Looking for a sweet, indulgent treat that combines the richness of butterscotch with the smoothness of chocolate? Look no further than this Butterscotch Squares Copycat recipe. Inspired by the famous candy bar, these homemade squares are creamy, crunchy, and utterly irresistible. With a short list of ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll be able to whip up a batch of these sweet delights in no time.
Whether you’re hosting a party, attending a potluck, or simply craving something sweet, Butterscotch Squares are sure to please any crowd. Packed with the perfect balance of sweetness and richness, these squares offer a nostalgic flavor with a modern twist. And the best part? You don’t need any special equipment to create this treat. With just a saucepan, a microwave, and a few basic kitchen tools, you’ll have these luscious squares ready in no time!
In this article, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step instructions, tips for success, and even ways to customize your Butterscotch Squares Copycat recipe. Let’s get started on your new favorite dessert!
Why You’ll Love This Butterscotch Squares Copycat Recipe
Butterscotch Squares Copycat are the ultimate indulgence for anyone who loves creamy, buttery sweets. The best part about this recipe is how easy it is to make these squares at home without any complicated steps. The richness of the brown sugar, heavy cream, and butter forms a velvety base that’s sweet but not overpowering. When you dip them in chocolate, you get the perfect combination of smooth, rich flavors and textures.
Additionally, these squares are incredibly versatile. You can serve them as a party treat, wrap them as a gift for someone special, or simply have them ready for an after-dinner snack. They’re also a great make-ahead option since they keep well in the fridge.
If you’re a fan of butterscotch candies or chocolate-dipped treats, this recipe is a must-try. Read on for a detailed look at the ingredients and how to make these dreamy squares!
Ingredients for Butterscotch Squares Copycat
The ingredients for these Butterscotch Squares are simple and easy to find at most grocery stores. Here’s what you’ll need:
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2 cups (400g) packed brown sugar
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¾ cup (177ml) heavy whipping cream
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6 tablespoons (84g) unsalted butter
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½ teaspoon vanilla extract
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¼ teaspoon salt
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1 cup (113g) powdered sugar
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16 ounces chocolate melts (You can choose milk, dark, or white chocolate melts depending on your preference)
These ingredients combine to create a rich, creamy base with a smooth chocolate coating that’s hard to resist. Plus, they don’t require any baking, which makes them even easier to make!
How to Make Butterscotch Squares Copycat
Making these Butterscotch Squares Copycat is a simple process with just a few steps. Here’s a breakdown of the entire process:
Step 1: Melt the Base Ingredients
In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the brown sugar, heavy whipping cream, and unsalted butter over medium heat. Stir constantly to ensure that everything melts together smoothly. The mixture should begin to bubble as it heats up. Keep stirring to prevent the sugar from burning and to ensure that everything blends evenly.
Once the mixture becomes smooth and starts to bubble, let it cook for an additional 5 minutes without stirring. This boiling step is crucial for creating the right texture in the base. After 5 minutes, remove the saucepan from the heat.
Step 2: Add Vanilla and Salt
After removing the saucepan from the heat, add the vanilla extract and salt to the mixture. Stir well until both ingredients are fully incorporated. The vanilla adds a lovely depth of flavor, while the salt helps to balance the sweetness of the butterscotch.
Step 3: Add Powdered Sugar
Next, slowly sift in the powdered sugar. Use a whisk or hand mixer to beat the mixture until it becomes smooth and creamy. The powdered sugar helps to thicken the butterscotch base and gives it the perfect consistency for forming squares. Continue beating until the mixture is completely smooth and free from lumps.
Step 4: Chill the Butterscotch Mixture
Once the base is ready, pour the butterscotch mixture into a parchment-lined 8×8-inch square pan. Spread it evenly across the bottom of the pan with a spatula. Now, place the pan in the refrigerator and allow the mixture to chill for about 1 hour, or until it has firmed up enough to be cut into squares.
Step 5: Melt the Chocolate Coating
While the butterscotch mixture is chilling, it’s time to prepare the chocolate coating. In a microwave-safe bowl or using a double boiler, melt the chocolate melts until smooth. If you’re using a microwave, heat the chocolate in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, to ensure it doesn’t burn. If you’re using a double boiler, place the chocolate in a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water and stir until fully melted.
Step 6: Coat the Butterscotch Squares
Once the butterscotch mixture has chilled and hardened, remove it from the refrigerator. Cut the mixture into small squares or rectangles, depending on your preference.
Now, dip each square into the melted chocolate, ensuring it’s completely covered. Place the coated squares onto a sheet of wax paper or parchment paper to set. You can drizzle some extra melted chocolate on top of the squares for a decorative finish, or you can add a sprinkle of crushed nuts or sea salt for an extra burst of flavor.
Step 7: Let the Chocolate Set
Allow the chocolate to harden completely before serving the Butterscotch Squares. You can leave them at room temperature to set, or if you want to speed up the process, place them back in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes. Once the chocolate is set, your Butterscotch Squares are ready to serve!
