If you’ve ever dreamed of a dessert that perfectly combines a rich buttery crust, gooey caramel, and that irresistible crunch of Butterfinger candy, then you’re in for a treat. This Butterfinger Caramel Bars with Layers of Sweet Crunch and Chocolate Recipe is exactly what those cravings call for. With layers of golden caramel, sweet crunch, and silky chocolate, each bite strikes a beautiful balance between smooth and crispy textures and a symphony of flavors that will have you reaching for more. Whether you’re serving this at a family gathering or cozying up with a sweet snack, these bars are an absolute crowd-pleaser you’ll want to make again and again.

Butterfinger Caramel Bars with Layers of Sweet Crunch and Chocolate Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t let the ingredient list discourage you—each item here plays a special role in creating that perfect balance of flavors and textures. This combination is simple yet essential, giving you the layers of buttery crust, luscious caramel, crisp candy, and melty chocolate that make these bars unforgettable.

Unsalted butter (1 cup softened + 1/2 cup cubed): Provides richness and moisture for both the crust and caramel layer, plus helps create that tender crumb in the base.
Light brown sugar (1 cup packed): Adds a deep molasses sweetness that enhances the buttery flavor and helps form a crisp, caramelized crust.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Brings a warm, aromatic note that elevates every layer and rounds out the flavor complexity.
All-purpose flour (2 cups): The foundation of the crust, offering structure and a sturdy base for all the layers above.
Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Helps the crust rise just enough to stay tender, without puffing up too much.
Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness perfectly and enhances all the delicious flavors.
Sweetened condensed milk (1 can, 14 oz): Adds creamy sweetness and creates the luscious caramel filling when combined with butter and caramel candies.
Caramel candies (1 cup, unwrapped): Melts into a dreamy caramel layer that’s soft, sticky, and utterly addictive.
Butterfinger candy bars (1 cup + 1/2 cup crushed): The star of the show, providing layers of delightful crunch and that unmistakable peanut buttery, chocolaty flavor.
Semi-sweet chocolate chips (1 cup): Melt on top to form a rich, glossy chocolate layer that complements the caramel and crunch fantastically.

How to Make Butterfinger Caramel Bars with Layers of Sweet Crunch and Chocolate Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Base

The magic begins with the crust, which sets the tone for every bite. Start by preheating your oven and lining your baking pan with parchment paper—you want those bars to lift out in perfect squares later. Cream the softened butter and brown sugar together until they’re light and fluffy; this is your secret to a tender, yet crisp crust. Then stir in vanilla extract for that homey flavor boost. Fold in your flour, baking powder, and salt just until combined into a crumbly dough that will hold all your layers together.

Step 2: Assemble the Bottom Layer

Press about two-thirds of this dough evenly into your prepared pan, pressing firmly so it forms a nice, even base. Bake it just until it turns lightly golden around the edges—this gives you a firm but delicate foundation to support the rich caramel and crunchy toppings.

Step 3: Prepare the Caramel Filling

While the base cools just a bit, melt your cubed butter and caramel candies together over low heat, stirring constantly. Once the candies have melted into a smooth, velvety caramel, stir in the sweetened condensed milk. Keep stirring until everything blends completely and thickens slightly—this luscious caramel is the heart of your bars.

Step 4: Layer the Bars

Pour the warm caramel evenly over your baked crust, then scatter half of the crushed Butterfinger pieces across the top. These candy bits add a crispy, nutty crunch that pairs wonderfully with the sticky caramel. Next, crumble the reserved dough over these layers, creating a textured topping that will bake into a golden, buttery finish.

Step 5: Bake the Bars

Pop your assembled pan back into the oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the topping turns a beautiful golden brown and the caramel bubbles enticingly around the edges. This step melds all those layers together, creating a perfectly gooey and crunchy delight.

Step 6: Add the Chocolate Topping

Right out of the oven, sprinkle your semi-sweet chocolate chips over the hot bars. Let them sit for a few minutes to soften, then spread that melted chocolate into a smooth, glossy layer. Finally, sprinkle the remaining crushed Butterfinger bars on top, adding a final layer of sweet, crunchy texture and that unmistakable Butterfinger flavor boost.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Patience is a virtue here. Allow these bars to cool completely at room temperature or pop them in the fridge to set faster. Thanks to the parchment overhang, you can easily lift them out and slice into generous squares. Each bar holds the perfect mix of soft caramel, crisp Butterfinger, buttery crust, and silky chocolate—guaranteed bites of joy.

How to Serve Butterfinger Caramel Bars with Layers of Sweet Crunch and Chocolate Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkle a little sea salt over the top just before serving to balance the sweetness and add an extra layer of flavor complexity. Alternatively, a light dusting of cocoa powder or a drizzle of white chocolate can make these bars look extra decadent and professional.

