If you have a sweet tooth that craves a perfect blend of crunchy, chewy, and creamy all in one bite, the Butterfinger Caramel Bars Recipe is about to become your new obsession. These bars combine the irresistible crunch of peanut butter and brown sugar with decadent swirls of caramel and melty chocolate chips. Each bite delivers a nostalgic flavor that feels like a warm hug from your favorite childhood candy bar, yet with a homemade twist that makes it even better. Whether you’re looking for a crowd-pleaser for potlucks or a comforting treat on a quiet night, these bars strike the ideal balance between easy-to-make and truly indulgent.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with the Butterfinger Caramel Bars Recipe means gathering a handful of simple but essential ingredients, each bringing its own magic to the final dish. From the rich creaminess of peanut butter to the luscious sweetness of caramel, every component plays a crucial role in the taste, texture, and color.
- Unsalted butter, 1/2 cup: Softened butter creates a tender, moist base that helps hold the bars together without overpowering flavor.
- Granulated sugar, 1/2 cup: Adds crunch and sweetness that balance the deep caramel notes perfectly.
- Packed brown sugar, 1/2 cup: Brings warmth and a hint of molasses, enriching the overall flavor and creating a chewy texture.
- All-purpose flour, 1 cup: Forms the sturdy structure for the bars, keeping them soft yet sliceable.
- Baking powder, 1 tsp: Gives just the right lift to the dough so the bars aren’t dense or heavy.
- Salt, 1/4 tsp: Enhances all the sweet flavors and balances the richness of peanut butter and caramel.
- Creamy peanut butter, 1/2 cup: The star ingredient that delivers that iconic Butterfinger flavor and creamy texture.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips, 1 cup: Melts into gooey pockets that add a bittersweet dimension and gorgeous visual contrast.
- Caramel sauce, 1/2 cup: Drizzled on top, this sticky sweetness seals the deal by making every bite irresistibly decadent.
How to Make Butterfinger Caramel Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Kick things off by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing an 8×8-inch baking dish. This ensures your bars come out clean and perfect once baked, no sticking or crumbling to worry about.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars, Add Peanut Butter
In a bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is silky smooth—this is where the magic begins! Then, mix in the creamy peanut butter until everything is fully blended. This combination gives the bars their luscious, nutty backbone.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients and Form Dough
Slowly incorporate the flour, baking powder, and salt, stirring gently until a thick, cookie dough-like mixture forms. The dough should hold together well without being too sticky, ready to be pressed into the pan.
Step 4: Bake the Base
Press the dough evenly into the greased baking dish and slide it into the oven. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, watching carefully until the edges turn a tempting golden brown. This baked base provides the crispy yet chewy structure essential to the bars.
Step 5: Add Caramel and Chocolate
Right after pulling the bars from the oven, drizzle the warm caramel sauce generously over the surface. While the caramel is still warm, sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly on top. The residual heat will soften the chips just enough to create delightful melty pockets.
Step 6: Cool and Chill
Let the bars cool completely at room temperature to let the caramel set slightly, then refrigerate for about an hour. This cooling step is key for slicing clean squares without losing the gooey layers that make this recipe a classic.
How to Serve Butterfinger Caramel Bars Recipe
Garnishes
The bars are stunning on their own, but you can sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top for a sophisticated sweet-savory twist. Adding chopped roasted peanuts or a drizzle of melted peanut butter on top can enhance the texture and emphasize that delicious peanut flavor.
Side Dishes
Pair your Butterfinger Caramel Bars Recipe with a simple scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to balance the richness. A fresh cup of coffee or a chilly glass of milk can perfectly complement the buttery, caramel sweetness and make every bite feel like dessert heaven.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, turn these bars into a dessert parfait. Layer crumble-sized pieces with vanilla pudding and whipped cream in clear glasses for a show-stopping presentation. Or, sandwich them between two layers of chocolate ganache for an extra indulgent treat that’s sure to impress guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Butterfinger bars fresh by storing leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Refrigeration extends their life to about a week and helps keep the caramel and chocolate firm, making for easier slices as time passes.
Freezing
These bars freeze beautifully! Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 3 months, then thaw overnight in the fridge for a convenient sweet treat anytime you crave that perfect Butterfinger flavor.
Reheating
If you want to enjoy them warm, gently reheat the bars in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or pop them in a low-temperature oven for a few minutes. This will melt the chocolate chips slightly and soften the caramel, reviving that fresh-baked feel.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Using crunchy peanut butter will add a nice texture contrast to your bars, making them even more fun to bite into. Just be aware it might change the consistency of the dough slightly.
Is it possible to substitute the all-purpose flour for gluten-free flour?
Yes, you can substitute a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend for all-purpose flour. Just ensure it contains xanthan gum or a similar binder to help maintain the dough structure.
Can I make these bars without caramel sauce?
While caramel really elevates this recipe, you could omit it or replace it with dulce de leche or a butterscotch sauce for a different but equally delicious effect.
How do I prevent the bars from being too sticky?
Chilling the bars thoroughly before cutting helps reduce stickiness. Also, using slightly less caramel or letting it cool a bit before drizzling can minimize excessive stickiness.
Can I double this recipe for a bigger batch?
Definitely! Just double all your ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan, adjusting the baking time to roughly 25-30 minutes or until golden on the edges.
Final Thoughts
There is something so comforting and joyful about the homemade goodness packed into the Butterfinger Caramel Bars Recipe. Whether you’re serving them to friends or sneaking one for yourself, these bars deliver a perfect harmony of crunchy, chewy, peanut buttery, caramel sweetness that’s hard to beat. I hope you give this recipe a try and find it as delightfully addictive as I do—it just might become your go-to sweet treat!
Print
Butterfinger Caramel Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these rich and indulgent Butterfinger Caramel Bars that combine a buttery peanut butter base with luscious caramel drizzle and melty semi-sweet chocolate chips for a perfect treat. Easy to make and perfect for sharing, these bars deliver a perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors with a satisfying chewy texture.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (113g)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (100g)
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar (110g)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (120g)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter (128g)
Toppings
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (170g)
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce (160g)
Instructions
- Prepare Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Then mix in the creamy peanut butter thoroughly until well combined.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually incorporate the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt into the wet mixture, stirring until a thick dough forms.
- Bake the Base: Spread the dough evenly into the greased baking dish and bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown.
- Add Toppings: While the base is still warm, drizzle the warm caramel sauce evenly over it, then sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips on top so they melt slightly into the warm surface.
- Cool and Set: Allow the bars to cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for about one hour to let the caramel and chocolate set before slicing into squares.
Notes
- Make sure the butter is softened for easier creaming with the sugars.
- Warm the caramel sauce slightly if it’s too thick for drizzling.
- Use a sharp knife to cut bars after chilling to maintain clean edges.
- Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
