Introduction
Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars are the ultimate treat for candy lovers and dessert enthusiasts alike. With layers of graham cracker crust, sweetened condensed milk, gooey caramel, and crunchy Butterfinger pieces, these bars deliver a perfect combination of sweetness, crunch, and rich flavor. Topped with a drizzle of melted milk chocolate, each bite is a delightful indulgence. These bars are ideal for parties, family gatherings, or when you’re simply craving something rich and decadent. Easy to make and hard to resist, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your dessert repertoire!
Ingredients:
For the Bars:
- 1 cup crushed Butterfinger candy bars
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup milk chocolate chips, melted
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking pan with non-stick spray or line it with parchment paper for easier removal of the bars once baked.
Step 2: Make the Graham Cracker Crust
In a medium bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar until the mixture resembles wet sand. The butter will help bind the crumbs together and give the crust a rich flavor. Once combined, press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, creating a solid crust layer. Use the back of a spoon or your hands to ensure it’s packed tightly.
Step 3: Layer the Sweetened Condensed Milk
Pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the graham cracker crust. This will form a creamy, sweet layer that adds moisture and richness to the bars. Be sure to spread it out evenly to cover the entire surface of the crust.
Step 4: Add the Caramel and Butterfinger Layers
Drizzle the caramel sauce over the top of the sweetened condensed milk. You can use a spoon to swirl it around for a marbled effect, or just drizzle it in straight lines for a more uniform look. Afterward, sprinkle the crushed Butterfinger candy bars generously over the top of the caramel layer. The Butterfinger adds a delicious crunch and the signature peanut butter flavor that makes these bars truly unique.
Step 5: Bake the Bars
Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set. Be careful not to overbake, as the caramel and condensed milk layers should remain gooey and soft. Once the bars are done, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan. This cooling process is important for the layers to set and the bars to firm up.
Step 6: Drizzle with Melted Chocolate
Once the bars have cooled, melt the milk chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 20-second intervals, stirring between each until the chocolate is smooth and fully melted. Use a spoon or a small piping bag to drizzle the melted chocolate over the top of the cooled bars. This final chocolate layer adds an extra touch of indulgence and ties all the flavors together beautifully.
Step 7: Slice and Serve
After drizzling the chocolate, allow the bars to sit for a few minutes to let the chocolate set. Once set, use a sharp knife to slice the bars into squares or rectangles. Serve them immediately, or store them in an airtight container for later enjoyment.
COOKING NOTE:
For even easier bar removal and cleaner slices, line your pan with parchment paper, leaving enough overhang on the sides to lift the bars out of the pan once cooled. If you prefer a thicker bar, you can double the recipe and bake in a 9×13-inch pan, adjusting the baking time slightly.
Serving Suggestions:
These Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars are delicious on their own, but for a special treat, serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. If you’re hosting a dessert buffet or a party, these bars are a crowd-pleaser and pair well with coffee or a hot cocoa bar. They also make a fantastic addition to holiday cookie trays or bake sales.
Tips:
- Crushing the Butterfingers: To easily crush the Butterfinger candy bars, place them in a ziplock bag and use a rolling pin or the back of a spoon to break them into small pieces. You can leave some larger chunks for added texture.
- Caramel Sauce Options: Store-bought caramel sauce works perfectly for this recipe, but if you have time, homemade caramel sauce can elevate the flavor. Just ensure it’s not too runny, so it doesn’t oversaturate the bars.
- Chocolate Drizzle: If you want to mix things up, try drizzling white chocolate or dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate for a slightly different flavor profile.
- Storage: Store these bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage; just be sure to wrap them individually to prevent sticking.
- Microwave Tip for Melting Chocolate: When melting chocolate in the microwave, heat it in 20-second intervals and stir between each session to prevent scorching. Stirring helps distribute the heat and melt the chocolate evenly.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 12 bars
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 4g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Sugar: 35g
- Fat: 16g
Conclusion
These Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars are an irresistible combination of crunchy, chewy, and gooey textures with a perfect balance of sweetness. The rich caramel, creamy condensed milk, and peanut buttery Butterfinger candy create a flavor explosion in every bite. Not only are they easy to make, but they’re also the perfect dessert to impress friends and family. Whether you’re looking for a new treat to bring to a potluck, a snack to satisfy your sweet tooth, or a fun recipe to try with kids, these bars are a fantastic choice. Make them once, and they’re sure to become a regular part of your dessert rotation!
Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars: A Decadent Dessert Delight
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Description
Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars are the ultimate treat for candy lovers and dessert enthusiasts alike. With layers of graham cracker crust, sweetened condensed milk, gooey caramel, and crunchy Butterfinger pieces, these bars deliver a perfect combination of sweetness, crunch, and rich flavor. Topped with a drizzle of melted milk chocolate, each bite is a delightful indulgence. These bars are ideal for parties, family gatherings, or when you’re simply craving something rich and decadent. Easy to make and hard to resist, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your dessert repertoire!
Ingredients
For the Bars:
- 1 cup crushed Butterfinger candy bars
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup milk chocolate chips, melted
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking pan with non-stick spray or line it with parchment paper for easier removal of the bars once baked.
Step 2: Make the Graham Cracker Crust
In a medium bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar until the mixture resembles wet sand. The butter will help bind the crumbs together and give the crust a rich flavor. Once combined, press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, creating a solid crust layer. Use the back of a spoon or your hands to ensure it’s packed tightly.
Step 3: Layer the Sweetened Condensed Milk
Pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the graham cracker crust. This will form a creamy, sweet layer that adds moisture and richness to the bars. Be sure to spread it out evenly to cover the entire surface of the crust.
Step 4: Add the Caramel and Butterfinger Layers
Drizzle the caramel sauce over the top of the sweetened condensed milk. You can use a spoon to swirl it around for a marbled effect, or just drizzle it in straight lines for a more uniform look. Afterward, sprinkle the crushed Butterfinger candy bars generously over the top of the caramel layer. The Butterfinger adds a delicious crunch and the signature peanut butter flavor that makes these bars truly unique.
Step 5: Bake the Bars
Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set. Be careful not to overbake, as the caramel and condensed milk layers should remain gooey and soft. Once the bars are done, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan. This cooling process is important for the layers to set and the bars to firm up.
Step 6: Drizzle with Melted Chocolate
Once the bars have cooled, melt the milk chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 20-second intervals, stirring between each until the chocolate is smooth and fully melted. Use a spoon or a small piping bag to drizzle the melted chocolate over the top of the cooled bars. This final chocolate layer adds an extra touch of indulgence and ties all the flavors together beautifully.
Step 7: Slice and Serve
After drizzling the chocolate, allow the bars to sit for a few minutes to let the chocolate set. Once set, use a sharp knife to slice the bars into squares or rectangles. Serve them immediately, or store them in an airtight container for later enjoyment.
Notes
COOKING NOTE:
For even easier bar removal and cleaner slices, line your pan with parchment paper, leaving enough overhang on the sides to lift the bars out of the pan once cooled. If you prefer a thicker bar, you can double the recipe and bake in a 9×13-inch pan, adjusting the baking time slightly.
Serving Suggestions:
These Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars are delicious on their own, but for a special treat, serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. If you’re hosting a dessert buffet or a party, these bars are a crowd-pleaser and pair well with coffee or a hot cocoa bar. They also make a fantastic addition to holiday cookie trays or bake sales.
Tips:
- Crushing the Butterfingers: To easily crush the Butterfinger candy bars, place them in a ziplock bag and use a rolling pin or the back of a spoon to break them into small pieces. You can leave some larger chunks for added texture.
- Caramel Sauce Options: Store-bought caramel sauce works perfectly for this recipe, but if you have time, homemade caramel sauce can elevate the flavor. Just ensure it’s not too runny, so it doesn’t oversaturate the bars.
- Chocolate Drizzle: If you want to mix things up, try drizzling white chocolate or dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate for a slightly different flavor profile.
- Storage: Store these bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage; just be sure to wrap them individually to prevent sticking.
- Microwave Tip for Melting Chocolate: When melting chocolate in the microwave, heat it in 20-second intervals and stir between each session to prevent scorching. Stirring helps distribute the heat and melt the chocolate evenly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12 bars
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 16g
- Protein: 4g