Joy Of Cooking Butterscotch Brownies Recipe

Quick & Cozy Joy Of Cooking Butterscotch Brownies Recipe

Butterscotch brownies represent a delightful twist on traditional chocolate treats that will instantly spark your dessert cravings.

Rich caramel notes dance through these dense, decadent squares with unparalleled elegance.

Warm brown sugar transforms ordinary ingredients into something magical and irresistible.

Subtle nuances of sweetness emerge from carefully balanced ingredients that promise extraordinary depth of flavor.

Soft, chewy textures create a sensory experience that transcends typical bakery expectations.

Homemade butterscotch brownies deliver comfort and nostalgia in every single bite.

Prepare to fall in love with a dessert that celebrates pure indulgence: your taste buds will thank you.

Step-by-Step Butterscotch Brownie Bliss

Step-by-Step Butterscotch Brownie Bliss

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan

Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a 7×11 inch baking pan with butter, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

Sift together the following dry ingredients:
  • Flour
  • Baking powder
  • Salt

Step 3: Create Brownie Batter

In a mixing bowl, blend:
  • Brown sugar
  • Hot melted butter
Beat until smooth. Add:
  • Eggs
  • Vanilla extract

Mix thoroughly. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredient mixture. Fold in chopped walnuts until evenly distributed.

Step 4: Bake the Brownies

Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake for 30-35 minutes until light golden brown develops. A toothpick inserted should come out clean.

Step 5: Cool the Brownies

Allow brownies to rest in the pan for 10 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack and cool for an additional 15-20 minutes.

Step 6: Prepare Coffee Frosting

In a small bowl, mix:
  • Coffee
  • Water

Step 7: Create Frosting Mixture

Using an electric mixer, combine:
  • Butter
  • Confectioner's sugar

Beat until light and fluffy. Slowly incorporate coffee mixture until fully blended.

Step 8: Frost and Serve

Once brownies are completely cooled, spread frosting evenly. Let frosting set before cutting into 36 pieces.

Tips for a Rich, Buttery Treat

  • Slice Strategically: Refrigerate brownies for 30 minutes before cutting to achieve crisp, clean edges without crumbling.
  • Monitor Moisture: Check oven temperature with a thermometer and rotate pan midway through baking for uniform golden-brown results.
  • Mix Mindfully: Blend batter gently to maintain a delicate, tender texture; avoid overmixing that can create tough brownies.
  • Sweeten Wisely: Select light brown sugar to capture authentic butterscotch notes without overwhelming sweetness.
  • Frost with Finesse: Add powdered sugar incrementally when preparing coffee frosting to control spreadability and achieve perfect consistency.

Proper Storage for Ongoing Delights

  • Room Temperature Sealing: Protect brownies from air exposure by placing them in a hermetically sealed container with a tight-fitting lid. Keep the container away from direct sunlight and heat sources to maintain freshness and prevent texture degradation.
  • Layering Technique: Insert parchment paper between brownie layers to prevent sticking and preserve individual piece quality. Stack carefully to avoid crumbling or breaking delicate edges during storage.
  • Freezing Strategy: Slice brownies into individual portions before freezing for convenient single-serving access. Wrap each piece separately in plastic wrap, then place inside a freezer-safe zip-lock bag to prevent freezer burn and maintain optimal moisture content. Label the bag with the date to track storage duration.

Elevate Your Brownies: Tasty Variations

  • Chocolate Chip Caramel Brownies: Replace walnuts with chocolate chips and drizzle caramel sauce over the top after baking for a rich, decadent version.
  • Coconut Mocha Brownies: Mix shredded coconut into the batter and replace coffee with coconut extract in the frosting for a tropical flavor profile.
  • Salted Pecan Butterscotch Bars: Swap walnuts for pecans and sprinkle sea salt on top of the frosting to enhance the sweet and savory balance.
  • Espresso Almond Brownies: Use chopped almonds instead of walnuts and increase the coffee concentration in the frosting for a stronger, more intense coffee flavor.

Satisfying Conclusion: Butterscotch Brownies

Butterscotch brownies offer sophisticated comfort that transcends ordinary dessert experiences.

Sweet layers of nutty warmth welcome palates with nostalgic charm.

Rich brown sugar notes dance through each delectable square, creating complex flavor memories.

Walnuts provide delightful textural contrast against smooth chocolate undertones.

Homemade frosting elevates classic recipes with sophisticated coffee-infused complexity.

Classic desserts like these connect generations through shared culinary traditions – so grab your mixing bowl, call friends over, and unleash kitchen magic that sparks conversation, craves connection, and begs for seconds (snap a pic, share this recipe, drop comments below – baking happiness awaits).

