There’s something truly magical about Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars—a heavenly blend of buttery caramel, crackling graham crackers, and a crown of rich chocolate, Butterfinger candy, and toffee. These bars are pure joy for anyone who loves a delicious balance of salty-sweet, chewy-crunchy, and chocolatey goodness in every bite. This beloved recipe is both wonderfully simple and wildly impressive, perfect for parties, bake sales, or as a joyful treat to brighten your family’s week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of straightforward ingredients to create Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars, but each one brings something special. Think buttery decadence, sweet depth, and loads of crunchy texture, all working together for a showstopper dessert.
- Graham crackers: These form the crispy, golden base and soak up all the caramel for an amazing crunch.
- Unsalted butter: Melted butter is the heart of the caramel, making the bars deliciously rich and tender.
- Brown sugar: Packed brown sugar is essential for a deep, caramelized sweetness that contrasts so perfectly with the slightly salty base.
- Salt: Just a pinch brightens up all the flavors, making sure the squares don’t end up too sweet.
- Vanilla extract: Adds warm, fragrant notes to the caramel—don’t skip it!
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: These create a luscious chocolate layer that melts perfectly over the warm caramel.
- Chopped Butterfinger candy bars: The star of the show, adding an unmistakable peanut-buttery crunch and caramel flavor.
- Toffee bits or chopped peanuts (optional): For those who crave a bit of extra crunch (and that irresistible toffee flavor), sprinkle these on top.
How to Make Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars
Step 1: Prep the Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper. This makes cleanup a breeze and ensures your Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars won’t stick—plus, it’s much easier to lift them out for neat slicing later!
Step 2: Build the Graham Cracker Foundation
Arrange the graham crackers in a single, even layer across the bottom of your prepared pan. Try to cover the whole surface edge-to-edge; patch any gaps with broken pieces. This simple step becomes the “crunch” in your Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars.
Step 3: Make the Caramel Sauce
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and brown sugar together, stirring constantly. Once the mixture is smooth and begins to boil, let it bubble for about 2–3 minutes to thicken slightly into a dreamy, golden caramel. Turn off the heat and swirl in the salt and vanilla extract.
Step 4: Caramel Blanket
Very carefully, pour the hot caramel over your graham cracker layer, using a spatula to smooth and spread it evenly. Try to work fast so the caramel soaks into every nook and cranny. This is what transforms your basic crackers into something fabulous!
Step 5: Bake for Crunch
Slide the pan into your preheated oven and bake for about 10 minutes. This short bake allows the caramel to infiltrate the graham crackers, forming an irresistible crunchy base that holds everything together.
Step 6: Add Chocolate Bliss
Right when the bars emerge from the oven, scatter your chocolate chips directly over the bubbling caramel layer. Let them sit for 1–2 minutes; the residual heat will melt the chips beautifully. Then gently spread the melty chocolate into an even layer using a spatula.
Step 7: Top with Butterfinger & Crunch
Before the chocolate sets, shower the top with your chopped Butterfinger bars and, if you love extra texture, a handful of toffee bits or chopped peanuts. Gently press the toppings so they stick to the melted chocolate. This step really sets Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars apart!
Step 8: Cool and Chill
Let your masterpiece cool completely at room temperature, then pop the pan into the fridge for at least one hour. This makes the bars firm up to the perfect slicing consistency and enhances their signature crunch.
Step 9: Slice and Serve
Once chilled, lift the bars out using the parchment and use a sharp knife (wiping it clean between cuts) to slice into even bars or squares. Prepare for “oohs” and “aahs”!
How to Serve Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars
Garnishes
A drizzle of melted chocolate or caramel over the top just before serving can take these bars to the next level. Sprinkle a few extra Butterfinger bits or a pinch of flaky sea salt to add sparkle and elevate the flavor contrast.
Side Dishes
Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a cloud of freshly whipped cream. Serve alongside fresh berries or even dip in a mug of rich coffee or hot chocolate for an after-dinner treat everyone will remember.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking bars on a rustic wooden board or elegant cake stand for parties, or cut them into mini squares for a sweet bite-sized treat. For a fun twist, serve each bar in a parchment wrapper or gift them in cellophane bags for favors at birthdays, holidays, or bake sales.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars fresh by placing them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay deliciously crisp and chewy for up to a week—if they last that long! Separate layers with wax paper to prevent sticking.
Freezing
These bars freeze beautifully! Arrange them in a single layer or between sheets of parchment in a freezer-safe container or bag. Thaw squares overnight in the fridge or at room temperature for about 20 minutes before serving.
Reheating
If you prefer your Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars just slightly warm (which makes the chocolate extra melty and the caramel gooey), pop a bar in the microwave for 5–8 seconds. Just don’t overdo it, or you’ll lose that signature crunch.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Dessert
Absolutely! While semi-sweet chocolate chips balance the caramel sweetness perfectly, you can swap in milk or dark chocolate chips based on your personal preference. You could even try white chocolate for a unique spin.
What’s the best way to cut the bars cleanly?
Chill the bars thoroughly first, then use a very sharp knife and wipe it clean between each cut. This helps you achieve those super-satisfying, clean-edged squares.
Can I make Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute gluten-free graham crackers to make this treat suitable for gluten-free eaters. Just check that your other mix-in ingredients are gluten-free, too.
Do I have to use toffee bits or peanuts on top?
Not at all. The toffee bits and peanuts are completely optional for extra crunch. The bars are delicious with just Butterfinger pieces, or you can get creative with your own favorite toppings!
Is it possible to prepare these in advance for a party?
Definitely. Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars are ideal for making ahead since they keep well in the fridge and even freeze nicely. You can slice them just before serving for maximum freshness.
Final Thoughts
The next time you want to wow your friends, family, or even just yourself, give these Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars a try. They’re impossibly easy, stunning to serve, and unforgettable after that first bite. Happy baking!
Print
Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes (including chill time)
- 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 decadent Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth or impressing guests with a delicious treat.
Ingredients
Graham Cracker Base:
- 1 package (14.4 oz) graham crackers (about 1 sleeve)
Caramel Layer:
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Toppings:
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup chopped Butterfinger candy bars (about 2 full-size bars)
- 1/2 cup toffee bits or chopped peanuts (optional for extra crunch)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper. Arrange graham crackers in a single layer on the bottom of the dish.
- Make Caramel: In a saucepan, melt butter and brown sugar, stirring until boiling. Boil for 2–3 minutes, then remove from heat and stir in salt and vanilla.
- Layer and Bake: Pour hot caramel over graham crackers, bake for 10 minutes. Sprinkle chocolate chips over hot caramel, let melt, then spread evenly. Add Butterfinger pieces and optional toppings.
- Cool and Chill: Let cool, then chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before slicing into bars.
Notes
- Store bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
- For easier slicing, use a sharp knife and wipe clean between cuts.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
