Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars Recipe

The Gooey Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars Recipe You’ll Love

Sweet and salty cravings meet their match in these decadent butterfinger caramel crunch bars that blend creamy textures with irresistible crunch.

Chocolate layers meld perfectly with crispy candy pieces for an unforgettable treat.

Crunchy peanut butter chips dance alongside smooth caramel ribbons in this killer dessert.

Each bite promises a symphony of contrasting flavors that will make your taste buds sing.

Homemade goodness beats store-bought treats every single time.

Crafting these bars becomes a delightful adventure in your kitchen.

One taste, and you’ll be hooked on this magical dessert that transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

What Makes Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars Irresistible

  • Conquer Dessert Complexity: This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a stunning treat with minimal baking skills required, perfect for novice and experienced bakers alike.
  • Customize Your Crunch: Easily swap Butterfinger bars with other candy favorites, making this recipe adaptable to personal taste preferences and pantry ingredients.
  • Create Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Guaranteed to impress at potlucks, family gatherings, and casual get-togethers with its irresistible combination of sweet caramel, buttery crust, and crunchy candy pieces.
  • Minimal Kitchen Effort: Requires basic mixing and layering techniques, allowing you to create a decadent dessert without complex culinary techniques or professional baking experience.

Ingredients for Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars

Base Layer:
  • Butter: Provides rich, creamy flavor and helps create a soft, tender crust.
  • Brown Sugar: Adds deep sweetness and moisture to the base layer.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor with its warm, aromatic notes.
  • All-Purpose Flour: Creates structure and gives the base a classic shortbread-like texture.
Topping Ingredients:
  • Butterfinger Candy Bars: Adds a crunchy, peanut buttery flavor and distinctive texture to the dessert.
  • Caramel Sauce: Brings a smooth, golden sweetness that complements the candy and crust.
Baking Essentials:
  • Cooking Spray or Butter: Ensures the bars do not stick to the baking dish and can be easily removed.

How to Make Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350F (175C) and give your 9×13 inch baking dish a quick spray of cooking oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create the Magical Base

In a spacious mixing bowl, whip together:
  • Softened butter
  • Brown sugar
  • Vanilla extract

Beat these ingredients until they transform into a silky smooth blend.

Step 3: Incorporate the Flour

Gently fold flour into the creamy mixture, stirring until everything combines perfectly.

Step 4: Build the First Layer

Press half of the delightful crust mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, creating a solid foundation.

Step 5: Initial Baking Session

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes until the base looks lightly golden.

Step 6: Sprinkle Candy Crunch

Remove the dish and generously scatter chopped Butterfinger bars across the warm crust.

Step 7: Drizzle Caramel Magic

Pour rich caramel sauce over the candy pieces, letting it weave between the Butterfinger chunks.

Step 8: Top with Remaining Crust

Crumble the remaining crust mixture over the caramel and candy layer, creating a rustic, delicious topping.

Step 9: Final Baking

Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 20 minutes until the top turns golden brown.

Step 10: Cool and Slice

Let the bars cool completely before cutting into delectable squares. Enjoy your sweet creation!

Pro Tips for Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars

  • Crush Butterfinger bars into smaller pieces for even distribution and better texture throughout the dessert.
  • Use homemade caramel sauce for richer flavor, or choose a high-quality store-bought brand with thick consistency.
  • Chill bars completely before cutting to ensure clean, precise edges and easier slicing.
  • Line baking dish with parchment paper for simple removal and minimal cleanup after baking.
  • For gluten-free version, substitute regular flour with almond or gluten-free flour blend to maintain similar texture and taste.

Flavorful Variations for Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars

  • Peanut Butter Lovers Bar: Replace Butterfinger with crushed peanut butter cups and add a layer of creamy peanut butter between the crust layers for extra richness.
  • Chocolate Lovers Bar: Swap Butterfinger with chopped dark chocolate bars and drizzle melted chocolate instead of caramel for an intense chocolate experience.
  • Nutty Crunch Bar: Incorporate chopped almonds or pecans into the crust mixture and top with a salted caramel drizzle for added texture and depth of flavor.
  • S'mores Bar: Replace Butterfinger with graham cracker crumbs, add marshmallow fluff, and drizzle with milk chocolate for a campfire-inspired dessert bar.

