Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars

There's something magical about the kitchen, especially when I’m whipping up a batch of Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars. I can still remember the first time I made these delightful treats with my mom. We’d spend the afternoon blending graham crackers and melting chocolate, laughter filling the air as we sneakily sampled the decadent caramel. It was a bonding moment, one that I cherish, and every time I make these bars, I’m transported back to those sunny afternoons, surrounded by warmth and sweetness.

These Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering, a bake sale, or just a sweet treat to enjoy on a cozy evening. They’re a delightful combination of crunchy, chewy, and creamy textures, making them irresistible to anyone who tries them. Plus, they’re quick to make, so you won’t spend all day in the kitchen — just enough time to enjoy the process and create something truly delicious!

Why You’ll Love "Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars"

• Quick and easy prep — ready in about 40 minutes!
• Minimal ingredients — you likely have most at home already!
• Family-friendly — a treat that brings smiles to faces of all ages!
• Perfect for sharing at parties, bake sales, or just because!
• Freezer-friendly — make a batch and save some for later!
• Deliciously satisfying — a heavenly mix of crunch, chew, and creaminess!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients List

• 2 cups crushed graham crackers (I love using Honey Maid for that extra sweetness!)
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted (Make sure it’s nice and warm for easy mixing!)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar (Just the regular stuff works wonders here!)
• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk (This is the magic that makes everything creamy!)
• ½ cup unsalted butter (You’ll need this for that luscious caramel layer!)
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed (Brown sugar adds that rich, caramel flavor we crave!)
• ¼ cup light corn syrup (Helps to keep the caramel smooth and chewy!)
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (A splash of this makes everything better!)
• 1 ½ cups chopped Butterfinger candy bars (Chop them up nice and chunky for that crunch!)
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (Go for semi-sweet for a balanced sweetness!)
• ½ cup crushed pretzels (optional — adds a fun salty crunch if you like!)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven

1. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars bake evenly and come out perfectly gooey and delicious!

Make the Crust

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the 2 cups of crushed graham crackers, ½ cup of melted unsalted butter, and ¼ cup of granulated sugar.
2. Mix everything together until it resembles wet sand. You want it to be crumbly but hold together when you press it.
3. Take a greased 9x13 inch baking dish and press the graham cracker mixture firmly into the bottom. Make sure it’s evenly packed to form a solid crust.

Prepare the Caramel Layer

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the 1 can of sweetened condensed milk, ½ cup of unsalted butter, ½ cup of packed brown sugar, ¼ cup of light corn syrup, and ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract.
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture comes to a gentle boil. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
3. Once it’s boiling, keep stirring for another 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly. You’ll know it’s ready when it looks smooth and creamy.

Assemble the Bars

1. Pour the caramel mixture over the graham cracker crust you prepared earlier, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
2. Now, sprinkle the 1 ½ cups of chopped Butterfinger candy bars and 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips over the caramel layer.
3. If you’re feeling adventurous, add the ½ cup of crushed pretzels on top for that delicious salty crunch!

Bake the Bars

1. Place the baking dish back in the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes. You want those chocolate chips to melt and slightly mix with the caramel.
2. Once done, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack. This is the hard part — let it cool for at least 30 minutes before cutting into bars!

Variations

• Substitute graham crackers with gluten-free cookies for a gluten-free version.
• Add a pinch of sea salt on top for a salted caramel twist.
• Swap Butterfingers for Milky Way bars for a different flavor profile.
• Use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet for a richer taste.
• Mix in some chopped nuts like pecans or almonds for extra crunch.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving

These Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars are best served at room temperature, allowing all the flavors to shine. Cut them into squares or rectangles and enjoy with a hot cup of coffee or milk. They also make a delightful treat to share at gatherings!

Storage

Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer freshness, you can refrigerate them for up to two weeks or freeze for up to three months. Just thaw them in the fridge before enjoying!

Helpful Notes

• If you prefer a nut-free version, simply omit the optional pretzels or any nuts you might want to add.
• You can substitute sweetened condensed milk with a dairy-free version if needed.
• For a lighter option, consider using a sugar substitute in the crust and caramel layer.
• Feel free to mix in mini marshmallows for an extra chewy texture!
• Chocolate can be swapped with white chocolate for a sweeter bar.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars?

Yes, you can absolutely freeze these bars! Just cut them into squares and place them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw in the fridge overnight.

What can I use instead of graham crackers?

If you don’t have graham crackers on hand, you can use digestive biscuits, vanilla wafers, or even crushed shortbread cookies. Just make sure they’re finely crushed to create a solid base for the bars.

Can I make these bars dairy-free?

Definitely! To make these bars dairy-free, swap the unsalted butter with a dairy-free butter substitute. You can also use coconut condensed milk instead of sweetened condensed milk for a dairy-free caramel layer. Just keep an eye on the chocolate chips, as some brands are not dairy-free, so check the labels!

Final Thoughts

So there you have it — a delicious, easy recipe for Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars that’s sure to bring smiles and laughter to your kitchen! Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just because you deserve a sweet treat, I promise these bars will become a favorite. Don’t be afraid to get a little creative with the variations, and remember, the best part is sharing them with loved ones. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and create your own magical memories in the kitchen. Happy baking!

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