If you’re on a quest for a sweet treat that’s equal parts elegant and indulgent, look no further than our glorious Butterscotch Squares. These delightful confections meld the rich, caramelized sweetness of butterscotch with a luscious chocolate coating, creating a perfect bite-sized dessert that’s impossible to resist.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of rich, buttery butterscotch and velvety chocolate will be your new sweet craving.
- Perfect for Gifting: These squares make a delightful homemade gift, pleasing to both the eyes and taste buds.
- Simple Ingredients: Using pantry staples, this recipe is easy to whip up even for impromptu dessert needs.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For our Butterscotch Squares, you’ll find that the magic lies in using simple ingredients that come together to create a mouth-watering treat. Each component is chosen for its role in building flavor, texture, or that glossy finish.
- Brown Sugar: This provides the deep, caramel-y undertone essential for classic butterscotch.
- Heavy Whipping Cream: Contributes to the creamy, luscious texture that defines this indulgence.
- Unsalted Butter: Adds a rich, buttery base, essential for the flavor profile.
- Vanilla: Enhances the overall sweetness and brings out that comforting butterscotch flavor.
- Salt: Just a touch to balance the sweetness and heighten flavors.
- Powdered Sugar: Ensures a smooth, velvety texture in the final squares.
- Chocolate Melts: For the perfect encasing that gives a delightful contrast in texture.
Variations
One of the best things about these Butterscotch Squares is how easily you can customize them. Whether you’re catering to specific dietary needs or simply exploring new flavors, these suggestions are a great start.
- Add Some Nuts: Stir in some chopped pecans or walnuts for a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
- Dark Chocolate Coating: Swap milk chocolate melts for dark chocolate if you prefer a richer, slightly less sweet finish.
How to Make Butterscotch Squares
Step 1: Preparing the Pan
Start by lining a 9×9” pan with foil and giving it a good spray with nonstick cooking spray. This simple preparation ensures that your Butterscotch Squares will come out without a hitch.
Step 2: Making the Butterscotch Base
Combine brown sugar, cream, and butter in a saucepan over medium-high heat, stirring constantly until smooth. Once it reaches a rolling boil, reduce the heat and attach a candy thermometer. Keep an eye on it until it hits 236ºF.
Step 3: Completing the Mixture
Stir in the vanilla, salt, and powdered sugar. Mix until smooth. Pour this luscious mixture into your prepared pan and let it set at room temperature for a few hours or overnight for best results.
Step 4: Cutting and Coating
Once set, remove from the pan and slice into quarters, then into smaller squares. Melt the chocolate and dip each square, allowing the excess to drip before placing them on wax paper to chill until set.
Pro Tips for Making Butterscotch Squares
- Candy Temperature Precision: Make sure your candy thermometer is submerged enough for an accurate read, as even slight variations can change the texture.
- Uniform Cuts: Use a large, sharp knife for clean, even cuts, and wipe it clean between slices for the best results.
- Chocolate Dipping: Dip the butterscotch quickly to avoid melting, and let the excess drip off to maintain a perfectly smooth finish.
- Advanced Prep: These squares can be made a day in advance, making them a perfect treat for events or last-minute gifts.
How to Serve Butterscotch Squares
Garnishes
Consider topping each square with a sprinkle of sea salt or a drizzle of extra melted chocolate for a stunning presentation and an added layer of flavor.
Side Dishes
Pair these squares with a hot cup of coffee or a chilled glass of milk. They also complement a scoop of vanilla ice cream wonderfully, creating a delightful dessert duo.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange them on a decorative platter or tiered tray. For a festive touch, use mini cupcake liners, making it easy for guests to pick them up during gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Butterscotch Squares in an airtight container. They will stay fresh and delicious for up to a week at room temperature.
Freezing
These squares freeze beautifully. Arrange them in a single layer in an airtight freezer-safe container. They can be stored for up to 2 months; just thaw them at room temperature before serving.
Reheating
There’s no need to reheat these treats, but if you prefer them warm, a few seconds in the microwave will do the trick. Just be cautious not to overheat, or the chocolate coating may melt.
FAQs
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Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, you can use salted butter, but you might want to omit the additional salt to keep the flavor balanced.
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What can I use if I don’t have a candy thermometer?
If you don’t have a candy thermometer, testing a drop of the mixture in cold water to see if it forms a firm ball can be a useful alternative.
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Can these be made vegan?
Yes, by using a dairy-free cream substitute and vegan butter, you can adapt this recipe for a vegan diet.
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Why did my squares turn out too hard?
This usually happens if the mixture is cooked beyond the recommended temperature. Ensure your candy thermometer is accurate, or consider lowering the heat once it reaches 236ºF.
Final Thoughts
Crafting these Butterscotch Squares is like inviting a bit of vintage, nostalgic charm into your kitchen. They’re sweet little squares of happiness that everyone should experience at least once. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give them a try and add a touch of homemade warmth to any moment.
Print
Butterscotch Squares Recipe
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 64 squares
- Category: Candy/Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
These rich and buttery butterscotch squares are layered with a smooth chocolate coating, offering a perfect combination of sweet, creamy, and indulgent flavors. Easy to make and ideal for parties or treats, they are chilled until firm for a delightful bite-sized dessert.
Ingredients
For the Butterscotch Layer
- 2 cups (400g) packed brown sugar
- 3/4 cup (177ml) heavy whipping cream
- 6 tablespoons (84g) unsalted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (113g) powdered sugar
For the Chocolate Coating
- 16 ounces (450g) chocolate melts
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Line a 9×9-inch (23×23 cm) square baking pan with foil and spray lightly with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Make the Butterscotch Layer: In a medium saucepan, combine brown sugar, heavy cream, and butter over medium-high heat. Stir constantly until the mixture melts completely and begins to boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, insert a candy thermometer, and simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until the temperature reaches 236ºF (113ºC), which takes about 7-8 minutes.
- Finish the Butterscotch Mixture: Turn off the heat. Stir in vanilla extract and salt until well combined. Whisk in powdered sugar until smooth and glossy. Pour the hot mixture evenly into the prepared pan and let it set at room temperature for several hours or overnight until firm.
- Cut the Squares: Once set, carefully lift the butterscotch layer from the pan using the foil. Cut into quarters, then further cut each quarter into small squares (about 16 per quarter) using a sharp knife.
- Melt the Chocolate: Follow package instructions to melt chocolate melts completely, either in a microwave or a double boiler.
- Dip and Chill: Dip each butterscotch square into the melted chocolate, tapping off excess. Place dipped squares on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Chill in the refrigerator until the chocolate is set and firm before serving.
Notes
- Make sure to use a candy thermometer for accurate temperature control during the boiling stage.
- Chilling the squares ensures they are firm and easy to cut cleanly.
- You can store these in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- For a different flavor twist, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top of the chocolate coating before it sets.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square (about 20g)
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 20mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 0.3g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
