Gooey Butterscotch Brownies Recipe

Irresistible Butterscotch Brownies Recipe: Sweet Magic in Minutes

Butterscotch brownies elevate the classic dessert scene with their luxurious golden-brown charm.

These irresistible squares burst with velvety caramel undertones that melt hearts instantly.

Layers of rich brown sugar weave through each decadent bite, creating a symphony of sweetness.

Silky smooth textures hug your palate with warmth and comfort.

Crafted with precision, these brownies transform simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece that whispers pure indulgence.

Each morsel tells a story of homemade magic and carefully balanced flavors.

You’ll want to savor every crumb of this utterly divine treat that redefines dessert expectations.

Quick Recipe Overview

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 375 kcal

Servings: 24

How to Bake Butterscotch Brownies

How to Bake Butterscotch Brownies
  • Warm Up the Cooking Space

Crank your oven to a toasty 180°C and lovingly coat a baking pan with butter, making sure every corner gets some attention.

  • Blend Dry Foundations

Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt, creating a smooth, lump-free mixture that will be the backbone of your delectable treat.

  • Craft Decadent Batter

Whisk brown sugar with steaming butter until silky, then crack in eggs and splash of vanilla. Gently fold in the dry ingredients and sprinkle in crunchy walnuts, stirring until everything dances together perfectly.

  • Bake to Perfection

Pour the rich batter into your prepared pan and slide it into the heated oven. Let it transform for 30-35 minutes until a golden glow emerges and a toothpick comes out clean.

  • Cool and Dress

Rest the brownies briefly in the pan, then transfer to a cooling rack. While waiting, whip up a dreamy coffee frosting by blending butter, powdered sugar, and a splash of coffee until light and cloud-like.

  • Finish and Serve

Once cooled completely, lavish the brownies with the coffee-infused frosting. Let it set briefly, then slice into delectable squares ready to delight anyone lucky enough to taste them.

Tips for Butterscotch Variations

  • Customize Walnut Crunch: Swap walnuts for pecans or almonds to add different nutty dimensions and texture variations.
  • Boost Flavor Intensity: Sprinkle sea salt on top of frosting to enhance chocolate and coffee notes, creating a sophisticated taste profile.
  • Make It Gluten-Free: Replace regular flour with almond or gluten-free flour blend without compromising delicious brownie texture.
  • Control Sweetness Level: Reduce confectioner's sugar in frosting by 25% for a less sweet, more robust coffee-forward experience.

Ways to Serve Butterscotch Brownies

  • Serve with Creamy Companions: Pair these rich brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to balance the intense coffee and chocolate flavors.
  • Elevate Coffee Experience: Accompany the brownies with a freshly brewed espresso or cappuccino to enhance the coffee undertones and create a delightful dessert moment.
  • Garnish with Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle additional chopped walnuts or chocolate shavings on top of the frosted brownies to add textural contrast and visual appeal.
  • Gift-Worthy Presentation: Package these brownies in a decorative box with parchment paper for a heartwarming homemade gift that showcases your baking skills.

Brownie Storage and Freshness Tips

  • Store Strategically: Seal cooled brownies in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to 5 days at room temperature.
  • Refrigerate for Longevity: Extend brownie shelf life by storing in the refrigerator, which preserves texture and flavor for 7-10 days.
  • Freeze for Future Enjoyment: Wrap individual brownies tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Frozen brownies stay delicious for 2-3 months.
  • Serving Temperature Tip: Allow refrigerated or frozen brownies to reach room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to restore optimal taste and soft texture.

Butterscotch Brownie Ingredients

For Dry Ingredients:
  • Flour: Select unbleached all-purpose flour for the best texture and consistent baking results.
  • Baking Powder: Choose a fresh, recently purchased brand to ensure maximum rising power.
  • Salt: Use fine sea salt for smooth distribution and balanced flavor enhancement.
For Wet Ingredients:
  • Brown Sugar: Pick dark brown sugar for deeper caramel undertones and richer moisture.
  • Butter: Select high-quality unsalted butter with a creamy texture for optimal taste.
  • Eggs: Use fresh, room-temperature large eggs for smoother batter incorporation.
  • Vanilla Extract: Opt for pure vanilla extract over imitation for authentic, robust flavor.
For Frosting and Mix-ins:
  • Coffee: Select strong, freshly brewed espresso or dark roast for intense coffee notes.
  • Water: Use filtered water to ensure clean, pure liquid.
  • Confectioner's Sugar: Choose finely ground powdered sugar for silky smooth frosting.
  • Walnuts: Select crisp, fresh walnuts with no rancid smell for delightful crunch.

