Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars

If you’re a fan of decadent, chewy, and crunchy treats, these Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars are going to be a new favorite. Imagine layers of gooey caramel, a crunchy graham cracker base, creamy chocolate, and that unmistakable Butterfinger crunch in every bite. These bars are the ultimate indulgence, bringing together the classic flavors of chocolate, caramel, and peanut butter in a way that’s easy to make and sure to impress. They’re perfect for parties, potlucks, or whenever you’re in the mood for a sweet, satisfying dessert.

In this recipe, I’ll take you through the step-by-step process to create these delicious Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars. We’ll start with a graham cracker crust that forms the foundation, add a smooth and buttery caramel layer, sprinkle crushed Butterfinger pieces, and finally top it all off with a creamy chocolate layer. These bars are a delightful combination of textures and flavors that will have everyone reaching for seconds.

So, let’s dive into the recipe and discover how to make Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars from scratch. Whether you’re making these bars as a weekend treat or for a special occasion, they’re guaranteed to bring a smile to anyone who tries them.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Irresistible Layers: These bars are made up of layers of graham cracker crust, caramel, Butterfinger pieces, and chocolate, creating a dessert that’s full of different textures and flavors.

Easy to Make: With just a few basic ingredients and simple steps, you’ll have a dessert that looks and tastes impressive but doesn’t require hours in the kitchen.

Perfect for Any Occasion: Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars are a crowd-pleaser, ideal for family gatherings, parties, or even as a homemade gift.

Crunchy, Chewy, and Gooey: Each bite offers the perfect balance of crunchy, chewy, and gooey textures, making these bars a hit for anyone who loves layered desserts.

Customizable: You can easily modify the recipe by swapping ingredients or adding extras to suit your preferences.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Prep time: 20 minutes
• Cook time: 10 minutes
• Chill time: 1 hour
• Total time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: Makes 16 bars
• Serving Size: 1 bar

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 280 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 16g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 25g

Ingredients

For the Graham Cracker Crust:

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Caramel Layer:

• 1 cup caramel bits or soft caramel candies, unwrapped
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream
• 1/2 cup crushed Butterfinger candy bars

For the Chocolate Layer:

• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter

For Topping:

• 1/2 cup crushed Butterfinger candy bars

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, allowing some paper to overhang the sides for easy removal.
2. Make the Graham Cracker Mixture: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Stir until all the crumbs are evenly coated and the mixture resembles wet sand.
3. Press into the Baking Dish: Pour the graham cracker mixture into the prepared baking dish. Use the back of a spoon or the bottom of a measuring cup to press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the dish. This forms the base layer of the bars.
4. Bake the Crust: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges start to turn golden brown. Remove from the oven and let the crust cool while you prepare the caramel layer.

Step 2: Make the Caramel Layer

1. Melt the Caramel: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the caramel bits (or unwrapped soft caramels) with the heavy cream. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until the caramel is completely melted and smooth.
2. Pour over the Crust: Once the caramel is melted and smooth, pour it over the cooled graham cracker crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
3. Add Butterfinger Pieces: Sprinkle 1/2 cup of crushed Butterfinger candy bars evenly over the caramel layer. Press down gently to help the Butterfinger pieces adhere to the caramel.
4. Chill the Caramel Layer: Place the baking dish in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes to allow the caramel layer to firm up before adding the chocolate layer.

Step 3: Prepare the Chocolate Layer

1. Melt the Chocolate and Peanut Butter: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and peanut butter. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until the chocolate is smooth and fully melted.
2. Pour Over the Caramel Layer: Remove the baking dish from the refrigerator and pour the melted chocolate mixture over the caramel layer. Use a spatula to spread the chocolate evenly over the top.
3. Add Topping: Sprinkle an additional 1/2 cup of crushed Butterfinger candy bars over the chocolate layer, pressing down gently to help them stick.

Step 4: Chill and Serve

1. Chill the Bars: Place the baking dish back in the refrigerator and chill for at least 1 hour, or until the chocolate is fully set and the bars are firm.
2. Cut into Squares: Once chilled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the baking dish. Place on a cutting board and cut into 16 squares.
3. Serve and Enjoy: Serve these Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars as a decadent dessert or snack. They’re best enjoyed slightly chilled for the perfect chewy and crunchy texture.

How to Serve Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars

Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars are versatile and can be served in various ways for different occasions:

• As a Dessert: Serve these bars as a standalone dessert at gatherings or family dinners. They’re easy to serve, cut into squares, and perfect for sharing.
• With Ice Cream: For an extra indulgent treat, serve the bars with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream. The cold, creamy ice cream pairs beautifully with the crunchy, chewy layers of the bars.
• As a Snack: These bars make a great sweet snack that’s easy to take on the go. Pack them in a lunchbox or picnic basket for a delightful treat.
• As Part of a Dessert Spread: These bars are an excellent addition to dessert trays or spreads, especially at parties, potlucks, or holiday gatherings.

Additional Tips for Success

1. Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Allowing ingredients like butter to come to room temperature helps them mix more evenly, resulting in a smoother, more cohesive crust and caramel layer.
2. Don’t Overbake the Crust: Baking the graham cracker crust for just 8-10 minutes is sufficient. Overbaking can make it too hard and difficult to cut through.
3. Let the Layers Set Properly: Allow each layer to cool and set in the refrigerator before adding the next layer. This helps prevent the layers from mixing and ensures each layer stays distinct.
4. Use Fresh Butterfinger Bars: Fresh Butterfinger bars will give you the best texture and flavor. Crush them just before adding to the layers for the ultimate crunch.
5. Cut the Bars with a Sharp Knife: For clean slices, use a sharp knife and wipe it between cuts to prevent sticking. This helps keep the layers from blending together when cutting.

