Butterscotch Cashew Bars

Butterscotch Cashew Bars are sweet, gooey, crunchy, and delicious! From the shortbread crust to the gooey filling to the cashews on top, there’s so much to love here.

These Butterscotch Cashew Bars are deliciously different. The perfect blend of rich, gooey butterscotch and crunchy, roasted cashews creates a treat that’s simultaneously simple and bold. If you’re craving a dessert that’s satisfyingly sweet, crunchy, and decadently rich, these bars are a must-try!

Why You’ll Love This Butterscotch Cashew Bars Recipe

• Irresistible flavor combination. Cashews are woefully underused in baking, but they deserve the spotlight, too. And combine them with a gooey butterscotch filling, and you’ve got a real winner!
• Easy to make. With straightforward steps and minimal prep work, these bars are perfect for both novice and experienced bakers alike. The hardest part is waiting for them to cool!
• Crowd-pleaser. The combination of sweet butterscotch and crunchy cashews is sure to be a hit with everyone, making these bars a popular choice for parties, potlucks, and bake sales.
• Make-ahead friendly. These bars store well, so you can make them ahead of time and have a delicious treat ready whenever you need it. Perfect for busy schedules!

What You’ll Need

• Unsalted butter – Let this soften at room temperature before mixing. Learn more: How to Soften Butter
• Brown sugar – I prefer light brown sugar in these bars, as the strong molasses flavor of dark brown sugar can overpower the butterscotch.
• Salt
• All-purpose flour – Measure by weight or use the spoon and sweep method. Learn more: How to Measure Flour
• Butterscotch chips – Choose a good quality brand for the best results.
• Corn syrup – This works well to give these bars the perfect texture. If you need a substitute, see below.
• Water
• Cashews – I like to use whole cashews and halves for the visual effect, but feel free to use cashew pieces if you prefer.

Is There a Substitute for Corn Syrup?

Despite some misconceptions, using corn syrup in moderation is a great way to enhance the texture and consistency of your baked goods, making them delightfully chewy and gooey. If you don’t want to use it in this recipe or simply don’t have it in your pantry at the moment, there are some other options to try.

• Honey. A natural sweetener with a slightly different flavor profile, honey can be used in equal amounts as a direct substitute for corn syrup.
• Maple syrup. Pure maple syrup adds a rich, unique flavor and can be used in a 1:1 ratio to replace corn syrup. This will give your bars a subtle maple undertone.
• Agave nectar. Similar in consistency to corn syrup, agave nectar can be substituted in equal amounts. It has a mild flavor that won’t overpower the butterscotch.
• Golden syrup. With a similar consistency to corn syrup and a rich, caramel-like flavor, golden syrup can be used as a 1:1 substitute.
• Simple syrup. Made by dissolving equal parts sugar and water, simple syrup can replace corn syrup in equal amounts. It’s a good option if you want to avoid additional flavors.

How to Make Butterscotch Cashew Bars

• Prepare for baking. Heat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9″ x 13″ baking pan, line it with parchment paper, and grease the paper.
• Make the crust. Beat the butter, brown sugar, and salt until light and fluffy, and then mix in the flour. Press the dough evenly in the bottom of the pan, poke holes in the dough, and bake until golden brown (30 to 40 minutes).

• Make the topping. Bring the butterscotch chips, corn syrup, and water to a simmer over low heat, cooking until the butterscotch has melted.
• Assemble. Pour the filling over the partially baked crust. Sprinkle the cashews over the top of the filling.
• Bake again. Return the pan to the oven, and bake for 5 minutes.
• Cool. Place the pan on a wire rack and cool completely before cutting into bars.

Variations

• Different nuts. Swap out the cashews for one or a mix of your favorite nuts like pecans, almonds, or walnuts for a different flavor and texture.
• Sea salt sprinkle. Add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top of the butterscotch layer before baking for a sweet and salty twist that enhances the overall flavor.
• Spiced filling. Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the butterscotch mixture for a warm, spiced flavor that pairs beautifully with the cashews.
• Coconut. Mix a bit of shredded coconut into the butterscotch layer or sprinkle it on top along with the cashews for a tropical flair.

How to Store

After your butterscotch cashew bars have cooled completely, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to two weeks.

Can These Bars Be Frozen?

Yes! Place the cooled bars in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about an hour, or until they are firm. Once frozen, transfer the bars to an airtight container or a freezer-safe zip-top bag, placing parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Label the container with the date and store in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw the bars at room temperature or in the refrigerator until they reach your desired texture.

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