Indulge in the delightful crunch and creamy sweetness of Butterfinger Caramel Bars, where each bite reveals a symphony of rich caramel, crumbled Butterfinger candy, and a buttery graham cracker crust. The aroma wafting from the oven is irresistibly inviting, making these bars the perfect comfort treat for cozy gatherings or a leisurely afternoon at home.
What sets these Butterfinger Caramel Bars apart is their effortless blend of textures—from the satisfying crunch of chocolate-covered peanut butter candy to the gooey richness of caramel. Topped with a drizzle of melted chocolate for that extra touch of decadence, they are simply irresistible when served warm or at room temperature. Gather your loved ones and let these bars be the centerpiece of your next sweet celebration.
Why You’ll Love This Butterfinger Caramel Bars
These Butterfinger Caramel Bars are not just a dessert; they’re an experience that combines rich flavors and delightful textures in every bite. The buttery base, made with unsalted butter and packed brown sugar, creates a melt-in-your-mouth foundation that perfectly complements the chewy caramel layer enriched with heavy cream. Topped off with crunchy, crushed Butterfinger bars and smooth milk chocolate chips, each bar delivers an irresistible balance of sweetness and crunch that will have your taste buds dancing. With their golden-brown appearance and inviting aroma wafting through your kitchen, you won’t be able to resist diving into this decadent treat right now!
What Kind of Butter Should I Use?
For this Butterfinger Caramel Bars recipe, it’s best to use unsalted butter, as it provides a rich flavor without the added saltiness that can affect the sweetness of your dessert. Unsalted butter allows for better control over the overall taste and helps achieve a tender texture in the base, ensuring that your bars are soft yet sturdy enough to hold the caramel and toppings. If you only have salted butter on hand, you can still use it; just reduce any additional salt in the recipe to maintain balance. However, keep in mind that using salted butter may slightly alter the final flavor profile of your delicious bars.
Ingredients for the Butterfinger Caramel Bars
Each ingredient in this dish plays an essential role in flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need:
1 cup unsalted butter (softened): Provides a rich, creamy base that enhances the bars’ texture.
1 cup brown sugar (packed): Adds moisture and a deep caramel sweetness to the crust.
2 cups all-purpose flour: Forms the foundation of the bars, creating a sturdy yet tender base.
1 cup oats (rolled): Contributes a hearty chewiness and nutty flavor to balance the sweetness.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Elevates all the flavors and helps to cut through the sweetness.
1 cup caramel candies (unwrapped): Melts into a gooey layer that brings indulgent richness.
1/4 cup heavy cream: Ensures a smooth and velvety caramel consistency.
1 cup Butterfinger candy bars (crushed): Introduces crunchy texture and unique peanut butter flavor throughout.
- 1 cup milk chocolate chips: Adds a sweet, creamy topping that perfectly complements the bars.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Butterfinger Caramel Bars
Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats up, take a 9×13 inch baking pan and grease it well. Then, line the bottom with parchment paper for easier removal later. This preparation ensures your Butterfinger Caramel Bars will bake evenly and not stick to the pan.
Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of softened unsalted butter with 1 cup of packed brown sugar. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, cream these ingredients together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes. This step incorporates air into the mix, giving your bars a tender texture.
Combine Dry Ingredients
Next, add 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of rolled oats, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt to the creamed mixture. Stir gently until all the dry ingredients are just combined with the wet ingredients. Be careful not to overmix; you want a cohesive dough that remains slightly crumbly.
Press Into Baking Pan
Take the dough and press it evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking pan. Use your hands or a spatula to create an even layer across the base. This step is crucial as it forms a solid foundation for your delicious bars that will hold up after baking.
Bake Until Golden
Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on it; you’re looking for a lightly golden color on top. Once done, remove from the oven and allow it to cool slightly while you prepare the caramel layer.
Melt Caramel Candies
In a saucepan over low heat, add 1 cup of unwrapped caramel candies along with 1/4 cup of heavy cream. Stir continuously until the caramel is fully melted and smooth, which should take about 5-7 minutes. The key here is to maintain low heat to prevent burning while achieving that luscious, pourable consistency.
Pour Caramel Over Base
Once your caramel is melted and silky, carefully pour it over your baked base. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly across the surface. Ensure every corner is covered so that each bite has that gooey caramel goodness.
