Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars Recipe

Easy Homemade Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars Recipe

Crafting delectable butterfinger caramel crunch bars awakens childhood memories of sweet indulgence.

Layers of crunchy, golden candy and smooth caramel create an irresistible symphony of textures.

Chocolate enthusiasts will fall head over heels for this decadent treat.

Homemade desserts always taste better when made with passion and care.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of crisp, creamy, and rich flavors.

Gather your ingredients and prepare to embark on a mouthwatering adventure that will delight everyone at the table.

Let’s transform simple ingredients into an extraordinary dessert that screams pure deliciousness.

What Makes Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars So Irresistible

  • Blast Through Baking: Super quick and simple recipe that even novice bakers can master without stress, requiring minimal kitchen skills and basic ingredients.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Combines irresistible flavors of chocolate, caramel, and crunchy Butterfinger, making it a guaranteed hit at potlucks, family gatherings, and parties.
  • Versatile Sweet Treat: Perfect for satisfying sudden dessert cravings, creating a delightful snack that works beautifully for afterschool treats, movie nights, or unexpected guests.
  • Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows swapping ingredients like different candy bars or chocolate types, giving creative cooks room to experiment and personalize the bars.

Must-Have Ingredients for Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars

Base Layer:
  • Graham Crackers: A crunchy foundation that provides a classic sweet and buttery base for the dessert bars.
  • Butter: Helps bind the graham cracker crust and adds rich flavor.
Filling Layer:
  • Sweetened Condensed Milk: Creates a thick, creamy layer that adds sweetness and helps hold the bars together.
  • Caramel Sauce: Adds a luxurious, gooey texture and deep caramel flavor to the dessert.
Topping Layer:
  • Butterfinger Candy Bars, Chocolate Chips: Provide a delightful crunch, rich chocolate flavor, and signature peanut butter taste that makes these bars irresistibly indulgent.

Step-by-Step Guide to Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Set your oven to 350F (175C). Line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal later.

Step 2: Create Buttery Graham Cracker Base

In a mixing bowl, combine melted butter with finely crushed graham crackers. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating an even, compact layer.

Step 3: Add Creamy Caramel Layer

Gently pour sweetened condensed milk over the graham cracker crust. Drizzle caramel sauce in a zigzag pattern across the surface, ensuring even coverage.

Step 4: Sprinkle Decadent Toppings

Distribute these delightful ingredients across the caramel layer:
  • Crushed Butterfinger candy bars
  • Chocolate chips

Spread them evenly to ensure each bar will have maximum flavor and crunch.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Look for a golden-brown color and slightly bubbling edges as indicators of doneness.

Step 6: Cool and Slice

Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the baking dish. Once cooled, use the parchment paper edges to lift out the entire dessert and slice into square bars.

Handy Tips for Baking Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars

  • Ensure parchment paper extends over the sides for easy bar removal and clean cutting.
  • Crush Butterfinger bars finely for a more even distribution of flavor throughout the dessert.
  • Use room temperature ingredients to help the condensed milk spread smoothly across the graham cracker base.
  • For a gluten-free version, substitute graham crackers with gluten-free cookie crumbs or ground almond meal.
  • Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain their crisp texture and prevent caramel from becoming too soft.

Fun Variations on Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars

  • Nutty Chocolate Explosion: Replace Butterfinger with chopped almonds and dark chocolate chips for a rich, crunchy variation.
  • Peanut Butter Paradise: Swirl peanut butter into the condensed milk layer and top with crushed peanut butter cups for extra indulgence.
  • Salted Caramel Dream: Add sea salt flakes on top and use salted caramel sauce instead of regular caramel for a sophisticated flavor profile.
  • Berry Chocolate Crunch: Sprinkle freeze-dried raspberry pieces and white chocolate chips over the caramel layer for a fruity, decadent alternative.

Perfect Pairings for Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars

  • Pairing Creamy Delight: Serve these rich Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars with a cold glass of whole milk to balance the sweet, intense flavors and create a smooth, refreshing contrast.
  • Brew the Perfect Companion: Enjoy alongside a hot espresso or cappuccino, which will cut through the sweetness and complement the caramel and chocolate notes with its robust coffee undertones.
  • Elevate Dessert Experience: Match with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream to enhance the bar's creamy texture and add an extra layer of cool, smooth indulgence that melts beautifully with the warm, crunchy base.
  • Wine Lover's Match: Select a sweet dessert wine like Moscato or a light Port, which will harmonize with the caramel and chocolate, creating a luxurious end to your dessert moment.

