Sheet Pan Butterscotch Pecan Bars
Chewy, buttery bars studded with toasted pecans and rich butterscotch chips perfect for sharing or snacking. This american-inspired desserts ready in about 50 minutes layers unsalted butter, melted, brown sugar, packed, granulated sugar into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 24, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup butterscotch chips
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, whisk together 1 cup melted unsalted butter, 1 cup packed brown sugar, and 1/2 cup granulated sugar until smooth.
- Step 2: Beat in 2 large eggs one at a time, then stir in 2 tsp vanilla extract until combined.
- Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk 2 cups all-purpose flour with 1/2 tsp baking powder and 1/4 tsp salt. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet, stirring until just combined.
- Step 4: Fold in 1 cup butterscotch chips and 1 cup chopped pecans, distributing evenly.
- Step 5: Spread batter into a greased 9x13-inch sheet pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 30-35 minutes until edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs.
- Step 6: Let cool completely in the pan before cutting into 24 bars. Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sheet Pan Butterscotch Pecan Bars take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (15 min prep + 35 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover Sheet Pan Butterscotch Pecan Bars?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sheet Pan Butterscotch Pecan Bars?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Sheet Pan Butterscotch Pecan Bars for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 24 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 24). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Sheet Pan Butterscotch Pecan Bars?
American desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
