Butterscotch Bars

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal later.

2. In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add in the vanilla extract and mix until well combined.

3. Gradually add the flour and salt to the butter mixture, mixing until a crumbly dough forms. Press this dough into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, creating an even layer.

4. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, until lightly golden brown. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly while you prepare the butterscotch layer.

5. In a heatproof bowl, melt the butterscotch chips in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until smooth and fully melted. Be careful not to overheat the butterscotch.

6. Once the butterscotch is melted, pour it over the baked crust and spread it into an even layer. If using walnuts, sprinkle them over the butterscotch layer, gently pressing them in.

7. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until the butterscotch is bubbling around the edges.

8. Let the butterscotch bars cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes before using the overhang of the parchment paper to lift them out onto a cutting board. Cut into squares or bars of your desired size.