Storage Advice for Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars

  • Store covered in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Keep the bars chilled to maintain their texture and prevent caramel from becoming too soft.
  • Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months for longer storage.
  • Remove frozen bars from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before serving. This helps preserve their original crispy texture.
  • Warm briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds on low power, or let sit at room temperature to soften slightly before enjoying.

FAQs About Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars

  • Can I use a different type of candy bar instead of Butterfinger?

Yes, you can substitute Butterfinger with other chocolate or candy bars like Snickers, Crunch, or Twix for a different flavor profile.

  • Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use gluten-free graham crackers or graham cracker alternative like almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs to create the crust.

  • How do I prevent the bars from being too sweet?

Balance the sweetness by using dark chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate, and choose a caramel sauce that isn’t overly sugary.

  • Can I prepare these bars in advance?

Yes, you can make these bars a day ahead. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

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Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars Recipe

Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars Recipe


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4.9 from 38 reviews

  • Total Time: 30-35 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Butterfinger caramel crunch bars combine irresistible layers of chocolate, caramel, and crushed candy bars for an indulgent dessert experience. Sweet-salty notes and rich textures make these bars a perfect treat you cannot resist.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 cup caramel sauce
  • 1 cup crushed graham crackers

Candy and Chocolate:

  • 1/2 cup crushed Butterfinger candy bars
  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips

Base Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven at 350F (175C) and line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper, ensuring edges are covered for easy removal.
  2. Combine melted butter with finely ground graham cracker crumbs, mixing until the texture resembles wet sand.
  3. Firmly press the graham cracker mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan, creating an even, compact base layer.
  4. Gently pour sweetened condensed milk across the entire graham cracker crust, ensuring complete and uniform coverage.
  5. Drizzle rich caramel sauce in a zigzag pattern over the condensed milk layer, creating an appealing visual design.
  6. Generously scatter crushed Butterfinger pieces and chocolate chips across the surface, distributing them evenly for consistent flavor in every bite.
  7. Transfer the pan to the preheated oven and bake for 22-25 minutes, watching for a golden-brown appearance and slightly bubbling edges.
  8. Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature for approximately 1-2 hours, which helps them set and become easier to cut.
  9. Once cooled, lift the bars out using the parchment paper and slice into square or rectangular portions using a sharp knife.

Notes

  • Crush Butterfinger bars finely to ensure even distribution and maximum candy crunch throughout the dessert.
  • For a gluten-free version, swap graham crackers with gluten-free cookie crumbs or almond flour to maintain the base’s texture and flavor.
  • Use room temperature sweetened condensed milk for smoother, more consistent coverage across the graham cracker crust.
  • Chill bars completely before cutting to achieve clean, precise edges and help layers set properly, enhancing overall presentation and texture.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 340 kcal
  • Sugar: 35 g
  • Sodium: 120 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 11 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Sarah Mitchell

Sarah Mitchell

Content Specialist & Home Cooking Enthusiast

Expertise

  • Making healthy, comforting meals that fit into real-life schedules
  • Planning balanced, single-serving meals for individuals and small families
  • Writing clear, practical food content with a focus on wellness and ease
  • Using seasonal ingredients to bring variety and freshness to everyday meals

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College – Asheville, NC

  • Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Trained in the basics of professional cooking, with a strong focus on home-style meals, seasonal recipe development, and time-saving kitchen techniques for everyday use.

American Fitness Professionals & Associates – Online

  • Program: Nutrition and Wellness Consultant Certification
  • Focus: Studied how to make healthy eating simple, enjoyable, and accessible

Sarah’s passion for food was sparked by weekend trips to the farmers’ market and her belief that healthy meals should never feel boring.
After earning her culinary diploma and becoming a certified Nutrition and Wellness Consultant, she set out to help others fall in love with simple, wholesome cooking.
She’s all about celebrating the small wins in the kitchen: a colorful yogurt bowl, a new twist on a classic dish, or a homemade snack that feels just a little extra special.
Outside the kitchen, Sarah is a gardener at heart, a yoga enthusiast, and a believer that fresh herbs can brighten any meal, and any day.

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