I cannot express how happy I am to share this recipe for Butterfinger Caramel Bars with you! These little squares of heaven have a special place in my heart—every time I bite into one, I’m transported back to my childhood. I distinctly remember the day my best friend and I decided to bake them for her birthday party. We were convinced we were little culinary geniuses, and even though the kitchen looked like a tornado hit it, the taste was worth all the chaos!
What I love most about these bars is that they strike the perfect balance between creamy caramel, crunchy Butterfingers, and a buttery crust that practically melts in your mouth. They make for a perfect treat for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy night in or a festive gathering. Plus, they are surprisingly easy to whip up, and your kitchen will smell divine while they’re baking—a win-win!
What’s in Butterfinger Caramel Bars?
Let’s break down what goes into these delightful treats:
Butterfinger Candy Bars: Obviously, the star of the show! Their crunchy, peanut buttery goodness adds a texture that’s out of this world. You can use any brand, but I prefer the classic Butterfinger for that nostalgic flavor.
Caramel: This gooey goodness is what binds everything together. You can use store-bought caramel for convenience or make your own if you’re feeling adventurous.
Graham Cracker Crust: This is the base of our bars and adds that wonderful crunch. I always go for the honey-flavored graham crackers for a touch of sweetness.
Butter: For the crust, I use unsalted butter. It helps to control the saltiness of the bars and gives a rich flavor.
Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips work well to top these bars off. I sometimes mix in some peanut butter chips for an even more indulgent experience.
Sweetened Condensed Milk: This ingredient is essential for that creamy caramel layer. It’s a key component that gives sweetness and helps bind the ingredients together.
Is Butterfinger Caramel Bars Good for You?
Now, I won’t pretend these are health food; they are definitely a treat! But let’s talk about some of the health benefits and considerations:
Butterfinger Candy Bars: While they do contain sugars and fats, they also have some protein from peanuts. It’s all about moderation!
Butter: Using unsalted butter means you’re controlling your sodium intake, which is a plus.
Sweetened Condensed Milk: Again, this adds sweetness but is quite rich, so just remember, a little goes a long way.
All in all, these bars are a delicious indulgence perfect for sharing with friends and family or enjoying by yourself (no judgment here)! Just be mindful of the portion sizes, as they are definitely dessert-worthy.
Ingredients
– 1 ½ cups crushed graham crackers (about 10 full sheets)
– ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
– 1 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk chocolate)
– 1 cup crushed Butterfinger bars (approximately 4 bars)
– 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
*Yields approximately 12 servings.*
How to Make Butterfinger Caramel Bars?
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
2. In a large bowl, combine the crushed graham crackers and melted butter until well mixed. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared baking pan to form an even layer.
3. Bake the crust in your preheated oven for about 10 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.
4. Meanwhile, in a saucepan over medium heat, combine the sweetened condensed milk and caramel sauce, stirring until fully melted and combined.
5. Once your crust has cooled a bit, pour the caramel mixture over the graham cracker layer, spreading it evenly.
6. Next, sprinkle the crushed Butterfinger bars on top of the caramel layer.
7. Finally, sprinkle the chocolate chips over the Butterfinger layer. If you want an extra treat, add some peanut butter chips here too!
8. Bake the bars for another 15-20 minutes until the chocolate chips are melted and everything is bubbly and golden.
9. Allow the bars to cool at room temperature, then chill in the fridge for about an hour before cutting into squares.
Sweet Variations and Fun Ideas!
– **Add a Nutty Twist:** Stir in some chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for an extra crunch.
– **Top with Whipped Cream:** For an upscale dessert experience, serve these bars with a dollop of whipped cream on top.
– **Go Low-carb:** Try using low-carb sweeteners and sugar-free chocolate chips for a low-carb version of this treat.
I can’t wait for you to dive into these Butterfinger Caramel Bars! They’re perfect for satisfying a sweet tooth or impressing your guests. If you try it out, let me know how it turns out! Enjoy every irresistible bite, my friend!
