Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars are an easy-to-make dessert with layers of rich caramel, crunchy Butterfinger pieces, and a buttery graham cracker base. These bars are packed with a delightful mix of textures and flavors, making them a perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re making them for a party, a family gathering, or just because, these bars are sure to disappear quickly!
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Ingredients
- Instructions
- Cook Notes
- Variations
- Serving Suggestions
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
Ingredients
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cups Butterfinger candy bars, crushed
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Base
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it for easy removal.
In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Mix until well combined. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust. Bake for 8-10 minutes until slightly golden, then remove from the oven and set aside.
Step 2: Add the Caramel Layer
Pour the sweetened condensed milk over the baked crust, spreading it evenly. Then, drizzle the caramel sauce over the sweetened condensed milk layer.
Step 3: Add Butterfinger and Chocolate Chips
Sprinkle the crushed Butterfinger candy bars evenly over the caramel layer, followed by the chocolate chips and chopped pecans (if using). Make sure everything is distributed evenly to ensure a delicious crunch in every bite.
Step 4: Bake
Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are bubbly and the chocolate chips have melted. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely in the baking dish.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
Once cooled, place the bars in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to set. Once set, lift the bars out of the baking dish using the parchment paper overhang. Slice into bars or squares and serve.
Cook Notes
- Crushing Butterfingers: Use a zip-top bag and a rolling pin to crush the Butterfinger bars for easy cleanup. Alternatively, pulse them in a food processor for a finer texture.
- Chilling Time: Make sure to chill the bars thoroughly before slicing. This ensures clean cuts and helps the layers hold together.
- Caramel Sauce: Use thick caramel sauce for the best results. A runny caramel can make the bars messy and harder to set.
Variations
1. Peanut Butter Caramel Crunch Bars
Add 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter to the caramel layer for an extra nutty flavor that complements the Butterfinger.
2. Dark Chocolate Twist
Replace the semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark chocolate chips for a richer, slightly less sweet version.
3. Pretzel Crunch Bars
Add 1/2 cup crushed pretzels to the graham cracker crust for a salty twist that balances the sweetness of the caramel and chocolate.
Serving Suggestions
- With Ice Cream: Serve these bars slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert.
- Drizzle with Caramel: Drizzle extra caramel sauce on top before serving for an added layer of sweetness.
- Holiday Treat: Decorate with festive sprinkles for holidays like Christmas or Halloween to make these bars extra special for any gathering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Make Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars Ahead of Time?
Yes! These bars can be made up to 2 days in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
How Do I Store Leftover Bars?
Store any leftover Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. You can also freeze them for longer storage.
Can I Use a Different Candy Bar?
Absolutely! You can use Snickers, Heath, or even Twix in place of Butterfinger to switch up the flavor profile.
Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars are a delicious mix of sweet, buttery, and crunchy layers that make them an irresistible treat for any occasion. With a graham cracker crust, gooey caramel, and crunchy Butterfinger topping, these bars are sure to impress. Whether you’re making them for a party or just a sweet snack at home, they’re easy to make and even easier to enjoy. Give this recipe a try, and watch them disappear in no time!
Did you make this recipe? Share your experience in the comments below and let us know how it turned out!