Tools Needed for Butterscotch Brownies

  • Oven: Essential for baking brownies at the perfect temperature.
  • 7×11 inch baking pan: Ideal size for creating perfectly thick brownies.
  • Mixing bowl: Large enough to blend wet and dry ingredients smoothly.
  • Electric mixer: Helps create light and fluffy frosting with ease.
  • Sifter: Ensures dry ingredients are lump-free and well-combined.
  • Wire rack: Perfect for cooling brownies evenly after baking.
  • Small bowl: Useful for mixing coffee and water.
  • Toothpick: Helps check brownie doneness by testing the center.
  • Spatula: Great for folding in walnuts and spreading frosting evenly.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Precise for accurate ingredient measurements.
Print
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Gooey Butterscotch Brownies Recipe

Gooey Butterscotch Brownies Recipe


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4.7 from 30 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 24 1x

Description

Classic butterscotch brownies offer rich caramel notes with deep brown sugar complexity. Smooth chocolate and nutty undertones create delightful layers you’ll savor in each delectable bite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (480 ml) all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups (400 g) packed light brown sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup (240 ml) unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
  • 1 cup (100 g) chopped walnuts
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 tsp instant coffee granules
  • 2 tbsps (30 ml) water
  • 1 ½ tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 3 cups (360 g) sifted confectioners’ sugar
  • ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Warm the oven to 180°C (350°F) and thoroughly coat a 7×11 inch baking pan with butter to prevent sticking.
  2. Dry Ingredient Blend: Sift flour, baking powder, and salt together in a medium bowl, ensuring uniform distribution of dry components.
  3. Wet Mixture Integration: Combine brown sugar with hot melted butter, creating a smooth base. Whisk in eggs and vanilla extract until the mixture becomes light and homogeneous.
  4. Batter Formation: Gently fold sifted flour mixture into wet ingredients, creating a cohesive batter. Incorporate chopped walnuts, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture.
  5. Baking Process: Pour batter into prepared pan, smoothing the surface with a spatula. Bake for 30-35 minutes until the top achieves a golden-brown hue and a toothpick inserted into the center emerges clean.
  6. Cooling Phase: Allow brownies to rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling (15-20 minutes).
  7. Frosting Preparation: Blend coffee and water to create a concentrated liquid. Whip butter and confectioner’s sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
  8. Frosting Completion: Gradually mix coffee liquid into buttercream, creating a smooth, consistent frosting. Once brownies are completely cool, spread frosting evenly across the surface.
  9. Serving: Let frosting set before slicing into individual servings.

Notes

  • Measure Precisely: Use exact measurements for flour, sugar, and butter to ensure consistent texture and taste.
  • Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow eggs and butter to reach room temperature for smoother mixing and better integration.
  • Gentle Folding Technique: Mix dry and wet ingredients gently to prevent overmixing, which can create tough brownies.
  • Cooling is Crucial: Let brownies cool completely before frosting to prevent melting and maintain clean, crisp edges.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 24
  • Calories: 375
  • Sugar: 45 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 46 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
Michael Thompson

Michael Thompson

Founder & Culinary Director

Expertise

Classical & Contemporary Cooking Techniques, Global Cuisine Appreciation, Nutrition & Menu Engineering, Sustainable Cooking Practices, Farm-to-Table Cuisine

Education

Southwestern Oregon Community College

  • Program: Culinary Arts, Associate of Applied Science
  • Focus: Emphasis on mastering core culinary competencies, like safety and sanitation, hot, cold, and pastry techniques, while cultivating appreciation of global cuisines and developing operational skills in nutrition, menu design, costing, purchasing, and supervisory management.

Michael grew up in Oregon, where he learned early that food tastes better when it’s fresh, local, and made with care. 

After earning his degree from the Southwestern Oregon Community College, he focused his career on teaching others how to cook with the seasons, reduce food waste, and reconnect with what’s on their plate.

Michael keeps his cooking simple, sustainable, and full of flavor. His favorite part of the process? Watching people realize how easy and satisfying it can be to cook a single great meal from scratch.

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