Why You’ll Love Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars Recipe
If you’re a fan of crunchy, gooey, and chocolatey desserts, then these Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars are going to be your new favorite treat! With the combination of graham crackers as the base, gooey caramel that binds everything together, and the crunch of Butterfinger bites, this dessert is both satisfying and delicious. The drizzle of semi-sweet chocolate adds an extra layer of sweetness, making each bite absolutely irresistible. Best of all, this no-bake recipe is incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time.
Ingredients
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6 ½ sheets graham crackers
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2 cups mini marshmallows
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1 (11 oz) bag caramel bits (or unwrapped caramels)
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2 tablespoons milk
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1 (10 oz) bag Butterfinger bites, coarsely chopped
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2 ounces semi-sweet chocolate (for drizzle)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Prepare a 9×9-inch baking pan by lining it with aluminum foil, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal. Lightly coat the foil with cooking spray.
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Arrange the graham crackers in a single layer at the bottom of the pan, breaking them as needed to fit.
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Evenly distribute the mini marshmallows over the graham crackers.
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In a microwave-safe bowl, heat the caramel bits and milk, starting with 1 minute on high. Stir the mixture and continue microwaving in 30-second bursts until the caramel is fully melted.
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Gently pour and spread the melted caramel over the marshmallows, ensuring even coverage. The heat will slightly melt the marshmallows, which is expected. The goal is for the caramel to seep through and stick to the graham crackers.
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Sprinkle the coarsely chopped Butterfinger pieces over the caramel layer, pressing them down into the marshmallow-caramel mixture.
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Melt the semi-sweet chocolate in the microwave in 30-second intervals until smooth, and then drizzle it over the top of the Butterfinger layer.
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Refrigerate the pan for about 1 hour or until everything is set.
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Once chilled and firm, use the foil overhangs to lift the bar out of the pan. Peel away the foil and slice the set mixture into bars.
Servings and Timing
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cooking Time: 5 minutes
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Chilling Time: 1 hour
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Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (including chilling time)
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Servings: 12 bars
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Calories per Serving: 260 kcal
Variations
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Add nuts: For an extra crunch, consider adding chopped peanuts, almonds, or pecans to the Butterfinger layer.
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Use different candy: If you’re not a fan of Butterfinger, try using chopped Snickers, Milky Way, or Reese’s peanut butter cups instead.
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Drizzle with caramel: For an even more decadent treat, drizzle extra caramel sauce over the top of the chocolate drizzle.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store the Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 1 week.
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Reheating: If you want to enjoy the bars warm, place them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to soften the chocolate and caramel before serving.
FAQs
1. Can I use regular caramel instead of caramel bits?
Yes, you can use unwrapped caramels instead of caramel bits. Just make sure to melt them with milk as instructed in the recipe.
2. How do I make sure the bars don’t stick to the pan?
Lining the pan with aluminum foil and spraying it with cooking spray will help ensure the bars don’t stick. The foil overhang also makes it easy to remove the bars once they’re set.
3. Can I make these bars in a different-sized pan?
Yes, you can use a different-sized pan, but the cooking time and bar thickness may change. A larger pan will result in thinner bars, while a smaller pan will make thicker ones.
4. Can I freeze these bars?
Yes, you can freeze the bars. Just make sure they are tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container before freezing. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
5. Can I use a different type of chocolate for the drizzle?
Absolutely! You can use milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate for the drizzle, depending on your preference.
6. Are these bars gluten-free?
If you use gluten-free graham crackers, this recipe can be made gluten-free.
7. How long do the bars need to chill in the fridge?
The bars should chill in the fridge for about 1 hour or until they are firm enough to slice.
8. Can I skip the chocolate drizzle?
Yes, if you prefer a less sweet dessert, you can skip the chocolate drizzle. The bars will still be delicious without it.
9. Can I use a different type of cereal for the base?
Instead of graham crackers, you can experiment with other crunchy cereals like Rice Krispies for a different texture.
10. What can I use if I don’t have a 9×9-inch pan?
If you don’t have a 9×9-inch pan, you can use an 8×8-inch pan or even a 9×13-inch pan. Just keep in mind that the bars will be thicker or thinner depending on the pan size.
Conclusion
Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars are an easy-to-make, decadent treat that combines the best of crunchy, gooey, and chocolaty flavors. Whether you’re making them for a party, a family snack, or just a sweet craving, these bars are sure to satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth. With simple ingredients and no baking required, you can enjoy these bars in under two hours with minimal effort. Give them a try, and enjoy the perfect balance of textures and flavors!
Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars
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A perfect combination of graham crackers, gooey caramel, mini marshmallows, Butterfinger bites, and chocolate drizzle—an easy, no-bake treat to satisfy your sweet tooth!
- Author: Emily
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 6 ½ sheets graham crackers
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
- 1 (11 oz) bag caramel bits (or unwrapped caramels)
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 (10 oz) bag Butterfinger bites, coarsely chopped
- 2 ounces semi-sweet chocolate (for drizzle)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with aluminum foil, leaving an overhang for easy removal. Lightly coat the foil with cooking spray.
- Layer the Graham Crackers: Arrange graham crackers in a single layer at the bottom of the pan. Break them as needed to fit.
- Add Marshmallows: Evenly spread mini marshmallows over the graham crackers.
- Melt the Caramel: In a microwave-safe bowl, heat the caramel bits and milk on high for 1 minute. Stir and microwave in 30-second bursts until fully melted.
- Pour the Caramel: Pour and spread the melted caramel over the marshmallows, allowing it to seep through and stick to the graham crackers.
- Add Butterfinger: Sprinkle coarsely chopped Butterfinger pieces over the caramel layer, pressing them gently into the mixture.
- Drizzle Chocolate: Melt the semi-sweet chocolate in the microwave in 30-second intervals until smooth. Drizzle over the top of the Butterfinger layer.
- Chill: Refrigerate the pan for about 1 hour, or until the mixture is firm and set.
- Slice and Serve: Lift the bars out of the pan using the foil overhang, peel away the foil, and slice into bars.
Notes
- For best results, refrigerate the bars until fully set to ensure they hold their shape when sliced.
- These bars are rich and perfect for a quick dessert or a family treat.
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