Recipe Variations

1. Nutty Caramel Crunch Bars: Add chopped peanuts or almonds to the caramel layer for a nutty twist that complements the Butterfinger flavor.
2. Dark Chocolate Version: Use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet chocolate for a richer, less sweet chocolate layer.
3. Peanut Butter Crunch Bars: Swirl extra peanut butter into the caramel layer for a stronger peanut butter flavor that pairs well with the Butterfinger crunch.
4. Salted Caramel Butterfinger Bars: Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the caramel layer before adding the chocolate. The salt balances the sweetness and enhances the caramel flavor.
5. Oreo Butterfinger Bars: Use crushed Oreo cookies instead of graham cracker crumbs for a different twist on the crust. The chocolate cookie crust adds another layer of flavor.

Freezing and Storage

• Storing Leftovers: Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. The bars taste best when slightly chilled, keeping the caramel firm and the chocolate crisp.
• Freezing: You can freeze Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars for up to 2 months. Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
• Reheating: For a slightly gooier texture, let the bars sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving, as it can melt the chocolate too much.

Special Equipment

• 8×8-Inch Baking Dish: An 8×8-inch baking dish is ideal for this recipe, creating the perfect thickness for each layer.
• Microwave-Safe Bowl: Use microwave-safe bowls for melting the caramel and chocolate layers.
• Offset Spatula: An offset spatula is helpful for spreading each layer evenly in the baking dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use homemade caramel for this recipe?
Yes, you can use homemade caramel in place of the caramel bits or candies. Just ensure it’s thick enough to spread easily without being too runny.

2. What’s the best way to crush Butterfinger bars?
Place the Butterfinger bars in a resealable plastic bag and crush them with a rolling pin. This keeps the pieces uniform and prevents a mess.

3. Can I substitute the Butterfinger bars with another candy?
Yes, you can substitute Butterfinger with other crunchy peanut butter candies like Reese’s Pieces or crushed peanut brittle for a similar texture and flavor.

4. Can I make these bars without peanut butter?
Yes, you can omit the peanut butter from the chocolate layer if you prefer. The chocolate will still melt well and spread over the caramel layer without it.

5. How do I prevent the layers from mixing together?
Allow each layer to cool and firm up before adding the next layer. Refrigerating the bars between each layer helps them stay distinct.

Conclusion

These Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars are a delightful treat that combines the best of chewy caramel, creamy chocolate, and crunchy Butterfinger pieces. Each bite delivers a perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors with a mix of textures that makes it hard to stop at just one bar. With simple ingredients and easy steps, these bars are a great option for a dessert that’s both impressive and easy to make. They’re ideal for sharing, making them perfect for parties, family gatherings, or even as a sweet homemade gift. Whether you’re a fan of Butterfingers or just love layered desserts, these bars are sure to become a favorite. Enjoy making (and eating) these delicious bars, and get ready to share a treat that everyone will be talking about!

Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars

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• Author: Amelia
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: Makes 16 bars 1x

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Graham Cracker Crust:

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Caramel Layer:

• 1 cup caramel bits or soft caramel candies, unwrapped
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream
• 1/2 cup crushed Butterfinger candy bars

For the Chocolate Layer:

• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter

For Topping:

• 1/2 cup crushed Butterfinger candy bars

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, allowing some paper to overhang the sides for easy removal.
2. Make the Graham Cracker Mixture: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Stir until all the crumbs are evenly coated and the mixture resembles wet sand.
3. Press into the Baking Dish: Pour the graham cracker mixture into the prepared baking dish. Use the back of a spoon or the bottom of a measuring cup to press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the dish. This forms the base layer of the bars.
4. Bake the Crust: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges start to turn golden brown. Remove from the oven and let the crust cool while you prepare the caramel layer.

Step 2: Make the Caramel Layer

1. Melt the Caramel: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the caramel bits (or unwrapped soft caramels) with the heavy cream. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until the caramel is completely melted and smooth.
2. Pour over the Crust: Once the caramel is melted and smooth, pour it over the cooled graham cracker crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
3. Add Butterfinger Pieces: Sprinkle 1/2 cup of crushed Butterfinger candy bars evenly over the caramel layer. Press down gently to help the Butterfinger pieces adhere to the caramel.
4. Chill the Caramel Layer: Place the baking dish in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes to allow the caramel layer to firm up before adding the chocolate layer.

Step 3: Prepare the Chocolate Layer

1. Melt the Chocolate and Peanut Butter: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and peanut butter. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until the chocolate is smooth and fully melted.
2. Pour Over the Caramel Layer: Remove the baking dish from the refrigerator and pour the melted chocolate mixture over the caramel layer. Use a spatula to spread the chocolate evenly over the top.
3. Add Topping: Sprinkle an additional 1/2 cup of crushed Butterfinger candy bars over the chocolate layer, pressing down gently to help them stick.

Step 4: Chill and Serve

1. Chill the Bars: Place the baking dish back in the refrigerator and chill for at least 1 hour, or until the chocolate is fully set and the bars are firm.
2. Cut into Squares: Once chilled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the baking dish. Place on a cutting board and cut into 16 squares.
3. Serve and Enjoy: Serve these Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars as a decadent dessert or snack. They’re best enjoyed slightly chilled for the perfect chewy and crunchy texture.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes + Chill time: 1 hour

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bar
• Calories: 280 kcal
• Sugar: 25g
• Fat: 16g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g