When it comes to irresistible treats, Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars stand out as a delightful fusion of crunch, gooey caramel, and a hint of chocolate. This no-bake dessert is not only easy to make, but it also packs a punch with a variety of textures and flavors. Whether you’re preparing for a party, a family gathering, or just craving something sweet, these bars are the perfect solution.
In this guide, we’ll explore the full recipe, including the ingredients, step-by-step directions, nutrition facts, and some expert tips to elevate your bars to the next level. Plus, we’ll answer frequently asked questions to make sure your Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars are a success from start to finish. Let’s dive in!
What Are Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars?
Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars combine layers of graham crackers, mini marshmallows, caramel bits, and chopped Butterfinger bites, all drizzled with semi-sweet chocolate. The result is a decadent, gooey, and crunchy dessert bar that’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. It’s the perfect blend of salty, sweet, chewy, and crispy – all in one bite!
This no-bake recipe is beginner-friendly, making it great for busy parents, casual bakers, and even kids who want to help in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this delicious treat, you’ll need just a few ingredients that you can easily find at your local grocery store.
Essential Ingredients:
- 6 ½ sheets of Graham crackers – These create the perfect crunchy base for the bars.
- 2 cups of Mini marshmallows – They add a light, chewy texture that balances the crunch.
- 1 (11 oz) bag of Caramel bits (or unwrapped caramels) – Melted to form the gooey, sweet layer.
- 2 tablespoons of Milk – Helps in melting the caramel for a smooth, creamy consistency.
- 1 (10 oz) bag of Butterfinger bites, coarsely chopped – These bring the iconic Butterfinger crunch and nutty flavor.
- 2 ounces of Semi-sweet chocolate, for drizzle – Adds a finishing touch of sweetness with a hint of bitterness.
Optional Add-ins:
- Crushed peanuts or pecans for an extra nutty crunch.
- Sea salt flakes to contrast the sweetness of the caramel and chocolate.
Step-by-Step Directions to Create the Perfect Bars
1. Prepare Your Baking Pan
Start by lining a 9×9-inch baking pan with aluminum foil. Make sure to leave some extra foil on the edges for easy removal later. Lightly spray the foil with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Layer the Graham Crackers
Place the graham crackers in a single layer at the bottom of the pan. You may need to break some crackers to make sure the entire base is covered.
3. Add Mini Marshmallows
Sprinkle the mini marshmallows evenly over the graham cracker layer. This will form the gooey, soft layer that complements the crunch.
4. Melt the Caramel
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the caramel bits and milk. Microwave for about 1 minute, then stir. Continue heating in 30-second increments, stirring each time, until the caramel is completely melted and smooth.
5. Spread the Caramel
Carefully pour the melted caramel over the marshmallows. Use a spatula to spread it evenly, ensuring all the crackers and marshmallows are covered. The heat from the caramel will slightly melt the marshmallows, creating a delightful gooey layer.
6. Add the Butterfinger Crunch
Sprinkle the chopped Butterfinger bites over the caramel layer. Press them gently into the caramel to make sure they stick.
7. Drizzle with Chocolate
Melt the semi-sweet chocolate in the microwave, stirring in 30-second intervals until it’s fully melted and smooth. Drizzle the chocolate over the Butterfinger layer to add a finishing touch of sweetness.
8. Chill and Set
Place the pan in the fridge for about an hour, or until everything is fully set. The chilling process helps the bars hold their shape when cutting.
9. Slice and Serve
Once set, use the foil to lift the bars out of the pan. Peel off the foil and slice into squares. Serve immediately or store them in an airtight container in the fridge for later enjoyment.
Notes and Expert Tips for the Best Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars
- Use Fresh Marshmallows: Using fresh mini marshmallows ensures a softer, more gooey texture. Stale marshmallows might not melt as well.
- Be Patient with the Caramel: If you overheat the caramel, it can become too thick and hard to spread. Take your time and melt it in short intervals to achieve the perfect consistency.
- Press Down Butterfinger Pieces: After adding the Butterfinger bites, make sure to gently press them into the caramel. This helps them stick and creates a more cohesive bar.
