Sweet Butterfinger Caramel Bars Recipe

Irresistible Butterfinger Caramel Bars Recipe for Sweet Tooths

Sweet caramel and chocolate lovers go wild for this butterfinger caramel bars recipe that combines silky smooth layers of decadence.

Homemade desserts rarely get more indulgent than these incredible bars.

Crunchy peanut butter candy chunks meld perfectly with rich, gooey caramel and chocolate coating.

Each bite delivers an explosion of textures that dance across your taste buds.

The combination of sweet and salty creates an irresistible treat that everyone will request again and again.

Crafting these bars takes minimal effort but delivers maximum satisfaction.

Get ready to become the dessert hero at your next gathering with this seriously addictive recipe.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time:

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories: 180 kcal

Servings: 13

What’s Inside Butterfinger Caramel Bars

For Base Layer:
  • Graham Crackers: Provides a sturdy, crunchy foundation that adds a classic sweet backdrop for the dessert bars.
  • Mini Marshmallows: Creates a soft, gooey layer that melts slightly under warm caramel, adding delightful textural contrast.
For Caramel and Candy Layer:
  • Caramel Bits: Delivers rich, buttery sweetness that binds ingredients together and creates a luscious coating.
  • Milk: Helps smooth out caramel and create a silky, pourable consistency for even distribution.
  • Butterfinger Bites: Introduces signature peanut buttery crunch and distinctive candy flavor that elevates the entire dessert.
For Topping Layer:
  • Semi-Sweet Chocolate: Provides a deep, slightly bitter chocolate finish that balances the overall sweetness of the bars and creates an elegant drizzle.

Tools That Help Make Butterfinger Caramel Bars

  • 9×9 baking pan: Essential for creating the perfect bar size and shape.
  • Aluminum foil: Helps with easy removal and clean-up of the dessert.
  • Cooking spray: Prevents sticking and ensures smooth bar removal.
  • Microwave-safe bowl: Crucial for melting caramel and chocolate smoothly.
  • Knife or pizza cutter: Needed for cutting bars into neat squares after chilling.
  • Measuring cup: Helps measure milk accurately for caramel mixture.
  • Spatula: Useful for spreading caramel and chocolate evenly.

Building Layers of Butterfinger Caramel Bars

  • Pan Preparation

Create a smooth foundation by lining a 9×9 pan with foil that extends over the edges, allowing for effortless removal of the finished treat.

  • Graham Cracker Base

Cover the entire bottom of the pan with graham crackers, carefully breaking pieces to create a uniform layer that fills every corner.

  • Marshmallow Cushion

Generously scatter mini marshmallows across the graham cracker foundation, creating a puffy white landscape.

  • Caramel Magic

Combine caramel bits and milk in a microwave-safe bowl, heating until transformed into a silky golden river that flows smoothly when stirred.

  • Caramel Coverage

Pour the molten caramel over the marshmallow layer, ensuring every inch receives a luxurious coating that slightly melts the marshmallows and bonds with the graham crackers.

  • Butterfinger Sprinkle

Shower chopped Butterfinger Bites across the caramel surface, gently pressing the candy pieces to create a crunchy, colorful topping.

  • Chocolate Finale

Melt semi-sweet chocolate until glossy and smooth, then drizzle elegantly over the Butterfinger layer, creating beautiful chocolate streams.

  • Chilling Moment

Refrigerate the creation for one hour, allowing all layers to set and blend into a decadent, cool dessert.

  • Serving Delight

Slice into irresistible bars and serve, revealing the stunning layers of sweet indulgence.

Tips for Making Butterfinger Caramel Bars Extra Rich

  • Swap graham crackers with chocolate cookies or shortbread for a different flavor profile and unique texture.
  • Heat caramel slowly and stir frequently to prevent burning and ensure smooth, silky coverage across the bars.
  • Replace Butterfinger Bites with crushed peanut butter cups, toffee bits, or chopped nuts for exciting flavor variations.
  • Mix white and dark chocolate for a marbled effect, or add a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the melted chocolate for a gourmet touch.
  • Prepare bars up to three days in advance and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for convenient entertaining or quick dessert options.

