Name: Gooey Butterscotch Nut Bars
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 2 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup almond butter or peanut butter; 1/4 cup pure maple syrup or honey; 1/4 cup coconut oil; 1 tsp pure vanilla extract; 1/4 tsp salt; 1 1/2 cups quick oats; 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts; 1/2 cup butterscotch chips (dairy-free if needed); Optional: 2 tbsp mini chocolate chips or shredded coconut

These Gooey Butterscotch Nut Bars are my go-to when I want something rich, chewy, and perfectly balanced between sweet and salty. With a base of wholesome oats, nut butter, and a gooey layer of melty butterscotch, they’re not just easy to whip up—they’re also a serious crowd-pleaser. I love that they’re no-bake, gluten-free, and adaptable for vegan or dairy-free diets.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1/2 cup almond butter or peanut butter

1/4 cup pure maple syrup or honey

1/4 cup coconut oil

1 tsp pure vanilla extract

1/4 tsp salt

1 1/2 cups quick oats

1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts

1/2 cup butterscotch chips (dairy-free if needed)

Optional: 2 tbsp mini chocolate chips or shredded coconut

Directions

I line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.

In a medium saucepan over low heat, I stir together the almond butter, maple syrup, and coconut oil until everything melts and combines smoothly.

I take it off the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and salt.

Then I fold in the quick oats and chopped nuts until the mixture is fully coated.

I press the mixture firmly and evenly into the prepared pan.

I sprinkle the butterscotch chips on top, pressing them gently into the base.

If I’m feeling extra, I add a sprinkle of mini chocolate chips or shredded coconut.

I chill the bars in the fridge for at least 2 hours, until firm.

Once set, I cut them into bars and store any leftovers in the fridge.

Servings and timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 5 minutes

Chill Time: 2 hours

Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes

Servings: 12 bars

Calories per Serving: 210 kcal

Variations

I sometimes swap almond butter with sunflower seed butter to make it nut-free.

For a holiday twist, I add a pinch of cinnamon or pumpkin spice to the oat mixture.

Dried cranberries or raisins mix in well for a chewy, fruity touch.

I’ve also used dark chocolate chips instead of butterscotch for a richer, less sweet version.

For a lower-sugar option, I reduce the butterscotch chips and add chopped dates.

Storage/Reheating

I keep these bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they stay fresh for up to 7 days. If I want to store them longer, I freeze them for up to 3 months—just make sure to separate the layers with parchment paper. There’s no need to reheat; I enjoy them straight from the fridge or let them sit out for a few minutes to soften slightly.

FAQs

How do I make these bars vegan?

I make sure to use maple syrup instead of honey and choose dairy-free butterscotch chips. Everything else in the recipe is naturally plant-based.

Can I use rolled oats instead of quick oats?

I don’t recommend it for this recipe—quick oats create a more cohesive, chewy texture. Rolled oats can make the bars crumbly.

Are these bars gluten-free?

Yes, as long as I use certified gluten-free oats, the bars are naturally gluten-free.

Can I make these bars nut-free?

Absolutely. I substitute the almond or peanut butter with sunflower seed butter and swap the nuts with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower.

How do I know when the bars are ready to cut?

After at least 2 hours in the fridge, I check the firmness by pressing gently in the center. If it holds its shape, it’s ready to slice.

Conclusion

These Gooey Butterscotch Nut Bars are one of my favorite make-ahead treats. They’re easy, customizable, and incredibly satisfying with just the right mix of texture and flavor. Whether I’m entertaining guests, packing lunches, or just treating myself, these bars are always a hit. Give them a try—I bet they’ll become a staple in your kitchen too.

Recipe:

Gooey Butterscotch Nut Bars

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Author: Sophia
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 12 bars
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

These Gooey Butterscotch Nut Bars are rich, chewy, and perfectly balanced between sweet and salty. No-bake, gluten-free, and easy to customize, they’re made with oats, nut butter, and a melty butterscotch topping—ideal for a quick dessert or snack.