- Customize Your Bars: Feel free to experiment with different candy bars or add-ins like crushed peanuts, pretzels, or sea salt to create your own unique version of these bars.
Nutritional Information & Health Benefits
While these bars are a treat, they still pack some nutritional value, offering quick energy from the sugars and carbohydrates. Here’s a quick look at the nutrition profile of these indulgent dessert bars.
Nutrition Details (Per Serving):
- Calories: 280
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 25g
- Vitamin A: 2%
- Calcium: 4%
- Iron: 2%
These bars are rich in sugar and fat, making them a decadent treat to enjoy occasionally. The Butterfinger pieces add a delicious peanut butter flavor and crunch, while the caramel provides a chewy texture. Just remember to enjoy them in moderation!
FAQs
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of Butterfinger, try using Snickers, Twix, or even KitKat pieces for a different flavor profile. The recipe is versatile enough to accommodate your favorite candy bar.
Yes! You can make these bars up to 3 days in advance. Just store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They hold up well and maintain their texture when chilled.
Yes, you can freeze these bars for up to three months. Just wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container. Thaw them in the fridge before serving.
Yes, but you’ll need to chop regular-sized marshmallows into smaller pieces to ensure even distribution. Mini marshmallows are ideal for this recipe as they melt faster and more evenly.
Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the fridge. They should last up to a week, although they might disappear much sooner!
Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars are a fantastic dessert option for those who love a sweet, crunchy, and gooey combination. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can create a memorable treat that everyone will love. Whether you’re looking for a quick dessert or a fun snack to share, these bars are sure to be a hit
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Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars
Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars are a delightful no-bake dessert combining layers of graham crackers, gooey caramel, mini marshmallows, and crunchy Butterfinger bites with a drizzle of chocolate. Perfect for a quick, indulgent treat!
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (includes chilling)
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
Ingredients
- 6 ½ sheets of Graham crackers.
- 2 cups of Mini marshmallows.
- 1 (11 oz) bag of Caramel bits.
- 2 tablespoons of Milk.
- 1 (10 oz) bag of Butterfinger bites, coarsely chopped.
- 2 ounces of Semi-sweet chocolate.
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: First, line a 9×9-inch baking pan with aluminum foil, leaving a little extra on the sides for easy removal. Give the foil a light spray with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Layer the Base: Lay the graham crackers at the bottom of the pan in a single layer. Break them if needed to fit the pan snugly.
- Add Marshmallows: Sprinkle the mini marshmallows evenly over the graham crackers. This will give the bars a chewy, gooey texture.
- Melt the Caramel: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the caramel bits and milk. Microwave for 1 minute, then stir. Continue microwaving in 30-second intervals, stirring between each burst, until the caramel is smooth and melted.
- Spread the Caramel: Pour the melted caramel over the marshmallows, ensuring it covers everything evenly. The warmth of the caramel will start to soften the marshmallows and allow the caramel to seep into the graham crackers.
- Add Butterfinger: Sprinkle the chopped Butterfinger bites over the caramel layer, pressing them gently into the mixture to ensure they stick.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Melt the semi-sweet chocolate in the microwave in 30-second intervals until it’s smooth and creamy. Drizzle the chocolate over the Butterfinger layer for an extra touch of decadence.
- Chill: Pop the pan into the fridge for about an hour, or until the bars are fully set.
- Slice and Serve: Once set, lift the bars out of the pan using the foil edges, peel off the foil, and slice into squares. Serve immediately or store for later – if they last that long!
Notes
- Chop the Butterfingers: For a more even distribution, coarsely chop the Butterfinger bites before adding them to the bars.
- Avoid Overheating Caramel: Be careful not to overheat the caramel; doing so can make it too thick and difficult to spread.
- Refrigeration is Key: Make sure to give the bars enough time to set in the fridge. If you try to cut them too soon, the layers may not hold together properly.
- Customizations: You can get creative and swap out the Butterfinger for other candies, like Reese’s or KitKats, to suit your preference.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 280kcal
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: No-bake caramel bars, Butterfinger dessert recipe, Crunchy caramel bars, Easy dessert bars