The Perfect Butterfinger Caramel Bars Recipe for Sweet Cravings

Decadent chocolate and caramel merge with the irresistible crunch of butterfinger caramel bars in this ultimate dessert sensation.

Layers of sweet, golden caramel weave through rich chocolate, creating a mouthwatering treat that stops conversations.

Candy bar lovers recognize this combination as pure indulgence.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of creamy, crispy textures that dance across your palate.

Homemade versions beat store-bought treats every single time.

The recipe transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary dessert everyone will crave.

Prepare to savor a dessert that’s guaranteed to become your new sweet obsession.

Butterfinger Bar Best Features

• Perfectly balances gooey caramel, crunchy graham crackers, and sweet Butterfinger for an irresistible treat that satisfies multiple texture cravings.
• Requires simple microwave melting techniques and basic layering skills, making it accessible for bakers of all experience levels without complicated steps.
• Delivers a showstopping dessert that appeals to both kids and adults, guaranteed to impress at potlucks, family gatherings, or casual get-togethers with its decadent combination of flavors.
• Comes together in just a few minutes of active preparation, with minimal cleanup and straightforward ingredients that are likely already in your pantry.

What’s in Butterfinger Bars

• Graham Crackers: A crunchy foundation that provides a sturdy and sweet base for the dessert bars.

• Marshmallows: Soft, sweet ingredient that melts slightly and helps create a gooey texture.

• Caramel, Milk: Smooth, rich mixture that binds the layers together and adds a creamy sweetness.

• Butterfinger Candy, Semi-Sweet Chocolate: Crunchy candy pieces and chocolate that add decadent flavor and textural contrast to the bars.

• Cooking Spray, Foil: Essential for easy pan preparation and smooth bar removal.

Butterfinger Bar Tool List

• 9×9 Baking Pan: Essential for creating the perfect bar size and shape.
• Aluminum Foil: Helps line the pan for easy removal and cleanup.
• Cooking Spray: Prevents sticking and ensures smooth bar release.
• Microwave-Safe Bowl: Needed for melting caramel and chocolate smoothly.
• Sharp Knife: Used for chopping Butterfinger and cutting final bars.
• Measuring Cup: Helps measure milk for caramel melting.
• Spatula: Useful for spreading caramel and chocolate evenly.

How to Make Butterfinger Bars

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Vessel

Line a 9×9 inch baking pan with aluminum foil, ensuring extra foil hangs over the edges for easy bar removal.

Generously coat the foil with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Graham Cracker Foundation

Carefully arrange graham crackers across the bottom of the pan, breaking and fitting pieces to create an even layer that completely covers the base.

Step 3: Blanket with Marshmallow Clouds

Evenly distribute marshmallows across the graham cracker layer, creating a soft, puffy surface.

Step 4: Craft Silky Caramel Sauce

Combine caramel and milk in a microwave-safe bowl.

Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each burst until the mixture becomes smooth and fully melted.

Step 5: Cascade Caramel Layer

Gently pour the warm caramel over the marshmallows, allowing it to flow and create a rich, gooey coating.

The heat will slightly melt the marshmallows, creating a decadent texture.

Step 6: Sprinkle Butterfinger Crunch

Scatter chopped Butterfinger pieces across the caramel surface.

Softly press the candy fragments into the caramel to ensure they adhere.

Step 7: Melt Chocolate Topping

Place semi-sweet chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl.

Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each session until completely melted and glossy.

Step 8: Drizzle Chocolate Finale

Artfully drizzle the melted chocolate over the Butterfinger-studded surface, creating an elegant pattern.

Step 9: Chill and Set

Refrigerate the bars for one hour or until the chocolate sets and the layers become firm.

Step 10: Slice and Serve

Cut into square portions when ready to indulge in this sweet, crunchy treat.

Butterfinger Bar Smart Tips

• Line the baking pan with foil and spray with cooking spray to ensure easy removal and clean cutting of bars.
• Don't worry if marshmallows soften when caramel is poured; this creates a gooey texture that adds richness to the dessert.
• Melt chocolate slowly in short microwave intervals, stirring between each to avoid burning and achieve smooth consistency.
• Refrigerate bars for exactly one hour to set properly, allowing caramel and chocolate layers to firm up without becoming too hard.
• Chop candy bars into small, varied pieces to ensure even distribution and maximum crunch in every bite.

Butterfinger Bar Variety Options

• Gluten-Free Crunch Bars: Replace graham crackers with gluten-free cookie crumbs or almond flour base for celiac-friendly option.
• Vegan Caramel Bars: Swap marshmallows with vegan marshmallows, use dairy-free chocolate, and substitute caramel with coconut milk-based caramel sauce.
• Nutty Chocolate Alternative: Swap Butterfinger with crushed peanuts, almonds, or heath bar pieces for different texture and flavor profile.
• Low-Sugar Version: Use sugar-free caramel sauce, dark chocolate with less sugar, and crushed sugar-free candy pieces for diabetic-friendly treat.

Serving Butterfinger Bars with Style

• Candy Craver's Dessert Plate: Pair these gooey bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat that melts in your mouth.
• Weekend Movie Snack: Cut into smaller bite-sized pieces for perfect shareable nibbles during family movie night or game day gatherings.
• Coffee Companion: Serve alongside a hot espresso or cappuccino to balance the sweet richness with a warm, robust beverage that complements the caramel and chocolate flavors.
• Potluck Crowd-Pleaser: Arrange bars on a decorative platter with some extra Butterfinger pieces scattered around for a stunning dessert presentation that will impress friends and family.

Butterfinger Bar Storage for Crunch

• Seal bars in an airtight container, placing parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Enjoy within 5-7 days for optimal freshness and texture.
• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe zip-lock bag. Freeze up to 3 months without losing flavor or crunch.
• Keep bars in sealed container at room temperature for 2-3 days. Avoid direct sunlight or warm areas to maintain structural integrity.
• Warm bars gently in microwave for 10-15 seconds at 50% power. Let sit for a minute to distribute heat evenly and restore gooey caramel texture.

FAQs

• What are Butterfinger bars made of in this recipe?

The bars combine graham crackers, marshmallows, caramel, Butterfinger candy pieces, and semi-sweet chocolate for a rich and decadent dessert.

• Are Butterfinger bars difficult to prepare?

No, these bars are surprisingly easy to make and require basic ingredients and simple microwave melting techniques for caramel and chocolate.

• Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare these bars in advance and store them in the refrigerator, which helps them set and maintains their texture and flavor.

• Do I need any special equipment to make these bars?

You’ll just need a 9×9 baking pan, aluminum foil, a microwave, and basic measuring tools to create these delicious Butterfinger bars.