Nordy Bars {Butterscotch Bars}

Nordy bars are loaded butterscotch bars that were once served in the Nordstrom Cafe. This rich dessert bar has a butterscotch base with chocolate chips, marshmallows and nuts. These chewy and gooey bars are very easy to make and even easier to eat!

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These Nordy bars are a homemade version of a bar recipe that was once served in the Nordstrom Cafe. They are so easy to make and are the best butterscotch dessert bars for lunchboxes, picnics, parties or for a quick weekday treat!

Having grown up in the greater Seattle area, this butterscotch bar recipe has been enjoyed by my family and friends for many years! I think almost everyone in the PNW has some recipe version of this well loved dessert bar.

And I don't know about you, but butterscotch is a flavor that takes me right back to childhood. If you are looking for other bars using butterscotch chips, I also have a recipe for butterscotch mixed nut bars that is delicious! Or for a quick, no chill cookie recipe check out my butterscotch pretzel cookies.

why you will love this copycat recipe

• Easy to make!
• No mixer required! {Mix them in the saucepan if you want less dishes!}
• Gooey blondie bars! They have a blondie bar texture with the perfect amount of chewy and gooey.
• The best flavors! Loaded with marshmallows, chocolate chips and butterscotch.

ingredients needed

• Unsalted butter ~ this will be melted so no need to have it at room temperature. If you only have salted, omit the kosher salt.
• Brown sugar ~ I love the extra richness that comes from using dark brown sugar, but light brown sugar also works.
• Butterscotch chips ~ can typically be found in the baking aisle with the chocolate chips.
• Vanilla ~ using pure vanilla extract is my favorite.
• Egg ~ one large egg is needed.
• Kosher salt ~ just a touch to balance the flavors. If using table salt, start with half the amount and adjust as needed.
• Baking powder ~ aluminum free is what I use.
• All-purpose flour ~ use your favorite brand. A 1 to 1 gluten free flour can be substituted.
• Chocolate chips ~ semi-sweet chocolate chips add a nice flavor balance. A dark chocolate chip would also work nicely here. Milk chocolate tends to be too sweet with the butterscotch and marshmallows.
• Mini marshmallows ~ bring flavor and gooeyness to the Nordy bars.
• Nuts ~ I believe pecans were the nuts that Nordstrom used. We like a mixture; peanuts, almonds, pecans are what I use. If nuts in desserts isn't your thing, you can leave them out, but I recommend adding in an extra tablespoon of flour.

how to make homemade butterscotch dessert bars

Start by melting the butter in a saucepan over low heat. Once melted, add the brown sugar and stir until dissolved. Remove from the heat and add in the butterscotch chips, mixing until melted. Be patient as butterscotch chips take a little while to give in to melting! If needed, place the saucepan back over very low heat until the butterscotch has melted in.

I prefer to then transfer the mixture to a mixing bowl as it allows me to almost immediately add the eggs without having to let the mixture cool. If you would prefer, you can mix the whole recipe in the saucepan. Just allow the mixture to cool a bit longer so you don't scramble the egg when you add it!

The butterscotch, brown sugar and melted butter mixture can look lumpy and undesirable before it all comes together. I use a whisk to bring the ingredients together.

Next whisk in the vanilla, followed by the egg, baking powder and kosher salt. Then stir in the flour, the chocolate chips, marshmallows and nuts.

how do you know when gooey butterscotch bars are done baking?

The marshmallow melt when baking, which adds to the chewy and gooey texture, but can make it hard to know when the bars are done. I like to err on the side of slightly underdone versus overdone to get the best gooey center. {Same as with brownie recipes!}

The butterscotch bars are done when the edges are lightly golden and set. The middle may seem a bit wiggly, but will firm up once cool.

can you make Nordy Bars without nuts?

Yes! If you don't like nuts in your cookie bar recipes, just leave them out. See the notes in the recipe card for how to do this.

tips for the best butterscotch bars

• Be patient when melting the butterscotch chips in the butter. Butterscotch doesn't melt as easily as chocolate and takes a little longer to give in to the melting process.
• Line your 8x8 pan {this is my favorite baking pan brand} with parchment paper and lightly grease the parchment with butter or baking spray. You will thank me when it's time to take them out of the pan.
• Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing. You can speed the cooling process up by placing the bars in the refrigerator once you can pick up the pan with bare hands. {This usually takes about 10-15 minutes of sitting on a wire cooling rack}

Remember to snap a picture and tag me on Instagram if you make these Nordy Bars {Butterscotch Bars}. It warms my heart to see you bring these recipes to life! Thank you for being here and happy baking!

more dessert bars to enjoy

• Cookie Butter Bars
• Mom's Lemon Bars
• Berry Crumble Bars
• Lemon Almond Cookie Bars
• Sugar Cookie Bars

If you make this recipe {or any recipe!} from two sugar bugs please come back and leave a review and a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ star rating.  I read every comment, and I LOVE hearing from you!