Welcome, dessert lovers and caramel crunch enthusiasts! Today, we are diving into a treat that merges all things delicious into one irresistible package: Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars! These delectable bars promise to take your taste buds on a sweet adventure, combining silky chocolate, rich caramel, and the iconic Butterfinger crunch into an awe-inspiring dessert. Whether you are a fan of caramel crunch bars or a devoted Butterfinger enthusiast, this recipe will fit the bill perfectly. Let’s explore how easy it is to create these decadent delights that are sure to become a favorite in your dessert rotation.
What makes Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars so special? First, they are incredibly simple to make, requiring minimal time and effort, making them a perfect option for gatherings or just an indulgent evening treat. The blend of flavors and textures in every bite is simply unbeatable—an incredibly crunchy topping, a gooey layer of caramel, and just enough chocolate to satisfy any sweet tooth. Plus, these bars are versatile! You can easily make substitutions to accommodate dietary preferences, and they store exceptionally well, allowing you to enjoy them over several days.
Why You’ll Love This Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars
- Irresistible Flavor Combination: Enjoy the perfect mix of buttery graham cracker crust, rich chocolate, creamy caramel, and crunchy Butterfingers.
- Easy Preparation: This recipe requires no baking expertise—just mix, layer, and bake!
- Crowd Pleaser: Perfect for parties, gatherings, or as a sweet treat to surprise your family.
- Customizable: Make substitutions based on your preferences to create a unique treat every time.
- Leftover Friendly: These bars can be stored in the fridge, maintaining their deliciousness for several days.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before you dive into making these delightful Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars, it’s essential to prepare your kitchen and gather the necessary tools to ensure success. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), allowing for even baking. Set out an 8×8-inch baking pan, which we’ll use to form our bars, and line it with parchment paper for easier removal later. Measuring cups will be critical for the precise amount of ingredients, and don’t forget a mixing bowl for combining the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter.
When it comes to assembly, having a spatula will help in spreading the sweetened condensed milk and caramel sauce evenly over the layers. Also, a small saucepan might be handy in case you want to heat the caramel sauce slightly to make it easier to drizzle. These few tools and some fresh ingredients will set you up for a successful sweet venture!
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs – finely ground for a stable crust
- 1/2 cup melted butter – salted or unsalted, to hold the crust together
- 1 cup chocolate chips – semi-sweet or milk chocolate for a rich layer of chocolate
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk – adds sweetness and gooeyness to the bars
- 1 cup caramel sauce – either homemade or store-bought, for a rich caramel layer
- 1 cup crushed Butterfinger candy bars – for that iconic, crunchy topping
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
First, set the stage by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This initial step is crucial for achieving evenly baked bars. In a mixing bowl, combine the finely ground graham cracker crumbs with melted butter until the crumbs are saturated with butter, ensuring a delicious and sturdy crust. Once mixed thoroughly, compact the mixture firmly into the bottom of your lined baking pan to form a solid base.
Step 2: Layering the Chocolate
With your crust ready, it’s time to sprinkle the chocolate chips over the top. Spread them evenly to cover the crust adequately, ensuring every bite is infused with that rich chocolate goodness. The heat from the subsequent layers will melt the chocolate slightly, creating a magnificent flavor base.
Step 3: Adding Sweetened Condensed Milk
This is where the magic begins! Drizzle the sweetened condensed milk over the chocolate layer. This gives the bars that delightful gooey texture and is essential for binding everything together. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly, ensuring every corner is covered, which will enhance the bars’ overall texture.
Step 4: Pouring on the Caramel
Next, drizzle your caramel sauce over the sweetened condensed milk layer. Feel free to add as much or as little as you wish, depending on your love for caramel! Use your spatula to smooth it out, making sure it creates an even layer over the milk mix, enriching the bar’s flavor.
Step 5: The Crunch Topping
Finally, we elevate these bars with the iconic Butterfinger crunch. Sprinkle the crushed Butterfinger candy bars over the top generously. Press them down gently to ensure they adhere to the caramel layer for optimal crunch in every piece.
Step 6: Baking to Perfection
Place the baking pan in your preheated oven and let the bars bake for 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you want the edges golden brown, and the caramel layer to start bubbling—this is a sign of a perfect bake!
Step 7: Cooling Time
Once baked, it’s essential to let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing. For a cleaner cut, pop the pan in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes, allowing the layers to set properly. Once cooled, lift the bars out using the parchment paper and slice them into squares.
Variations
- Protein: Consider adding chopped nuts or seeds for an extra crunch factor.
- Vegetables: Although unconventional, adding a hint of pumpkin puree can introduce a unique flavor twist.
- Spices: Experiment by adding a pinch of sea salt on top to enhance the sweetness layers.
Cooking Notes
- Be careful not to overbake; the bars should remain moist and gooey.
- For an extra touch, consider drizzling more caramel on top right before serving for a beautiful presentation.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for an indulgent treat.
- Pair with a cup of coffee or tea for a perfect afternoon delight.
Tips
- Use high-quality chocolate chips for a more pronounced chocolate flavor.
- Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the fridge to keep them fresh longer.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 250 per bar
- Protein: 3g
- Sodium: 200mg
FAQs
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute the graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free graham crackers or use crushed gluten-free cookies for the crust.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage.
Can I use a different candy instead of Butterfinger?
Of course! Feel free to use other crunchy candies, like Reese’s Crunch or even crushed Oreos for a different flavor profile.
What if I want to make a larger batch?
You can double this recipe and use a larger baking pan, keeping the same baking time, just check for doneness by looking for bubbling caramel and golden edges.
Conclusion
In conclusion, these Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars are a must-try for any dessert lover! With their rich layers of chocolate, caramel, and the delightful crunch of Butterfinger, they will surely leave your taste buds dancing with joy. This recipe provides a fantastic balance of flavors and caters to various preferences, making it an excellent addition to any dessert table. We encourage you to try this simple recipe, share your variations, and let us know how it turned out for you! Happy baking!
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Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
These Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars are a delightful treat combining rich chocolate, creamy caramel, and crunchy Butterfingers.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs – finely ground for a stable crust
- 1/2 cup melted butter – salted or unsalted, to hold the crust together
- 1 cup chocolate chips – semi-sweet or milk chocolate for a rich layer of chocolate
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk – adds sweetness and gooeyness to the bars
- 1 cup caramel sauce – either homemade or store-bought, for a rich caramel layer
- 1 cup crushed Butterfinger candy bars – for that iconic, crunchy topping
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs with melted butter until saturated, then compact into the bottom of a lined 8×8-inch baking pan.
- Sprinkle chocolate chips evenly over the crust.
- Drizzle sweetened condensed milk over the chocolate layer and spread evenly.
- Pour caramel sauce over the sweetened condensed milk layer and smooth out.
- Sprinkle crushed Butterfingers on top and press down gently.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until edges are golden brown and caramel is bubbling.
- Let cool in the pan before slicing into squares.
Notes
Be careful not to overbake; the bars should remain moist and gooey. Store in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
Nutrition
- Calories: Approximately 250 per bar
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Protein: 3 g