Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars: Sweet, Salty, Crunchy Bliss
If you’ve ever wanted a dessert bar that hits every note—crunchy, chewy, sweet, and buttery—then say hello to your new go-to treat: Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars. These layered bars combine a buttery shortbread crust, rich homemade caramel, crunchy Butterfinger candy, and a drizzle of melty chocolate. They’re basically candy bar heaven in every bite.
Whether you’re bringing dessert to a party, filling a cookie box, or just treating yourself, these bars are wildly addictive and surprisingly easy to make.
Why I Love This Recipe
It’s layered, luscious, and downright irresistible. The buttery crust provides a perfect foundation for the chewy caramel and nutty Butterfinger topping, all kissed with a drizzle of chocolate. Plus, there’s zero need for a candy thermometer—just basic pantry ingredients and a bit of stirring magic.
Ingredients
For the crust:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the caramel layer:
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup light corn syrup
- ¼ cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the topping:
- 1 cup crushed Butterfinger candy bars
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
Notes & Substitutions
- Butterfinger: Feel free to swap with other candy bars like Heath, Snickers, or Reese’s for variety.
- Condensed milk: Don’t substitute this with evaporated milk—it won’t work the same.
- Storage: Keep bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days or in the fridge for a firmer texture.
Instructions
1. Prepare the Crust
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and melted butter. Mix until the dough forms. Press evenly into the bottom of the pan.
Bake for 20 minutes, until lightly golden. Let cool completely.
➤ Duration: 10 minutes prep + 20 minutes bake
2. Make the Caramel
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Add brown sugar, corn syrup, and sweetened condensed milk. Stir constantly and bring to a boil.
Boil for 5–7 minutes until the mixture thickens and turns golden. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
Pour over the cooled crust and spread evenly.
➤ Duration: 10 minutes
3. Add the Topping
Sprinkle crushed Butterfinger candy evenly over the warm caramel layer.
Melt chocolate chips in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
Drizzle over the Butterfinger layer.
➤ Duration: 5 minutes
4. Chill and Serve
Refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours to set. Once firm, cut into squares using a sharp knife dipped in hot water for cleaner cuts.
➤ Duration: 2 hours chilling
Tips for Success
- Crush Butterfingers just before using to maintain crunch.
- Don’t overcook the caramel—aim for a thickened, pourable consistency.
- Use parchment for easy removal and slicing.
Serving Suggestions
These bars are rich, so cut them small! They pair beautifully with coffee, a glass of milk, or something creamy like this Edible Cookie Dough.
For a dessert table, pair them with:
- Brownie Batter Dip
- No-Bake Oreo Cream Pie
- Monster Cookie Energy Balls for a snacky contrast.
Storage & Leftovers
- Store in a sealed container at room temperature for up to 7 days.
- For longer storage, refrigerate or freeze (layer with parchment to prevent sticking).
More Recipes You’ll Love
- Big Family Banana Pudding – creamy, nostalgic, and great for gatherings.
- Edible Cookie Dough – another no-bake fave for sweet cravings.
Final Thoughts
If you’re a fan of sweet-and-salty candy bar desserts, Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars are about to become your new favorite. Gooey, crunchy, and perfectly layered, they’re just as fun to make as they are to eat. Try them out and let me know what candy combo you’d like to try next!
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