Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars Recipe
If you’re looking for a treat that’s equal parts nostalgic, decadent, and incredibly easy to whip up, you’re going to fall head over heels for these Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars. Layers of buttery graham crackers, gooey caramel-peanut butter, and a generous topping of chopped Butterfinger candy bars make every bite a celebration of texture and flavor. Finished with a glossy chocolate drizzle and a sprinkling of peanuts, these no-bake bars are perfect for sharing at parties, gifting to friends, or sneaking straight from the fridge when the craving hits.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best parts about Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars is how simple but essential each ingredient is. Every component brings a unique flavor or texture, ensuring these bars are as irresistible as they are easy to assemble.
- Graham crackers: Provide a crisp, sturdy base and subtle sweetness that balances the rich caramel and chocolate layers.
- Unsalted butter: Adds creaminess and richness, melding the caramel mixture and giving the bars their melt-in-your-mouth quality.
- Brown sugar: Deepens the caramel flavor with its molasses notes and helps create that signature gooey texture.
- Creamy peanut butter: Infuses nutty flavor and smoothness, pairing perfectly with the Butterfinger bits.
- Sweetened condensed milk: Thickens the caramel layer and brings luscious sweetness to every bite.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors, making the caramel mixture taste homemade and comforting.
- Chopped Butterfinger candy bars: The star of the show—these bring crunchy, peanut-buttery bursts in every bar.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Melted and drizzled on top, they add a silky, chocolatey finish that ties everything together.
- Chopped peanuts (optional): For a little extra crunch and a salty contrast that makes these bars completely addictive.
How to Make Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Graham Cracker Base
Start by lining an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper or giving it a light grease. This not only helps with easy removal but also keeps cleanup a breeze. Lay out a single layer of graham crackers to cover the bottom, breaking the crackers as needed so the entire base is covered and sturdy.
Step 2: Make the Caramel Peanut Butter Filling
In a medium saucepan set over medium heat, melt together the unsalted butter and brown sugar. Once they’re combined and smooth, stir in the creamy peanut butter until the mixture is silky and uniform. Now, pour in the sweetened condensed milk and cook, stirring constantly. After about 3 to 4 minutes, the mixture should start to bubble and thicken slightly—this is when you’ll know your caramel layer is ready. Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract for that classic, comforting aroma.
Step 3: Assemble the Layers
Pour half of your warm caramel mixture over the prepared graham cracker base and spread it evenly with a spatula. Add another layer of graham crackers on top, fitting the pieces snugly. Then, pour the remaining caramel mixture over this second layer, smoothing it out so every corner is covered in gooey goodness.
Step 4: Add the Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars Topping
Evenly sprinkle the chopped Butterfinger candy bars over the top caramel layer. Gently press them down with your hands or a spatula to ensure they stick and get nestled into the caramel. This is where the iconic Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars flavor and crunch come to life!
Step 5: Drizzle with Chocolate and Chill
Melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl, heating in 30-second bursts and stirring between each until completely smooth. Drizzle this luscious chocolate over the top of the bars, and if you love a little extra texture, sprinkle on those optional chopped peanuts. Pop the pan into the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to set—this patience pays off with perfectly sliceable bars.
Step 6: Slice and Serve
Once fully set, use the parchment paper to lift the slab from the pan. For neat squares, run a sharp knife under warm water and wipe it clean between cuts. Cut into 16 even bars and serve your Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars chilled or at room temperature, depending on your mood.
How to Serve Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars
Garnishes
These bars are already eye-catching, but a little flourish goes a long way. Try a sprinkle of extra chopped Butterfinger, a light dusting of powdered sugar, or a delicate zigzag of melted white chocolate for a bakery-worthy finish that makes every bar look special.
Side Dishes
Since Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars are rich and sweet, consider serving them alongside something light and refreshing. Fresh berries, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a mug of strong coffee all make wonderful pairings, helping to balance each bite and cleanse the palate.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re sharing these bars at a party or gifting them, think outside the box! Stack them in colorful bakery boxes, wrap individual bars in parchment and tie with twine for grab-and-go treats, or arrange them on a platter with a medley of other no-bake desserts for a crowd-pleasing dessert table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars keep beautifully in the fridge. Store them in an airtight container, and they’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to a week. The chilled texture makes the layers firm and the flavors even more pronounced.