Butterscotch Brownies to Swoon Over: Why You’ll Love Them

Butterscotch Brownies to Swoon Over: Why You’ll Love Them
  • Savor Rich Butterscotch Complexity: These brownies deliver a deep, caramel-like flavor from brown sugar and hot butter, creating a sophisticated taste profile that elevates traditional brownie recipes.
  • Enjoy Textural Delights: Crunchy walnuts provide a satisfying contrast to the soft, tender brownie base, offering a delightful crunch in every single bite that keeps your taste buds excited.
  • Craft Quick Homemade Comfort: With just over an hour from start to finish, this recipe brings professional-level dessert making within reach of home bakers, transforming simple ingredients into a decadent treat perfect for unexpected sweet cravings.
  • Experience Coffee-Kissed Frosting Magic: The unique coffee-infused frosting adds an unexpected depth and sophistication, transforming these brownies from ordinary to extraordinary with a smooth, elegant finishing touch.

Irresistible Ingredients for Golden Goodness

Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: A key base that provides structure and texture to the brownies.
  • Baking Powder: Helps the brownies rise and become light and fluffy.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the brownies.
Sweet Ingredients:
  • Brown Sugar: Provides deep, rich sweetness and contributes to the butterscotch flavor.
  • Vanilla: Adds warm, sweet flavor and complements the butterscotch notes.
Wet and Binding Ingredients:
  • Butter, Hot: Creates a smooth base and adds richness to the brownie texture.
  • Eggs: Bind ingredients together and provide moisture to the brownies.
  • Walnuts: Adds crunch and nutty flavor to the brownie texture.
Frosting Ingredients:
  • Confectioner's Sugar: Creates a smooth, sweet frosting base.
  • Coffee, Water: Provides a subtle depth of flavor to the frosting.
  • Butter: Creates a creamy, spreadable frosting consistency.
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Joy Of Cooking Butterscotch Brownies Recipe

Joy Of Cooking Butterscotch Brownies Recipe


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4.6 from 26 reviews

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

Description

Butterscotch brownies from Joy of Cooking embrace rich caramel notes and deep brown sugar complexity. Smooth chocolate undertones and delicate nutty hints create an irresistible dessert that welcomes you into a world of classic comfort baking.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 cups (480 ml) all-purpose flour
  • 3 large eggs
  • 2 cups (400 g) packed light brown sugar
  • 1 cup (240 ml) unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
  • 1 cup (100 g) chopped walnuts

Flavoring Ingredients:

  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 teaspoons instant coffee granules
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) water

Finishing Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 3 cups (360 g) sifted confectioners’ sugar
  • ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius (350 degrees Fahrenheit) and prepare a 7×11 inch baking pan by generously greasing it with butter.
  2. Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium mixing bowl to ensure even distribution of dry ingredients.
  3. In a separate large bowl, cream the brown sugar with hot melted butter until smooth and well combined. Incorporate eggs and vanilla extract, beating thoroughly until the mixture becomes light and uniform.
  4. Gradually fold the sifted flour mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently to create a cohesive batter. Gently fold in the chopped walnuts, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
  5. Transfer the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula to create a smooth surface.
  6. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top turns a delicate golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  7. Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully transfer to a wire rack to cool completely for an additional 15 to 20 minutes.
  8. For the frosting, mix coffee and water in a small bowl to create a concentrated liquid base.
  9. In a separate mixing bowl, whip butter and confectioner’s sugar using an electric mixer until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale in color.
  10. Slowly incorporate the coffee mixture into the buttercream, blending until the frosting achieves a smooth and consistent texture.
  11. Once the bars have cooled completely, spread the coffee frosting evenly across the surface. Allow the frosting to set before cutting into individual servings.

Notes

  • Opt for light brown sugar to capture authentic butterscotch undertones without overwhelming sweetness.
  • Gentle folding prevents tough brownie texture; mix ingredients with a soft, careful touch.
  • Control frosting consistency by incrementally adding powdered sugar for ideal spreading or decorating.
  • Verify oven temperature accuracy using a thermometer and rotate baking pan midway for uniform browning.
  • Allow complete cooling before slicing brownies; refrigeration helps achieve crisp, clean-edged cuts.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 24
  • Calories: 386
  • Sugar: 31 g
  • Sodium: 135 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 43 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 60 mg
Ethan Miller

Ethan Miller

Founder & Lead Content Writer

Expertise

  • Recipe Development and Testing
  • Food Photography and Styling
  • Culinary Writing and Blogging
  • Ingredient Sourcing and Sustainability Practices

Education

Portland Community College

  • Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen operations, and food safety protocols.

Culinary Institute of the Pacific

  • Program: Certificate in International Cuisine
  • Focus: Exploration of global culinary traditions, flavor profiles, and plating artistry.

Ethan’s culinary journey began in his grandmother’s kitchen, where he first learned to play with flavors and ingredients. With formal training in culinary arts and a deep love for international cuisines, Ethan’s goal is to share the joy of cooking with others.

He believes food is all about creativity and bringing people together, one meal at a time. When he’s not experimenting with new dishes, he enjoys hiking in the Oregon wilderness and discovering fresh, local ingredients.

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