These Butterfinger Caramel Bars are an irresistible treat that combines the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and crunchy textures. With a buttery base, creamy caramel filling, and a rich chocolate topping, these bars are a crowd-pleaser. The added crushed Butterfinger candy bars bring a satisfying crunch that pairs beautifully with the smooth caramel and melted chocolate. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just indulging in a sweet snack, these bars will surely hit the spot.

The layers of flavor and texture come together seamlessly, making each bite a delight. The buttery dough forms the perfect foundation for the chewy caramel, while the Butterfinger candy bars provide that signature crunch in every mouthful. Topped with a smooth layer of melted chocolate and more crushed Butterfinger, these bars are the ultimate indulgence for anyone with a sweet tooth. Easy to make and incredibly delicious, they are the perfect dessert for any gathering or to simply enjoy at home with a cup of coffee or milk.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Butterfinger Caramel Bars are the perfect combination of rich caramel, crunchy Butterfinger candy, and smooth chocolate. The buttery base provides a solid foundation for the layers of flavor, while the chewy caramel filling offers a satisfying sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the crunchy candy topping. The added layer of semi-sweet chocolate enhances the flavor and gives the bars a smooth finish. Whether you’re a fan of Butterfinger or simply love rich, indulgent desserts, these bars are sure to become a favorite. Plus, they’re easy to make, and with a simple list of ingredients, you can enjoy these decadent treats without much effort.

Ingredients

Unsalted butter (softened)
Light brown sugar
Vanilla extract
All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Salt
Sweetened condensed milk
Unsalted butter (cubed)
Caramel candies (unwrapped)
Crushed Butterfinger candy bars
Semi-sweet chocolate chips

Variations

Nutty Twist: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the caramel layer for an extra layer of texture and flavor.
Peanut Butter: Stir in peanut butter chips or swirl in some peanut butter into the caramel for a deliciously creamy flavor combination.
Vegan Option: For a vegan version, substitute the butter with vegan butter, and use dairy-free caramel candies or make your own caramel using coconut milk.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Base

Preheat your 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.

Step 2: 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.

Step 3: Prepare the Caramel Filling

In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the 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.

Step 4: Layer the Bars

Pour the caramel mixture evenly over the baked base. 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.

Step 5: 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.

Step 6: Add the Chocolate Topping

Once baked, sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips over the hot bars. Allow them to sit for 2-3 minutes until softened, then spread the chocolate evenly over the top. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of crushed Butterfinger candy bars over the melted chocolate.

Step 7: 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 overhang to lift the bars out and slice into squares.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Pressing the Dough: When pressing the dough into the pan, ensure it’s evenly spread to avoid uneven baking. You can use the back of a spoon to press it down gently.
Caramel Consistency: If the caramel filling is too runny, cook it for a few extra minutes on low heat to thicken up before layering it onto the base.
Chocolate Layer: Be careful not to overbake after adding the chocolate chips. Let them sit for a few minutes, allowing the residual heat to melt the chips before spreading.
Crushing Butterfinger: Use a ziplock bag and a rolling pin to crush the Butterfinger candy bars into small, even pieces for the perfect topping.

How to Serve

These Butterfinger Caramel Bars are best served at room temperature or slightly chilled for a firmer texture. They are perfect for serving at parties, picnics, or as a dessert after dinner. Serve with a cold glass of milk or coffee for a satisfying treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store these bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate the bars for up to 1 week. For extra freshness, let them come to room temperature before serving.

Freezing

To freeze the bars, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. To thaw, simply leave them in the refrigerator overnight or bring them to room temperature before serving.

Reheating

If you prefer the bars to be warm, reheat them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or warm them in the oven at a low temperature (about 300°F or 150°C) for a few minutes until the chocolate topping softens.

FAQs

1. Can I use different candy bars in place of Butterfinger?

Yes, you can substitute Butterfinger with other crunchy candy bars like Crunch, Heath, or Twix for a different flavor and texture.

2. Can I use a different type of sugar?

You can use dark brown sugar for a deeper, more molasses-like flavor, but light brown sugar gives the bars a sweeter taste.

3. Can I use homemade caramel instead of caramel candies?

Yes, you can make your own caramel sauce and use it in place of store-bought caramel candies.

4. Do I have to chill the bars before serving?

While chilling the bars can help them set more quickly, you can also serve them at room temperature. Chilling simply ensures the caramel and chocolate layers firm up.

5. How can I prevent the dough from getting too crumbly?

Make sure to cream the butter and sugar thoroughly and don’t overmix the dry ingredients. This will ensure a more cohesive dough.

6. Can I use a different pan size?

You can use an 8×8-inch pan for thicker bars, but adjust the baking time as needed.

7. Can I use a different type of chocolate for the topping?

Yes, you can substitute semi-sweet chocolate chips with milk chocolate or white chocolate chips for a sweeter topping.

8. How do I make the caramel filling smoother?

Stir the caramel filling constantly while melting to prevent it from becoming too thick or lumpy. You can also add a little bit of cream to make it smoother.

9. Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these bars gluten-free.

10. How can I make the topping even more indulgent?

For a more decadent topping, try drizzling melted peanut butter or caramel sauce over the chocolate layer before adding the Butterfinger pieces.

Conclusion

These Butterfinger Caramel Bars are a perfect indulgence for anyone who loves the combination of caramel, chocolate, and crunchy candy. With layers of sweet, buttery dough, smooth caramel, and melted chocolate, they deliver an irresistible treat that’s both satisfying and delicious. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply craving something sweet, these bars are sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.