If you have a serious sweet tooth and love the combination of crunchy, chewy, and chocolatey textures all in one bite, then you are absolutely going to adore the Butterfinger Caramel Bars with Layers of Sweet Crunch and Chocolate Recipe. These bars bring together buttery crust, luscious caramel, and that unforgettable crunch of Butterfinger candy, all crowned with a silky layer of melted chocolate. Every forkful offers a decadent journey through layers of flavor and texture that feels like a special treat, yet they’re surprisingly simple to make at home!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Butterfinger Caramel Bars with Layers of Sweet Crunch and Chocolate Recipe comes from using straightforward ingredients that each play a unique role in building layers of taste and texture. From the creamy butter that forms the base to the crispy Butterfinger pieces that provide that signature crunch, every component matters.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup plus 1/2 cup): Softened butter blends into the dough for richness and melts perfectly with caramel for a smooth filling.
- Light brown sugar (1 cup, packed): Adds natural sweetness and moisture to the crust, giving it that tender chewiness.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the overall flavor with a warm, aromatic note that ties all the layers together.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): Forms the sturdy yet tender base and topping, providing structure to the bars.
- Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Just enough leavening to keep the crumb light without overpowering the layers.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and elevates the buttery flavors.
- Sweetened condensed milk (1 can, 14 ounces): Makes the caramel filling luxuriously smooth and sticky.
- Caramel candies (1 cup, unwrapped): Melt into a gooey layer that complements both the crunchy base and chocolate topping.
- Butterfinger candy bars (1 cup plus 1/2 cup, crushed): The star ingredient providing irresistible sweet crunch packed into every bar.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (1 cup): Melt on top for a luscious, glossy chocolate finish that balances the sweet caramel and buttery crunch.
How to Make Butterfinger Caramel Bars with Layers of Sweet Crunch and Chocolate Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Base
Start by heating your oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy lifting later. In a large bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and packed light brown sugar until the mixture looks light, fluffy, and utterly delicious. Stir in the vanilla extract for that subtle warmth. Then, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt before mixing them into the wet ingredients. The dough should come together in a crumbly, sandy texture—that’s exactly what you want here.
Step 2: Assemble the Bottom Layer
Press about two-thirds of your crumbly dough evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan. Use your hands or the back of a spatula to create a compact, even layer that will bake up golden and provide the perfect buttery foundation for the bars. Bake this layer for 10 to 12 minutes until it turns lightly golden—you’ll start to smell that irresistible aroma filling your kitchen. Once baked, set it aside so it can cool slightly while you prepare the caramel filling.
Step 3: Prepare the Caramel Filling
In a medium saucepan over low heat, gently melt the cubed butter along with the unwrapped caramel candies. Stir constantly so nothing sticks or burns, and soon you’ll have a glossy, smooth caramel sauce. Pour in the sweetened condensed milk, continuing to stir until the mixture thickens slightly and becomes beautifully combined. This rich caramel layer is what will tie the entire bar together with gooey, chewy goodness.
Step 4: Layer the Bars
Pour this luscious caramel evenly over the baked base, spreading it gently so it covers the entire surface. Next, sprinkle half a cup of crushed Butterfinger candy bars over the caramel layer while it’s still warm, allowing those crunchy little pieces to meld perfectly. Then crumble the reserved one-third dough evenly over the top, covering most of the caramel and Butterfinger layer like a soft blanket.
Step 5: Bake the Bars
Put the pan back into the oven for another 20 to 25 minutes. Keep an eye out as the top layer browns beautifully and the edges begin to bubble. This bakes the different textures into one harmonious sweet treat, creating a contrast of crispy topping fused with gooey caramel underlayers.
Step 6: Add the Chocolate Topping
Once you remove the pan from the oven, sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly over the hot bars. Let them sit for 2 to 3 minutes to soften into a melty, spreadable layer, then smooth the chocolate out across the bars. For the finishing touch, scatter the remaining half cup of crushed Butterfinger candy bars over the chocolate. This adds an extra pop of texture and taste that makes these bars so unforgettable!
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan at room temperature, or speed things up by chilling them in the refrigerator. Once fully set, use the parchment overhang to lift the bars out and slice them into generous 12 squares. Every bite you take will reveal those spectacular layers of sweet crunch and chocolate that make these bars an absolute joy to eat.
How to Serve Butterfinger Caramel Bars with Layers of Sweet Crunch and Chocolate Recipe
Garnishes
These bars are show-stoppers on their own, but a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of extra caramel sauce can add an elegant flare if you’re serving them for guests. For chocolate lovers, sprinkle a few chocolate shavings or mini chocolate chips on top just before serving to amp up the visual and flavor appeal.