Presenting Butterfinger Caramel Bars to Impress

  • Serve Up Sweet Moments: Delightful Presentation Ideas
  • Party Platter Perfection: Arrange the bars on a colorful ceramic plate with a light dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant touch that makes dessert look extra special.
  • Dessert Companion Pairing: Serve alongside a cold glass of milk or creamy vanilla ice cream to balance the rich caramel and chocolate flavors, creating a decadent treat experience.
  • Gifting Gourmet Style: Wrap individual bars in parchment paper with a cute ribbon for a homemade gift that looks professionally crafted and tastes absolutely amazing.
  • Seasonal Celebration Twist: Garnish with crushed candy canes during winter holidays or sprinkle with toasted coconut flakes for a tropical summer vibe, making these bars adaptable to any occasion.

Keeping Butterfinger Caramel Bars Fresh and Chewy

  • Strategize Meal Prep: Butterfinger Caramel Bars require minimal advance planning, making them perfect for quick dessert creation.
  • Refrigerate Wisely: Store completed bars in an airtight container within the refrigerator for up to 5 days, keeping them fresh and maintaining their delightful texture.
  • Freeze for Later: Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place inside a freezer-safe container. Frozen bars can last up to 3 weeks, offering a sweet treat whenever cravings strike.
  • Room Temperature Tips: Remove bars from refrigeration 10-15 minutes before serving to soften slightly, allowing the caramel and chocolate to reach a more delectable consistency.
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Sweet Butterfinger Caramel Bars Recipe

Sweet Butterfinger Caramel Bars Recipe


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4.6 from 37 reviews

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 13 1x

Description

Butterfinger caramel bars combine rich chocolate, crunchy peanut butter candy, and smooth caramel in a delightful dessert. Sweet layers meld together, creating an irresistible treat you will savor with each indulgent bite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 (10 oz / 283 g) bag Butterfinger Bites, coarsely chopped
  • 1 (11 oz / 312 g) bag caramel bits
  • 2 cups mini marshmallows
  • 6 ½ graham crackers
  • 2 tbsps milk
  • 2 oz / 57 g semi-sweet chocolate (for drizzle)

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Line a 9×9 inch baking pan with aluminum foil, allowing overhang for easy extraction. Lightly spray the foil with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Base Layering: Construct a solid graham cracker foundation by meticulously fitting and breaking crackers to create a complete, gap-free bottom layer. Distribute mini marshmallows uniformly across the graham cracker base.
  3. Caramel Infusion: Microwave caramel bits and milk in 30-second intervals, stirring between each cycle until achieving a perfectly smooth, liquid consistency. Pour the molten caramel over the marshmallow layer, allowing slight marshmallow melting for enhanced texture.
  4. Candy Incorporation: Generously scatter chopped Butterfinger Bites across the caramel surface, gently pressing the candy fragments to anchor them into the sticky landscape.
  5. Chocolate Finishing: Melt semi-sweet chocolate chips using microwave intervals, stirring until completely liquefied. Artfully drizzle the chocolate over the Butterfinger-embedded layer, creating an elegant design.
  6. Setting and Serving: Refrigerate for one hour until layers solidify completely. Extract from refrigerator, lift bars using foil edges, and slice into individual servings.

Notes

  • Prep Pan Perfectly: Line with foil and non-stick spray to ensure easy bar removal and prevent sticking.
  • Arrange Base Carefully: Break graham crackers to create a solid, gap-free foundation for layering ingredients.
  • Melt with Patience: Heat caramel and chocolate slowly in short intervals, stirring between each to achieve smooth, lump-free consistency.
  • Chill for Setting: Refrigerate bars for exactly one hour to allow layers to solidify and chocolate to set completely before cutting.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: None
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 13
  • Calories: 180
  • Sugar: 18 g
  • Sodium: 90 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 27 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 10 mg
Sophie Reynolds

Sophie Reynolds

Co-Founder, Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator

Expertise

  • Home Cooking Innovation & Comfort Recipes
  • Flavor Development & Ingredient Pairing
  • Seasonal Produce Integration
  • Recipe Testing & Instructional Clarity
  • Culinary Education & Community Workshops

Education

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, Boulder, CO

  • Degree: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in classic and modern culinary techniques, emphasizing sustainable cooking practices, kitchen professionalism, and real-world restaurant experience through externships.

Oregon State University

  • Degree: B.S. in Nutrition and Food Management
  • Focus: In-depth study of human nutrition, food safety, meal planning, and food-service operations, with a strong foundation in public health, dietetics, and community-based nutrition programs.

Sophie Reynolds is the recipe developer and culinary voice behind many of the approachable, flavor-focused creations at The Dream Café. 

Sophie’s style leans into comfort food made simple: wholesome, satisfying meals anyone can make with confidence. Her passion lies in helping home cooks feel at ease in the kitchen while finding joy in the everyday act of cooking.

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