Introduction:
Butter bars are a delightful dessert that combines a rich, buttery flavor with a soft, chewy texture.
These bars are a cross between a shortbread cookie and a cake, making them perfect for anyone who loves buttery treats.
The recipe is simple, requiring only a few basic ingredients, and results in a dessert that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a holiday treat, or just a sweet craving, these butter bars are the perfect choice.
Ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
Instructions:
Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
Mix wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
This may take around 3-4 minutes using an electric mixer.
Add in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Stir in the vanilla extract.
Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder.
Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until fully combined and the dough is smooth.
Bake: Spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool and cut: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares or bars.
You can dust them with powdered sugar for an extra touch if desired.
Description: These butter bars are soft, slightly sweet, and full of buttery goodness. They have a cake-like texture that’s not too dense, making them melt in your mouth. The slight golden crisp on the edges adds the perfect contrast to the soft interior. This simple yet delicious dessert is perfect for any occasion and can be easily adapted with different flavorings or toppings.
Tips:
Room temperature butter: Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature before creaming it with the sugar. This ensures that the butter and sugar blend together smoothly, giving the bars a nice texture.
Don’t overmix: When combining the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients, mix just until incorporated to prevent the bars from becoming tough.
Add-ins: Feel free to mix in chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even a swirl of fruit preserves into the batter for added flavor and texture.
Cooling time: Be sure to allow the butter bars to cool fully before cutting them to ensure that they hold their shape and don’t fall apart.
Variations:
Lemon Butter Bars: Add the zest of one lemon to the batter for a refreshing citrus flavor.
Chocolate Chip Butter Bars: Stir in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips into the batter before baking for a chocolatey twist.
Nutty Butter Bars: Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the batter for extra crunch and flavor.
Frosted Butter Bars: Top the cooled butter bars with a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk for added sweetness.
Corrections:
If your butter bars seem too soft or undercooked in the center, it may be due to incorrect baking times or temperatures. Ensure the oven is preheated properly and check that the bars are fully baked by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, they’re done. If not, bake for a few more minutes, checking every 2-3 minutes.
If the edges are too crispy, try lowering the baking temperature by 10-15°F and bake a bit longer to achieve a more even texture.
Enjoy! Once your butter bars have cooled and been cut into squares, enjoy them with a cup of tea or coffee, or serve them at your next gathering. These delicious bars are sure to become a favorite dessert in your baking repertoire!