Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars Recipe
If you have a sweet tooth that craves a perfect blend of crunchy, gooey, and chocolaty goodness, you are going to adore this Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars Recipe. Imagine crunchy graham crackers layered with fluffy mini marshmallows, luscious melted caramel, and those irresistible Butterfinger bites, all tied together with a drizzle of semi-sweet chocolate. This treat is a party of textures and flavors that come together in a simple yet incredibly satisfying bar that’s perfect for any occasion. Trust me, once you try this recipe, these bars will quickly become your go-to dessert or snack staple!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars Recipe is all about uncomplicated ingredients that pack a punch. Each one brings its own magic—whether it’s the crisp texture, the creamy richness, or that sweet caramel charm—making the final bars absolutely unforgettable.
- 6 ½ sheets of graham crackers: The crunchy base that adds a lovely, mellow sweetness and texture contrast.
- 2 cups of mini marshmallows: These create a soft, pillowy layer that melts slightly for gooey delight.
- 1 (11 oz) bag of caramel bits (or unwrapped caramels): The star of smooth, buttery richness that ties everything together.
- 2 tablespoons of milk: Helps melt the caramel bits perfectly, ensuring silky smooth caramel.
- 1 (10 oz) bag of coarsely chopped Butterfinger bites: Adds irresistible crunchy peanut buttery candy pieces for that signature Butterfinger flavor.
- 2 ounces of semi-sweet chocolate, for drizzling: A luscious chocolate drizzle that adds a nice balance and eye-catching finish.
How to Make Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan
Start by lining a 9×9-inch baking pan with aluminum foil, then spray it lightly with cooking spray. This setup will make it a breeze to lift the bars out when they’re ready, ensuring clean edges and easy serving.
Step 2: Layer the Crunchy Base and Marshmallows
Arrange the graham cracker sheets evenly across the bottom of your pan to form a firm base. Next, sprinkle the mini marshmallows evenly over the crackers—this layer will give your bars that delightful stretch and softness amid all the crunch.
Step 3: Melt and Spread the Caramel
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the caramel bits with the milk. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring well between each, until the caramel is smooth and pourable. Quickly spread this luscious caramel over the marshmallow layer to create a golden, sticky barrier that’s incredibly addictive.
Step 4: Add the Butterfinger Bites and Chocolate Drizzle
Sprinkle the chopped Butterfinger pieces generously over the gooey caramel to infuse that crisp, peanut buttery crunch you love. Then, melt your semi-sweet chocolate gently and drizzle it over the entire masterpiece—this adds a beautiful shine and the perfect chocolatey kiss to finish your bars.
Step 5: Chill Until Set
Pop the pan into the refrigerator and let the bars set for at least an hour. This cooling time allows all the layers to firm up perfectly, so when you slice into them, they hold together nicely but still have that wonderful chew and crunch texture.
How to Serve Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a few extra mini marshmallows or crushed Butterfinger bits on top before serving for an added touch of fun texture and eye-pleasing detail. You can even dust a pinch of sea salt for a sophisticated sweet-salty twist.
Side Dishes
These bars are amazing on their own but pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent dessert. For a festive party, arrange alongside fresh fruit or a cup of rich hot chocolate to balance all that sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the bars into bite-sized squares and serving them on decorative toothpicks for a fun finger food option. Wrapping individual bars in parchment paper makes for a perfect gift or take-along treat that’s as charming as it is delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or in the fridge for up to a week. This helps maintain their crunch and caramel softness without drying out.
Freezing
Want to save some bars for later? Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to two months. When ready, thaw them in the fridge overnight for best texture.
Reheating
If you prefer warm bars, gently reheat leftovers in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to soften the caramel slightly—just be careful not to melt the chocolate drizzle completely. Warm bars go beautifully with a cold glass of milk!
FAQs
Can I substitute graham crackers for something else?
Absolutely! While graham crackers give a classic taste and texture, you can try digestive biscuits or even crushed pretzels for a saltier crunch to mix things up.
Is it necessary to use mini marshmallows?
Mini marshmallows are preferred because they melt evenly without turning rubbery, creating that perfect gooey layer, but if you only have larger marshmallows, chopping them into smaller pieces works too.
What if I don’t have caramel bits?
You can unwrap individually wrapped caramels and melt them similarly with the milk. Just keep a close eye while melting so they don’t burn or seize.
Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?
With a few swaps—vegan marshmallows, dairy-free caramel alternatives, and vegan chocolate—you can definitely adapt this recipe to fit those dietary needs without losing much of the magic.
How do I ensure the bars don’t fall apart?
Make sure the caramel layer is spread evenly and allow enough chilling time so everything sets properly. Using foil in the pan helps lift the bars out cleanly, making slicing easier and neater.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing dessert that’s both easy to make and utterly delicious, you really can’t go wrong with this Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars Recipe. It delivers all the sweet, crunchy, gooey goodness you want in a treat—and then some. So grab your ingredients, dig in with your loved ones, and prepare to fall in love with this truly divine snack!
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Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars are a decadent layered treat combining the classic flavors of crunchy graham crackers, gooey marshmallows, rich caramel, and crunchy Butterfinger candy pieces, all finished with a drizzle of semi-sweet chocolate. Perfect as a sweet snack or dessert, these bars offer a delightful mix of textures and flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
Base Layer
- 6 ½ sheets of graham crackers
Filling
- 2 cups of mini marshmallows
- 1 (11 oz) bag of caramel bits (or unwrapped caramels)
- 2 tablespoons of milk
- 1 (10 oz) bag of coarsely chopped Butterfinger bites
Topping
- 2 ounces of semi-sweet chocolate, for drizzling
Instructions
- Prepare Pan: Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with aluminum foil and lightly spray it with cooking spray to ensure easy removal of the bars after chilling.
- Layer Ingredients: Arrange a layer of graham crackers evenly at the bottom of the pan. Spread mini marshmallows over the crackers, then pour melted caramel over the marshmallows, spreading evenly. Finally, sprinkle the coarsely chopped Butterfinger bites on top for a crunchy finish.
- Drizzle Chocolate: Melt the semi-sweet chocolate until smooth and drizzle it decoratively over the top layer of Butterfinger bites.
- Chill & Set: Refrigerate the pan for sufficient time until the bars are fully set and firm, typically about 1 hour.
- Slice & Serve: Once set, lift the bars out using the foil lining, slice into 12 equal pieces, and serve your delicious Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars.
Notes
- For easier slicing, warm the knife slightly before cutting the bars.
- Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
- You can substitute semi-sweet chocolate with milk or dark chocolate depending on your preference.
- If caramel bits are unavailable, use unwrapped soft caramels melted gently with milk.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