Freezing
If you want to make a batch ahead or save some for later, these bars are freezer-friendly! Layer them between sheets of parchment in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep their texture and flavor for up to two months—just thaw in the fridge overnight when you’re ready to enjoy.
Reheating
While these bars are usually served chilled or at room temperature, you can soften them slightly by letting them sit at room temp for 10 to 15 minutes. If you prefer a gooier caramel layer, a quick 5-second zap in the microwave will do the trick—just be careful not to overheat, or the chocolate may melt too much.
FAQs
Can I make Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars without peanuts?
Absolutely! The peanuts are entirely optional and just add a bit of extra crunch and contrast. If you or someone you’re serving has a nut allergy, simply leave them out—there’s plenty of flavor and texture from the other ingredients.
Can I use chunky peanut butter instead of creamy?
Yes, you can swap in chunky peanut butter if you want more nutty bites in your bars. Just keep in mind the caramel mixture may be a little thicker and less smooth, but it will still taste fantastic.
What’s the best way to cut Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars cleanly?
The secret is to use a sharp knife run under warm water, wiping it clean between each cut. This helps the blade glide through the chocolate, caramel, and graham cracker layers without sticking or crumbling.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Definitely! Just double all the ingredients and assemble the bars in a 9×13-inch pan. The method and chilling time remain the same, so you can easily make a big batch for parties or potlucks.
Do Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars need to stay refrigerated?
For the best texture and freshness, it’s a good idea to keep these bars in the fridge, especially if your kitchen is warm. They’ll hold their shape and keep the caramel layer perfectly set until you’re ready to serve.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about sharing Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars with friends and family. They’re the kind of treat that brings out smiles and requests for seconds every single time. Give them a try and let yourself be swept away by that irresistible combination of crunch, caramel, and chocolate—these bars just might become your new favorite dessert!
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Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Delicious no-bake Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars featuring layers of crispy graham crackers, rich caramel peanut butter mixture, chopped Butterfinger candy, and a smooth chocolate drizzle, perfect for an easy and indulgent American dessert.
Ingredients
Base Layers
- 1 sleeve graham crackers (about 9 full sheets)
Caramel Peanut Butter Mixture
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Toppings
- 1 1/2 cups chopped Butterfinger candy bars
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup chopped peanuts (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking. Arrange a single layer of graham crackers to cover the bottom, breaking pieces as necessary to fit snugly.
- Make Caramel Mixture: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter and brown sugar, stirring frequently. Add the creamy peanut butter and stir until smooth and combined.
- Add Sweetened Condensed Milk: Pour in the sweetened condensed milk and continue stirring constantly for about 3 to 4 minutes until the mixture bubbles and thickens slightly, creating a rich caramel texture. Remove from heat and mix in the vanilla extract thoroughly.
- Layer Caramel and Crackers: Pour half of the caramel mixture over the graham crackers in the pan, spreading evenly. Add another layer of graham crackers on top, followed by the remaining caramel mixture, spreading it evenly over the second cracker layer.
- Add Butterfinger Topping: Sprinkle the chopped Butterfinger candy bars evenly over the top of the caramel layer. Press them gently into the caramel to secure.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips in the microwave using 30-second intervals, stirring between each until smooth and fully melted. Drizzle the chocolate evenly over the top of the bars. Optionally, sprinkle chopped peanuts for added crunch.
- Chill and Set: Refrigerate the assembled bars for at least 2 hours or until fully set and firm.
- Serve: Remove from the fridge, cut into 16 bars using a sharp knife warmed under hot water for clean slices, and serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- For easier slicing, run a sharp knife under warm water before cutting to ensure clean edges.
- You can double the recipe and use a 9×13-inch pan to serve more people.
- Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week to maintain freshness and texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
