Butterfinger Caramel Candy Bars Recipe

Homemade Butterfinger Caramel Candy Bars Recipe: Sweet Success!

Sweet tooths go crazy for these homemade butterfinger caramel candy bars that promise a delightful crunch.

Memories of childhood treats dance through my mind with each bite.

Layers of golden caramel and crispy peanut butter create an irresistible combination.

Crafting these bars in your kitchen feels like unlocking a secret dessert treasure.

Chocolate coats the outside, adding a rich decadence that melts perfectly on the tongue.

Surprisingly simple ingredients come together to make something extraordinary.

Grab a pan and start your delicious adventure today!

What Makes Butterfinger Caramel Candy Bars Addictive

  • Minimal ingredients and simple steps make this recipe perfect for busy home bakers who want a delicious treat without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • The combination of Butterfinger candy, caramel, and graham cracker crust creates an irresistible sweet treat that appeals to both kids and adults at gatherings, potlucks, or family dessert nights.
  • Easily swap Butterfinger for other candy bars or add extra toppings like chocolate drizzle or chopped nuts to personalize the recipe and make it your own unique dessert.
  • With just a few basic steps and standard baking equipment, even novice bakers can confidently create these delectable candy bars without complicated techniques or professional skills.

Ingredients for Butterfinger Caramel Candy Bars

Base Ingredients:
  • Graham Cracker Crumbs: A classic, sweet foundation for the crust with a rich, slightly nutty flavor.
  • Unsalted Butter (Melted): Helps bind the crust and adds richness with a smooth, creamy texture.
  • Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps the crust become golden and crisp.
Caramel and Topping Ingredients:
  • Caramel Sauce: Silky, sweet layer that adds a luxurious, golden drizzle to the dessert.
  • Butterfinger Candy Bars: Crunchy, peanut buttery chocolate bars that bring a classic candy flavor and textural contrast.
Binding and Flavor Ingredients:
  • Salt: Enhances the overall sweetness and balances the rich flavors.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warmth to the dessert's flavor profile.

How to Make Butterfinger Caramel Candy Bars at Home

Step 1: Prepare Baking Foundation

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing extra paper to hang over sides for easy lifting later.

Step 2: Create Crispy Crust Base

In a mixing bowl, combine:
  • Graham cracker crumbs
  • Melted butter
  • Granulated sugar

Stir until ingredients blend completely. Press mixture firmly and evenly into bottom of prepared pan. Bake for 8-10 minutes until edges turn golden brown. Remove and let cool completely.

Step 3: Whip Caramel Layer

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt:
  • Unsalted butter
  • Brown sugar
  • Heavy cream

Stir continuously until mixture becomes smooth and bubbling. Cook for 3-4 minutes without stirring. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Step 4: Spread Caramel Magic

Pour warm caramel evenly over cooled crust. Allow caramel to set for 15-20 minutes at room temperature.

Step 5: Crush Butterfinger Delight

Crush Butterfinger candy bars into small pieces using a rolling pin or food processor.

Step 6: Add Crunchy Topping

Sprinkle crushed Butterfinger pieces generously over caramel layer.

Step 7: Melt Chocolate Drizzle

Melt chocolate chips in microwave or double boiler. Drizzle melted chocolate over Butterfinger layer using a spoon.

Step 8: Chill and Set

Refrigerate bars for 1-2 hours until completely firm. Lift out of pan using parchment paper edges. Cut into squares and serve.

Tips for Nailing Butterfinger Caramel Candy Bars

  • Butter Barrier: Spray parchment paper with non-stick cooking spray for even easier bar removal and preventing sticking.
  • Crush Carefully: Use a food processor or place graham crackers in a sealed bag and crush with a rolling pin to create uniform, fine crumbs for a smooth crust texture.
  • Temperature Trick: Allow melted butter to cool slightly before mixing with graham cracker crumbs to prevent potential burning or uneven moistening of the crust.
  • Crunch Control: Chop Butterfinger candy bars into different sizes for varied texture- some fine pieces and some chunks will create an interesting mouthfeel in the final dessert.
  • Cooling Technique: Let the crust cool completely before adding subsequent layers to ensure structural integrity and prevent potential sogginess in the base layer.

Keeping Butterfinger Caramel Candy Bars in Top Shape

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
  • Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months for maximum freshness.
  • Remove frozen bars from the freezer and let sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving to maintain texture.
  • These bars taste best when slightly cold, so refrigerate before enjoying for the most delicious caramel and chocolate experience.

Sweet Pairings for Butterfinger Caramel Candy Bars

  • Select a robust Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot to complement the rich, sweet caramel and chocolate notes in the Butterfinger Caramel Candy Bars. The wine's tannins will balance the dessert's intense sweetness.
  • Brew a strong espresso with vanilla bean undertones to cut through the candy bar's richness. The coffee's bitter notes will create a delightful contrast with the sweet caramel and chocolate layers.
  • Serve a scoop of creamy salted caramel ice cream alongside the bars. The cold, smooth texture and subtle salt will amplify the dessert's complex flavor profile and provide a refreshing counterpoint.
  • Pour a glass of sweet, fortified Port wine to match the dessert's decadent character. The port's deep, complex flavors will harmonize beautifully with the Butterfinger's caramel and chocolate elements.

