Butterscotch Cashew Bars
Butterscotch Cashew Bars offer a rich, buttery flavor with sweet butterscotch and crunchy cashews, perfect for snack times, parties, or sharing with friends.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream the butter and brown sugar together.
- Combine the flour and salt in a separate bowl.
- Add the flour mixture to the creamed mixture just until combined.
- Press the dough into a greased 15x10x1-inch cookie sheet.
- Bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes, until lightly browned.
- Spread the topping over the crust (topping recipe not provided).
- Sprinkle with cashews, pressing down lightly.
- Bake for an additional 11-13 minutes or until the topping is bubbly and lightly browned.
- Cool on a wire rack and then cut into bars.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, ensure your butter is softened to room temperature for easy creaming with the brown sugar. You can substitute half of the butter with coconut oil for a slightly different flavor profile. If you prefer, try incorporating chopped chocolate into the topping for added richness. Pair these bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert experience.
Serving Suggestions
These butterscotch cashew bars make a perfect snack or dessert for gatherings. Serve them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream for an indulgent treat. They pair beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea. For a delightful twist, enjoy them alongside a slice of Pineapple-Nut Coffee Cake for a well-rounded dessert spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover butterscotch cashew bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. If you want to reheat, place them in a microwave for 10-15 seconds or briefly in a preheated oven at 300°F until warmed. This ensures they maintain their delicious texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Butterscotch Cashew Bars contains roughly 1739 calories, with 6g protein, 90g carbohydrates, and 151g fat. It is a good source of iron (17% of the Daily Value) and protein (13% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 862mg per serving (37% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different nut instead of cashews?
Absolutely! You can substitute cashews with walnuts, pecans, or even almonds, depending on your preference. Each nut will provide a unique flavor and texture, so feel free to experiment to find your favorite combination.
What can I use if I don't have brown sugar?
If you don’t have brown sugar, you can make a quick substitute by mixing granulated sugar with a bit of molasses; use about 1 cup of granulated sugar plus 1 tablespoon of molasses for each cup of brown sugar needed. Alternatively, you can use coconut sugar for a similar taste.
How can I tell when the bars are done baking?
The butterscotch cashew bars are done when the edges are lightly browned and the topping is bubbly. You can also insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached. Keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking time to avoid over-baking.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).