Butterfinger Caramel Bars with Layers of Sweet Crunch and Chocolate are the ultimate indulgence for anyone with a sweet tooth. These decadent bars combine the irresistible crunch of Butterfinger candy with rich caramel, creating a perfect balance of textures and flavors. The base is made from a crunchy, buttery layer, topped with a gooey, homemade caramel filling that’s both sweet and rich. The finishing touch is a generous layer of chocolate, making every bite a delightful combination of sweetness, crunch, and creamy goodness. These bars are a perfect dessert for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a treat to share with friends, or simply craving a delicious homemade dessert.

What makes these bars so special is their ability to combine familiar, nostalgic flavors in a fun, new way. The Butterfinger candy adds a distinctive crunch and peanut butter flavor that pairs beautifully with the caramel and chocolate layers. Each bite is a mouthful of satisfying textures and bold flavors, making them a dessert that everyone will love. Whether you serve them at a family gathering, as a special snack, or as a homemade gift, these bars will quickly become a favorite treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Butterfinger Caramel Bars with Layers of Sweet Crunch and Chocolate are a perfect blend of flavors and textures that make them incredibly satisfying. The buttery, crunchy base provides a solid foundation, while the rich caramel filling adds gooey sweetness that contrasts perfectly with the crispy Butterfinger layer. The smooth, melted chocolate on top ties everything together for a decadent finish. This recipe is easy to make, and the combination of simple ingredients creates an elevated dessert that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re a Butterfinger fan or simply love a dessert with a balance of crunch and sweetness, these bars are sure to be a hit.

Ingredients

Butterfinger candy bars (chopped)
Graham cracker crumbs
Butter (melted)
Sweetened condensed milk
Brown sugar
Heavy cream
Vanilla extract
Semi-sweet chocolate chips
Sea salt (optional, for garnish)

Variations

This recipe can be customized in a variety of ways to suit your taste:

Nutty Crunch: Add chopped peanuts or almonds to the Butterfinger layer for an extra crunch and a nutty flavor that complements the caramel.
Dark Chocolate: Swap the semi-sweet chocolate for dark chocolate for a richer, less sweet flavor.
Peanut Butter Swirl: Stir some creamy peanut butter into the caramel filling for an even more pronounced peanut flavor.
Caramel Drizzle: After the bars are set, drizzle additional caramel sauce on top for an extra layer of gooey goodness.
S’mores Version: For a fun twist, top the bars with mini marshmallows before adding the chocolate layer, then broil them briefly for a toasted, s’mores-like effect.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Base

In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Stir until the mixture is well combined and the crumbs are evenly coated. Press this mixture into the bottom of a greased baking pan, forming a firm, even layer. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes, until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly.

Step 2: Make the Caramel Filling

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine sweetened condensed milk, brown sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract. Stir frequently until the mixture starts to boil and thickens into a smooth caramel sauce, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat once the caramel has reached the desired thickness.

Step 3: Add Butterfinger Layer

While the caramel is still warm, fold in the chopped Butterfinger candy bars, mixing well to ensure an even distribution. Pour this mixture over the baked graham cracker crust and spread it evenly.

Step 4: Melt the Chocolate

In a microwave-safe bowl, heat the semi-sweet chocolate chips in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until fully melted and smooth. Pour the melted chocolate over the caramel and Butterfinger layer, spreading it evenly to cover the top.

Step 5: Cool and Set

Allow the bars to cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until the chocolate has fully set. Once chilled, cut into squares and serve.

Step 6: Optional Garnish

For an added touch of flavor, sprinkle sea salt over the top of the chocolate layer just before serving to balance out the sweetness with a savory contrast.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Chill before cutting: Be sure to refrigerate the bars until the chocolate is fully set before cutting them into squares to ensure clean, neat pieces.
Use high-quality chocolate: For the best flavor, opt for good-quality semi-sweet chocolate chips or even chopped chocolate from a chocolate bar.
Let the caramel cool slightly: Before mixing in the Butterfinger pieces, allow the caramel to cool for a minute or two to prevent the candy from melting into the filling.
Patience with cooling: While it’s tempting to dig in right away, allowing the bars to chill for at least 2 hours will ensure the layers firm up and hold together well when cut.

How to Serve

Butterfinger Caramel Bars with Layers of Sweet Crunch and Chocolate are perfect for serving at:

Parties and gatherings: These bars are ideal for parties and holiday gatherings, providing a fun and indulgent treat for guests to enjoy.
Lunchbox snacks: Pack them as a sweet treat for lunchboxes or as a special snack.
Dessert platters: They make a great addition to any dessert platter, alongside other baked goods or seasonal fruit.
Gift giving: Wrap up these bars in a cute tin or gift box for a thoughtful homemade gift.
Coffee or tea time: Pair these bars with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. The bars will stay fresh and maintain their texture. Be sure to let them come to room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving for the best flavor.

Freezing

These bars freeze well. To freeze, place them in an airtight container, and layer parchment paper between the bars to prevent them from sticking. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes before enjoying.

Reheating

Reheat the bars in the microwave for 15-20 seconds to soften the chocolate, or enjoy them cold straight from the fridge. The caramel will remain gooey and the chocolate will be perfectly smooth.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of candy instead of Butterfinger?

Yes, you can substitute with any crunchy candy bar you like, such as Snickers, Twix, or Crunch bars.

2. Can I make these bars without graham cracker crumbs?

Yes, you can use crushed vanilla wafers, digestive biscuits, or even a shortbread cookie base for a different flavor.

3. Can I use caramel sauce instead of homemade caramel?

Yes, store-bought caramel sauce can be used as a shortcut, but homemade caramel provides a richer flavor.

4. How do I keep the bars from getting too sticky?

Refrigerate the bars to allow the caramel and chocolate to set properly. This helps prevent them from becoming too sticky when you cut them.

5. Can I use white chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate?

Yes, you can substitute with white chocolate for a sweeter, creamier variation.

6. Are these bars gluten-free?

As long as you use gluten-free graham crackers, these bars can be made gluten-free.

7. How do I prevent the Butterfinger from melting into the caramel?

Allow the caramel to cool for a few minutes before adding the chopped Butterfinger pieces. This helps them maintain their crunch.

8. Can I make these bars in advance?

Yes, you can make these bars up to 3 days in advance and store them in the fridge.

9. How do I know when the caramel is ready?

The caramel should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, and it will bubble and thicken as it cooks.

10. Can I add more layers to the bars?

Yes, you can add extra layers such as marshmallows, nuts, or even a drizzle of peanut butter for more texture and flavor.

Conclusion

Butterfinger Caramel Bars with Layers of Sweet Crunch and Chocolate are the perfect combination of rich caramel, crunchy Butterfinger, and smooth chocolate. With their irresistible layers of flavor and texture, these bars are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser at any event or gathering. Easy to make, customizable, and absolutely delicious, these bars are a must-try treat that will leave everyone wanting more. Whether you’re enjoying them as an everyday snack or sharing them with friends and family, they are sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.