If you are looking for a decadent treat that brings together crunchy, gooey, and sweet layers all in one bite, the Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars Recipe is your new best friend. This delightful dessert combines the rich crunch of Butterfinger candy with a luscious caramel drizzle and a buttery graham cracker crust, creating a harmonious symphony of flavors and textures that will have you reaching for seconds — and maybe thirds. Whether you’re making a special occasion dessert or simply indulging a sweet tooth, these bars deliver an irresistible homemade charm that’s truly unforgettable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in the Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars Recipe plays an important role in balancing texture and flavor, and you probably already have many of them on hand. From the buttery graham cracker base to the mix of chocolates and candy bars, every element contributes something special to this delicious dessert.
- Crushed graham crackers (1 1/2 cups): This forms the crispy, golden crust that provides a sturdy base and subtle sweetness.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, melted): Richness and moisture to hold the crust together perfectly.
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup): Adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance the buttery crust.
- Sweetened condensed milk (1 can, 14 ounces): A creamy and smooth layer that binds the bars together with a luscious texture.
- Caramel bits or soft caramels (1 cup, melted with 2 tablespoons milk): Provides a gooey, rich caramel layer that elevates the entire bar.
- Chopped Butterfinger candy bars (1 cup): The star ingredient—adds irresistible crunchy peanut butter flavor in delightful bites throughout.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (1/2 cup): Offers a touch of chocolate depth and contrasts beautifully with the caramel.
- Butterscotch chips (1/2 cup): Enhances the buttery sweetness and adds an extra layer of decadence.
- Chopped peanuts (1/2 cup, optional): Gives an optional crunchy texture and a salty counterpoint to the sweet components.
How to Make Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare your pan and crust
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F, and lining a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper or foil. A light greasing will help prevent sticking later. The crust is the foundational layer, so mix the crushed graham crackers, melted butter, and granulated sugar until everything is well combined. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of your pan — this creates that lovely crunchy base everyone will love.
Step 2: Add the creamy, sticky layers
Once your crust is pressed in evenly, pour the sweetened condensed milk over it as the next layer. This thick, creamy milk will soak into the crust slightly, binding the layers together beautifully. Next, drizzle the melted caramel evenly on top. The caramel will add that signature sticky sweetness that makes this dessert feel so indulgent without being overpowering.
Step 3: Top with candies and prepare for baking
Now for the most fun part — sprinkle the chopped Butterfinger candy bars, semi-sweet chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, and optional chopped peanuts evenly over the caramel layer. This colorful mix of toppings offers a crunch and flavor explosion in every bite. Your bars are now ready to bake and turn golden.
Step 4: Bake and cool
Place your pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You want to look for bubbly caramel edges and a golden crust to know it’s done. Once baked, let your bars cool completely at room temperature—this is key for the layers to set properly. To make slicing easier and enhance texture, refrigerate the bars for at least one hour before cutting into squares.
How to Serve Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of flair and flavor, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of each bar to balance the sweetness and highlight the caramel notes. You can also drizzle a little melted chocolate or caramel sauce over the bars for a glossy, irresistible finish. Crushed Butterfinger pieces as a garnish bring additional texture and a pop of vibrant color.
Side Dishes
These bars pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla or salted caramel ice cream for a dessert experience that’s pure bliss. A cup of rich coffee or a bold black tea also complements the sweetness nicely, helping to balance the richness. If you’re serving them at a party, consider fresh fruit or a light whipped cream on the side to lighten things up.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars into bite-sized treats by cutting them into smaller squares or rectangles and serving on a fancy platter. You could also layer pieces in a clear glass trifle dish with whipped cream and chocolate shavings for an elegant dessert display. Wrapping individual bars in decorative parchment paper makes them perfect for gifting or sharing at potlucks.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover bars fresh by storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay deliciously fresh for up to 5 days. Chilling helps maintain their structure and keeps the caramel from becoming too sticky or soft.
Freezing
Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars freeze beautifully, making them great for prepping in advance. Wrap bars tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing much of their wonderful texture or flavor.
Reheating
If you want to enjoy these bars warm, let them thaw completely and then heat briefly in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds. This will make the caramel gooey again and soften the chocolate chips just enough to intensify each mouthful.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought caramel sauce instead of melting caramel bits and milk?
Absolutely! Using store-bought caramel sauce will work just fine. Just make sure it’s a thicker caramel so it doesn’t make the bars too runny, and adjust the amount to your liking.
Is there a way to make these bars nut-free?
Yes, simply omit the chopped peanuts or substitute with toasted sunflower seeds if you want to keep some crunch without nuts. The recipe is still delicious with this modification.
Can I substitute Butterfinger with other candy bars?
Feel free to swap the Butterfinger bars for your favorite crunchy peanut butter candy bars, like Reese’s Pieces or Snickers. Each brings a slightly different flavor but keeps the crunchy, sweet vibe intact.
How do I cut these bars neatly?
For clean slices, use a sharp knife sprayed with cooking spray or wiped with a hot damp towel between cuts. Chilling the bars thoroughly before slicing also makes the cutting process much easier.
Are these bars suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, the Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars Recipe is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat or gelatin products, making it suitable for most vegetarian diets.
Final Thoughts
Whipping up the Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars Recipe is like creating a little slice of candy heaven right in your own kitchen. These bars are incredibly satisfying with their perfect balance of crunchy, chewy, and sweet layers. Give this recipe a try and watch how quickly it becomes a staple for celebrations, gatherings, or any time you need a crowd-pleasing treat that feels both decadent and homemade.
Print
Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars combine a crunchy graham cracker crust with gooey caramel, melted Butterfinger candy, chocolate chips, and butterscotch chips for a rich and indulgent layered dessert bar that’s easy to make and perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 1/2 cups crushed graham crackers (about 10 full sheets)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
Filling and Topping
- 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup caramel bits or soft caramels, melted with 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 cup chopped Butterfinger candy bars
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup butterscotch chips
- 1/2 cup chopped peanuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper or foil and lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the crust: In a mixing bowl, combine the crushed graham crackers, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Stir well until the mixture is evenly combined. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form a solid crust.
- Add the caramel and candy layers: Pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the graham cracker crust. Then, drizzle the melted caramel over the top evenly. Sprinkle the chopped Butterfinger candy bars, semi-sweet chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, and chopped peanuts (if using) evenly over the caramel layer to create a richly layered topping.
- Bake the bars: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the edges turn golden and the mixture looks bubbly. This ensures the bars are cooked through and the flavors meld together well.
- Cool and chill: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, refrigerate the bars for at least 1 hour to set them properly for clean slicing.
- Slice and serve: After chilling, use a sharp knife coated with cooking spray for easier slicing into 16 squares. Serve chilled and enjoy your delicious Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars.
Notes
- Store bars in the refrigerator for up to 5 days for best freshness.
- Use a sharp knife coated with cooking spray to make slicing easier and cleaner.
- You can substitute peanut butter chips for butterscotch chips or omit the peanuts entirely if preferred.
