Irresistibly Sweet Butterscotch Cream Cheese Swirl Bars (Easy Dessert Recipe)

If you’re anything like me, you believe dessert should make your kitchen smell like a dream and leave everyone asking for seconds. These Butterscotch Cream Cheese Swirl Bars are that kind of recipe — buttery blondie meets creamy cheesecake in the most luscious way. I can’t wait to share this one with you!

Rich, sweet, and soft with ribbons of tangy cream cheese and pools of golden butterscotch, these bars are pure magic. Whether you’re baking for a cozy family gathering or just need a little midweek indulgence, this recipe hits all the sweet spots.

Before we dive in, thank you so much for stopping by my kitchen! 💛 If you love comforting dessert recipes like this, make sure to subscribe to my email list — I share new treats every week straight from my oven to yours.

Overview of Recipe Content

These Butterscotch Cream Cheese Swirl Bars are a cross between chewy blondies and a silky cheesecake bar — the kind of dessert that looks fancy but comes together in under an hour. Perfect for bake sales, potlucks, or just treating yourself after a long day.

Why You’ll Love It

• Buttery and rich with a creamy cheesecake swirl.
• Easy to make — no mixer required!
• Stays soft and chewy for days.
• Smells like heaven while baking.
• Freezer-friendly for make-ahead treats.

What It Tastes Like

Imagine buttery brown sugar blondies that melt in your mouth, with pockets of tangy cream cheese and that nostalgic butterscotch sweetness we all love. Every bite is the perfect balance of chewy, creamy, and rich.

Ingredients

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For the Blondie Batter:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1½ cups packed brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup butterscotch chips

For the Cream Cheese Swirl:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg yolk
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Tools Needed

• 9×13-inch baking pan
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk and spatula
• Electric hand mixer (optional)

Suggested Substitutions

• Use white chocolate chips instead of butterscotch for a sweeter twist.
• Swap gluten-free flour for all-purpose to make it GF-friendly.
• Add a pinch of cinnamon or espresso powder for depth of flavor.
• Try salted caramel chips if you love extra gooey sweetness!

How to Make Butterscotch Cream Cheese Swirl Bars

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Step 1: Prep the Pan

Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 2: Mix the Blondie Batter

In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter and brown sugar until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla extract, whisking until combined.
Fold in flour, baking powder, and salt — don’t overmix! Stir in the butterscotch chips until evenly distributed.

Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Swirl

In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla until creamy and smooth.

Step 4: Assemble the Bars

Spread about two-thirds of the blondie batter into the prepared pan. Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the top, then dollop the remaining blondie batter around it. Use a knife to gently swirl the mixtures together — not too much, just enough for that marbled effect.

Step 5: Bake

Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center is just set. The middle may look slightly soft — that’s perfect! It will firm up as it cools.

Step 6: Cool & Slice

Let the bars cool completely before slicing into squares. (I know, the wait is torture!) Once cooled, cut into 16–20 squares and serve.

What to Serve with Butterscotch Cream Cheese Swirl Bars

Pair these bars with:

• A cup of dark roast coffee or espresso.
• Vanilla bean ice cream for a decadent dessert plate.
• A drizzle of warm caramel sauce and a sprinkle of sea salt for contrast.

Tips for Making It Perfect

• Don’t overbake — the bars should be just set in the center.
• Room temperature cream cheese gives the smoothest swirl.
• For neat slices, chill the bars in the fridge for 30 minutes before cutting.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Storage Instructions

• Room Temp: 2–3 days in an airtight container.
• Fridge: Up to 5 days, tightly wrapped.
• Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

General Information

These bars are an American classic, inspired by Midwest bake sale treats. Butterscotch became popular in the U.S. in the 19th century and remains a nostalgic favorite for many home bakers. The cream cheese swirl adds a modern, tangy twist to that old-fashioned sweetness.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use white chocolate instead of butterscotch chips?
Absolutely! It changes the flavor profile slightly, but still delicious.

2. Can I double this recipe?
Yes — just use a larger baking pan and add 5–10 minutes to the baking time.

3. Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

4. How do I know when it’s done?
The edges should be golden, and the center should not jiggle.

5. Can I freeze them?
Definitely! Wrap each bar individually and store for up to 3 months.

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Conclusion

There’s something so comforting about the smell of brown sugar and butter swirling in the oven, don’t you think? These Butterscotch Cream Cheese Swirl Bars are rich, gooey, and perfect for sharing — or not sharing (no judgment here).

If you loved this, check out a few more sweet treats from my kitchen:

• Soft & Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

And don’t forget to pin your baking creations on Pinterest — I absolutely love seeing what you bake!

Interactive Elements

I’d love to hear how your bars turned out! Leave a comment below or tag me on Pinterest at @poulefrecipe. 💛

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Calories	Carbs	Sugar	Fat	Protein
290 kcal	32g	25g	15g	4g

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