Butterfinger Caramel Bars—rich, gooey dessert bars layered with crunchy Butterfinger pieces, caramel, and chocolate for a sweet indulgence!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You won’t believe how easy it is to gather everything for these Butterfinger Caramel Bars. Each ingredient plays a starring role: from chewy caramel to crunchy chocolate, nothing is extra or unnecessary. Let’s look at what you’ll need and why:
- Graham crackers: These sturdy squares form the perfect crispy base, adding a subtle honey flavor and structural integrity to each bar.
- Mini marshmallows: Layered over the graham crackers, they melt slightly under the warm caramel, giving a soft and fluffy texture.
- Caramel bits: Quick-melting and delicious, they create a rich and gooey layer that pulls all the ingredients together.
- Milk: A splash makes your caramel melt dreamily smooth and pourable, so it spreads evenly and beautifully over the marshmallows.
- Butterfinger Bites (coarsely chopped): The unmistakable crispy, peanut-buttery crunch sets these bars apart—don’t skimp on this star ingredient!
- Semi-sweet chocolate: A generous drizzle of chocolate on top makes the bars look bakery-worthy and adds the perfect finishing touch.
How to Make Butterfinger Caramel Bars
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
Line your 9×9 baking pan with foil, making sure the foil hangs over the edge for easy bar removal later. Use a little cooking spray to ensure nothing sticks, and you’re already halfway to perfectly shaped bars!
Step 2: Build the Base
Lay out your graham crackers on the bottom of your lined pan. Don’t stress about perfect edges—just break the crackers as needed to fit snugly across the entire surface. This crisp base is what keeps each bar perfectly handheld.
Step 3: Top with Marshmallows
Sprinkle the mini marshmallows evenly across the graham cracker layer. This will give your Butterfinger Caramel Bars their signature chew and gooey top as soon as the caramel gets involved!
Step 4: Melt the Caramel
Add your caramel bits and milk to a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 1 minute, stir, then continue heating in 30-second intervals until melted and smooth. Stir thoroughly to get rid of any clumps—the milk ensures your caramel pours like velvet.
Step 5: Pour Caramel Over Marshmallows
Now comes the fun part! Pour the melted caramel all over the marshmallow layer, gently spreading to make sure everything is evenly coated. Some marshmallows will start to melt—don’t worry, that’s what creates those ooey-gooey pockets of deliciousness.
Step 6: Add the Butterfinger Crunch
Sprinkle your coarsely chopped Butterfinger Bites on top, making sure every bite finds its share of crispy peanut-buttery goodness. Press the chunks down lightly so they embed into the caramel-marshmallow mix and won’t fall off later.
Step 7: Drizzle with Chocolate
Melt your semi-sweet chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl using 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth and glossy. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the Butterfinger Caramel Bars in whatever pattern your heart desires—swirls, zigzags, or abstract art, it’s all delicious!
Step 8: Chill and Slice
Pop the whole pan in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or until everything is set. When ready, use your foil “handles” to lift out the slab and slice it into bars. Each piece will show off dreamy layers and plenty of Butterfinger sparkle!
How to Serve Butterfinger Caramel Bars
Garnishes
You can’t go wrong with a little extra flair when serving Butterfinger Caramel Bars! Sprinkle some more chopped Butterfinger on top just before plating, or dust lightly with powdered sugar for a touch of elegance. Even a tiny finishing pinch of flaky sea salt can make those flavors pop.
Side Dishes
Pair these bars with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a cold glass of milk for pure nostalgia. Coffee or strong black tea will offset the sweetness beautifully if you want to serve these as part of a more grown-up dessert platter.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking bars in clear glass jars for party favors, plating them on a pretty cake stand for a bake sale, or tucking paper liners underneath for grab-and-go treats at potlucks. For holidays, wrap individual Butterfinger Caramel Bars in cellophane and tie them with a ribbon for a festive touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store Butterfinger Caramel Bars in an airtight container at room temperature—there’s no need to refrigerate unless your kitchen is warm. They stay fresh and delicious for up to a week, making them perfect for snacking any time the craving strikes.
