As I scoured my pantry for something sweet, I stumbled upon a treasure trove of ingredients just waiting to be transformed. Enter Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars, a dessert that takes indulgence to a new level. These delightful layers unite a buttery graham cracker crust, gooey caramel, and the irresistible crunch of Butterfinger pieces, all crowned with a silky chocolate topping. Not only are these bars a decadent treat, but they’re also a breeze to whip up, making them perfect for any occasion that calls for a special touch. Whether you’re entertaining guests or simply treating yourself, these bars are a must-try! Curious about how to turn your pantry staples into this delicious creation? Let’s get started! Why You’ll Crave These Bars? Decadent delight: The balance of buttery graham cracker, luscious caramel, and smooth chocolate creates an unforgettable experience. Easy to make: You’ll be amazed at how simple it is to layer these scrumptious ingredients together! Gourmet touch: Impress friends and family at your next gathering with a homemade dessert that screams luxury. For an even more delicious ending, consider pairing these bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or explore variations like Key Lime Bars for a refreshing twist. Customizable options: Feel free to swap in your favorite candy bar—Snickers or Twix would work beautifully! With these Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars, you’ll have a crowd-pleaser that everyone will crave. Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars Ingredients • Get ready to create bliss! For the Crust Graham Cracker Crumbs – Provides a buttery base; alternative digestive biscuits work well too. Unsalted Butter (melted) – Binds the crust and adds richness; use coconut oil for a dairy-free option. Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the crust; consider brown sugar for added moisture and flavor. For the Caramel Layer Caramel Bits or Soft Caramels (unwrapped) – Creates a gooey, chewy layer; homemade caramel is a great substitute if you’re feeling adventurous. Heavy Cream – Helps melt and soften the caramel perfectly; use milk for a lighter version if desired. For the Candy Layer Crushed Butterfinger Candy Bars – Adds delightful crunch and a unique peanut butter flavor; try crushed Reese’s for a different take. For the Chocolate Topping Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips – Finishes the bars with luscious richness; swap for dark or milk chocolate to suit your taste. Unsalted Butter (for topping) – Guarantees a smooth chocolate consistency; shortening is an alternative for a unique texture. For Garnish Extra Crushed Butterfinger Pieces (optional) – Adds an appealing crunch and elevates presentation! Get ready to bring these Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars to life with this delightful blend of ingredients! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating, line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal later. This preparation is key to ensuring your Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars come out perfectly! Step 2: Make the Graham Cracker Crust In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Use a fork to blend the mixture until it resembles wet sand. Once mixed thoroughly, press the crust mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. This step should take about 5 minutes to ensure a solid base for your bars. Step 3: Bake the Crust Transfer the baking pan to your preheated oven and bake the crust for 10 minutes, or until it appears lightly golden around the edges. This creates a firm base that will hold the layers of your Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars together. Once done, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool slightly. Step 4: Prepare the Caramel Layer In a medium saucepan, combine the caramel bits and heavy cream. Heat the mixture over low heat, stirring consistently until it melts and becomes smooth, which should take about 5–7 minutes. Once smooth, pour the caramel generously over the cooled graham cracker crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Step 5: Add the Butterfinger Pieces While the caramel layer is still warm, evenly sprinkle the crushed Butterfinger candy bars over the caramel. Press them down gently with a spatula to ensure they stick. This will create a crunchy layer that complements the gooey caramel in your Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars. Step 6: Melt the Chocolate Topping In another saucepan, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips and unsalted butter. Melt over low heat, stirring until fully combined and smooth. This will take around 3–5 minutes. Once melted, carefully pour the chocolate mixture over the candy layer, spreading it evenly to cover the bars completely. Step 7: Chill and Set Place the entire baking pan in the refrigerator and let it chill for about 2-3 hours, or until set completely. This cooling time allows the layers to firm up, making it easier to lift and cut your Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars into beautiful squares. Step 8: Cut and Serve Once chilled and set, remove the bars from the baking pan using the parchment overhang. Place them on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to cut into squares. For a cleaner cut, consider warming your knife slightly before slicing through the chocolate. These delightful Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars are now ready to be enjoyed! What to Serve with Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars? Pair your indulgent treat with delightful accompaniments that elevate your dessert experience. Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing, cooling ice cream beautifully contrasts the rich bars, enhancing every bite. Whipped Cream: Light and airy, whipped cream adds a fluffy texture that’ll boost the sweetness of your Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars. Espresso or Coffee: The strong, bitter notes of coffee create a divine balance with the sweetness, making each bite even more enjoyable. Fresh Berries: Juicy strawberries or raspberries provide a refreshing burst of flavor that cuts through the richness of the bars. Chocolate Sauce: Drizzling warm chocolate sauce creates an even more decadent experience, perfect for chocolate lovers looking to indulge. Caramel Sauce: For a truly luxurious touch, drizzle over the bars for an extra gooey caramel burst that enhances their flavor profile. Nutty Crumble Topping: Add a sprinkle of crushed nuts on top for a crunchy texture that complements the layered experience, inviting a delightful contrast. Mint Tea: A warm cup of refreshing mint tea can cleanse the palate and make every bite feel light and delightful. Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars Variations Feel free to explore exciting tweaks and alternatives for these delightful bars—your taste buds will thank you! Dairy-Free: Replace unsalted butter with coconut oil and use dairy-free chocolate chips for a vegan version. Nutty Flavor: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the graham cracker crust for a crunchy twist. A touch of nutty goodness enhances the entire experience. Salted Caramel: Drizzle a bit of salt over the caramel layer before adding the Peanut Butter Cups for a savory-sweet balance that elevates the treat. Crunchy Texture: Mix in crispy rice cereal with your Butterfinger for extra crunch throughout. This twist provides a fun, nostalgic feeling that takes you back to childhood. Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chocolate topping for a surprising and delightful spicy contrast. It’s a unique flavor adventure you won’t want to miss! Chocolate Swirl: Instead of a solid chocolate topping, create swirls of white chocolate or peanut butter in the melted chocolate for a beautiful presentation and a delightful flavor contrast. Substitute Candies: Enhance variety by swapping out Butterfingers for crushed Snickers or Twix for a new flavor dimension. Each candy brings its own uniqueness, injecting new life into the bars. Feeling adventurous? You may want to explore different treats such as homemade Chocolate Chip Bars or Carrot Cake Bars for even more delightful indulgences! How to Store and Freeze Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars Airtight Container: Store leftover Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their delicious texture. Refrigerator: For longer freshness, keep the bars in the fridge for up to 1 week. Make sure they’re wrapped well to prevent drying out. Freezer: If you want to save them for later, freeze the bars in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving for the best texture. Reheating: If desired, gently warm the bars in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to soften them slightly before enjoying! Expert Tips for Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars Use the Right Butter: Ensure you’re using unsalted butter for both the crust and topping to control the sweetness of your Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars; salted butter can alter the flavor. Cool Before Layering: Allow the graham cracker crust to cool thoroughly before adding the caramel; this prevents the layers from mixing and maintains the bar’s structure. Melt Caramel Gently: When melting your caramel bits with heavy cream, use low heat and stir constantly; this avoids a grainy texture and ensures a smooth layer. Chill for Clean Cuts: After chilling, use a hot knife to slice through the chocolate topping for neat, clean squares of your Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars — it makes all the difference! Customize the Candy: Don’t hesitate to swap out Butterfingers for your favorite candy bars like Snickers or Twix, for a delightful twist in flavor and texture. Make Ahead Options These Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars are ideal for meal prep and can be made up to 24 hours in advance, saving you precious time during busy weeks. For optimal flavor, prepare the graham cracker crust and the caramel layer ahead of time, allowing the layers to meld overnight. Store the assembled bars in the refrigerator, tightly covered, to maintain their delightful texture. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply melt the chocolate topping, pour it over the set layers, and chill again for about 30 minutes until firm. By prepping in advance, you’ll have a decadent dessert at your fingertips without the last-minute rush! Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars Recipe FAQs How do I choose ripe ingredients for this recipe? For this Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars recipe, while most ingredients don’t require ripeness considerations, ensure your butter is fresh and creamy without any grainy texture; this will contribute to the smoothness of your bars. How should I store my Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars? I recommend storing leftover Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For increased freshness, you can keep them in the refrigerator, where they will last up to 1 week. Just make sure they’re wrapped well to prevent drying out! Can I freeze Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars? Absolutely! To freeze these bars, place them in an airtight container, separating the layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight for the best texture. What should I do if my caramel layer is grainy? If you notice that your caramel layer is grainy, it likely didn’t melt consistently. Make sure to melt the caramel bits over low heat, stirring constantly until fully smooth. If it clumps, you can try adding a splash of heavy cream and gently reheating while stirring until it becomes the desired consistency. Are Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars safe for my pet? No, Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars contain chocolate and sugar, which are harmful to pets. Always keep these bars out of reach of your furry friends, and consider treating them with pet-friendly snacks instead! Can I substitute ingredients for dietary restrictions? Certainly! For a dairy-free version, swap unsalted butter with coconut oil and use dairy-free chocolate chips. If you’re gluten-sensitive, opt for gluten-free graham cracker crumbs or use crushed nuts for the crust instead. Enjoy making these delicious Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars tailored to your dietary needs! Decadent Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars You’ll Crave Indulge in these Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars, featuring layers of graham cracker crust, gooey caramel, and crunchy Butterfinger pieces. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 30 minutes minsChilling Time 2 hours hrsTotal Time 2 hours hrs 45 minutes mins Servings: 12 barsCourse: DessertCuisine: AmericanCalories: 250 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Crust1 cup Graham Cracker Crumbs Alternative digestive biscuits work well too.1/2 cup Unsalted Butter (melted) Use coconut oil for a dairy-free option.1/4 cup Granulated Sugar Consider brown sugar for added moisture and flavor.For the Caramel Layer1 cup Caramel Bits or Soft Caramels (unwrapped) Homemade caramel is a great substitute.1/2 cup Heavy Cream Use milk for a lighter version if desired.For the Candy Layer1 cup Crushed Butterfinger Candy Bars Try crushed Reese's for a different take.For the Chocolate Topping1 cup Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips Swap for dark or milk chocolate to suit your taste.2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (for topping) Shortening is an alternative for a unique texture.For Garnish1/4 cup Extra Crushed Butterfinger Pieces Adds an appealing crunch and elevates presentation! Equipment 8x8 inch baking panmixing bowlmedium saucepanspatula Method Step-by-Step InstructionsPreheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Press firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.Bake the crust for 10 minutes, or until lightly golden around the edges. Allow it to cool slightly.In a medium saucepan, combine caramel bits and heavy cream. Heat over low heat, stirring until smooth, about 5-7 minutes. Pour over the cooled crust.Sprinkle the crushed Butterfinger candy bars over the caramel while warm, pressing down gently.In another saucepan, melt chocolate chips and unsalted butter together over low heat, stirring until smooth. Pour over the candy layer and spread evenly.Refrigerate for 2-3 hours until set completely.Remove the bars from the pan using the parchment overhang, cut into squares, and serve. Nutrition Serving: 1barCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 3gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 100mgPotassium: 50mgFiber: 1gSugar: 18gVitamin A: 200IUCalcium: 10mgIron: 1mg NotesFor best results, allow the graham cracker crust to cool thoroughly before adding other layers. Use a hot knife for cleaner cuts. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
