Introduction:
Indulge in the ultimate treat with our Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars recipe! These delectable bars combine the creamy, nutty flavor of Butterfinger candy with rich caramel and a satisfying crunch. Perfect for parties, family gatherings, or a sweet everyday snack, these bars are sure to become a favorite. Easy to make and irresistibly delicious, this recipe will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients:
- For the Base:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- For the Caramel Layer:
- 14 ounces (1 can) sweetened condensed milk
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup caramel bits or caramel squares (unwrapped)
- For the Topping:
- 1 cup Butterfinger candy bars, chopped
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Instructions:
- Prepare the Base:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving a slight overhang for easy removal.
- In a medium bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until well combined. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool.
- Make the Caramel Layer:
- In a medium saucepan, combine sweetened condensed milk, butter, and caramel bits. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the caramel is melted and smooth.
- Pour the caramel mixture over the baked graham cracker crust and spread it evenly. Let it cool and set for about 20 minutes.
- Prepare the Topping:
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips and butter together in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth and fully melted.
- Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the caramel layer, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Sprinkle chopped Butterfinger candy bars over the top, pressing them gently into the chocolate.
- Chill and Serve:
- Refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours, or until the chocolate is set and firm. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan.
- Cut into squares and serve. Enjoy!
Serving and Storage Tips for Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars:
Serving Tips:
- Chill for Optimal Texture: Ensure the bars are fully chilled before serving. This allows the caramel and chocolate layers to set properly, making the bars easier to cut and handle. For best results, refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until firm.
- Cutting the Bars: Use a sharp knife to cut the bars into even squares or rectangles. For cleaner cuts, you can dip the knife in hot water and wipe it between cuts. This prevents the chocolate from sticking to the knife.
- Presentation: Arrange the bars on a serving platter or in a decorative tin for an attractive presentation. These bars are great for parties, potlucks, or as a sweet treat for family and friends.
- Pairing: These bars pair wonderfully with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee. They can also be enjoyed with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Storage Tips:
- Room Temperature Storage: If you plan to eat the bars within a few days, you can store them at room temperature. Keep them in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out. They should be fine for up to 3 days.
- Refrigeration: For longer storage, place the bars in an airtight container and refrigerate them. They will stay fresh for up to 2 weeks. Refrigeration helps maintain the bars’ texture and keeps the caramel and chocolate from becoming too soft.
- Freezing: To extend the shelf life, you can freeze the bars. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. For easier access, you can cut the bars into squares before freezing.
- Thawing: To thaw frozen bars, transfer them from the freezer to the refrigerator and let them thaw overnight. For a quicker option, you can let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
- Avoid Freezer Burn: When freezing, ensure that the bars are well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn, which can affect the taste and texture.
Variations for Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars:
Peanut Butter Caramel Crunch Bars
Add ½ cup creamy peanut butter to the caramel layer. Melt the peanut butter with the caramel and sweetened condensed milk, then proceed with the recipe as directed. This addition introduces a rich, nutty flavor that complements the Butterfinger pieces perfectly.Salted Pretzel Caramel Crunch Bars
Mix 1 cup crushed pretzels into the graham cracker crust. Combine crushed pretzels with the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter to form the base. The pretzels add a delightful salty crunch that balances the sweetness of the caramel and chocolate layers.Mint Chocolate Caramel Crunch Bars
Add 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract to the melted chocolate topping. Stir the peppermint extract into the melted chocolate before spreading it over the caramel layer. This variation gives the bars a refreshing minty twist, perfect for mint lovers.Almond Joy Caramel Crunch Bars
Substitute Butterfinger pieces with 1 cup of chopped Almond Joy bars. Replace the Butterfinger topping with chopped Almond Joy bars to introduce a coconut and almond flavor that pairs beautifully with the caramel.S’mores Caramel Crunch Bars
