If you’re looking for a crowd-pleaser dessert that brings together a fun mix of textures and flavors, then you must try this Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars Recipe. It’s a delightful blend of buttery graham crackers, gooey caramel, sweet marshmallows, crunchy Butterfinger bites, and a luscious chocolate drizzle that will make your taste buds dance. Perfect for sharing or just treating yourself, these bars are irresistibly good and surprisingly easy to make. You’ll find yourself reaching for seconds and dreaming about the next time you can whip up this sweet, crispy, and creamy delight!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars Recipe uses a handful of simple ingredients that come together beautifully in taste and texture. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, whether it’s the gooey caramel adding richness, the graham crackers giving a crispy base, or the Butterfinger bites delivering that unforgettable crunch and chocolate-peanut butter flavor.
- 6 ½ sheets of graham crackers: These create a firm and crunchy foundation that holds everything together perfectly.
- 2 cups of mini marshmallows: Adds a pillowy softness and sweet contrast to the crunch.
- 1 (11 oz) bag of caramel bits (or unwrapped caramels): The star of the show for that luscious, chewy caramel layer that brings everyone back for more.
- 2 tablespoons of milk: Used to melt the caramel smoothly, ensuring a creamy finish without lumps.
- 1 (10 oz) bag of coarsely chopped Butterfinger bites: These add a satisfyingly crisp peanut butter crunch that makes the bars so addictive.
- 2 ounces of semi-sweet chocolate, for drizzling: A bittersweet touch that ties all the flavors together with a beautiful glossy finish.
How to Make Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pan
Start by lining a 9×9-inch baking pan with aluminum foil and give it a light spray of cooking oil. This handy step ensures your bars won’t stick after setting, making it so much easier to lift them out and slice cleanly.
Step 2: Layer the Goodness
Begin layering 6 and a half sheets of graham crackers evenly in the pan to create a sturdy crust. Next, sprinkle the mini marshmallows over the crackers for that soft, gooey layer. Then gently melt the caramel bits with 2 tablespoons of milk—stirring constantly until smooth—and pour this luscious caramel over the marshmallows, spreading it out evenly. Finally, scatter the coarsely chopped Butterfinger bites across the top, offering a crunchy, peanut buttery surprise in every bite.
Step 3: Drizzle with Chocolate
Melt 2 ounces of semi-sweet chocolate until silky smooth and drizzle it generously over your layered creation. This chocolate glaze adds a gorgeous shine and a rich flavor kick that perfectly balances the sweetness.
Step 4: Chill and Slice
Place the entire pan in the refrigerator for at least an hour or until the bars are completely set. This chilling step lets the caramel firm up and the layers meld together, making slicing easier and the bars hold their shape beautifully.
How to Serve Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of magic, sprinkle a few extra chopped Butterfinger pieces or a light dusting of powdered sugar on top before serving. You can even add a tiny pinch of sea salt flakes on the chocolate drizzle to highlight the caramel’s sweetness.
Side Dishes
These bars stand well on their own, but if you want to complement them, a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream works wonderfully. Fresh berries on the side add a hint of tartness that balances the indulgence.
Creative Ways to Present
Make your Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars Recipe an eye-catching treat by cutting them into bite-sized squares and arranging them on a colorful platter. Wrap individual bars in clear treat bags for parties or gifts—everyone will appreciate this sticky-sweet gesture!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover bars in an airtight container and refrigerate. They will stay fresh and chewy for up to five days, keeping all those vibrant layers intact.
Freezing
If you want to keep them longer, these bars freeze beautifully. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil before storing in a freezer bag. When wrapped properly, they can last up to two months without losing their beloved texture.
Reheating
To enjoy bars after freezing, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight. If you prefer them slightly warm, pop them in the microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds, but be careful not to melt the chocolate drizzle too much.
FAQs
Can I use regular-sized marshmallows instead of mini?
Absolutely! Just chop regular marshmallows roughly to create similar-sized pieces that will evenly melt and layer well in the bars.
Is there a substitute for Butterfinger bites?
While Butterfinger bites are ideal for their unique crunch and flavor, chopped peanut butter cups or crushed peanut brittle can be fun alternatives with a twist.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap the graham crackers for a gluten-free variety. Many brands offer almond or honey-flavored gluten-free options that work perfectly.
What if I don’t have caramel bits? Can I use caramel sauce?
Caramel sauce can work in a pinch, but it’s often too runny. If you do use sauce, try reducing the amount of milk and chill the bars longer to help them set.
How long do these bars last at room temperature?
Since caramel and chocolate can get soft, it’s best to keep these bars refrigerated. At room temperature, they might become sticky or lose their firmness after a few hours.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly satisfying about this Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars Recipe that makes it a go-to treat for any occasion. The combination of textures and flavors is simply unbeatable, and the fact that it’s so easy to prepare only adds to its charm. I truly hope you give it a try, whether for family gatherings, potlucks, or just a special weekend indulgence. Once you taste these bars, I’m confident they’ll become a cherished favorite in your recipe collection too!
Print
Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars are a deliciously layered treat combining crunchy graham crackers, gooey marshmallows, rich caramel, and the iconic crunch of Butterfinger bites, all topped with drizzled semi-sweet chocolate. These no-bake bars are easy to assemble and perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.
Ingredients
Base Layer
- 6 ½ sheets of graham crackers
Fillings
- 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 the Pan: Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with aluminum foil, ensuring the foil extends over the edges for easy removal later. Spray the foil lightly with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Layer Ingredients: Create the base by arranging the 6 ½ sheets of graham crackers evenly in the prepared pan. Next, sprinkle 2 cups of mini marshmallows over the graham crackers. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the caramel bits with 2 tablespoons of milk, stirring occasionally until smooth. Pour the melted caramel evenly over the marshmallows. Then, sprinkle the coarsely chopped Butterfinger bites over the caramel layer.
- Drizzle Chocolate: Melt the 2 ounces of semi-sweet chocolate gently in the microwave or over a double boiler until smooth. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the layered bars to add a rich finishing touch.
- Chill and Set: Place the pan in the refrigerator and allow the bars to chill until the chocolate hardens and the layers set, approximately 1 hour.
- Serve: Once set, use the foil edges to lift the bars out of the pan. Cut into 12 squares and serve your delicious Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars.
Notes
- For easier cutting, chill the bars for at least 1 hour or until firm.
- Use chopped Butterfinger bites for texture; whole pieces can be substituted if preferred.
- Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- To melt caramel bits easily, use microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
