If you’re looking for a treat that perfectly balances rich chocolate, buttery caramel, and irresistible crunch, you’re about to meet your new favorite dessert: Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars. With layers of golden graham cracker crumbs, silky caramel, creamy peanut butter, and bursts of Butterfinger candy, each bite is a beautiful collision of flavor and texture. Whether it’s a school bake sale, a cozy movie night, or just an excuse for a little indulgence, these no-bake bars are an enthusiastic crowd-pleaser—and trust me, nobody stops at just one.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at how a handful of pantry staples blend to create pure dessert magic. Each ingredient plays a starring role, from building crunch and sweetness to creating that signature melt-in-your-mouth finish.
- Graham crackers: The heart of that crunchy, golden base; crush them into fine crumbs for the perfect bar texture.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps bind the crumbly layers together with a smooth touch.
- Light brown sugar: Brings a deep, caramel flavor that pairs beautifully with the candy bar toppers.
- Granulated sugar: Balances the sweetness and helps achieve the right consistency in the bar layers.
- Whole milk: Softens and blends the ingredients, adding a luscious creaminess to every bite.
- Peanut butter: Creamy and classic, it melts with chocolate to make a dreamy topping—use smooth for velvety bars.
- Caramel sauce: Sweet and slightly salty, it oozes between layers for that sticky, decadent finish.
- Milk chocolate chips: The ultimate melty topping; you’ll want high-quality chips for a glossy, delicious layer.
- Butterfinger bars: Chopped candy brings unmistakable crunch and peanut buttery flavor—don’t skimp on these!
How to Make Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
Start by lining a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly greasing it. This makes lifting and slicing your Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars a breeze and ensures even the ooiest caramel bits don’t stick.
Step 2: Cook the Graham Cracker Mixture
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and mix in the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and milk. Stir constantly until everything dissolves and the mixture comes to a gentle boil. Add your crushed graham cracker crumbs and cook, stirring, for another five minutes—this creates the chewy, golden base and top that set these bars apart.
Step 3: Layer the Base
Spread half of the warm graham cracker mixture evenly into your prepared pan, pressing down gently to form a smooth, dense base. The warmth helps everything meld together for that signature structure.
Step 4: Add Caramel and Butterfinger Crunch
Next, drizzle half the caramel sauce right over the base, then sprinkle on half the chopped Butterfinger bars—this is where the bars get that distinctive candy pop and delightful unpredictability in every bite.
Step 5: Add the Second Layer
Spoon the remaining graham cracker mixture right on top, spreading and pressing down gently to create a seamless second layer, locking in all those gooey bits.
Step 6: Make and Spread the Chocolate Peanut Butter Topping
In a small saucepan (or microwave-safe bowl), gently melt the milk chocolate chips and peanut butter together, stirring until smooth and creamy. Pour and spread this gorgeous, glossy blend right over the bars for a luscious finish.
Step 7: Final Toppings
Drizzle the rest of your caramel sauce on top and scatter the remaining chopped Butterfinger bars across the soft chocolate. Now you’ve got layers of flavor and texture in every square inch.
Step 8: Chill and Slice
Pop the pan in the refrigerator for at least two hours, or until completely set and firm. When ready, lift the bars out using the parchment, slice into squares, and marvel at your beautiful Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars!
How to Serve Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars
Garnishes
For that enviable “wow” factor, add a light sprinkle of sea salt flakes or an extra swirl of caramel right before serving. Chopped roasted peanuts or a light dusting of cocoa powder also works wonders for both flavor and presentation.
Side Dishes
Since Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars are sweet and rich, pair them with something cool and simple—think a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a fresh berry salad. Even a hot espresso or cold glass of milk makes these bars feel extra special with minimal effort.
Creative Ways to Present
Elevate these bars at parties by serving them in mini cupcake wrappers or stacked on a tiered dessert stand. For an ultra-fun twist, cut them into tiny cubes and use them as an ice cream sundae topping—trust me, it takes dessert night to a whole new level!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars in an airtight container in the fridge. They stay wonderfully fresh for up to three days, making them an excellent option for make-ahead treats or surprise lunchbox additions.
Freezing
To freeze, layer the sliced bars between sheets of parchment paper in a sealed container. Store in the freezer for up to two months, then thaw overnight in the fridge when those cravings hit. Just be sure to let them soften a bit at room temperature before enjoying for the best texture.
Reheating
Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars are best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, so skip the microwave. If you do want a slightly softer topping, leave the bars out for 10-15 minutes before serving—they’ll become extra fudgy and luscious.
FAQs
Can I use another candy bar instead of Butterfinger bars?
You can absolutely get creative with this recipe! While Butterfinger bars are the star and provide their signature crunch and peanut buttery flavor, you can swap in other favorites like Snickers, Milky Way, or even toffee bars for a different twist. Just chop them up to match the same size.
Is there a gluten-free version of Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars?
Definitely. Simply use your favorite gluten-free graham crackers instead of the traditional ones. Most other ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free, so you’re good to go!
How do I make clean, even cuts for presentation?
For picture-perfect squares, chill the bars thoroughly before slicing and use a sharp knife wiped clean between each cut. You can even dip the knife in hot water and dry it for ultraclean edges.
Can I add extra mix-ins for crunch?
Absolutely! Try stirring in a handful of roughly chopped pretzels, salted peanuts, or even mini marshmallows into the graham cracker mixture or as part of the topping for extra wow factor and crunch.
Do Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars need to be refrigerated?
Yes, it’s best to store these bars in the refrigerator to keep the chocolate, caramel, and layers firm and fresh. They’ll hold their shape and taste best chilled or brought briefly to room temperature before serving.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to win over any crowd (or just seriously treat yourself), don’t wait another day to make these Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars. They’re delightfully easy, jaw-droppingly delicious, and always disappear faster than you expect. Give them a try—you’ll see just how quickly they become everyone’s new favorite!
Print
Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes (includes chilling)
- Yield: 24 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the irresistible combination of buttery graham crackers, rich caramel, creamy peanut butter, and decadent chocolate with these Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth cravings!
Ingredients
Graham Cracker Crumbs:
- 1 package (about 14.4 ounces) graham crackers, crushed into fine crumbs
Butter Mixture:
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup whole milk
Additional Layers:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs (from above)
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce
- 2 cups milk chocolate chips
- 6 fun-size Butterfinger bars, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Base: Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or grease it. Melt butter in a saucepan, stir in sugars and milk, bring to a boil, then add graham cracker crumbs and cook for 5 minutes.
- Layering: Spread half of the mixture in the pan, drizzle with caramel, add half of chopped Butterfinger bars. Repeat with remaining mixture, then top with melted chocolate and peanut butter.
- Chill and Serve: Drizzle with more caramel, sprinkle remaining Butterfinger pieces, refrigerate for 2 hours, slice into bars, and enjoy!
Notes
- Bars can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in the fridge.
- For added crunch, consider mixing in chopped pretzels or peanuts.
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *