Butterfinger Caramel Candy Bars Recipe

Dreamy Butterfinger Caramel Candy Bars Recipe for Sweet Tooths

Crafting these homemade butterfinger caramel candy bars can spark unexpected joy in your kitchen.

Sweet experiments often lead to delightful surprises that delight unexpected taste buds.

Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating something magical and memorable.

Crunchy textures and rich flavors combine in ways that challenge traditional dessert expectations.

Chocolate lovers and candy enthusiasts will appreciate the intricate balance of sweetness and crunch.

Layers of caramel and crisp peanut butter create a harmonious blend that feels both nostalgic and innovative.

Indulge your inner pastry chef and transform simple ingredients into an extraordinary treat.

Why Butterfinger Caramel Candy Bars Are Pure Bliss

  • Effortless Sweet Treat: This recipe is incredibly simple to make, requiring minimal baking skills and basic kitchen equipment. Perfect for novice bakers looking to impress with minimal effort.
  • Quick Crowd-Pleaser: From start to finish, you can whip up these delectable bars in under an hour. The short preparation and chilling time make it ideal for last-minute dessert cravings or unexpected guests.
  • Customizable Candy Delight: Easily adaptable to personal preferences, the recipe allows for creative variations. Swap out Butterfinger for different candy bars or adjust chocolate types to suit individual tastes.
  • No-Fuss Party Dessert: These bars are perfect for potlucks, game days, and family gatherings. They cut cleanly, travel well, and offer a nostalgic twist on classic candy-inspired desserts that both kids and adults will love.

Butterfinger Caramel Candy Bars Ingredient List

Base Layer Ingredients:
  • Graham Cracker Crumbs: Classic cookie base with a sweet, buttery foundation for the dessert. Best when using fresh, finely ground crumbs.
  • Butter, Sugar: Binding agents that help create a cohesive and flavorful crust. Unsalted butter recommended for better control of sweetness.
Caramel Layer Ingredients:
  • Caramel Bits, Heavy Cream: Creamy mixture that creates a smooth, rich caramel layer. Soft caramel bits melt easily and blend well with cream.
  • Butterfinger Candy Bars: Signature crunchy candy that adds nutty peanut butter flavor and textural contrast. Choose fresh, crisp candy bars.
Chocolate Topping Ingredients:
  • Chocolate Chips, Coconut Oil: Glossy chocolate layer that provides a smooth, rich finish. Dark or milk chocolate works well. Coconut oil helps create a sleek chocolate coating.
  • Butterfinger Candy Bars: Additional candy for topping and decoration. Crushed pieces add crunch and visual appeal.

How To Make Butterfinger Caramel Candy Bars

Step 1: Create Crispy Base

Grab graham cracker crumbs, butter, and sugar. Mix these ingredients thoroughly until they feel like wet sand. Press the mixture into a lined baking pan, creating a solid foundation. Slide the pan into a hot oven and bake until edges turn golden and crisp. Let the base cool completely before moving forward.

Step 2: Craft Gooey Caramel Layer

Combine caramel bits and cream in a microwave-safe bowl. Warm the mixture in short bursts, stirring between each interval until silky smooth. Carefully pour the molten caramel over the cooled crust, ensuring an even blanket across the surface. Crush Butterfinger candy bars and:
  • Sprinkle first half over caramel
  • Create a crunchy landscape
  • Chill in refrigerator to set

Step 3: Drench in Chocolate Goodness

Melt chocolate chips using gentle heat. Options for melting include:
  • Microwave method
  • Double boiler technique
  • Slow, careful stovetop warming

Pour liquid chocolate over caramel layer, creating a glossy chocolate shield. Sprinkle remaining Butterfinger pieces across the top for extra crunch and visual appeal.

Step 4: Transform and Serve

Allow bars to rest in refrigerator until completely firm. When ready, lift entire creation from pan using parchment paper handles. Slice into enticing squares or rectangles. Serve chilled and watch everyone’s eyes light up with excitement.

Tips For Better Butterfinger Caramel Candy Bars

  • Crumb Crust Perfection: Press graham cracker mixture firmly and evenly to create a solid, compact base that won't crumble when cutting the bars.
  • Smooth Caramel Technique: Heat caramel slowly in short intervals to prevent burning, stirring consistently for a silky, glossy texture that spreads easily.
  • Chocolate Melting Magic: Use coconut oil when melting chocolate to ensure a glossy, smooth coating that sets beautifully and prevents cracking.
  • Candy Bar Crush Control: Crush Butterfinger bars into varied sizes for interesting texture – some fine crumbs and some small chunks create delightful bite variations.
  • Chill for Clean Cuts: Refrigerate bars completely before slicing to achieve precise, clean edges and prevent the layers from blending together.

Storage Guide For Butterfinger Caramel Candy Bars

  • Seal your Butterfinger Caramel Candy Bars in an airtight container to keep them fresh and delicious.
  • Store the bars in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, ensuring they maintain their perfect texture and flavor.
  • Layer the bars between sheets of parchment paper to prevent sticking and preserve their beautiful appearance.
  • For longer storage, freeze the bars in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 weeks – simply thaw in the refrigerator before enjoying.

Tasty Pairings For Butterfinger Caramel Candy Bars

  • Sip Creamy Caramel Coffee: Pair these decadent Butterfinger bars with a rich, smooth caramel latte that echoes the sweet, buttery notes of the dessert. The warm coffee will complement the cold chocolate and enhance the candy's crunch.
  • Match with Salty Nuts: Serve alongside a small bowl of roasted almonds or salted pecans to create a delightful sweet-and-salty contrast. The nutty crunch will beautifully balance the candy's rich chocolate and caramel layers.
  • Create Vanilla Ice Cream Float: Add a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream beside the bars for a cool, creamy accompaniment. The smooth, classic flavor will cut through the intense sweetness and provide a refreshing texture experience.
  • Enjoy Salted Caramel Martini: For adult gatherings, mix a salted caramel martini that mirrors the dessert's flavor profile. The boozy, smooth drink will elevate the tasting experience and add a sophisticated touch to your dessert presentation.

