Butterscotch Walnut Bars

Butterscotch Walnut Bars

Thee cookies are a lot like candy.  I make them ahead, cut them and store them in the freezer so they stay chewy.

CRUST

  • 1 and 1/2 cups flour
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cut in 1/2 inch pieces

Mix the dry ingredients in the Kitchen-Aid and then add the pieces of butter until crumbly.  Press firmly into a 13x9 pan and bake at 375 degrees for 12 minutes.  

TOPPING

While the crust is baking, make the topping.

  • 1/4 cup light corn syrup
  • 6 ounces butterscotch chips
  • Pinch of alt
  • 2 tblsp butter
  •  tblsp water. 

Combine all in a small saucepan -- or in a large pyrex measuring cup.  You can heat the saucepan over low heat or put the pyrex into the microwave for a few seconds at a time.  Just heat this and then remove from the heat.  You will have to press on the butterscotch pieces and stir until they melt. 

Add to this:

  • 2 cups chopped walnuts
     

Quickly drop large spoonfuls of this mixture onto the hot crust and spread to within 1/2 inch of the edges of the crust.  Return to the oven and bake for 10 more minutes.

Remove to a cooking rack for 30-40 minutes.  With a sharp knife loosen the edges and cut into 16 bars.  Cool completely and then cut into smaller bars or squares.