If you love a sweet treat that delivers a perfect balance of crispy crunch, gooey caramel, and rich chocolate, then this Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars Recipe is exactly what you need in your dessert lineup. It’s a heavenly mashup of crushed Butterfinger candy bars, silky caramel sauce, milk chocolate, and crispy rice cereal all baked into irresistible bars that keep you coming back for more. These bars are incredibly easy to make but taste like a fancy, indulgent dessert that’s perfect for sharing with friends or savoring as your new favorite snack.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars Recipe comes down to a handful of simple ingredients that each bring a unique flair, from crunchy textures to smooth, buttery richness. Let’s break down how every ingredient pulls its weight in creating these delightful bars.
- Crushed Butterfinger candy bars: These add a signature crisp, peanut buttery crunch that defines the bars’ flavor and texture.
- Caramel sauce: Provides that luscious, chewy sweetness that binds everything together beautifully.
- Milk chocolate chips: Melted over the top, they add smooth and creamy chocolate goodness.
- Unsalted butter: Enhances richness while helping the caramel meld perfectly with the cereal.
- Crispy rice cereal: Adds lightness and a satisfying snap that balances the chewy caramel.
How to Make Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Crunchy Ingredients
Start by placing the crushed Butterfinger candy bars and crispy rice cereal into a large mixing bowl. This base layer is what gives the bars their addictive crunch and buttery peanut flavor. Make sure the Butterfinger pieces are nicely broken down but not pulverized so you get little bursts of crunch throughout each bite.
Step 2: Melt the Butter and Caramel
Next, gently melt the unsalted butter together with the caramel sauce in a saucepan over low heat. Stir continuously until the mixture is completely smooth and glossy. This warm, syrupy blend is what will hold all those crunchy ingredients together in one delicious bar.
Step 3: Mix Caramel with the Cereal
Pour the caramel-butter mixture over the cereal and crushed Butterfinger combo, then stir well. You want every bit of crunch coated with that irresistible caramel so every bite is perfectly sticky and sweet. This is where everything starts coming together into one harmonious mix.
Step 4: Press Into the Pan
Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and press the mixture evenly into the pan with a spatula or your fingers. Firmly pressing helps compact the bars so they hold their shape once cooled, making them easy to slice and serve.
Step 5: Add the Chocolate Topping
Melt the milk chocolate chips in short intervals in the microwave, stirring in between until silky smooth. Spread the melted chocolate evenly over the top of the caramel crunch layer. This adds an extra creamy touch and looks so pretty once set.
Step 6: Chill and Cut
Place the pan in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to allow the bars to firm up completely. Once chilled, cut into squares and get ready to enjoy this amazing combo of textures and flavors that only the Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars Recipe can deliver.
How to Serve Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars Recipe
Garnishes
If you want to dress up your bars, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt flakes on top of the melted chocolate before chilling. The salty-sweet contrast elevates the flavor even further. For a fun twist, add some chopped nuts or mini chocolate chips for extra texture.
Side Dishes
These bars are quite rich, so pairing them with a simple side like fresh berries or a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream can lighten the experience. A scoop of vanilla ice cream also pairs wonderfully, turning this into an indulgent dessert feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the bars into fun shapes using cookie cutters for parties or special occasions. Wrapping individual bars in parchment paper or cellophane tied with a ribbon makes charming homemade gifts. For a festive twist, drizzle some white chocolate over the top before chilling.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To maintain maximum freshness and prevent the chocolate from becoming sticky, store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Freezing
If you want to save the bars for longer, wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They freeze well for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
These bars are best served cold or at room temperature, so reheating is not necessary. If you prefer slightly softened bars, leave them out of the fridge for about 15 minutes before enjoying. Avoid microwaving as it might melt the chocolate topping unevenly.
FAQs
Can I use a different candy bar instead of Butterfinger?
While Butterfinger provides its unique crunchy peanut buttery flavor, you can experiment with similar crispy peanut butter or toffee bars. The texture is key, so bars that melt too easily might not work as well.
Is it possible to make these bars gluten-free?
Yes! Just ensure you use gluten-free crispy rice cereal and confirm the caramel sauce and Butterfinger bars are certified gluten-free. Most ingredients can be swapped with gluten-free versions without changing the recipe much.
How long do these bars stay fresh?
Stored properly in an airtight container, these bars stay fresh for about 3 to 5 days at room temperature or up to one week refrigerated. Their texture is best enjoyed within the first few days after making them.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Just double all ingredients and use a larger pan or two pans to accommodate the mixture. The preparation steps remain the same, but chilling might take a bit longer for a thicker layer.
What’s the best way to crush the Butterfinger bars?
Place the bars in a zip-top bag and gently crush them with a rolling pin or the bottom of a sturdy glass. Aim for small pieces rather than fine crumbs to preserve the satisfying crunch.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you make this Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars Recipe, it will quickly become one of your go-to favorites whenever you crave a sweet and crunchy treat. The harmony of textures and flavors is truly something special, and the simplicity of the process means you can whip up a batch any time with little effort. So go ahead, give it a try—you’ll be glad you did!
Print
Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars combine the irresistible crunch of crispy rice cereal and crushed Butterfinger candy bars with a rich, buttery caramel sauce, all topped with a smooth layer of melted milk chocolate. This no-bake treat is perfect for sharing and offers a sweet, crunchy delight that’s easy to prepare and sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup crushed Butterfinger candy bars
- 2 cups crispy rice cereal
- 1 cup caramel sauce
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup milk chocolate chips
Instructions
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, mix together the crushed Butterfinger candy bars and crispy rice cereal evenly to distribute the crunchy and flavorful pieces.
- Melt Butter and Caramel: In a saucepan over low heat, melt the unsalted butter together with the caramel sauce, stirring constantly until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Mix Caramel and Cereal: Pour the warm caramel mixture over the cereal and Butterfinger mixture, stirring thoroughly to coat all the dry ingredients evenly with the sticky caramel.
- Press Mixture into Pan: Transfer the combined mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, pressing firmly and evenly to form a compact layer.
- Melt Chocolate and Spread: Melt the milk chocolate chips in the microwave in short intervals, stirring between each until smooth, then spread the melted chocolate evenly over the top of the pressed mixture.
- Chill and Set: Place the baking dish in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to allow the bars to set. Once firm, cut into 12 squares and serve.
Notes
- Use fresh Butterfinger candy bars for the best crunch and flavor.
- If caramel sauce is too thick, gently warm it to make it easier to mix.
- Press mixture firmly to ensure bars hold together when cut.
- Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh and crunchy.
- For a nutty variation, consider adding chopped peanuts or almonds to the cereal mixture.
