Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars: A Legendary Sweet, Salty & Crunchy Delight
Introduction
Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars combine everything dessert lovers crave—gooey caramel, rich chocolate,
buttery crust, and the iconic crispy peanut-butter flavor of Butterfinger candy. Every bite delivers
a perfect balance of sweetness, saltiness, and crunch. This dessert is ideal for potlucks, birthdays,
holidays, bake sales, or any day when you simply want something unforgettable.
History
Crunch-layer desserts have been around for decades, originally becoming popular during the mid-1900s
when boxed cake mixes and candy bars surged in American kitchens. Creative home bakers began combining
sweets like caramel and chocolate with pantry staples. These Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars are a modern
twist on classic layered bar desserts, bringing nostalgic flavors into a bold, indulgent treat that feels
both retro and brand-new.
Benefits
- ✔️ Simple ingredients—easy for beginners
- ✔️ Perfect balance of crunchy, chewy, and creamy textures
- ✔️ Crowd-pleasing flavors kids and adults love
- ✔️ Great make-ahead and freezer-friendly dessert
- ✔️ Easy to transport for parties and picnics
- ✔️ Cuts beautifully into neat bars for serving
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 box vanilla cake mix (or 2 cups flour)
- ½ cup melted butter
- 1 large egg
For the Caramel Filling:
- 1 cup caramel bits or soft caramels (unwrapped)
- ½ cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 to 1½ cups crushed Butterfinger candy bars
For the Chocolate Topping:
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons butter or heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix cake mix (or flour), melted butter, and egg until a dough forms.
- Press the dough evenly into the bottom of your pan.
- Bake the crust for 10–12 minutes until just set.
- Melt caramels with sweetened condensed milk until smooth.
- Stir in crushed Butterfinger pieces.
- Pour the caramel-Butterfinger mixture evenly over the warm crust.
- Bake again for 12–15 minutes, until lightly bubbling.
- Melt chocolate chips with butter or cream, then spread over the caramel layer.
- Let the bars cool completely before slicing into squares.
Methods
- Melt Method: Use low heat to avoid burning the caramel.
- Layering Method: Spread each layer while warm for smooth, even results.
- Cooling Method: Refrigerate before cutting for perfect bakery-style edges.
- Mix-In Method: Add extra peanuts or Butterfinger for a thicker crunch layer.
Formation of Layers
These bars are formed using a classic 3-layer structure:
- Base Layer: A soft, buttery cookie crust that holds the dessert together.
- Middle Layer: A molten caramel-candy mixture infused with crushed Butterfinger bars.
- Top Layer: A smooth, glossy chocolate topping that hardens beautifully.
For Dessert Lovers
This recipe is especially loved by:
- Chocolate lovers
- Caramel lovers
- Butterfinger fans
- People who love crunchy desserts
- Bake-sale enthusiasts
- Anyone who loves candy-bar-inspired treats
Conclusion
Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars are the perfect dessert when you want something rich, fun, and
irresistibly delicious. With their perfect blend of sweet caramel, chocolate, and crunchy Butterfinger pieces,
they’ll disappear quickly from any dessert table. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or a big event,
these bars are guaranteed to become a beloved favorite.