Replace the graham cracker crumbs with 1 ½ cups crushed graham crackers, and add 1 cup of mini marshmallows on top of the caramel layer before adding the chocolate. Sprinkle mini marshmallows over the caramel layer, then proceed with spreading the chocolate and any additional graham cracker crumbs for a s’mores-inspired treat.Toffee Crunch Bars
Replace the Butterfinger pieces with 1 cup of crushed toffee bits. Mix the toffee bits into the melted chocolate topping or sprinkle them over the chocolate layer. This variation adds a crunchy, caramelized flavor to the bars.Coconut Caramel Crunch Bars
Add 1 cup of shredded coconut to the caramel layer. Stir the shredded coconut into the caramel mixture before pouring it over the graham cracker crust. This adds a tropical flavor and a chewy texture to the bars.White Chocolate Raspberry Caramel Bars
Replace the semi-sweet chocolate chips with 1 cup of white chocolate chips and add ½ cup of raspberry jam. Melt the white chocolate chips and spread them over the caramel layer. Swirl raspberry jam into the white chocolate for a fruity and creamy twist.Cinnamon Roll Caramel Crunch Bars
Add 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the graham cracker crust mixture. Incorporate ground cinnamon into the crust mixture and top with a drizzle of cream cheese frosting for a cinnamon roll-inspired flavor that adds warmth and spice.Coffee Caramel Crunch Bars
Add 1 tablespoon of instant coffee granules to the melted chocolate topping. Stir the instant coffee granules into the melted chocolate before spreading it over the caramel layer. This creates a rich coffee flavor that enhances the overall taste of the bars.
Conclusion:
Our Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars are the perfect combination of creamy caramel, crunchy Butterfinger pieces, and rich chocolate, all layered over a buttery graham cracker crust. These bars are a crowd-pleaser that’s simple to make and impossible to resist. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just treating yourself, these bars will add a sweet and satisfying crunch to any occasion. Try this recipe today and delight in every decadent bite!
FAQ’s about Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars :
1. Can I use homemade caramel instead of store-bought?
Yes, you can use homemade caramel. Just ensure it has the right consistency—smooth and pourable—to layer over the graham cracker crust. Homemade caramel can add a personal touch and enhance the flavor of the bars.
2. How can I make the graham cracker crust more flavorful?
You can enhance the graham cracker crust by adding ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon or a pinch of salt to the crumbs before mixing with the butter and sugar. This adds extra depth of flavor and complements the sweet and salty layers of the bars.
3. What can I use instead of Butterfinger candy bars?
If you don’t have Butterfinger bars, you can substitute them with other candy bars like Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, Twix, or even chopped Snickers. Each will give a unique twist to the bars while maintaining a delicious crunch.
4. How do I store Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars?
Store the bars in an airtight container. They can be kept at room temperature for up to 3 days, in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, or frozen for up to 3 months. Make sure they are well-wrapped to prevent them from drying out.
5. Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes, you can make these bars ahead of time. They are perfect for preparing in advance for parties or gatherings. Just store them properly to maintain their freshness, and they’ll be ready to serve when you need them.
6. What can I do if the caramel layer is too runny?
If the caramel layer is too runny, you can thicken it by cooking it a bit longer until it reaches the desired consistency. Alternatively, you can add a tablespoon or two of flour or cornstarch to the caramel mixture while it’s cooking to help it set better.
7. How can I make sure the bars are easy to cut?
To ensure easy cutting, let the bars cool completely and set in the refrigerator. Using a sharp knife or a plastic knife can also help achieve clean cuts. For an extra tip, you can lightly score the bars with a knife before fully cutting them.
8. Can I add nuts to the recipe?
Absolutely! Chopped nuts such as pecans, almonds, or walnuts can be added to the caramel layer or sprinkled on top before the chocolate sets. Nuts add extra crunch and flavor to the bars.
9. How do I melt the chocolate chips without burning them?
To melt chocolate chips without burning them, use a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval. Alternatively, use a double boiler over low heat, stirring constantly, to melt the chocolate evenly.
10. What’s the best way to freeze these bars?
To freeze the bars, cut them into squares, then wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped bars in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Thaw them in the refrigerator before serving to maintain their texture and flavor.