Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup butterscotch chips
Special equipment needed:
- 9x13 inch baking pan
- Electric mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
2. In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
6. Stir in the rolled oats and butterscotch chips.
7. Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9. Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting into squares.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 25-30 minutes
Total time: 40-45 minutes
Temperature:
350°F (175°C)
Serving size:
Makes 16 bars
Nutritional information:
Calories: 320
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 65mg
Sodium: 290mg
Carbohydrates: 41g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 23g
Protein: 4g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Salted butter can be used instead of unsalted butter, but reduce the added salt to 1/2 tsp.
- White sugar can be used instead of brown sugar, but the bars will have a different flavor.
- Chocolate chips or raisins can be used instead of butterscotch chips.
Variations:
- Add chopped nuts or dried fruit to the mixture for added texture and flavor.
- Drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled bars for a decadent touch.
- Use this recipe as a base and experiment with different flavors of chips or extracts.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature before creaming it with the brown sugar.
- Don't overmix the dough once the dry ingredients are added, as this can make the bars tough.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting them into squares to prevent them from falling apart.
Storage instructions:
Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Reheating instructions:
To reheat the bars, place them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the bars on a platter or in a baking dish for a casual presentation. For a more formal presentation, place the bars on individual dessert plates and garnish with a sprig of mint or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Garnishes:
Sprigs of mint, powdered sugar, or a drizzle of melted chocolate can all be used as garnishes.
Pairings:
These bars pair well with a cup of coffee or tea for a mid-afternoon snack.
Suggested side dishes:
These bars can be served as a standalone dessert, but they would also pair well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the bars are too crumbly, try adding an extra egg or a tablespoon of milk to the dough.
- If the bars are too dry, reduce the baking time by a few minutes or add a tablespoon of applesauce to the dough.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to use fresh ingredients and wash your hands and cooking surfaces thoroughly before preparing the bars.
Food history:
Oatmeal bars have been a popular snack and dessert for many years, and variations of this recipe can be found in cookbooks dating back to the early 1900s.
Flavor profiles:
These bars have a sweet and buttery flavor, with a chewy texture from the rolled oats and a rich butterscotch taste from the chips.
Serving suggestions:
Serve these bars as a sweet treat for a mid-afternoon snack, or as a dessert after dinner. They also make a great addition to a brunch or potluck spread.
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