If you’re on the hunt for a dessert that perfectly balances sweet and salty with a delightful crunch, you’ve come to the right place. The Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars Recipe is a no-fuss, no-bake treat featuring layers of crushed Butterfinger candy, gooey caramel, crispy cereal, and luscious melted chocolate. It’s a dreamy combo that’s perfect for parties, potlucks, or just satisfying that sweet tooth craving in a big way. Trust me, once you try these bars, you’ll want to make them again and again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are delightfully simple, yet each one plays an essential role in creating the perfect texture, flavor, and richness in your dessert. From the crunchy cereal to the smooth peanut butter and melty caramel, every bite will have you coming back for more.
- 3 cups cornflakes or crispy rice cereal: Provides that irresistible crunch and light texture to balance sweetness.
- 1 cup crushed Butterfinger candy bars (about 4 fun-size bars): Adds a crunchy, peanut buttery candy flavor that’s the star of the show.
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: Melts down to a smooth chocolate layer that binds everything together.
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter: Gives a rich, creamy undertone that deepens the flavor profile.
- 1 cup caramel bits or soft caramel candies (unwrapped): Offers luscious, gooey caramel that makes these bars irresistibly sticky and sweet.
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream: Helps create a silky caramel sauce that spreads evenly and tastes heavenly.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
How to Make Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
Start by lining an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, allowing some overhang on the sides. This little trick makes it super easy to lift your bars out later without any sticky mess, so don’t skip it!
Step 2: Mix the Crunchy Base
In a large bowl, combine the cornflakes or crispy rice cereal with your crushed Butterfinger candy bars. This mix forms the crunchy foundation that will give the bars a delightful texture and the unmistakable Butterfinger flavor in every bite.
Step 3: Melt the Chocolate and Peanut Butter
Place your chocolate chips and creamy peanut butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each, until the mixture is smooth and glossy. This blend coats the cereal and candy perfectly, creating a sticky, delicious base layer.
Step 4: Combine and Press
Pour the melted chocolate and peanut butter mixture over the cereal-Buferinger mix. Stir gently but thoroughly until everything is evenly coated. Then press the mixture firmly into your prepared pan, making sure it’s leveled out to form a compact layer.
Step 5: Prepare the Caramel Layer
In a separate bowl, microwave the caramel bits with heavy cream in 30-second bursts. Stir after each interval until you have a smooth, pourable caramel sauce. Stir in the pinch of salt to elevate the flavors.
Step 6: Top and Chill
Pour the luscious caramel over the chocolate-cereal layer and spread it out evenly with a spatula. For extra flair and crunch, sprinkle a few additional crushed Butterfinger pieces right on top. Pop the pan into the refrigerator and chill for at least an hour to let everything set beautifully.
Step 7: Slice and Enjoy
Once firm, use the parchment overhang to lift the entire block out of the pan. Slice into 16 squares and get ready to enjoy your expertly layered, crunchy, caramel-packed treat!
How to Serve Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars Recipe
Garnishes
For a delightful finishing touch, try sprinkling a pinch of flaky sea salt or some chopped roasted peanuts on top. They add a fantastic salty contrast that will highlight the sweetness of the caramel and chocolate layers.
Side Dishes
These bars are rich and satisfying on their own, but they pair wonderfully with a glass of cold milk or a dollop of whipped cream. If you want to whip up a party spread, fresh berries or a simple vanilla ice cream scoop complements these bars perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress your guests? Serve your Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars on a pretty platter lined with wax paper and arranged like little works of art. You could also gift-wrap individual squares in parchment paper tied with twine for a thoughtful homemade treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover bars should be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and maintain their crunch for up to 5 days, making it easy to enjoy a sweet snack whenever you want.
Freezing
You can definitely freeze these bars! Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container. When you want a treat, just thaw them at room temperature for about 30 minutes. The texture will remain just as satisfying.
Reheating
Since these are no-bake bars with layers of chocolate and caramel, reheating isn’t usually necessary. If you prefer a softer texture, pop a bar in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to warm it slightly—just be careful not to melt it completely.
FAQs
Can I substitute the cornflakes with another cereal?
Absolutely! Crispy rice cereal works wonderfully, or you can try crushed pretzels for an extra salty crunch. Just make sure your substitute has a similar texture so the bars hold together nicely.
Is it possible to make these bars nut-free?
The peanut butter adds great flavor here, but if you need a nut-free option, try sunflower seed butter instead. It has a mild taste and similar creaminess that works well.
Can I use caramel sauce instead of caramel bits?
You could use a thick caramel sauce, but be cautious as it might make the bars too sticky or soft. Caramel bits melt nicely and help create that perfect set layer without extra moisture.
How long do these bars need to chill?
At least one hour in the refrigerator is essential for the bars to firm up properly. If you have time, chilling longer will make cutting them easier and help the flavors meld beautifully.
Are these bars suitable for a vegetarian diet?
Yes, the Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars Recipe uses ingredients that fit into a vegetarian diet, but do double-check the caramel ingredients if you want to be sure they don’t contain any animal-derived gelatin.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a treat that’s truly a party in your mouth, you have to try the Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars Recipe. The combination of crunchy, chewy, sweet, and salty flavors makes these bars utterly irresistible. Plus, the no-bake aspect means you can whip them up quickly without heating up the kitchen. I promise these will become your new go-to indulgence to share with friends or keep all to yourself!
Print
Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars are a delicious no-bake dessert featuring a delightful combination of crushed Butterfinger candy bars, gooey caramel, crunchy cereal, and rich melted chocolate. These sweet and salty layered bars come together quickly, making them perfect for parties, potlucks, or satisfying an indulgent craving.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 cups cornflakes or crispy rice cereal
- 1 cup crushed Butterfinger candy bars (about 4 fun-size bars)
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup caramel bits or soft caramel candies (unwrapped)
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Dish: Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal of the bars later.
- Mix Cereal and Candy: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cornflakes or crispy rice cereal with the crushed Butterfinger candy bars, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
- Melt Chocolate and Peanut Butter: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips and creamy peanut butter together in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
- Combine Chocolate Mixture with Cereal: Pour the melted chocolate and peanut butter mixture over the cereal and candy mixture. Stir thoroughly until all the cereal and Butterfinger pieces are well coated with the chocolate mixture.
- Press Mixture into Dish: Transfer the coated cereal mixture into the prepared baking dish. Press it down evenly to create a solid layered base and set aside while preparing the caramel layer.
- Melt Caramel: In a separate bowl, microwave the caramel bits together with the heavy cream in 30-second bursts, stirring after each until smooth and melted.
- Add Salt to Caramel: Stir the ¼ teaspoon of salt into the melted caramel to enhance the flavor.
- Top Bars with Caramel: Pour the smooth caramel over the chocolate-cereal base layer, spreading it evenly.
- Garnish and Chill: Sprinkle a few extra crushed Butterfinger pieces on top for garnish. Refrigerate the bars for at least 1 hour or until the caramel layer is fully set.
- Serve: Once chilled and firm, use the parchment overhang to lift the bars out of the baking dish. Cut into 16 squares and serve.
Notes
- Store the bars in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to keep them fresh.
- For a crunchier texture, you can substitute cornflakes with crushed pretzels or add chopped peanuts into the mixture.