Tips for the Best Butterscotch Squares Copycat
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Use parchment paper: Line your pan with parchment paper to make it easier to remove the butterscotch mixture once it has chilled. This will prevent sticking and help you cut neat squares.
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Keep the chocolate smooth: When melting the chocolate, make sure to stir constantly to avoid burning. If the chocolate seems too thick, you can add a teaspoon of vegetable oil or shortening to thin it out.
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Customize the toppings: Feel free to get creative with your toppings! You can add crushed nuts, sprinkles, or even drizzle a different type of chocolate over the squares for variety.
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Ensure the base is firm: The key to perfectly set squares is making sure the butterscotch mixture is firm before cutting. If it’s too soft, the squares won’t hold their shape.
How to Store Butterscotch Squares Copycat
These squares store beautifully, making them great for making in advance. Once the chocolate has fully set, transfer the squares into an airtight container. You can store them at room temperature for up to a week, or in the refrigerator if you prefer them chilled. If you want them to last longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure to separate layers of squares with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together.
Nutritional Information
Each Butterscotch Square Copycat contains approximately:
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Calories: 180-220 (depending on the size of the square and the type of chocolate used)
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Fat: 10-12 grams
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Sugar: 20-25 grams
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Carbohydrates: 22-27 grams
These squares are certainly a treat, so enjoy them in moderation as part of your sweet indulgence!
More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy
If you love these Butterscotch Squares, here are some other sweet treats you’ll want to try:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is butterscotch just caramel with butter?
Not quite! While both butterscotch and caramel are made with sugar and butter, they differ in the type of sugar used. Butterscotch is made with brown sugar, which gives it a deeper, molasses-like flavor, while caramel uses white granulated sugar. The brown sugar in butterscotch also contributes to its signature golden color and rich taste. Both sauces can include cream, vanilla, or salt, but the base sugar makes all the difference.
What is butterscotch topping made of?
Classic butterscotch topping usually includes brown sugar, butter, heavy cream, and a splash of vanilla. Some recipes may also call for salt to enhance the flavor. These ingredients are gently simmered together to create a smooth, pourable sauce that’s perfect for drizzling over ice cream, cakes, or other desserts. The brown sugar is what gives butterscotch topping its characteristic warm, caramel-like flavor.
Why did my butterscotch chips not melt?
If your butterscotch chips didn’t melt properly, it’s likely due to overheating or using the wrong melting method. Unlike chocolate, butterscotch chips often contain stabilizers that make them more resistant to melting. For best results:
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Use low heat and stir continuously.
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Try a double boiler or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.
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Adding a small amount of shortening or coconut oil can help smooth out the texture.
Avoid direct high heat, which can cause them to seize or burn.
How to make butterscotch sweets at home?
Homemade butterscotch sweets (or candies) are easier than you think! You’ll need brown sugar, butter, heavy cream, and a candy thermometer. Here’s a basic overview:
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Combine the ingredients in a saucepan.
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Heat and stir until the mixture reaches soft crack stage (270°F/132°C).
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Pour into a greased or parchment-lined pan and let cool.
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Cut into pieces and wrap individually if desired.
You can flavor them with vanilla, salt, or even add nuts for variety. These make great gifts or nostalgic treats!
Final Thoughts
These Butterscotch Squares Copycat are the perfect combination of creamy butterscotch and rich chocolate, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion. Whether you’re making them for a party, gift-giving, or simply enjoying them yourself, these squares are sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire. Easy to make, utterly delicious, and completely customizable, this recipe will have you indulging in the sweetest way possible. So grab your ingredients and start whipping up a batch of these delectable squares today!
Print
Butterscotch Squares Copycat – Sweet, Creamy, and Rich
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 36 squares 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Butterscotch Squares Copycat are a homemade twist on the classic confection, featuring a buttery brown sugar fudge base coated in silky chocolate. Rich, creamy, and nostalgic, they’re the perfect bite-sized indulgence for holidays, parties, or just because.
Ingredients
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2 cups (400g) packed brown sugar
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¾ cup (177ml) heavy whipping cream
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6 tablespoons (84g) unsalted butter
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½ teaspoon vanilla extract
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¼ teaspoon salt
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1 cup (113g) powdered sugar
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16 ounces chocolate melts
Instructions
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In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine brown sugar, cream, and butter. Stir constantly until the mixture is smooth and begins to bubble.
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Let the mixture boil for 5 minutes without stirring. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and salt. Let cool for 10 minutes.
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Beat in powdered sugar until fully smooth and creamy.
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Pour into a parchment-lined 8×8-inch pan and chill in the refrigerator until firm.
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Melt chocolate melts using a double boiler or microwave.
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Cut the butterscotch into squares and dip each into the melted chocolate. Place on wax paper to set.
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Let the chocolate fully harden, then serve or store in an airtight container.
Notes
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Use a candy thermometer for precision if you’re particular about texture.
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For extra flavor, sprinkle a bit of flaky sea salt on the chocolate before it sets.
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These freeze well for up to 2 months—just thaw before enjoying.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake + Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 140 kcal
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: Butterscotch Squares Copycat, homemade butterscotch bars, chocolate butterscotch squares