Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars

Introduction

When I first made Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars, I knew I had stumbled upon something extraordinary. The rich layers of graham cracker crust, gooey caramel, crushed Butterfinger candy, and chocolate chips combine to create an indulgent dessert that my family couldn’t stop raving about. The caramel sauce melts beautifully, blending with the sweetened condensed milk and Butterfingers, resulting in a chewy, crunchy, and totally irresistible treat. These bars are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re having a family gathering, a party, or just a quiet evening with a little indulgence. My kids absolutely loved them, and even the adults found themselves sneaking a few extra pieces. If you’re craving a dessert that balances crunch, caramel, and chocolate in every bite, this recipe is for you.

Ingredients

• 1 cup crushed Butterfinger candy bars 🍬
• 1 cup caramel sauce 🍮
• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs 🍪
• 1/2 cup melted butter 🧈
• 1 cup sweetened condensed milk 🥛
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips 🍫
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional) 🌰

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking pan with butter or non-stick spray to prevent the bars from sticking.
2. Prepare the Crust: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs with the melted butter until the crumbs are evenly coated. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form a solid, compact crust.
3. Add the Sweetened Condensed Milk: Drizzle the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the crust, ensuring that it covers the entire surface.
4. Layer the Toppings: Sprinkle the crushed Butterfinger candy bars over the condensed milk layer. Then, evenly spread the chocolate chips across the top of the bars. If you’re using nuts, sprinkle them over the chocolate chips for added crunch.
5. Drizzle the Caramel Sauce: Pour the caramel sauce generously over the top of the bars, ensuring an even distribution of sweet caramel goodness.
6. Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the edges of the bars are golden brown, and the toppings have melted into a gooey, delicious layer.
7. Cool and Cut: Remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares for serving.

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 16 bars
• Calories per serving: 230–250
• Total Fat: 13–15 grams
• Saturated Fat: 6–7 grams
• Trans Fat: 0 grams
• Carbohydrates: 27–30 grams
• Fiber: 1 gram
• Sugar: 18–20 grams
• Protein: 2–3 grams
• Sodium: 75–100 mg
• Cholesterol: 20–25 mg

Preparation Time

• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 20–25 minutes
• Total time: 30–35 minutes (not including cooling time)

How to Serve

• As a dessert: Serve the Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars as a sweet treat after dinner, or at any special occasion like birthdays or holidays.
• For parties: These bars are perfect for serving at gatherings, as they are easy to cut into small squares and share.
• With coffee or tea: Pair these bars with your favorite coffee, tea, or milk for a delightful afternoon snack.
• As a gift: Package the bars in decorative boxes or bags to give as homemade gifts during the holiday season.
• For movie nights: These bars are perfect for indulging while watching your favorite films with family or friends.

Additional Tips

1. Use homemade caramel sauce: If you want an extra indulgent touch, make your own caramel sauce from scratch. It will bring a richer, more personalized flavor to the bars.
2. Double the recipe: If you have a large crowd or want leftovers, double the recipe and use a 9×13-inch pan for larger portions.
3. Store in an airtight container: To keep the bars fresh and chewy, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
4. Add a pinch of salt: For a more balanced flavor, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top of the bars before baking. The salt will enhance the sweetness of the caramel and chocolate.
5. Customize the nuts: If you prefer a different type of nut, try using chopped almonds, cashews, or even peanuts for a fun variation.

Recipe Variations

• Peanut Butter Twist: For a peanut butter flavor, drizzle melted peanut butter over the layers before baking. This complements the Butterfinger candy perfectly.
• S’mores Bars: Add mini marshmallows along with the chocolate chips for a s’mores-inspired variation.
• Vegan Version: Use dairy-free butter, chocolate chips, and condensed milk to make a vegan version of these bars.
• No Bake Option: For a no-bake version, use a no-bake graham cracker crust and chill the bars in the fridge until set.
• Minty Version: Add a teaspoon of mint extract to the caramel sauce for a fresh, minty twist.

Serving Suggestions

• With a scoop of ice cream: Serve these decadent bars with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream on top for an extra indulgent treat.
• Topped with whipped cream: Add a dollop of freshly whipped cream for a light, airy touch that contrasts beautifully with the rich, dense layers of the bars.
• With fresh fruit: Pair the bars with fresh berries like strawberries or raspberries to balance the sweetness with a touch of tartness.
• As a topping for yogurt: Crumble these bars over a bowl of yogurt for a fun, crunchy topping.
• On a dessert platter: Place these bars alongside other sweet treats, like brownies or cookies, for a dessert spread everyone can enjoy.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: These bars freeze wonderfully. To freeze, cut them into squares, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, and freeze until firm. Then, transfer the bars to an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
• Storage: Keep the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you prefer them cold, you can store them in the fridge, but they may become firmer.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use another type of candy in place of Butterfinger?
   Yes, you can substitute Butterfingers with crushed Snickers, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, or any candy bar of your choice.
2. Can I make these bars without the nuts?
   Yes, you can omit the nuts entirely, or use any nut you prefer for a different texture.
3. Can I use milk chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet chocolate chips?
   Absolutely! Feel free to use milk chocolate chips for a sweeter, less bitter flavor.
4. Do I have to use sweetened condensed milk?
   Yes, sweetened condensed milk is essential for achieving the gooey texture, but you can substitute it with evaporated milk if needed, though the texture may be slightly different.
5. Can I make the crust without graham crackers?
   You can substitute graham crackers with crushed vanilla wafers, digestive biscuits, or even crushed pretzels for a salty-sweet combination.
6. How do I prevent the bars from becoming too hard after baking?
   Be sure to allow the bars to cool completely before cutting them to prevent them from becoming too firm.
7. Can I double this recipe?
   Yes, if you need more bars, simply double the ingredients and use a larger baking pan (9×13 inches).
8. How can I make these bars even more indulgent?
   Add a layer of melted chocolate on top or drizzle extra caramel sauce for an extra gooey experience.
9. Can I use homemade caramel sauce?
   Yes, homemade caramel sauce will add an extra rich flavor. Just make sure it’s cooled before drizzling it over the bars.
10. How do I store leftovers?
    Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or refrigerate them for a longer shelf life.

Conclusion

Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars are a must-try for anyone who loves a delicious combination of caramel, chocolate, and a bit of crunch. These bars are incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few ingredients, and they offer an irresistible treat that will satisfy any sweet tooth. Whether you’re making them for a party, family gathering, or a special occasion, they’re sure to impress everyone who tries them. Give this recipe a try, and you’ll see just why they’re a favorite in our household—and no doubt, in yours too!

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