Ahhhhh…these, my friends, are a real treat. Straight from my childhood, a pan of this irresistible goodness was a regular at our house. Mom was (and still is) no slouch in the baking department, and these Butterscotch Bars with Chocolate and Disappearing Marshmallows were always a favorite.
Truthfully, I’m not the biggest butterscotch fan, and rarely bake anything butterscotch-y. But every once in awhile I come across a dessert that makes me question why I don’t use the flavor more. I think the key for me is to not have an overwhelming amount of butterscotch. This recipe fits that thought process perfectly.
These bars are rich with a mixture of butterscotch and chocolate, and chewy from marshmallows you’ll never see again after the pan slides into the hot oven. Once baked, the marshmallows scattered throughout the batter melt into their surroundings, leaving little pockets of ooey gooey chewiness. Paired with a glass of cold milk, I think you’ll agree they’re about the most perfect butterscotch bar you’ll ever have the pleasure to meet.
Mom’s recipe was designed for a 9” square pan. But when I couldn’t find my 9” pans (maybe you heard me tweeting for help?!), I doubled all the ingredients and baked it in a 9” x 13” pan instead, which is what I’m sharing here. This recipe is so good, a smaller pan is just not enough anyway!
And, yes, I did find my pans. After a couple hours of tearing my hair out, and the house apart. They were in our girls’ art cabinet, being used as trays for their stained glass window projects. It was kinda hard to stay angry after that find.
Kinda. :wink:
Butterscotch Bars with Chocolate and Disappearing Marshmallows
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup butterscotch chips
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- ⅔ cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon Morton kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2½ cups mini marshmallows
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (I use Guittard brand)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly spray the bottom and sides of a 9'' x 13'' pan (I like to use a light-colored metal pan) with non-stick spray and set aside.
- In a large saucepan over medium-low heat, melt butter and butterscotch chips, stirring constantly. Do not let the mixture darken. Don't worry if it looks grainy or separated; it'll still work! Remove from heat – let cool until mixture is only lukewarm (you'll be adding marshmallows and chocolate chips, and don't want them to start melting before going in the oven).
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Once the butterscotch mixture is the slightest bit warm, add vanilla and eggs, and stir well to combine. Then add the flour mixture and stir to combine.
- Quickly and gently fold in marshmallows and chocolate chips, until just combined. Do not over stir.
- Spread mixture into prepared pan and bake for about 20 minutes or so, taking care to not over bake. (I think they're best when just slightly under-baked!) The edges should be nicely browned, and the center not quite set. The bars will firm up as they cool.
- Let cool COMPLETELY before cutting into individual bars.
Is it ok to use a 9by13 glass pan when making disappearing barsÂ
I have been making these for years. Found the recipe in a school cookbook. They are great with peanut butter chips instead of the butterscotch. I agree with you about the butterscotch.
Just made these bars last night – RAVE reviews in our household and requests to make them again please. I love that they are your mom’s recipe. Thanks for sharing. I enjoy your blog so much and look forward to trying more of your recipes.
You are so welcome, Stefanie – I’m so glad you like to visit me here, and that you loved one of my favorite bars recipes, too! Have a great day! :)
Mmmm, love bar treats!
greetings, i was wondering how many marshmallows should i use if using large ones?
WOW, looks amazing :) Love your blog
Love these flavor combinations. I must add this to next weekend’s baking list. Yum!
oh my word! these look sinful! ;)
Oh my goodness – I made some similar bars several years ago and loved them. I’ve actually been thinking about remaking them – now I really want to!
Oh my – how I love butterscotch!!! YUM!