Indulgent Butterfinger Crunch Bars Recipe

Irresistible Butterfinger Crunch Bars Recipe: Sweet Candy Magic

Decadent chocolate meets irresistible crunch in these mouthwatering Butterfinger crunch bars that will make taste buds dance with excitement.

Sweet layers of chocolate blend perfectly with the signature Butterfinger candy bar texture.

Crispy, golden pieces of candy provide an unexpected burst of flavor in every bite.

The recipe delivers a delightful treat that combines rich chocolate with salty-sweet crumbles.

Each bar promises a symphony of textures that will transport you to dessert heaven.

The combination of smooth chocolate and crunchy candy creates an unforgettable snacking experience.

Prepare to embark on a delicious journey that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 2 hours

Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes

Calories: 180 kcal

Servings: 17

Everything That Goes Into Butterfinger Crunch Bars

For Base and Binding:
  • Peanut Butter: Creamy foundation that provides rich, nutty flavor and helps bind ingredients together, choose natural or smooth variety for best texture.
  • Butter: Adds richness and helps create smooth consistency, select unsalted for better control of salt levels.
  • Graham Cracker Crumbs: Creates crunchy base and provides structural support, look for finely ground crumbs for even mixing.
  • Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and helps stabilize mixture, opt for fresh, clump-free sugar.
For Chocolate Topping:
  • Chocolate Chips: Delivers luxurious chocolate layer, select high-quality dark or milk chocolate for deep flavor.
  • Coconut Oil: Enhances chocolate's smoothness and helps create glossy finish, choose refined version for neutral taste.
For Crunch and Garnish:
  • Butterfinger Candies: Introduces signature crunch and caramel-peanut butter flavor, crush into varied sizes for interesting texture contrast, select fresh bars for maximum crispness.

Tools That Help with Mixing and Setting Crunch Bars

  • Mixing bowl: Large, sturdy bowl for combining ingredients thoroughly.
  • Microwave-safe bowl: Used for melting chocolate chips smoothly.
  • 8×8-inch baking dish: Perfect size for creating even bar layers.
  • Parchment paper: Essential for easy removal and clean cutting.
  • Spatula: Helps spread chocolate and press mixture evenly.
  • Spoon: Useful for mixing ingredients and smoothing base layer.
  • Measuring cups: For accurate ingredient proportions.
  • Sharp knife: Needed for cutting chilled bars into clean squares.

How to Press and Chill Butterfinger Crunch Bars

  • Create Crunchy Base

Blend together peanut butter, butter, graham cracker crumbs, powdered sugar, and crushed Butterfinger candies into a sticky mixture that holds together perfectly.

  • Pack into Baking Dish

Spread the mixture into a lined pan, pressing firmly and smoothing the surface to create an even foundation for your delectable treat.

  • Drizzle Chocolate Topping

Melt chocolate chips in short bursts, stirring until silky smooth, then pour over the base and spread evenly with a gentle touch.

  • Sprinkle Candy Crunch

Immediately shower the melted chocolate with remaining Butterfinger pieces, gently pressing to ensure they stick and create a delightful textured surface.

  • Chill and Slice

Refrigerate the bars until completely firm, then lift from the pan and slice into mouth-watering squares that will make everyone’s taste buds dance.

Add-Ons to Make Butterfinger Crunch Bars Pop

  • Crush Butterfinger candies into different size pieces for varied texture, ensuring some chunks remain for extra crunch and visual appeal.
  • Replace graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free cookie crumbs or ground almond flour to make the recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
  • Swap milk chocolate chips with dark chocolate for a more intense, less sweet flavor profile that complements the peanut butter base.
  • Use dairy-free chocolate chips, plant-based butter, and vegan graham crackers to create a completely plant-based version of these decadent bars.
  • Keep bars fresh by storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Serve These Crunch Bars at Parties or Lunchboxes

  • Dessert Party Centerpiece: Create a stunning dessert board featuring the Butterfinger Crunch Bars as the star attraction, surrounded by complementary treats like chocolate truffles and caramel popcorn.
  • Game Night Snack Delight: Slice the bars into bite-sized pieces and serve during movie marathons or board game evenings, offering a crowd-pleasing sweet treat that everyone will love.
  • Ice Cream Topping Twist: Crumble the Butterfinger Crunch Bars over vanilla or chocolate ice cream for an unexpected and delicious dessert upgrade that adds crunch and rich flavor.
  • Gift-Worthy Treat: Wrap individual bars in parchment paper and tie with a ribbon for a homemade gift that's perfect for birthdays, holidays, or just because moments.

