These Butterfinger Caramel Bars are the ultimate dessert treat for anyone who loves the irresistible combination of buttery, caramel goodness, crunchy Butterfinger candy, and rich chocolate. With multiple layers of flavor, these bars offer a perfect blend of sweet, salty, and crunchy textures. The base of the bars is a soft, crumbly dough that’s baked to a golden brown, topped with a rich caramel filling, a sprinkle of crushed Butterfinger candy, and finished with a smooth layer of melted chocolate.

Perfect for special occasions, holiday gatherings, or just as a sweet treat to satisfy your sweet tooth, these Butterfinger Caramel Bars will surely become a favorite in your dessert repertoire. Each bite offers a delightful mix of flavors that is both decadent and satisfying. Whether you’re serving them at a party or enjoying them with your family, they are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect Layers: These bars have multiple layers of deliciousness—from the buttery base to the gooey caramel filling and the crunchy Butterfinger topping.
Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create these indulgent bars in under an hour.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of sweet caramel, crunchy Butterfinger pieces, and rich chocolate is unbeatable.
Great for Sharing: These bars are perfect for parties, picnics, or as a homemade gift to share with friends and family.

Ingredients

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

Variations

Add Nuts: For extra crunch, add some chopped pecans or walnuts to the caramel layer before baking.
Chocolate Variety: Swap the semi-sweet chocolate chips for milk chocolate or dark chocolate for a different flavor profile.
Drizzle: After spreading the melted chocolate, drizzle additional caramel or chocolate sauce on top for an extra decadent touch.
Use Other Candies: Experiment with other crushed candy bars, such as Snickers or Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, for a different twist on the flavor.

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, mixing until the dough is crumbly but well 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 them into squares.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Chill Before Slicing: To get clean cuts, chill the bars in the fridge for 30 minutes after cooling at room temperature. This helps the chocolate and caramel layers set properly.
Ensure Even Layering: When adding the caramel, be sure to spread it evenly over the base so every bite has the perfect amount of sweetness.
Watch the Baking Time: Keep an eye on the bars while they bake to avoid over-baking, especially during the final step when adding the topping. The top should be golden brown, but not too dark.
Customize the Crunch: If you like your bars extra crunchy, add a little more crushed Butterfinger on top or mix some into the caramel layer.

How to Serve

These Butterfinger Caramel Bars are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering, a picnic, or a sweet treat after dinner. Serve them at room temperature, or chill them for a firmer, more compact bar. Pair them with a glass of milk, a cup of coffee, or your favorite dessert wine for a perfect indulgence.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Butterfinger Caramel Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also keep them in the refrigerator if you prefer a firmer texture.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the bars in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. They will stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating

If you prefer the bars to be warm, simply microwave them for 10-15 seconds, or warm them up in the oven at 300°F for a few minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare these bars up to a day ahead of time. Store them in an airtight container for the best freshness.

2. Can I use a different type of candy?

Definitely! While Butterfinger candy bars add the perfect crunch, you can substitute with other candy bars like Snickers, Milky Way, or Reese’s.

3. How can I make the bars more chocolatey?

For a richer chocolate flavor, you can use a mix of semi-sweet and milk chocolate chips or even add a layer of melted chocolate between the caramel and topping layers.

4. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, you can use salted butter, but be sure to reduce the amount of salt in the recipe to avoid the bars becoming too salty.

5. Can I add nuts to these bars?

Yes, you can add chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans to the caramel layer for an added crunch.

6. How do I know when the bars are done baking?

The topping should be golden brown and the edges slightly bubbly. The bars will firm up as they cool.

7. Can I use homemade caramel instead of store-bought?

Absolutely! If you prefer to make homemade caramel, simply follow your favorite caramel recipe and pour it over the base.

8. Can I freeze these bars?

Yes, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just be sure to store them in an airtight container.

9. How should I cut the bars for serving?

For clean cuts, allow the bars to cool completely, then chill them in the refrigerator before slicing.

10. Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure that the other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

Conclusion

Butterfinger Caramel Bars are a decadent and satisfying treat that combines the rich flavors of caramel, chocolate, and crunchy Butterfinger candy. With layers of sweetness and texture, these bars are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them at a party or enjoying them with a cup of coffee, these bars will be a hit every time. Simple to make and completely irresistible, they’re sure to become a favorite in your dessert collection.