Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars
Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars are the ultimate sweet treat that combines the nostalgic flavors of caramel and chocolate with the crunch of buttery graham crackers and crushed Butterfinger candy bars. Whenever I’m craving something indulgent, these bars come to mind. They’re perfect for parties, after-school snacks, or even as a dessert to impress your family on a cozy weekend. What’s better is how simple they are to whip up, making your time in the kitchen enjoyable rather than a chore.
Reasons to Try This Recipe
You’ll adore these Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars for a multitude of reasons! They are incredibly easy to prepare and require minimal ingredients, making them budget-friendly. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply want to satisfy your sweet tooth, this treat delivers fantastic crunch and rich flavor in every bite. Plus, they’re a guaranteed hit with kids, making them a perfect dessert for family events.
"These bars are absolutely delightful! Every bite is heavenly, and they disappeared in no time at my get-together!" – Satisfied bakery-lover
Preparing Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars Recipe
Making Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars is a straightforward process that elevates simple ingredients into a delicious dessert. Here’s an overview to set your expectations: first, you’ll create a crunchy base with graham cracker crumbs, followed by a luscious caramel layer. Next, you’ll sprinkle on crushed Butterfinger bars and top it all off with melted chocolate for an indulgent finish. Let’s dive into the ingredients!
What You’ll Need
For the Base:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
For the Caramel Layer:
- 1 cup caramel bits or soft caramels, unwrapped
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
For the Butterfinger Layer:
- 1 cup crushed Butterfinger candy bars (about 3-4 bars)
For the Chocolate Topping:
- 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Optional Garnish:
- Extra crushed Butterfinger pieces
Feel free to swap graham crackers for chocolate wafers if you’re looking to enhance the chocolate flavor!
Step-By-Step Instructions
Prepare the Base:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
- In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Stir until evenly moistened.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan, forming an even layer. Bake for 8-10 minutes until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
Prepare the Caramel Layer:
4. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the caramel bits and heavy cream. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval until smooth and fully melted.
5. Pour the caramel over the graham cracker crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
Add the Butterfinger Layer:
6. Sprinkle crushed Butterfinger candy bars evenly over the caramel layer, pressing them down gently so they adhere.
Prepare the Chocolate Topping:
7. Melt the chocolate chips and butter together in a separate microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
8. Pour the melted chocolate over the Butterfinger layer, spreading it out evenly to cover the entire surface.
Set and Serve:
9. Allow the bars to cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Then, transfer to the refrigerator to set completely for about 2 hours.
10. Once set, lift the bars out using the parchment overhang and cut into squares or rectangles. For an extra touch, sprinkle with additional crushed Butterfinger pieces before serving.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars make a delightful dessert or snack, perfect for sharing at potlucks, birthday parties, or just because. Serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an indulgent treat. Pair these bars with a cup of coffee or milk for the ultimate comfort experience!
How to Store
To keep your Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to extend their shelf life, refrigerate them for up to a week. Just remember, these bars are best enjoyed when allowed to come to room temperature for a few minutes after refrigeration, enhancing their flavors.
Helpful Cooking Tips
To ensure your Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars turn out perfectly every time, follow these handy tips:
- Make sure the butter in the base is fully melted to avoid crumbly textures.
- When layering the caramel, work quickly as it can start to set up if left too long.
- For a bit of extra flair, consider drizzling some melted white chocolate on top.
Creative Twists
While this recipe is a classic treat in itself, consider these creative variations:
- Nutty Addition: Mix in chopped nuts with the Butterfinger layer for an added crunch.
- Flavor Swaps: Use other candy bars like Snickers or Reese’s for a different flavor profile.
- Coconut Cookie Crust: Swap graham crackers for coconut cookies to give a tropical twist to them.
Your Questions Answered
How long does this recipe take to make?
The prep time is roughly 20 minutes, and with an additional 2 hours of chilling, you’re looking at about 2 hours and 20 minutes total.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Absolutely! These bars can be made up to a week in advance and are perfect for batch baking.
What can I use instead of graham cracker crumbs?
Crushed Oreos or any other cookies can work well, depending on what flavor profile you’re aiming for.
Are there gluten-free options available?
Yes, simply use gluten-free graham crackers or a gluten-free cookie alternative in your base.
With its irresistible flavor and delightful crunch, Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars are sure to become a beloved recipe in your dessert repertoire. Enjoy baking and indulging!
Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars
Ingredients
For the Base
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted Make sure it's fully melted to avoid crumbly texture.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
For the Caramel Layer
- 1 cup caramel bits or soft caramels, unwrapped
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
For the Butterfinger Layer
- 1 cup crushed Butterfinger candy bars (about 3-4 bars)
For the Chocolate Topping
- 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Optional Garnish
- 1 cup extra crushed Butterfinger pieces For garnish before serving.
Instructions
Prepare the Base
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
- In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Stir until evenly moistened.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan, forming an even layer. Bake for 8-10 minutes until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
Prepare the Caramel Layer
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the caramel bits and heavy cream. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval until smooth and fully melted.
- Pour the caramel over the graham cracker crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
Add the Butterfinger Layer
- Sprinkle crushed Butterfinger candy bars evenly over the caramel layer, pressing them down gently so they adhere.
Prepare the Chocolate Topping
- Melt the chocolate chips and butter together in a separate microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
- Pour the melted chocolate over the Butterfinger layer, spreading it out evenly to cover the entire surface.
Set and Serve
- Allow the bars to cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Then, transfer to the refrigerator to set completely for about 2 hours.
- Once set, lift the bars out using the parchment overhang and cut into squares or rectangles. For an extra touch, sprinkle with additional crushed Butterfinger pieces before serving.
