These Butterfinger Caramel Candy Bars are a decadent treat that combines the crunch of Butterfinger candy with rich caramel and a buttery, cookie-like crust. Perfect for parties, bake sales, or a sweet indulgence at home, this recipe is easy to make and irresistible to eat!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and Decadent: Combines layers of caramel and Butterfinger for an indulgent dessert.
- Crunchy and Gooey: A perfect balance of textures that will delight your taste buds.
- Easy to Make: Simple steps and ingredients make this a crowd-pleasing treat.
- Customizable: You can tweak the recipe to add your favorite candy or toppings.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for holidays, gatherings, or just a casual sweet treat.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Butterfinger candy bars, chopped
- Caramel bits or caramel squares
- Sweetened condensed milk
- Butter
- All-purpose flour
- Brown sugar
- Baking soda
- Salt
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Gradually add flour, baking soda, and salt, mixing until crumbly.
- Press two-thirds of the mixture into the prepared baking dish to form the base layer.
- Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.
- Melt the caramel bits with sweetened condensed milk over low heat until smooth. Pour over the baked crust.
- Sprinkle the chopped Butterfinger candy evenly over the caramel layer.
- Crumble the remaining dough over the top and gently press down.
- Bake for an additional 20–25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let the bars cool completely before cutting into squares.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields approximately 12–16 bars, depending on how you cut them.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Variations
- Chocolate Lovers: Add a layer of melted chocolate chips over the caramel before sprinkling the Butterfinger pieces.
- Nutty Twist: Mix chopped peanuts or pecans into the crumb topping for extra crunch.
- Different Candy Bars: Substitute Butterfinger with Snickers, Twix, or your favorite candy bar.
- Salted Caramel: Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the caramel layer for a sweet and salty flavor.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- Freezing: Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Reheating: If you prefer warm bars, heat them in the microwave for 10–15 seconds.
FAQs
What kind of caramel should I use?
Caramel bits or soft caramel squares work best. Avoid using caramel sauce as it can make the bars too runny.
Can I use a different candy bar?
Absolutely! Snickers, Twix, or Milky Way bars are great substitutes.
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes, these bars can be made a day or two in advance and stored in an airtight container.
How do I keep the bars from sticking to the pan?
Line your baking dish with parchment paper or foil to ensure easy removal and clean-up.
Can I add nuts to this recipe?
Yes, chopped peanuts, pecans, or walnuts can be added for extra texture and flavor.
What’s the best way to cut these bars?
Use a sharp knife and clean it with a damp cloth between cuts to keep the edges neat.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, you can double the ingredients and bake in a larger pan for more servings.
Are these bars gluten-free?
To make them gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Do I need a candy thermometer for this recipe?
No candy thermometer is needed as this recipe uses pre-made caramel.
Can I use homemade caramel?
Yes, homemade caramel can be used, but ensure it’s thick enough to set properly.
Conclusion
Butterfinger Caramel Candy Bars are a heavenly dessert that combines the best of sweet, crunchy, and gooey textures. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or a simple family treat, these bars are sure to impress. Try the variations to make them uniquely yours, and enjoy every decadent bite!
Print
Butterfinger Caramel Candy Bars
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Chill Time: 1-2 hours
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Description
These rich and chewy bars combine the iconic peanut buttery crunch of Butterfinger with gooey caramel and a chocolate topping. Perfect for snacking or sharing!
Ingredients
For the Base:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
For the Caramel Layer:
- 1 cup caramel bits or soft caramels (unwrapped)
- 2 tbsp heavy cream
For the Butterfinger Layer:
- 1 1/2 cups crushed Butterfinger candy bars (about 6 mini bars or 3 regular-sized bars)
For the Chocolate Topping:
- 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips
- 1 tbsp coconut oil or vegetable oil (optional, for a shiny topping)
Instructions
Prepare the Base:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
- Make the Crust:
- In a bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Mix until evenly moistened. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Bake for 8-10 minutes until lightly golden. Let cool.
Prepare the Caramel Layer:
- Melt the Caramel:
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the caramel bits and heavy cream. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until smooth.
- Spread the Caramel:
- Pour the melted caramel over the cooled graham cracker crust, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle half of the crushed Butterfinger candy bars over the caramel layer. Refrigerate for 15 minutes to set.
Add the Chocolate Topping:
- Melt the Chocolate:
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips with the coconut oil (if using) in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
- Assemble the Layers:
- Pour the melted chocolate over the caramel and Butterfinger layer, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Sprinkle the remaining crushed Butterfinger candy bars on top for decoration.
Set and Serve:
- Chill:
- Refrigerate the bars for 1-2 hours, or until completely set.
- Slice and Enjoy:
- Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars from the pan. Slice into squares or rectangles and serve.
Notes
- Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- For a softer texture, let the bars sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving.
- You can substitute the graham cracker base with crushed cookies for a different flavor.