Side Dishes

These bars already pack plenty of flavor, but pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream turns them into an indulgent dessert experience. For something refreshing, a cup of rich coffee or a bold espresso cuts through the richness beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, cut the bars into smaller bite-sized squares and serve them on decorative trays or individual mini cupcake liners for easy grabbing. You can also layer them into a dessert parfait with whipped cream and crushed peanuts for a fun layered treat that highlights all their textures.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap any leftover bars tightly in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay wonderfully fresh for up to 3 days, but if you want to keep that perfect texture, refrigeration is a great option to extend their life by a few more days.

Freezing

These bars freeze beautifully. Wrap individual bars or the whole pan tightly with plastic and then foil before freezing. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw them overnight in the fridge to retain their layered textures and flavors.

Reheating

If you want to enjoy these bars warm, gently heat them in a microwave for 10-15 seconds or until just warmed through. This softens the chocolate and brings out the caramel’s gooey goodness without making the crust too soft or soggy.

FAQs

Can I use a different candy instead of Butterfinger for these bars?

Absolutely! While Butterfinger candy bars deliver that signature peanut buttery crunch, similar crisp peanut butter candies like Heath bars can be a great substitute. Just remember, the unique texture and flavor of Butterfinger really make this recipe shine.

Is it necessary to use sweetened condensed milk in the caramel layer?

Yes, sweetened condensed milk helps create that luscious, creamy caramel texture that holds everything together. It blends perfectly with the melted caramel and butter, allowing the filling to be rich but not overly stiff or runny.

Can these bars be made gluten-free?

You can try substituting a gluten-free flour blend for all-purpose flour, but keep in mind the texture might vary slightly. Using a blend that mimics regular flour’s structure will help keep that tender yet crisp base essential for this recipe.

Can I make these bars vegan?

This recipe relies on butter, sweetened condensed milk, and chocolate chips that typically contain dairy, so it would require several substitutions. Vegan butter, a plant-based caramel sauce, and dairy-free chocolate chips could make this possible, but expect the flavor and texture to differ somewhat from the original Butterfinger Caramel Bars with Layers of Sweet Crunch and Chocolate Recipe.

How do I get neat slices when cutting these bars?

For clean slices, make sure the bars are fully cooled or even chilled before cutting. Using a sharp knife warmed under hot water and wiped dry between cuts helps create smooth edges without crumbling the layers.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about the Butterfinger Caramel Bars with Layers of Sweet Crunch and Chocolate Recipe. They offer a little bit of everything we love in a dessert: creamy caramel, buttery crust, chocolate goodness, and that unforgettable crunchy Butterfinger layer. Giving this recipe a spot in your baking rotation means you’ll always have a show-stopping sweet treat ready to wow family and friends. So go ahead, make a batch, and watch them disappear fast—these bars are simply irresistible!

Butterfinger Caramel Bars with Layers of Sweet Crunch and Chocolate Recipe

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4.3 from 33 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x

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Description

These Butterfinger Caramel Bars are a decadent treat featuring layers of buttery crust, rich caramel, crunchy Butterfinger candy pieces, and a luscious chocolate topping. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth with a delightful combination of textures and flavors, these bars make an irresistible dessert or snack.

Ingredients

Scale

Crust and Topping:

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup light brown sugar, packed
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt

Caramel Filling:

1/2 cup unsalted butter, cubed
1 cup caramel candies, unwrapped
1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
1/2 cup crushed Butterfinger candy bars

Topping:

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup crushed Butterfinger candy bars

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Instructions

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 later. In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup softened unsalted butter and 1 cup packed light brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Add 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Mix until the dough is crumbly and fully combined.
Assemble the bottom layer: Press about two-thirds of the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, reserving the remaining one-third for the topping. Bake this base layer for 10-12 minutes or until it turns lightly golden. Remove it from the oven and set aside.
Prepare the caramel filling: In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt 1/2 cup cubed unsalted butter and 1 cup unwrapped caramel candies, stirring constantly until smooth. Add 1 (14-ounce) can of sweetened condensed milk to the saucepan, continuing to stir until the mixture is fully combined and has slightly thickened.
Layer the bars: Pour the warm caramel mixture evenly over the baked crust in the pan. Sprinkle 1/2 cup crushed Butterfinger candy bars over the caramel layer. Then crumble the reserved one-third of the dough evenly on top to cover most of the caramel.
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 appear bubbly.
Add the chocolate topping: Once baked, immediately sprinkle 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips over the hot bars. Let them sit for 2-3 minutes until the chocolate softens, then spread it evenly over the top. Finally, sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of crushed Butterfinger candy bars over the melted chocolate.
Cool and serve: Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature or chill in the refrigerator to speed up the setting process. Once firm, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan and slice into squares for serving.

Notes

Ensure the butter is softened for easy creaming with the sugar.
Be gentle when pressing the dough into the pan to keep it crumbly but compact.
Stir the caramel mixture constantly to prevent burning and to achieve a smooth texture.
Allow the chocolate to soften fully before spreading for a glossy finish.
Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate for longer freshness.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American