Unique Versions of Butterfinger Caramel Candy Bars

  • Gluten-Free Option: Replace graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free cookie crumbs or almond flour to create a celiac-friendly base that maintains the same delicious texture.
  • Vegan Adaptation: Swap butter with coconut oil and use dairy-free caramel sauce and vegan chocolate. Select plant-based Butterfinger-style candy bars made from dark chocolate and peanut butter.
  • Low-Sugar Version: Substitute regular sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia. Use sugar-free chocolate and reduce caramel quantity to minimize overall sugar content.
  • Nut-Free Alternative: Eliminate potential nut allergens by using seed-based crackers for the crust and ensuring all chocolate components are nut-free certified.
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Butterfinger Caramel Candy Bars Recipe

Butterfinger Caramel Candy Bars Recipe


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4.7 from 18 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Indulgent Butterfinger caramel candy bars combine rich chocolate, sweet caramel, and crunchy peanut butter for an irresistible homemade treat. Candy enthusiasts will fall in love with this simple yet impressive dessert that promises pure bliss in every delectable bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ cups crushed Butterfinger candy bars (about 6 mini bars or 3 regular-sized bars)
  • 1 ½ cups semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips
  • 1 cup caramel bits or soft caramels (unwrapped)

Crust Base Ingredients:

  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar

Finishing Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil or vegetable oil (optional, for a shiny topping)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the baking surface by lining an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper, ensuring excess paper hangs over the edges for effortless removal and lifting later.
  2. Craft the foundational graham cracker base by thoroughly blending crumbs with melted butter and sugar until the mixture resembles damp sand-like consistency.
  3. Firmly compress the crumb mixture into an even, compact layer across the prepared pan, creating a sturdy foundation for subsequent layers.
  4. Transfer the pan to a preheated 350°F oven and bake the crust for 9-10 minutes, watching for a delicate golden transformation that signals perfect doneness.
  5. Remove the crust and allow it to cool completely, maintaining its structural integrity for layering.
  6. Create a luscious caramel layer by gently heating butter and brown sugar in a saucepan, stirring continuously until the mixture transforms into a smooth, amber-colored liquid.
  7. Incorporate sweetened condensed milk into the caramel, whisking persistently to achieve a uniform, silky texture without scorching.
  8. Pour the warm caramel mixture evenly over the cooled graham cracker crust, ensuring complete and uniform coverage.
  9. Crush Butterfinger candy bars into fine, textured fragments, creating a dynamic topping layer with varied sized pieces.
  10. Sprinkle the crushed Butterfinger pieces generously across the caramel surface, allowing for maximum flavor distribution.
  11. Melt chocolate chips using a double boiler or microwave, stirring intermittently to prevent burning and ensure smooth consistency.
  12. Drizzle the melted chocolate elegantly over the Butterfinger-studded caramel layer, creating artistic patterns or complete coverage.
  13. Refrigerate the entire creation for 1-2 hours until completely set and firm, enabling clean, precise cutting.
  14. Lift the dessert from the pan using parchment paper edges, slice into precise squares, and serve chilled for optimal texture and flavor.

Notes

  • Swap graham crackers with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs for a celiac-friendly version.
  • Use unsalted butter to control salt levels and prevent over-seasoning of the crust.
  • Create a lighter texture by gently pressing the crust mixture instead of compacting it too firmly, allowing for a more delicate crumbly base.
  • Experiment with different cookie crumb bases like chocolate wafers or vanilla cookies to add unique flavor variations to the traditional recipe.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 300
  • Sugar: 22 g
  • Sodium: 90 mg
  • Fat: 16 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Daves Miller

Daves Miller

Contributing Chef & Culinary Educator

Expertise

  • American Southern cuisine with a modern twist.
  • Instruction in culinary fundamentals and advanced techniques.
  • Development of recipes that highlight seasonal and local produce.​
  • Mastery of artisanal bread and pastry techniques, from laminated doughs to decorative sugar artistry.

Education

Sullivan University, Louisville, Kentucky

  • Degree: Associate of Science Degree in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Specialized in cooking techniques and culinary sciences, hands‑on externships, professional kitchen lab training, and career preparation for restaurants, entrepreneurship, and global culinary opportunities.

White Mountains Community College, Berlin, New Hampshire

  • Program: Baking and Pastry Arts degree
  • Focus: Specialized in comprehensive baking and pastry arts, including bread making, artisan breads, cake decorating and design, chocolates, confections, and decorative centerpieces; product development and baking theory; and career preparation for baker and pastry chef roles in many places.

Daves is the friendly face guiding you through flavorful, fuss-free recipes at Picture Perfect Meals. 

He studied culinary arts at Sullivan University and embraced Baking and Pastry Arts at White Mountains Community College. Daves specializes in comforting meals with vibrant flavors, highlighting fresh, seasonal ingredients.

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