Pumpkin Butterscotch Bars Recipe

I absolutely love how the flavors come together in this Pumpkin Butterscotch Bars Recipe. There’s something so comforting about those soft, chewy bars filled with pumpkin’s cozy warmth and the sweet, buttery kick of butterscotch chips. Whether you’re whipping these up for a fall gathering or just craving a delightful treat with your afternoon coffee, they’re always a win in my book.

When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how easy it was to make a dessert that tastes like it belongs in a bakery case. You’ll find that these bars brighten up any occasion, from casual family dinners to festive holidays. Plus, the natural moisture from the applesauce keeps them perfectly tender — no dryness here!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

All the ingredients in this Pumpkin Butterscotch Bars Recipe come together to balance sweet, spicy, and rich flavors. I recommend using fresh pumpkin puree and good-quality butterscotch chips for the best results.

• Butter (softened): Softening the butter helps it cream beautifully with the sugars.
• Granulated sugar: Provides touch of straightforward sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.
• Brown sugar: Adds a lovely molasses depth and chewiness to the bars.
• Applesauce (unsweetened): Keeps the bars moist, adding natural sweetness without extra fat.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances all the warm flavors and adds aromatic notes.
• Egg (large): Binds everything together while keeping the bars light.
• Pumpkin puree: The star of the show — use pure pumpkin (not pie filling) for best texture.
• All-purpose flour: The base for structure; measure carefully to avoid dense bars.
• Baking soda: Helps the bars rise just enough for a soft bite.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
• Pumpkin pie spice: The spice blend packed with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves that makes pumpkin magic happen.
• Butterscotch chips: Sweet pockets of creamy butterscotch that melt into every bite.

Variations

I love how flexible this Pumpkin Butterscotch Bars Recipe is. Feel free to tweak it to fit your taste or dietary needs—there’s plenty of room to make it your own!

• Swap Applesauce for Oil or Yogurt: I’ve tried using coconut oil instead of applesauce for a richer bar, and it turned out excellent if you prefer a denser texture.
• Chocolate Chips Instead of Butterscotch: My kids sometimes ask me to add semi-sweet or white chocolate chips instead, which adds a different delicious twist.
• Gluten-Free Version: Using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend works well—just watch for changes in baking time.
• Extra Spices: Add a pinch of ginger or allspice to amplify the warm spice notes if that’s your jam.

How to Make Pumpkin Butterscotch Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Cream Your Base

Before you dive in, preheat your oven to 350°F and grease or line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper. Start by creaming together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is silky smooth and fluffy — this usually takes about 3-5 minutes with a mixer. This step is key because it builds the light texture you’ll love in the final bars.

Step 2: Mix in Wet Ingredients

Next, stir in the applesauce and vanilla extract until everything’s combined. Lightly beat the egg then add it to the mix, followed by the pumpkin puree. Don’t worry if the batter looks a bit lumpy at this stage — that’s totally normal, thanks to the pumpkin’s texture.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients and Fold In

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice. Carefully add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing here can make your bars tough, so keep it gentle. Lastly, fold in all those butterscotch chips for pockets of melty sweetness.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan. Bake for about 30-40 minutes — I keep an eye on the edges to see when they begin to pull away from the sides of the pan, and I always do the toothpick test to make sure it comes out clean. Patience is key here; underbaking will leave gooey centers, overbaking can dry the bars out.

Step 5: Cool Before Cutting

Once out of the oven, let your bars cool completely in the pan. This step is crucial because it helps them set and makes cutting them into perfect squares much easier. Trust me, trying to cut warm bars can result in a crumbly mess!

How to Serve Pumpkin Butterscotch Bars Recipe

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle a little powdered sugar on top for a festive look, or add chopped toasted pecans for extra crunch. Whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce makes it feel extra special when serving guests. These small touches really boost the wow factor without much fuss.

Side Dishes

Since these bars are pretty rich and sweet, I often pair them with a light, refreshing side like vanilla Greek yogurt or a crisp apple salad. Hot beverages like spiced chai tea or good ol’ coffee complement their flavors beautifully, making it a cozy treat any time of day.

Creative Ways to Present

When I’ve brought these bars to parties, serving them on a wooden board alongside an assortment of autumn fruits adds a charming rustic touch. You could even cut them into bite-sized pieces and serve with toothpicks as easy finger food. For holiday meals, a festive napkin and a drizzle of warm caramel really seal the deal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover Pumpkin Butterscotch Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They stay super moist and delicious, but if your kitchen is warm, the fridge is a good alternative to keep them fresh longer.

Freezing

These bars freeze wonderfully! I wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. When you’re ready, thaw at room temperature or warm them slightly in the microwave — they’ll taste just like freshly baked.

Reheating

To bring back that just-baked vibe, I pop these bars in the microwave for about 15 seconds or heat them in a low oven for 5 minutes. This melts the butterscotch chips nicely and refreshes the soft texture, making each bite irresistible.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Pumpkin Butterscotch Bars Recipe has become such a favorite in my kitchen because it’s simple yet impressive. I love sharing it with friends and watching their faces light up with that first sweet, pumpkin-packed bite. If you want a dessert that combines ease, flavor, and a touch of fall magic, you really can’t go wrong here—give it a try and enjoy every delicious moment.

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