Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars

If you’re a fan of sweet, crunchy, and utterly irresistible treats, you’re going to love these Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars! These bars bring together the perfect combination of layers, with a buttery, caramel center, crunchy Butterfinger candy bars, and a hint of chocolate that’ll have you reaching for just one more bite. Trust me, this is one dessert that will disappear in no time.

Why You’ll Love Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars

Here’s why these bars are going to be your new favorite go-to treat:

• Irresistibly Sweet and Salty: The combination of caramel, Butterfinger, and a touch of chocolate is the ultimate sweet-and-salty harmony. You’ll be hooked from the first bite.
• Easy to Make: No complicated steps here—just melt, mix, and layer! These bars come together quickly, making them perfect for when you need a crowd-pleasing dessert in a pinch.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re hosting a party, bringing a dessert to a potluck, or just making a snack for yourself, these bars are guaranteed to be a hit with everyone.
• Crunchy, Creamy, and Chewy: With layers of crunch from the Butterfingers and caramel and a creamy base, these bars offer the best of both textures.

Ingredients

You only need a few simple ingredients to make these delicious bars, and most of them are pantry staples. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Butterfinger Bars: These iconic candy bars are the key ingredient, adding crunch and that signature peanut buttery flavor.
• Caramel: For a smooth, sweet layer that adds the perfect richness to balance out the crunchiness of the Butterfingers.
• Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips will melt into a smooth, decadent topping.
• Butter: To help make the caramel layer extra smooth and flavorful.
• Rice Krispies Cereal: The perfect addition to add crunch and texture to the bars.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: This helps bind everything together and gives that creamy sweetness to the caramel layer.
• Vanilla Extract: For a hint of flavor that enhances all the other ingredients.

(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Ready to create these sweet treats? Let’s get started!

Prepare the Base:

Start by greasing a 9×13-inch baking pan or lining it with parchment paper for easy removal. In a large bowl, combine the Rice Krispies cereal with chopped Butterfinger bars (save a small handful for topping). Mix them together and set aside.

Make the Caramel Layer:

In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sweetened condensed milk and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture is smooth and bubbly (about 5-7 minutes). Pour the caramel mixture over the Rice Krispies and Butterfinger mixture. Stir to coat everything evenly, then press the mixture into the prepared baking pan. Use the back of a spoon or your hands (lightly greased) to gently press the mixture into an even layer.

Add the Chocolate:

Melt the chocolate chips (you can do this in a microwave or on the stovetop) and drizzle it over the pressed caramel and Rice Krispies layer. Spread it evenly with a spatula for a smooth, glossy topping. Sprinkle the reserved Butterfinger pieces on top for an extra crunch.

Chill and Set:

Place the pan in the fridge for at least 1-2 hours to allow the bars to set and the chocolate to firm up. Once set, remove from the fridge and cut into squares or bars.

Serve and Enjoy:

Serve these delightful bars to your friends, family, or save them for yourself (no judgment!). Enjoy every bite of the crispy, crunchy, and chewy layers.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 16
Calories per serving: 230
Total Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 15mg
Sodium: 45mg
Total Carbohydrates: 29g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 21g
Protein: 2g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 1-2 hours
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

How to Serve Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars

These bars are delicious on their own, but you can elevate the experience with a few simple touches:

• Pair with Ice Cream: Serve these bars alongside a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream for a decadent dessert combo.
• Milk: You can never go wrong with a glass of cold milk to wash down these sweet bars!
• Drizzle with Extra Caramel: If you’re a fan of caramel, drizzle a little extra over the top for an extra indulgent treat.

Additional Tips

• Customize the Crunch: If you want more crunch, feel free to add in some crushed pretzels, peanuts, or even chopped up granola.
• Make Ahead: These bars can be made ahead of time! They store well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days, or in the fridge for even longer.
• Use Other Candy Bars: You can swap out Butterfingers for other candy bars like Snickers or Reese’s for a fun twist.
• Freeze for Later: These bars freeze well, too! Simply wrap them in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Let them thaw before enjoying.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use other cereal besides Rice Krispies?
A1: Yes! You can swap Rice Krispies for other crispy cereals like Cornflakes or even Special K. Just make sure the cereal is light and crispy for the best texture.

Q2: Can I substitute the sweetened condensed milk?
A2: Sweetened condensed milk is key to getting that rich, creamy caramel. There isn’t really a good substitute, but you could try using homemade caramel sauce if you prefer.

Q3: How should I store these bars?
A3: Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep them fresh longer, you can store them in the fridge.

Q4: Can I freeze these bars?
A4: Absolutely! These bars freeze really well. Just wrap them in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.

Q5: Can I make these bars gluten-free?
A5: Yes! Just use a gluten-free rice cereal (there are many great options available) and check that your sweetened condensed milk and chocolate chips are gluten-free.

Q6: Can I make these bars without chocolate?
A6: Yes, if you’re not a chocolate fan, you can skip the chocolate topping altogether or drizzle with caramel instead for an even sweeter treat.

Q7: Can I use homemade caramel?
A7: Sure! If you prefer homemade caramel, go ahead and make it, just be sure it’s smooth and thick enough to coat the cereal mixture.

Q8: How do I cut these bars cleanly?
A8: To cut clean bars, let them set in the fridge for at least an hour or two to firm up. Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts for neat slices.

Q9: Can I double the recipe?
A9: Yes! If you want to make a larger batch, just double the ingredients and use a larger baking pan, like a 9×13-inch or even a 10×15-inch sheet pan.

Q10: Can I add more Butterfinger pieces?
A10: Absolutely! If you love the Butterfinger crunch, feel free to add more chopped pieces to the mix or sprinkle extra on top before chilling.

Conclusion

These Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars are everything you could want in a treat—sweet, crunchy, creamy, and totally irresistible. Whether you’re bringing them to a party, packing them in lunchboxes, or just enjoying them as a late-night snack, these bars are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. So, grab your ingredients, whip them up, and get ready for a dessert that’s as easy to make as it is delicious!

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