Description
These Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars feature a crunchy pretzel crust layered with smooth caramel and a luscious chocolate-peanut butter topping, finished with chopped Butterfinger candy bars for the perfect sweet and salty treat. Easy to prepare with a quick bake and no-bake layering, these bars make a delicious American dessert perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 2 cups crushed pretzels
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
Caramel Layer
- 1 (11 oz) bag caramel bits or 1 1/2 cups soft caramels
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
Chocolate-Peanut Butter Layer
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
Topping
- 4 Butterfinger candy bars, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, combine crushed pretzels, melted butter, and sugar until evenly mixed. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to create an even crust layer.
- Bake the crust: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake the crust for 10 minutes. Once baked, remove from the oven and allow it to cool slightly while you prepare the next layers.
- Melt the caramel: In a saucepan over low heat, melt the caramel bits together with the heavy cream, stirring continuously until the mixture is smooth and silky.
- Add caramel layer: Pour the melted caramel evenly over the baked pretzel crust and use a spatula to spread it smoothly. Set aside briefly as you prepare the chocolate-peanut butter topping.
- Melt chocolate and peanut butter: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the peanut butter and semi-sweet chocolate chips. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until the mixture is completely melted and smooth.
- Spread the chocolate-peanut butter topping: Pour the melted mixture evenly over the caramel layer and spread gently with a spatula to cover the surface.
- Add the Butterfinger topping: Sprinkle the chopped Butterfinger candy bars evenly over the chocolate-peanut butter layer. Lightly press the pieces to help them adhere.
- Chill to set: Refrigerate the assembled bars for at least 2 hours, or until fully set and firm enough to slice.
- Serve: Once chilled, remove from the fridge, lift the bars out using the parchment paper, cut into 24 squares or bars, and enjoy.
Notes
- You can substitute graham crackers or crushed cornflakes for pretzels to alter the texture and flavor of the crust.
- Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
