Get ready to indulge your sweet tooth with the Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars: A Sweet, Crunchy Delight Recipe that is pure magic in every bite. This no-bake dessert brings together layers of crunchy graham crackers, crispy Butterfinger candy, and Rice Krispies all wrapped in a luscious caramel coating and topped with a dreamy peanut butter chocolate drizzle. If you love that satisfying mix of gooey, crunchy, and rich flavors, these bars are going to become your new favorite treat in no time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The simplicity of these ingredients is what makes this recipe so approachable yet irresistibly delicious. Each component plays a crucial role in building the perfect texture and flavor harmony — from the crunchy graham crackers to the silky peanut butter chocolate topping.
- Graham crackers (1 cup crushed): Provides a sturdy crunchy base that’s subtly sweet and buttery.
- Butterfinger candy bars (1 cup crushed): Adds signature crispiness and that unmistakable peanut butter crunch.
- Rice Krispies cereal (1 cup): Brings extra lightness and poppy crunch to every bite.
- Light brown sugar (½ cup): Infuses a rich caramel flavor with just the right amount of moisture.
- Unsalted butter (½ cup): Melts into the caramel mixture creating smoothness and depth.
- Corn syrup (¼ cup): Ensures the caramel binds everything without crystallizing.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the flavor with warm, aromatic notes.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (1 cup): For a luscious chocolate topping that balances the sweetness.
- Creamy peanut butter (½ cup): Adds creamy richness and peanut flavor that complements the Butterfinger crunch.
How to Make Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars: A Sweet, Crunchy Delight Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Base
Start by lining an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper—this little prep step makes cleanup a breeze and helps you lift the bars out perfectly. In a large bowl, mix together the crushed graham crackers, crushed Butterfinger candy bars, and Rice Krispies cereal. This trio of crunch sets the stage for the delicious layers to come.
Step 2: Make the Caramel Mixture
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the light brown sugar, unsalted butter, and corn syrup. Stir constantly to prevent burning until the mixture comes to a gentle boil. Let it bubble for exactly one minute — this helps achieve that smooth, buttery caramel that holds everything together. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract to add subtle sweetness.
Step 3: Combine and Press
Pour the hot caramel over your dry ingredients while it’s still warm. Quickly stir to coat every bit of the graham cracker and candy mixture before it sets. Transfer the coated mixture to your prepared baking dish and press it evenly with a spatula or your hands (clean ones!) so it compacts nicely and will hold its shape as it cools.
Step 4: Create the Peanut Butter Chocolate Topping
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips and creamy peanut butter. Heat in 20-second bursts, stirring between each, until the mixture is smooth and velvety. Pour this divine topping over the pressed bars and spread it evenly with a spatula. This layer adds a silky richness that perfectly balances the crunchy caramel base.
Step 5: Chill and Set
Pop the entire pan into the refrigerator for 1 to 2 hours, or until the chocolate topping is firm to the touch. Once set, lift the bars out by the parchment edges and cut into 16 squares. These bars are ready to wow at any party or simply satisfy your snack cravings.
How to Serve Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars: A Sweet, Crunchy Delight Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars even more beautiful, sprinkle extra crushed Butterfinger bits on top before the chocolate sets for added texture and visual appeal. A light dusting of flaky sea salt can also bring out the sweet and salty flavor notes, elevating the experience to something truly memorable.
Side Dishes
These bars shine on their own but pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream will take them to the next level. For coffee lovers, a rich espresso pairs brilliantly, cutting through the sweetness and balancing the flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these bars on a wooden board surrounded by whole Butterfinger pieces and small bowls of peanut butter and melted chocolate for a fun DIY dessert bar. Alternatively, layer them in a clear glass dish to showcase the beautiful layers, making them as impressive as they are delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars will keep wonderfully stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. This helps maintain their firmness and flavor, keeping every bite fresh and satisfying.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these bars over an extended period, wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container. They freeze well for up to 3 months. Simply thaw in the fridge overnight before enjoying.
Reheating
While these bars are best enjoyed chilled, if you prefer a softer texture, leave them at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving to prevent the chocolate from melting unevenly.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter adds an extra layer of texture that makes the bars even more interesting. Just keep in mind it might create a slightly chunkier topping.
Are these bars gluten-free?
Traditional graham crackers contain gluten, so these bars as originally made are not gluten-free. However, you can substitute gluten-free graham crackers to make this dessert friendly for gluten-sensitive diets.
Can I make these bars nut-free?
Since Butterfinger candy and peanut butter both contain nuts, this recipe isn’t suitable for nut-free diets. You could experiment with sunflower seed butter and a nut-free candy alternative, though the flavor will differ significantly.
How do I get the bars out cleanly from the pan?
Lining your baking dish with parchment paper is key — it allows you to lift the entire block out at once, making cutting and serving a breeze without the bars sticking.
Can I use milk chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate chips?
Yes, milk chocolate will add more sweetness and a creamier taste. It’s a great option if you prefer a softer chocolate flavor, just keep an eye on sweetness balance with the caramel layer.
Final Thoughts
The Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars: A Sweet, Crunchy Delight Recipe is truly one of those magical desserts that brings joy with every bite. It’s easy to make, packed with textures and flavors, and perfect for sharing (or not!). I encourage you to dive in, experiment with the topping or presentation, and make this recipe your own. Trust me, once you make these bars, they’ll quickly climb to the top of your favorite dessert list.
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Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars: A Sweet, Crunchy Delight Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars are a sweet, crunchy no-bake treat combining crunchy crushed graham crackers, Butterfinger candy bars, and Rice Krispies cereal coated in a caramel butter mixture, then topped with a smooth peanut butter chocolate layer. Perfect for a quick and indulgent dessert that requires no baking.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 sleeve (about 9 sheets) graham crackers, crushed
- 1 cup crushed Butterfinger candy bars (about 4 fun-size bars)
- 1 cup Rice Krispies cereal
Caramel Mixture
- ½ cup light brown sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ¼ cup corn syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Topping
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
Instructions
- Prepare baking dish: Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the bars once set.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the crushed graham crackers, crushed Butterfinger candy bars, and Rice Krispies cereal until evenly combined.
- Make caramel coating: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine light brown sugar, unsalted butter, and corn syrup. Stir constantly until the mixture reaches a gentle boil. Allow it to boil for 1 minute, then remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Coat dry ingredients: Immediately pour the hot caramel mixture over the dry ingredients in the bowl. Stir thoroughly until all dry ingredients are fully coated with the caramel mixture.
- Press into dish: Transfer the coated mixture into the prepared baking dish and press it down evenly to form a compact layer.
- Melt chocolate topping: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips and creamy peanut butter. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring after each, until the mixture is smooth and fully melted.
- Apply topping: Pour the melted chocolate and peanut butter mixture evenly over the pressed bars, spreading it smoothly.
- Chill to set: Place the baking dish in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 hours, or until the bars are fully set and firm to the touch.
- Serve: Once set, cut the bars into 16 squares and serve for a deliciously crunchy and sweet treat.
Notes
- You can use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy for added texture in the topping.
- For a festive presentation, sprinkle extra crushed Butterfinger pieces over the chocolate topping before it sets.
- Store bars in the refrigerator for a firmer texture or at room temperature if you prefer a chewier bite.
