If you’re searching for the ultimate crowd-pleasing treat, look no further than Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars: A Sweet, Crunchy Delight! Imagine layers of buttery graham cracker crust, gooey caramel, molten chocolate, and generous bits of Butterfinger candy mingling in every single bite. This recipe delivers the perfect balance of rich caramel, velvety chocolate, and that unmistakable Butterfinger crunch, all wrapped into easy-to-slice bars. With a handful of pantry staples and just a few simple steps, you’ll transform ordinary ingredients into something unforgettable—the kind of dessert that disappears fast at potlucks, family gatherings, or bake sales!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Part of the magic behind these bars is that each ingredient plays an important supporting role—bringing out the irresistible taste, layering the textures, and painting a picture-perfect finish. You won’t need fancy tools or hard-to-find items, just a handful of all-stars you probably have on hand already!
- Graham crackers (14.4 oz, crushed): These create a sturdy, golden crust that’s gently sweet and toasty, forming the backbone of every bite.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup): Rich, creamy butter melts into the caramel, making each bite soft and decadent.
- Packed light brown sugar (1 cup): Essential for that deep, toffee-like caramel flavor, this sweetener bubbles up beautifully with butter.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (1 ½ cups): Lends a luscious chocolate layer that melts just right and balances out all that caramel goodness.
- Chopped Butterfinger candy bars (1 cup): Star of the show—those nuggets of crispety, crunchety Butterfinger magic add big flavor and satisfying crunch.
- Vanilla extract (½ teaspoon): Rounds out the caramel with warmth and aroma for a homemade touch.
- Pinch of salt: Just a pinch makes all the sweet layers sing, elevating the bars from good to unforgettable.
How to Make Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars: A Sweet, Crunchy Delight
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Kicking things off, preheat your oven to a cozy 350°F and grab a 9×13-inch baking dish. Lining the dish with parchment paper or foil will make for easy, drama-free removal when your Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars: A Sweet, Crunchy Delight are ready to slice!
Step 2: Make the Caramel Sauce
In a medium saucepan on medium heat, melt butter together with the packed brown sugar. Stir patiently as they blend into a bubbling, amber-hued caramel—let it gently boil for 2–3 minutes to get that glossy, rich consistency. Off the heat, stir in the vanilla and a pinch of salt for irresistible flavor depth.
Step 3: Build the Graham Cracker Base
Spread your crushed graham crackers evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Press firmly with your hands or the back of a measuring cup to pack them down—you want a solid foundation to hold up all the layers to come.
Step 4: Pour and Bake the Caramel Layer
Pour the hot, luscious caramel sauce all over your graham cracker layer, spreading it right to the corners. Transfer the dish to the oven and bake for 10 minutes. This little baking session helps meld the crust and caramel together, making the bars perfectly sliceable later.
Step 5: Add the Chocolate and Butterfinger Topping
While the caramel is still hot from the oven, sprinkle the chocolate chips in a generous, even layer. Wait 2–3 minutes until they melt, then grab a spatula and gently spread the chocolate into a glossy sheet. Don’t wait around—immediately sprinkle the chopped Butterfinger candy bars over the top, pressing them in so every bite packs that signature crunch.
Step 6: Cool, Chill, and Slice
Patience is key: let the bars cool completely at room temperature, then chill them in the fridge for at least 1 hour. This not only helps the chocolate set but also creates the perfect texture for slicing. Grab your sharpest knife (wiping clean between each cut for those neat bakery-style squares), and cut into 24 bars of Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars: A Sweet, Crunchy Delight.
How to Serve Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars: A Sweet, Crunchy Delight
Garnishes
Dress up your bars with a dusting of powdered sugar, a extra crumble of Butterfinger pieces, or a zigzag drizzle of melted chocolate. These simple touches make your Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars: A Sweet, Crunchy Delight look as festive as they taste!
Side Dishes
These bars are rich and crave-worthy, so pair them with something simple—think fresh mixed berries, scoops of vanilla ice cream, or mugs of strong coffee. The balance of creamy, fruity, and bold flavors lets the sweet crunch shine.
Creative Ways to Present
Show off your Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars: A Sweet, Crunchy Delight on tiered dessert stands for an eye-catching party platter, or wrap individual bars in parchment and tie with baker’s twine for tasty edible gifts. You can even cut them into bite-sized cubes for a dazzling dessert board!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover bars in an airtight container in the fridge—this keeps the layers fresh and the Butterfinger topping nice and crisp. They’ll stay delicious for up to a week (if they last that long!), keeping your Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars: A Sweet, Crunchy Delight ready for snacking at any time.
Freezing
Want to make a big batch ahead? Simply layer the sliced bars between sheets of parchment paper and store in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Freeze for up to 2 months, then thaw in the refrigerator overnight when the craving hits.
Reheating
Prefer your bars a little warm and gooey? Pop a square in the microwave for just 10–15 seconds—this softens the caramel and chocolate, making your Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars: A Sweet, Crunchy Delight even more irresistible.
FAQs
Can I use milk chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet?
Absolutely! If you love a sweeter, milkier finish, feel free to swap in milk chocolate chips. The bars will be a bit sweeter, but every bit as delicious—just be sure to melt and spread them as soon as you sprinkle them on the hot caramel.
How do I crush graham crackers quickly?
Place the graham crackers in a large zip-top bag and smash them with a rolling pin, or pulse them in a food processor for a finer crumb. You want a texture that’s mostly fine, with a few small chunks for interest.
Can I make Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars: A Sweet, Crunchy Delight gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute gluten-free graham crackers for the regular ones, and double-check that your Butterfinger bars and chocolate chips are gluten-free too. Follow the same steps and you’ll have a gluten-free version everyone can enjoy.
What’s the best way to cut these bars cleanly?
Use a long, sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts. Chilling the bars before slicing also keeps those layers neat and picture-perfect—ideal for serving or gifting!
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
You bet! Simply use two 9×13-inch pans (or one larger sheet pan if you have it), doubling all ingredients. Just make sure to spread each layer evenly and allow for a little extra chilling time if your bars are thicker.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to try these Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars: A Sweet, Crunchy Delight for yourself. With their irresistible combo of buttery caramel, chocolate, and that signature Butterfinger crunch, they’re destined to become a family favorite. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to share (or savor solo!) a treat that brings big smiles with every bite.
Print
Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars: A Sweet, Crunchy Delight Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes (including chilling)
- Yield: 24 bars 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the irresistible combination of buttery graham crackers, gooey caramel, rich chocolate, and crunchy Butterfinger candy bars with these Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars. A delectable treat for any sweet tooth!
Ingredients
Graham Cracker Layer:
- 1 package (14.4 oz) graham crackers, crushed (about 2 cups)
Caramel Layer:
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Topping:
- 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped Butterfinger candy bars (about 4 bars)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or foil.
- Melt butter and sugar: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and brown sugar until smooth and bubbling. Boil gently for 2–3 minutes, then remove from heat and stir in vanilla and salt.
- Layering: Press crushed graham crackers into the baking dish, pour caramel over it, bake for 10 minutes. Sprinkle chocolate chips, let melt, spread evenly. Top with Butterfinger pieces.
- Cool and chill: Cool at room temperature, then chill in the fridge for 1 hour. Slice and serve.
Notes
- For easier slicing, use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts.
- Store bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. Freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 19g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