Side Dishes
Pair your Butterfinger Caramel Bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. The cool creaminess provides a lovely balance to the rich sweetness and crunchy texture. A cup of strong coffee or a milkshake also complements the sweetness perfectly, making it a decadent pairing to satisfy any dessert craving.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling festive? Cut the bars into bite-sized squares and place them on a pretty platter for a party tray. You can also layer them in a glass trifle bowl with whipped cream and crushed Butterfinger pieces in between for a stunning layered dessert. Wrapping individual bars in parchment paper tied with twine makes a charming homemade gift your friends will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Butterfinger Caramel Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They stay delectably moist and maintain their layers of crunch and gooey caramel, making them just as enjoyable the next day.
Freezing
If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the bars. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before placing in the freezer. They will keep for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature for a few hours — the bars will still have that luscious texture you love.
Reheating
For a fresh-from-the-oven feel, warm individual bars in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. The chocolate topping will become melty again, and the caramel softens just enough to heighten each bite’s indulgence without losing crunch.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of chocolate for this recipe?
Absolutely! While semi-sweet chocolate chips work beautifully here, feel free to swap in milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate chips depending on your preference. Each type adds its own unique twist to the layers of sweet crunch and chocolate in these bars.
Is it necessary to use unsalted butter?
Unsalted butter allows you to control the salt content better, which is important in balancing the sweetness of the caramel and Butterfinger candies. However, if you only have salted butter on hand, just reduce or omit the added salt in the dough.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend. Be sure the blend contains xanthan gum or another binder for structure. The texture might be slightly different, but the flavor and layered crunch will still shine.
How do I crush the Butterfinger candy bars for layering?
Place the candy bars in a large, sturdy plastic bag and use a rolling pin or the bottom of a heavy pan to gently crush them into small, uneven pieces. This creates that perfect sweet crunch when sprinkled over the caramel and on top of the chocolate.
Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?
You can make the dough a day ahead and keep it refrigerated. When ready to bake, assemble as directed. You can also prepare the caramel sauce in advance and warm it up slightly before pouring it over the base. This can make the baking process quicker when you’re short on time.
Final Thoughts
Making the Butterfinger Caramel Bars with Layers of Sweet Crunch and Chocolate Recipe is like giving yourself permission to indulge in some serious sweetness layered with irresistible textures. Whether you’re making a special treat for family, surprising guests at a party, or simply craving something delicious, these bars hit all the right notes. Go ahead and give this recipe a whirl — your taste buds will thank you every step of the way!
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Butterfinger Caramel Bars with Layers of Sweet Crunch and Chocolate Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Butterfinger Caramel Bars are a decadent treat featuring layers of sweet, buttery crust, rich caramel filling, crunchy Butterfinger candy pieces, and a luscious melted chocolate topping. Perfect for candy lovers looking for a homemade dessert with multiple textures and indulgent flavors.
Ingredients
Crust and Topping
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Caramel Filling
- 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cubed
- 1 cup caramel candies, unwrapped
Candy and Chocolate Layers
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup crushed Butterfinger candy bars (divided into two 1/2 cup portions)
Instructions
- Prepare the base: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract. Add the flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix until the dough is crumbly and combined.
- Assemble the bottom layer: Press two-thirds of the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Reserve the remaining one-third of the dough for the topping. Bake the base for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside.
- Prepare the caramel filling: In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the cubed butter and caramel candies, stirring constantly until smooth. Add the sweetened condensed milk and continue stirring until the mixture is fully combined and slightly thickened.
- Layer the bars: Pour the caramel mixture evenly over the baked base layer. Sprinkle 1/2 cup of crushed Butterfinger candy bars over the caramel. Crumble the reserved dough evenly on top, covering most of the caramel layer.
- Bake the bars: Return the pan to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the edges are bubbly.
- Add the chocolate topping: Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and immediately sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips over the hot bars. Allow them to sit for 2-3 minutes until softened, then spread the melted chocolate evenly over the top. Finally, sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of crushed Butterfinger candy bars over the melted chocolate for extra crunch and flavor.
- Cool and serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan at room temperature, or chill in the refrigerator for faster setting. Once firm, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan and slice into squares for serving.
Notes
- For easier slicing, chill the bars thoroughly before cutting.
- Use good quality caramel candies for a smooth and rich filling.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- If you prefer a softer chocolate topping, add a tablespoon of heavy cream to the chocolate chips when melting.
- Crush the Butterfinger bars gently to keep some larger pieces for texture contrast.
