Welcome, dear baking enthusiast! Prepare to be swept off your feet with this delightful Butterscotch Squares Recipe. A blissful union of brown sugar, cream, and chocolate, these squares are a sweet lover’s dream come true. Trust me, once you’ve had a taste, you’ll be making these for every occasion possible!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: This Butterscotch Squares Recipe requires simple steps and a little patience, making it perfect for any skill level.
- Decadent Flavor: The creamy butterscotch mingles beautifully with rich chocolate to tantalize your taste buds.
- Versatile Treat: These squares are a hit at parties, as gifts, or as a sweet indulgence just for you.
- A Family Favorite: Once tried, your family will be asking for these delightful squares again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these ingredients will be a breeze, and each plays a pivotal role in crafting these delicious squares. Every component from the creamy butter to the sweet brown sugar contributes to the magical taste and delightful texture of this Butterscotch Squares Recipe.
- Brown Sugar: This gives every square its rich, caramel-like sweetness.
- Heavy Whipping Cream: Provides a luxurious, creamy texture that you’ll love.
- Unsalted Butter: Ensures the perfect balance of flavors without extra saltiness.
- Vanilla: Adds that hint of warm, comforting flavor to blend the ingredients flawlessly.
- Chocolate Melts: Coats the squares with a smooth, decadent layer.
Variations
This Butterscotch Squares Recipe is incredibly adaptable. Feel free to experiment and customize depending on what you have at home or your family’s dietary needs and taste preferences.
- Nut-Inspired Delight: Add chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch and a nutty twist.
- Spice It Up: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can add a warm spice flavor to your squares.
How to Make Butterscotch Squares Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pan
Line a 9×9” pan with foil and spray with nonstick cooking spray to ensure easy removal and a clean-cut later on. This simple step saves a lot of hassle!
Step 2: Cook the Mixture
In a saucepan, combine brown sugar, cream, and butter over medium-high heat. Stir until everything is melted into a harmonious liquid. Allow it to reach a rolling boil, then simmer gently until it hits 236ºF on a candy thermometer. Stirring occasionally ensures a smooth, glossy finish.
Step 3: Finish and Set
Turn off the heat and hustle in the vanilla and salt. Whisk in the powdered sugar until the mixture is silky smooth. Pour into your prepped pan and let it set at room temperature, ideally overnight, for best results.
Step 4: Cut and Dip
Once set, cut the butterscotch into manageable blocks before slicing further into squares. Melt your chocolate and dip each square, meticulously tapping off the excess before letting them chill on a wax paper-lined tray.
Pro Tips for Making Butterscotch Squares Recipe
- Achieve the Perfect Consistency: Watch the candy thermometer closely—reaching 236ºF is key to setting properly.
- Efficient Chocolate Dipping: Use a fork for dipping and a toothpick to steady the squares for a cleaner process.
- Make It Ahead: Let your butterscotch sit overnight to really develop those flavors and achieve a perfect set.
- Ingredient Quality: A high-quality chocolate can make all the difference in flavor and texture when coating.
How to Serve Butterscotch Squares Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing these little squares with a sprinkle of sea salt or a drizzle of white chocolate can draw out their flavors even more. Get creative and let your toppings reflect both the season and occasion.
Side Dishes
Pair your Butterscotch Squares with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon pick-me-up, or serve alongside creamy vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Think outside the box and serve these squares in decorative tins or cellophane bags tied with a bow—perfect for party favors or festive gatherings. Stack them artfully on a tiered platter to give your dessert table a charming touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover butterscotch squares in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator if you prefer a firmer square. They’ll stay delicious for up to a week, perfect for indulging any time.
Freezing
Consider freezing your Butterscotch Squares if you wish to enjoy them over a longer period. They can be frozen in a sealed container for up to a month; just ensure you’ve separated layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Reheating
Should you desire a softer texture, allow the squares to sit at room temperature for around 30 minutes after removing them from the refrigerator or freezer. This brings back their perfect, melt-in-the-mouth consistency.
FAQs
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Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark for this Butterscotch Squares Recipe?
Absolutely! Milk chocolate can be used if you prefer a sweeter, creamier coating. It’s all about matching the flavors to your personal taste.
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What can I do if my butterscotch isn’t setting properly?
If your butterscotch isn’t setting, it might be due to not reaching the correct temperature. Try gently reheating and cooking it a bit longer until it thickens.
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How can I make my butterscotch squares even richer?
For richer squares, consider using a higher fat content in the cream or adding a touch more butter. This enhances both texture and flavor.
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Are there any alternatives to using chocolate melts?
You can substitute with regular chocolate chips or bars, but you might need to temper the chocolate to achieve the perfect glossy finish.
Final Thoughts
I’m thrilled to share this Butterscotch Squares Recipe with you, a luscious blend of flavors that’s sure to please everyone. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, I hope these squares bring a taste of joy and indulgence into your kitchen. Happy baking!
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Butterscotch Squares Recipe
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 64 squares
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
These irresistibly rich butterscotch squares are a delightful treat combining creamy butterscotch with a chocolate coating. Perfect for parties or as a sweet gift, they feature a smooth, caramel-like filling topped with a glossy layer of melted chocolate. Easy to prepare and cut into perfect small squares, they are the ideal handmade confection for any occasion.
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
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (113g) powdered sugar
For the Chocolate Coating
- 16 ounces chocolate melts
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Line a 9×9-inch pan with foil, making sure the foil extends over the edges for easy removal. Spray the foil with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Make the Butterscotch Mixture: In a medium saucepan, combine the brown sugar, heavy cream, and butter. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring constantly until the mixture is completely melted and starts to boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, insert a candy thermometer, and simmer while stirring occasionally until the temperature reaches 236ºF (113ºC), about 7-8 minutes.
- Finish the Filling: Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in vanilla and salt until well combined. Whisk in the powdered sugar until smooth and thickened.
- Set the Butterscotch: Pour the mixture into the prepared pan, spreading evenly. Let it cool at room temperature for a few hours or refrigerate for faster setting until firm.
- Cut into Squares: Once set, lift out the butterscotch block from the pan using the foil. Use a large kitchen knife to cut the block into quarters, then divide each quarter into small squares (about 16 per quarter), resulting in approximately 64 squares.
- Melt the Chocolate: Follow package instructions to melt the chocolate melts, either in a microwave or using a double boiler.
- Dip the Squares: Using a fork or dipping tool, dip each butterscotch square into the melted chocolate, allowing excess chocolate to drip off. Place the coated squares on a wax paper-lined cookie sheet.
- Chill to Set: Refrigerate the dipped squares for at least 30 minutes or until the chocolate has fully set and hardened.
Notes
- Ensure the candy thermometer is accurately calibrated for precise temperature reading.
- You can store these squares in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
- For a richer flavor, consider adding a pinch of sea salt on top of the chocolate before it sets.
- Using high-quality chocolate melts yields a better coating and taste.
- If the chocolate is thick, warm it slightly to maintain a smooth dipping consistency.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square (about 16g)
- Calories: 70 kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 20mg
- Fat: 4.5g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 0.2g
- Protein: 0.5g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
