Butterscotch Pecan Squares
Butterscotch Pecan Squares are rich, sweet bars featuring a buttery crust, gooey butterscotch topping, and crunchy pecans—perfect for satisfying dessert cravings or sharing at gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Grease a 9 x 13-inch pan.
- Melt the butterscotch chips with sweetened condensed milk.
- Mix together the flour, baking soda, salt, sugar, egg, and vanilla.
- Press three-fourths of the mixture into the prepared pan.
- Pour the melted butterscotch and milk mixture over the pressed crust.
- Crumble the remaining mixture over the top along with the pecans.
- Bake at 350°F for 25 to 30 minutes until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using dark brown sugar instead of granulated sugar. If you don't have pecans, walnuts or almonds can be excellent substitutes. Ensure your butterscotch chips are fully melted to create a smooth layer. For an added touch, sprinkle some sea salt on top before baking to enhance the sweetness. This recipe is simple enough for beginners but delivers a delightful treat.
Serving Suggestions
These butterscotch pecan squares make a delightful dessert on their own but can be paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence. They also pair beautifully with coffee or tea for an afternoon treat. For a fun twist, serve alongside slices of Fast Fruit Cake for a variety of flavors at your gathering.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover butterscotch pecan squares in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, place squares in a microwave for 10-15 seconds, just until warm, or enjoy them cold for a chewy texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Butterscotch Pecan Squares contains roughly 407 calories, with 8g protein, 65g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 709mg per serving (31% 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 other types of nuts in this recipe?
Absolutely! While pecans are traditional, you can easily substitute with walnuts, almonds, or even hazelnuts. Just ensure the nuts are chopped to a similar size for even distribution and flavor throughout the squares.
How do I know when the squares are done baking?
The squares are done when they are golden brown around the edges and slightly soft in the center. A toothpick inserted in the middle should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter. Keep a close eye on them towards the end of the baking time.
Can I make these squares ahead of time?
Yes, these butterscotch pecan squares can be made a day in advance. Just allow them to cool completely before storing in an airtight container. They maintain their flavor and texture well, making them perfect for preparing ahead of time for events or gatherings.
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).