Freezing
Butterfinger Caramel Bars freeze surprisingly well! Once fully set and sliced, arrange them in a single layer between sheets of parchment in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep their chewy crunch for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature before serving for best texture.
Reheating
These bars are best enjoyed at room temperature, but if you love a gooey texture, microwave a bar for 10-15 seconds. The caramel softens just a bit, and the chocolate gets melty—pure bliss!
FAQs
Can I substitute regular marshmallows for mini marshmallows?
Absolutely! Just chop standard marshmallows into smaller pieces before layering. Mini marshmallows spread more evenly, but either type works deliciously well.
What’s the trick for cutting neat bars?
Chilling is key. Make sure the Butterfinger Caramel Bars are fully set before removing them from the pan. Use a sharp knife coated with a little nonstick spray or warmed under hot water for super tidy slices.
Can I make these Butterfinger Caramel Bars ahead of time?
Definitely! These bars actually improve after resting overnight, as the flavors meld and the layers set up even more nicely. They’re an excellent make-ahead treat for parties or bake sales.
Are there any nut-free alternatives to Butterfinger?
If you need to avoid peanuts, try substituting with a crispy toffee candy or a chocolate-covered crunchy candy bar that’s nut-free. The bars will still be delicious and packed with irresistible crunch.
What can I do if I don’t have a microwave to melt the caramel and chocolate?
You can easily melt caramel bits and chocolate over a double boiler on the stove. Keep the heat low and stir constantly to prevent scorching—the results are just as smooth and pourable.
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason Butterfinger Caramel Bars are such a crowd favorite: they’re playful, indulgent, and absolutely bursting with flavor and texture in every single bite. If you love fun baking projects that wow family and friends without stressing you out in the kitchen, give these bars a try—you just might create a new classic in your dessert lineup!
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Butterfinger Caramel Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 11 minutes
- Yield: About 12 bars
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Butterfinger Caramel Bars are quick, no-bake dessert bars that layer marshmallows, graham crackers, gooey caramel, and pieces of Butterfinger candy, all finished with a chocolate drizzle. Easy to make in just minutes using the microwave, they offer a rich, satisfying treat perfect for parties, bake sales, or whenever you crave something sweet and crunchy.
Ingredients
Crust
- 6 1/2 graham crackers
Marshmallow Layer
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
Caramel Layer
- 1 (11 oz) bag caramel bits
- 2 Tbsp milk
Topping
- 1 (10 oz) bag Butterfinger Bites, coarsely chopped
- 2 oz semi-sweet chocolate (for drizzle)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Line a 9×9 baking pan with foil, letting the foil hang over the edges for easy removal. Spray the foil lightly with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Layer the Graham Crackers: Arrange the graham crackers on the bottom of the pan, breaking them as needed to fit in an even layer.
- Add Marshmallows: Sprinkle the mini marshmallows evenly over the graham crackers, covering the surface completely.
- Melt the Caramel: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the caramel bits and milk. Microwave on high for 1 minute. Remove and stir, then continue heating in 30-second intervals, stirring each time, until the caramel is fully melted and smooth.
- Pour Caramel over Marshmallows: Immediately pour the melted caramel over the marshmallows. Gently spread it with a spatula to coat the marshmallows evenly. The marshmallows will start to melt slightly, which is expected; just ensure the caramel is spread across the entire surface for cohesion.
- Add Butterfinger Topping: Sprinkle the chopped Butterfinger Bites over the warm caramel-marshmallow layer. Press the pieces in gently with your hands or a spatula so they stick into the soft caramel.
- Melt and Drizzle Chocolate: In a separate microwave-safe bowl, melt the semi-sweet chocolate in 30-second bursts, stirring until smooth. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the Butterfinger layer using a spoon or piping bag.
- Chill to Set: Place the pan in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or until the bars are set and firm enough to cut.
- Serve: Once set, use the overhanging foil to lift the bars from the pan. Cut into squares or bars and serve at room temperature.
Notes
- For clean cuts, use a sharp knife and wipe between slices.
- Store Butterfinger Caramel Bars at room temperature in an airtight container for up to a week.
- Bars can be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight before serving.
- Substitute regular chocolate bars or other candy if you don’t have Butterfinger Bites.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 minute
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Microwave
- Cuisine: American