Chewy Butterscotch Blondie Bars are like hand-held comfort. Butterscotch is a comforting, cozy flavor that warms the soul. Starting with a cake mix, makes these bars quick and easy.
This is recipe #4 in the Time Saver Recipe series! If you have been following along, you have already seen that using cake mix or refrigerated cookie dough can be a shortcut to home-baked deliciousness. Today’s recipe speeds baking preparation using vanilla cake mix to create soft, chewy, Butterscotch Blondie Bars.
Have you ever wondered what the differences are between butterscotch, toffee, and caramel? I think the flavors are very similar, but I am a confectionery novice. I do own a candy thermometer, which has been used for a handful of sugary experiments, but that is where my confectionery experience ends. So I tried looking up the differences. To be honest, my research provided some answers, but left me with new questions.
Caramel is made with white sugar, cream, butter, and vanilla. Its primary flavors are sugar and cream. Butterscotch is made with brown sugar (rather than white) and butter. Despite what the name seems to indicate, butterscotch does not contain scotch, or any other alcohol. Butterscotch was originally a hard candy that was “scotched”, or scored, to make cutting easier. Toffee has the same ingredients as butterscotch, but is cooked longer (to the “hard crack” stage) to produce crunchy, hard candy. I can’t figure out what the difference is between hard candy butterscotch and toffee. If you know, please explain!
Luckily, no confectionery knowledge is necessary to enjoy the sweet, creamy flavor of Butterscotch Blondie Bars! With this Time Saver Recipe, you can bake and share these bars in less than 30 minutes! Butterscotch Blondie Bars also make great care package treats, staying soft for up to a week!
Be sure to see the other Time Saver Recipes in this series. Chocolate Covered Cherry Bars, Cinnamon Chip Biscotti, and Gingerbread Spice Cookies are all perfect for gifts, care packages, and holiday cookie platters! Check back tomorrow for the next Time Saver Recipe!
Butterscotch Blondie Bars (Time Saver Recipe)
Ingredients
- 1 box vanilla cake mix
- ¼ cup brown sugar packed
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup unsalted butter melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup butterscotch chips
- 2 tablespoons toffee bits for sprinkling on the top
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350° F.
- In the bowl of an electric mixer, combine the cake mix, brown sugar, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla.
- Mix in the butterscotch chips.
- Using a spatula, press the dough evenly into an ungreased 13” x 9” pan.
- Sprinkle toffee bits on top, using fingers to lightly press the bits into the dough.
- Bake for 20-23 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Cool completely in the pan before cutting into bars.
- Store bars at room temperature in an airtight container or freezer weight ziplock bag for up to 7 days.
Notes
- Wrap blondie bars in pairs, or individually, in plastic wrap. Place bundles snugly in an airtight container or freezer weight ziplock bag.
- For long distance shipping, don’t cut into bars. Wrap the intact 13” x 9” rectangle in foil, then plastic wrap.
- Include a plastic knife in the care package for cutting the blondies into bars.
Nutrition
First Published: December 6, 2015. Last Updated: November 9, 2022. Updated for additional information and better reader experience.
Glenna
Had extra butterscotch chips.. saw this.. baking right now.. didn't have toffee chips.. but had crumbles from spiced nuts I made.. so I dazzled a sprinkle of them on top.. their smelling good.. always looking for new easy recipes.. Merry Christmas.. Thanks
Wendy Sondov
Hi, Glenna. I think your substitution for the toffee was ingenious! I'm sure the bars will be delicious. Merry Christmas.
Elise
These were fantastic! I made these rather last-minute for a church potluck, and they were SO easy and quick to prepare in the mixer. Two pans were ready in no time. This one's a keeper! I even had to skip the toffee bits (I forgot to buy them) and we never missed them, so I can only imagine that they would elevate these bars to the next level. I look forward to trying some more of your shippable treats. Thank you kindly for sharing all your tips and recipes!
Wendy Sondov
Hi, Elise! I am delighted that you enjoyed these bars! I totally agree that fast, simple, and delicious recipes win the day, especially when time is limited! I hope you have equal success with more Monday Box recipes. Happy Baking!
Miz Helen
I love bars and Butterscotch, a great combination. Thanks so much for sharing with us at Full Plate Thursday and come back real soon!
Miz Helen
Ginger
They look delicious - made me reconsider my good intentions for the nee year already ...Happy Fiesta Friday and have a wonderful 2017!
The Monday Box
Thanks, Ginger! I hope your good intentions will include some sweetness in 2017! 😉 Happy New Year!
Kim @ The Baking ChocolaTess
These butterscotch blondies look sinful! 🙂
The Monday Box
Thank you, Kim! The flavor and the chewy texture are addicting!
Tricia @ Saving room for dessert
Yum! I am a big fan of butterscotch so I know these would disappear from our dessert table. Lovely!