Sprinkle Butterfinger Topping
Now it’s time for some crunch! Take 1 cup of crushed Butterfinger candy bars and sprinkle them evenly over the warm caramel layer. This adds both texture and flavor, creating a delightful contrast against the smooth caramel beneath.
Melt Chocolate Chips
In a microwave-safe bowl or using a double boiler, melt 1 cup of milk chocolate chips until they are completely smooth. If using a microwave, heat in short intervals of about 30 seconds, stirring in between to prevent overheating. The melted chocolate should be glossy and pourable for an easy drizzle.
Drizzle Chocolate Over Bars
Once melted, drizzle the chocolate generously over the layer of crushed Butterfinger bars. This final touch not only enhances flavor but also adds beautiful visual appeal to your dessert.
Cool and Cut Into Squares
Allow your Butterfinger Caramel Bars to cool completely at room temperature before attempting to cut them into squares. This cooling period helps everything set nicely so you can enjoy perfectly shaped bars that hold together well when served.
How to Serve and Store Butterfinger Caramel Bars
These Butterfinger Caramel Bars serve 12 and are best enjoyed fresh from the pan or at room temperature. For a delightful presentation, consider cutting them into squares and serving them on a colorful platter, perhaps drizzled with extra caramel sauce for an added touch of sweetness. Pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream to balance the rich flavors, or enjoy them with a hot cup of coffee for a cozy dessert experience.
To store any leftovers, place them in an airtight container lined with parchment paper and keep them in the refrigerator for up to one week. When you’re ready to enjoy another piece, reheat it gently in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds; this will soften the base while preserving its chewy texture without becoming overly gooey. These bars do not freeze well, as the caramel layer can lose its desirable consistency upon thawing.
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
The creamy and garlicky flavor of mashed potatoes provides a savory contrast to the sweet and crunchy Butterfinger Caramel Bars.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
The slight bitterness and crispy texture of roasted Brussels sprouts beautifully balance the sweetness of the caramel bars.
Cheddar Biscuits
Flaky and cheesy, cheddar biscuits offer a deliciously buttery contrast that complements the rich caramel layer perfectly.
Spinach Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette
A fresh spinach salad with tangy balsamic vinaigrette adds a refreshing element that cuts through the sweetness of the bars.
Macaroni and Cheese
The creamy, cheesy goodness of macaroni and cheese provides a comforting, hearty side that pairs well with the dessert-like quality of the caramel bars.
Grilled Pineapple
Sweet and smoky grilled pineapple adds an unexpected tropical flair that enhances the rich flavors of Butterfinger Caramel Bars.
Can I use a different type of candy instead of Butterfinger?
Yes, you can substitute Butterfinger with any other crunchy candy, such as Crunch bars or Reese’s Pieces. Just make sure to crush the candy into smaller pieces for an even distribution over the caramel layer.
Are there any gluten-free options for this recipe?
To make these Butterfinger Caramel Bars gluten-free, you can swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Additionally, ensure that your oats are certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.
Can I prepare these bars in advance?
Absolutely! You can make these bars a day or two ahead of time. Just store them in an airtight container at room temperature after they have cooled completely to maintain their freshness.
How do I know when the base is done baking?
The base is done when it turns lightly golden around the edges, which typically takes about 15-20 minutes at 350°F (175°C). Keep an eye on it to prevent over-baking, as it should still be soft to the touch when you remove it from the oven.
Can I add nuts to the topping for extra flavor?
Definitely! Chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts can add a delightful crunch and flavor to your Butterfinger Caramel Bars. Just sprinkle them on top of the caramel layer along with the crushed Butterfinger before adding the melted chocolate.
Final Thoughts
Deliciously sweet and crunchy, Butterfinger Caramel Bars are not just a treat; they’re a delightful experience that will impress your friends and family at any gathering. For more sweet indulgences, be sure to check out [No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars] or [Salted Caramel Brownies] to keep the flavor party going. We’d love for you to save this recipe on Pinterest and share your delicious creations with us in the comments!
Butterfinger Caramel Bars
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the flour, oats, and salt to the mixture and stir until combined.
- Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly golden.
- In a saucepan over low heat, combine the unwrapped caramel candies and heavy cream.
- Stir continuously until the caramel is melted and smooth.
- Pour the caramel over the baked base and spread it evenly.
- Sprinkle the crushed Butterfinger bars evenly over the caramel layer.
- Melt the milk chocolate chips in the microwave or over a double boiler.
- Drizzle the melted chocolate over the Butterfinger layer.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting into squares.
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