Pairing Ideas for Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars

  • Pair Perfectly with Sweet Sips: Complement the rich, decadent Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars with a cold glass of creamy milk, which balances the intense sweetness and cuts through the caramel's richness.
  • Enhance with Coffee Companions: Serve alongside a bold espresso or a smooth cappuccino, allowing the coffee's robust flavor to contrast with the bar's sugary caramel and chocolate notes.
  • Match with Dessert Wines: Select a sweet dessert wine like Moscato or Port, whose fruity undertones will harmonize beautifully with the caramel and Butterfinger's crunchy texture.
  • Create Ice Cream Magic: Top the bars with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, creating a delightful temperature and texture contrast that elevates the entire dessert experience.

Storage Instructions for Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars

  • Place cooled bars in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper. Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days to maintain texture and prevent caramel from becoming too soft.
  • Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months, ensuring maximum freshness and flavor retention.
  • Store in a sealed container at room temperature for 2-3 days, keeping away from direct sunlight and heat sources to prevent caramel from melting.

FAQs on Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars

  • Can I use a different type of candy bar instead of Butterfinger?

Yes, you can substitute with similar crispy candy bars like Crunch or Heath bars for a similar texture and flavor profile.

  • Is there a way to make this recipe less sweet?

Reduce the amount of caramel sauce or use a dark caramel with less sugar content to balance the sweetness of the Butterfinger bars.

  • Do I need any special equipment to make these bars?

You’ll only need a 9×13 inch baking dish, mixing bowl, and standard baking tools like a spatula and measuring cups.

  • How can I tell when the bars are perfectly baked?

Look for golden brown edges and a slightly firm center. The top should be set and have a light golden color when done.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars Recipe

Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 13 reviews

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 9 1x

Description

Indulgent Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars bring layers of sweet and salty goodness to dessert lovers. Chocolate, caramel, and crispy peanut butter candy combine in a simple treat you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Butterfinger Candy Bars:

  • 1 cup chopped Butterfinger candy bars

Base Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (226 grams) butter
  • 2 cups (240 grams) flour
  • 1 cup (220 grams) brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) vanilla extract

Sauce and Topping:

  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) caramel sauce

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven at 350°F (175°C) and thoroughly coat a 9×13 inch baking pan with non-stick spray.
  2. In a spacious mixing bowl, whip butter, brown sugar, and vanilla until achieving a silky, uniform consistency.
  3. Gradually incorporate flour into the creamy mixture, ensuring complete integration.
  4. Distribute and firmly compress half of the dough across the entire pan bottom, creating an even base layer.
  5. Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes until the crust turns light golden and slightly firm.
  6. Carefully extract the pan and generously scatter chopped Butterfinger pieces across the partially baked crust.
  7. Elegantly drizzle caramel sauce, allowing it to cascade over the candy fragments for maximum flavor distribution.
  8. Delicately crumble the remaining dough mixture, creating a rustic, uneven topping that covers the caramel and candy layer.
  9. Return the pan to the oven and continue baking for an additional 20 minutes until the top turns a rich, golden brown.
  10. Remove from oven and allow the dessert to cool completely at room temperature, which helps the layers set and makes cutting into bars easier.
  11. Once cooled, slice into individual bars using a sharp knife, ensuring clean, precise cuts.

Notes

  • Crush Butterfinger bars finely for a more even, delectable texture throughout the dessert.
  • Opt for homemade caramel sauce to control sweetness and enhance the overall flavor complexity.
  • Consider using gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version without compromising the rich, crumbly base.
  • Let bars cool completely to ensure clean, precise cutting and optimal caramel setting for a picture-perfect presentation.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 9
  • Calories: 338 kcal
  • Sugar: 27 g
  • Sodium: 85 mg
  • Fat: 19 g
  • Saturated Fat: 11 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 49 mg
Samantha Lee

Samantha Lee

Recipe Developer & Content Creator

Expertise

Plant-based and vegetarian recipes, Recipe testing and development, Food blogging and digital content creation, Culinary education and workshops​

Education

Oregon Culinary Institute (Portland, OR)

  • Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Emphasized plant-based cooking, global cuisines, and recipe testing methodologies.​

Samantha sees cooking like painting, every fresh herb, every juicy tomato, a new splash of color on a canvas.
After graduating from Oregon Culinary Institute, she blended her love of global cuisines and plant-based cooking into recipes that feel fresh, fearless, and full of heart.
Samantha’s kitchen is a place where comfort food gets a modern remix and every meal feels like a little adventure. When she’s not cooking, she’s out exploring farmers’ markets, sketching new recipe ideas, or getting her hands dirty in a community garden.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star