipe brings together the cozy flavors of pumpkin spice with the sweet, buttery richness of butterscotch chips. It’s one of those recipes that instantly makes any afternoon feel a little warmer and more indulgent, perfect for fall but honestly great anytime you need a comforting treat. When I first tried this, I was amazed at how moist and flavorful these bars were—soft yet slightly chewy, with just the right amount of sweetness balanced by the subtle pumpkin puree.

You’ll find that this Pumpkin Butterscotch Bars Recipe is incredibly easy to make, which is a big win if you’re juggling life and want a no-fuss dessert that still impresses. I often bring these bars to family gatherings because everyone goes crazy for them, and I love knowing that the applesauce adds a bit of healthy moisture so they don’t feel too heavy. Trust me, once you try this, it might become your go-to pumpkin dessert all season long!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients team up beautifully to create a soft, spiced bar with bursts of sweet butterscotch. When shopping, look for high-quality pumpkin puree (not pie filling) and fresh pumpkin pie spice, or make your own to keep flavors vibrant.

• Butter: Use softened butter for easy creaming that adds richness and tenderness.
• Granulated Sugar: Balances sweetness and helps create a light texture.
• Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and a subtle caramel depth.
• Applesauce (unsweetened): Keeps the bars moist without extra fat, plus adds natural sweetness.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances all the warm flavors in the bars.
• Large Egg: Binds everything together and provides structure.
• Pumpkin Puree: This is the star—makes the bars perfectly seasonal and tender.
• All-Purpose Flour: The base that holds it all together.
• Baking Soda: Helps the bars rise and stay tender.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and boosts flavor.
• Pumpkin Pie Spice: Brings that classic pumpkin dessert flavor.
• Butterscotch Chips: These melt into pockets of gooey sweetness throughout the bars.

Variations

I love how flexible this Pumpkin Butterscotch Bars Recipe is—feel free to tweak it to your taste or dietary needs. I often play around by swapping out ingredients or adding extras for a little twist.

• Swap Applesauce: I’ve replaced applesauce with an equal amount of Greek yogurt before for a tangier, protein-packed bar that’s just as moist.
• Nutty Touch: Sometimes I toss in chopped pecans or walnuts with the butterscotch chips for extra crunch and flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend works great and keeps these bars tender.
• Spice It Up: If you like a bit more kick, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg alongside the pumpkin pie spice for deeper warmth.

How to Make Pumpkin Butterscotch Bars Recipe

Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugars

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and prepping a 9×13-inch pan with grease or parchment paper so nothing sticks. In a large bowl or using your stand mixer, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy—this usually takes about 3-4 minutes and really helps build a light texture in your bars.

Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients

Next, stir in the applesauce and vanilla extract until everything is well combined. Beat in the egg lightly, then fold in the pumpkin puree. The mixture might look a little lumpy or thick here, but that’s totally normal and nothing to worry about—that’s just the pumpkin doing its thing!

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients and Mix

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice. Slowly add this dry mix into your wet ingredients and stir just until combined—try not to overmix here to keep the bars tender. Then, fold in the butterscotch chips evenly throughout the batter for those delightful sweet pockets.

Step 4: Bake and Cool

Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan and spread gently with a spatula. Bake for about 30-40 minutes, checking at 30 to see if the edges are pulling away from the pan and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once baked, let the bars cool completely in the pan—this step is key because it helps them set properly so they cut nicely without crumbling.

How to Serve Pumpkin Butterscotch Bars Recipe

Garnishes

I love sprinkling a little extra pumpkin pie spice or even a dusting of powdered sugar right before serving—it adds a pretty autumnal touch. For a party, a light drizzle of caramel sauce on top is my favorite indulgence that pairs wonderfully with the butterscotch chips.

Side Dishes

These bars go great alongside a cup of hot chai tea or spiced coffee—perfect for cozy afternoon snacks. If you want something more substantial, try serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or alongside a bowl of cinnamon-spiced applesauce for a lovely fall dessert spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gatherings, I’ve arranged these bars on a festive platter with edible autumn leaves or mini pumpkins around them. You could also cut them into bite-sized squares, stick a toothpick in each, and serve as fun finger foods at parties or potlucks. Adding a dollop of whipped cream on the side is always a hit too!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep my leftover pumpkin butterscotch bars in an airtight container at room temperature—it helps them stay soft for up to 3 days, though they rarely last that long in my house! You can also refrigerate them if it’s warmer out, just let them come to room temp before serving for best texture.

Freezing

If you want to prep ahead, these bars freeze beautifully. I wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and pop them in a freezer bag. When I’m ready, I thaw them overnight in the fridge and they taste almost as fresh as day one.

Reheating

To reheat, I gently warm individual bars in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to bring back that soft, cozy texture. You can also heat them in a low oven wrapped in foil for 5-7 minutes, which helps keep them tender without drying out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Pumpkin Butterscotch Bars Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it combines classic fall flavors in a way that’s both straightforward and irresistibly delicious. I hope you’ll try it soon, whether for a casual treat or to impress guests—it’s that kind of recipe that feels homemade but special every time. Plus, it’s one of those dishes that invites sharing and smiles, and that’s the best part of baking in my book!

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