Butterfinger Caramel Candy Bars Variations Worth Trying

  • Peanut Butter Crunch Bars: Replace Butterfinger with crushed peanut butter cookies and add a layer of smooth peanut butter between caramel and chocolate for extra nutty richness.
  • Dark Chocolate Raspberry Bars: Swap milk chocolate with dark chocolate and sprinkle freeze-dried raspberry pieces on top for a tangy, sophisticated flavor profile.
  • Salted Almond Caramel Bars: Use crushed almonds instead of Butterfinger, drizzle sea salt over the chocolate layer, and incorporate almond extract into the caramel for a gourmet touch.
  • Coconut Chocolate Bars: Mix shredded coconut into the graham cracker crust, use white chocolate for topping, and sprinkle toasted coconut flakes for a tropical-inspired dessert.

Butterfinger Caramel Candy Bars Q&A

  • What makes these Butterfinger Caramel Candy Bars special?

These bars combine the rich, buttery graham cracker crust with creamy caramel and the irresistible crunch of Butterfinger candy, creating a decadent dessert that balances sweet, salty, and crunchy textures in every bite.

  • Can I use a different type of candy instead of Butterfinger?

While Butterfinger adds a unique flavor, you can substitute with other chocolate or peanut butter candy bars. Just crush them and sprinkle over the layers as the original recipe suggests.

  • How do I get clean, neat slices of these candy bars?

For perfectly clean cuts, ensure the bars are completely chilled and use a sharp knife. Wipe the knife clean between each cut to create precise, smooth edges.

  • What's the best way to crush the Butterfinger candy bars?

Place the candy bars in a sealed plastic bag and gently crush them using a rolling pin or the bottom of a heavy pan. This method helps you control the size of the candy pieces and prevents making a mess.

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Butterfinger Caramel Candy Bars Recipe

Butterfinger Caramel Candy Bars Recipe


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4.8 from 14 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Indulgent Butterfinger caramel candy bars blend crunchy peanut butter layers with rich chocolate and smooth caramel for an irresistible sweet treat. Homemade confections like these will delight chocolate enthusiasts craving a luxurious dessert experience.


Ingredients

Scale

Base:

  • 2 cups (473 milliliters) graham cracker crumbs
  • ½ cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, melted
  • ¼ cup (50 grams) granulated sugar

Caramel and Chocolate:

  • 1 cup (170 grams) caramel bits or soft caramels, unwrapped
  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) heavy cream
  • 1 ½ cups (255 grams) crushed Butterfinger candy bars (about 6 mini bars or 3 regular-sized bars)
  • 1 ½ cups (255 grams) semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips

Optional Topping:

  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) coconut oil or vegetable oil (for a shiny topping)

Instructions

  1. Craft a sturdy foundation by combining graham cracker crumbs with melted butter and sugar, ensuring a uniform texture. Gently press the mixture into a parchment-lined baking dish, creating a compact base that will support the subsequent layers.
  2. Transform caramel bits and heavy cream into a silky, luxurious coating by gradually melting them in short microwave intervals. Carefully drizzle the molten caramel across the golden crust, distributing a generous portion of crushed Butterfinger pieces for added crunch and flavor.
  3. Simultaneously melt chocolate chips with a touch of coconut oil, creating a glossy, smooth topping that will encase the caramel and candy layer. Pour the liquid chocolate with precision, covering the entire surface and allowing it to flow naturally across the landscape of sweet ingredients.
  4. Enhance the visual appeal by sprinkling the remaining Butterfinger fragments across the chocolate surface, creating a delightful mosaic of textures and colors. Carefully transfer the assembled delicacy to the refrigerator, allowing the layers to solidify and meld together harmoniously.
  5. Once fully chilled and set, extract the confection using the parchment paper handles. Slice into elegant portions, revealing the intricate layers of graham, caramel, chocolate, and crunchy Butterfinger pieces that promise a multi-dimensional tasting experience.

Notes

  • Customize the Crust: Swap graham crackers with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or crushed oat cookies to accommodate dietary restrictions.
  • Control Sweetness: Reduce sugar content by using dark chocolate or sugar-free caramel bits for a less intense sweet profile.
  • Enhance Texture: Toast graham cracker crumbs briefly before mixing with butter to develop a deeper, nuttier flavor and add extra crispness to the base.
  • Make Ahead: Prepare bars in advance and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, ensuring a convenient make-ahead dessert option.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 280
  • Sugar: 20 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 16 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 33 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Emily Morgan

Emily Morgan

Food Critic & Kitchen Tips Specialist

Expertise

Global Food Exploration & Critique, Simple Kitchen Hacks & Time-Saving Tips, Presentation & Plating Techniques, Culinary Research & Storytelling.

Education

New York University

  • Program: Bachelor’s in Journalism
  • Focus: Combined foundational journalism training with deep dives into global food traditions, restaurant criticism, and the cultural role of cuisine.

Emily Morgan has journeyed across the globe, collecting culinary secrets that turn everyday ingredients into impressive meals.

Based in Seattle and armed with a Journalism degree from NYU, she blends thorough research with a flair for presentation, ensuring every dish looks just as good as it tastes.

Focusing on fresh flavors, simple methods, and a bit of fun, Emily shows home cooks how to elevate their daily cooking without fancy gadgets or complex steps.

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