Store Crunch Bars for Later Without Losing Texture

  • Refrigerate the Butterfinger Crunch Bars for exactly 2 hours to ensure perfect texture and easy slicing. The chilled environment helps chocolate set quickly and maintains the crisp layer.
  • Keep bars in an airtight container between wax paper layers, storing in refrigerator for up to 7 days. This prevents candies from getting soft and maintains their delightful crunch.
  • Allow bars to sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before serving. Slight warming enhances flavor and softens the chocolate slightly, making each bite more enjoyable.
  • Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe container. Frozen bars can last up to 3 months – perfect for make-ahead dessert lovers who want a sweet treat anytime.

FAQs

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

You can substitute with similar crunchy chocolate-peanut butter candies like Reese’s Pieces or chopped Crunch bars for a similar texture and flavor profile.

  • Is it necessary to use parchment paper?

Parchment paper makes removal easier and prevents sticking, but you can use a greased pan if you don’t have parchment paper. Just be careful when cutting and removing the bars.

  • How do I crush the Butterfinger candies?

Place the Butterfinger bars in a sealed plastic bag and gently crush with a rolling pin or the back of a spoon. Aim for a mix of fine and chunky pieces for the best texture.

  • Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs or substitute with gluten-free cookie crumbs to make the recipe celiac-friendly.

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Indulgent Butterfinger Crunch Bars Recipe

Indulgent Butterfinger Crunch Bars Recipe


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4.8 from 40 reviews

  • Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 17 1x

Description

Butterfinger Crunch Bars deliver a perfect balance of chocolate and peanut butter nostalgia. Crisp layers and rich chocolate create an irresistible dessert you’ll want to savor repeatedly.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (473 ml) crushed Butterfinger candies (about 8 fun-size bars)
  • 1 cup (237 ml) creamy peanut butter
  • 1 cup (237 ml) graham cracker crumbs
  • 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
  • ½ cup (113 g or 1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup (170 g) milk or semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 2 tbsps (30 ml) coconut oil or vegetable oil (optional, for smoother chocolate topping)

Instructions

  1. Crust Creation: Thoroughly combine graham cracker crumbs, peanut butter, melted butter, powdered sugar, and a portion of crushed Butterfinger pieces until achieving a cohesive, slightly sticky texture.
  2. Pan Preparation: Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, ensuring complete bottom and side coverage for seamless extraction.
  3. Base Formation: Firmly press the prepared mixture into the lined pan, creating an even, compact foundation layer that fills the entire surface.
  4. Chocolate Coating: Melt chocolate chips using microwave-safe method with intermittent stirring, optionally incorporating coconut oil for enhanced gloss and smoothness.
  5. Surface Finishing: Pour molten chocolate over the peanut butter base, spreading uniformly to completely blanket the initial layer, then immediately sprinkle remaining Butterfinger fragments across the top, gently pressing to secure candy pieces.
  6. Chilling and Setting: Refrigerate the pan for approximately two hours until the bars achieve complete solidity and firms up entirely.
  7. Serving Preparation: Remove the dessert from the pan by lifting parchment paper edges, then slice into precise rectangular or square portions using a sharp knife for clean, professional presentation.

Notes

  • Prevent Sticky Mixture: Add powdered sugar gradually to control the texture of the peanut butter base, ensuring it’s not too wet or dry.
  • Smooth Chocolate Technique: Melt chocolate chips in 15-second intervals, stirring between each to avoid burning and achieve a glossy finish.
  • Chill for Perfect Texture: Refrigerate bars for exactly 2 hours; over-chilling can make the bars too hard, while under-chilling keeps them soft.
  • Cutting Clean Edges: Wipe knife with warm, damp cloth between cuts to create precise, smooth bar edges without crumbling the layers.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2 hours
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: None
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 17
  • Calories: 180
  • Sugar: 12 g
  • Sodium: 90 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 21 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 5 mg
John Nicholson

John Nicholson

Lead Writer & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Recipe Testing and Development, Kitchen Hacks and Time-Saving Tips, Flavor Pairing and Ingredient Selection, Engaging Food Writing and Storytelling

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Program: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: A hands-on curriculum emphasizing farm-to-table cooking, local ingredient sourcing, and creative menu development. Students gained real-world restaurant experience, learning both classic techniques and modern approaches to sustainable cooking.

John Nicholson honed his skills at Johnson & Wales University, learning how to use fresh, local ingredients and down-to-earth techniques to make cooking simple and satisfying.

His recipes blend Southern comfort flavors with a modern touch, inviting everyone to cook with ease and confidence.

Living in Charleston, John takes cues from the city’s lively food scene, local markets, and seasonal produce. He’s all about making meals stress-free through easy tips, flavor pairings, and fun experiments in the kitchen

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