Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars

Imagine sinking your teeth into a decadent layer of buttery shortbread, topped with gooey caramel, crunchy peanut butter crumbs, and a smooth chocolate ganache that melts on your tongue. These Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars deliver an irresistible combination of textures and flavors that will transport your taste buds to dessert heaven. The nostalgic candy bar flavor meets homemade goodness in these show-stopping treats that are surprisingly easy to make. You’ll learn how to create these magnificent Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars from scratch, layering each component to perfection for a dessert that’s guaranteed to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars are about to become your new favorite indulgence for several compelling reasons. First, the contrast between the crumbly shortbread base, sticky caramel middle, and crispy Butterfinger-inspired topping creates a symphony of textures that keeps each bite interesting. The balance of sweet and salty flavors hits all the right notes on your palate.

What makes these bars truly special is their impressive appearance despite requiring minimal baking skills. They look like they came from a high-end bakery but can be made right in your kitchen with straightforward techniques. The make-ahead capability also makes these caramel peanut butter crunch squares perfect for entertaining or holiday cookie exchanges.

Additionally, these bars satisfy that nostalgic candy bar craving while offering the satisfaction of homemade quality. No artificial ingredients or preservatives—just pure, decadent flavor that will have everyone asking for your secret recipe.

Ingredients

For the Shortbread Base:

• 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour

For the Caramel Layer:

• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• ¼ cup (60ml) water
• ⅔ cup (160ml) heavy cream
• 4 tablespoons (56g) unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon salt

For the Butterfinger Crunch:

• 1 cup (250g) creamy peanut butter
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• ⅓ cup (80ml) light corn syrup
• 2 tablespoons water
• ¼ teaspoon salt

For the Chocolate Topping:

• 1 cup (170g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 2 tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter
• ½ teaspoon flaky sea salt (optional, for garnish)

The key to authentic Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars is using high-quality ingredients. Real butter creates a melt-in-your-mouth shortbread base, while using good quality peanut butter ensures that distinctive nutty flavor that makes these bars so addictive.

Pro Tips

Achieving perfect Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars relies on a few critical techniques:

First, temperature control is essential for both the caramel and Butterfinger crunch layers. For the caramel, use a candy thermometer to reach exactly 240°F (soft-ball stage) for the perfect consistency—not too runny and not too hard. When making the Butterfinger crunch mixture, work quickly once it reaches temperature as it hardens fast. Having all ingredients measured and ready before starting (mise en place) will prevent any rushing or mistakes.

Second, the layering process requires patience. Allow each layer to set properly before adding the next. The shortbread base should be completely cooled before adding caramel, and the caramel must be set (about 1 hour) before adding the Butterfinger layer. This prevents layers from bleeding into each other and ensures those beautiful, distinct layers when you slice.

Lastly, for professional-looking bars, refrigerate them for at least 2 hours before cutting. Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water (then dried) between cuts for clean, precise edges that showcase all your beautiful layers.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Shortbread Base

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add the salt, then gradually incorporate the flour, mixing until just combined. Press this mixture evenly into the prepared pan using the back of a measuring cup for a smooth surface. Bake for 18-20 minutes until the edges are lightly golden. Cool completely in the pan.

Step 2: Create the Caramel Layer

In a medium saucepan, combine sugar and water over medium heat, swirling occasionally (don’t stir!) until the sugar dissolves and turns amber, about 8-10 minutes. Meanwhile, warm the heavy cream in the microwave for 30 seconds. Once the sugar mixture reaches a deep amber color, carefully add the warm cream—it will bubble vigorously, so stand back! Stir in the butter, vanilla, and salt until smooth. Pour this luxurious caramel over the cooled shortbread and refrigerate until set, about 1 hour.

Step 3: Make the Butterfinger Crunch

Line a separate baking sheet with parchment paper. In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, and water. Bring to a boil over medium heat without stirring until the mixture reaches 290°F (143°C) on a candy thermometer. Remove from heat and quickly stir in the peanut butter and salt until well combined. Immediately spread this mixture onto the prepared baking sheet in a thin layer. Allow to cool completely, then break into chunks and pulse in a food processor until you have coarse crumbs. Sprinkle these crumbs evenly over the set caramel layer, pressing gently to adhere.

Step 4: Add the Chocolate Topping

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips and butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until completely melted and smooth. Pour this glossy chocolate over the Butterfinger layer, spreading it evenly with an offset spatula. If desired, sprinkle with flaky sea salt while the chocolate is still warm. Refrigerate the Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars for at least 2 hours before cutting into squares.

Variations

Chocolate Lover’s Butterfinger Bars: Enhance the chocolate experience by adding ¼ cup of cocoa powder to your shortbread base for a chocolate foundation. You can also drizzle white chocolate in zigzag patterns over the top layer for a striking contrast and extra sweetness.

Salted Peanut Butterfinger Bars: For those who love the sweet-salty combination, fold ½ cup of chopped roasted salted peanuts into the Butterfinger crunch layer. This adds extra crunch and intensifies the peanut flavor while introducing more savory notes to balance the sweetness of these Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars.

Gluten-Free Option: Easily make these bars gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a high-quality gluten-free baking blend in the shortbread base. The rest of the components are naturally gluten-free, making this a simple adaptation that doesn’t compromise on flavor or texture.

Storage and Serving

These Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. For longer storage, individually wrap pieces and freeze for up to 3 months. Allow frozen bars to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

For the ultimate dessert experience, serve these bars slightly chilled, which keeps the layers distinct and prevents the caramel from becoming too soft. They pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an elevated dessert. The contrast between the cold ice cream and the complex textures of the bars is simply divine.

These bars also make excellent gifts! Package them in decorative boxes with parchment paper between layers, or arrange them on a beautiful platter for a stunning addition to any dessert table or holiday cookie exchange.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought caramel sauce instead of making my own?
While homemade caramel provides the best flavor and consistency, you can use 1½ cups of thick store-bought caramel sauce as a time-saver. Just be sure to choose a high-quality brand and consider reducing it slightly on the stove to thicken.

Why did my Butterfinger layer turn out too hard?
This typically happens when the sugar mixture is cooked beyond 290°F. Use a reliable candy thermometer and remove from heat immediately when it reaches temperature. If it’s still too hard, try reducing the cooking temperature by 5-10 degrees next time.

Can I make these bars ahead of time for an event?
Absolutely! These Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars are perfect for make-ahead preparation. They actually benefit from setting overnight, allowing flavors to meld and layers to firm up properly.

My chocolate layer cracked when cutting. How can I prevent this?
Let the bars come to room temperature for about 10 minutes before cutting, and use a hot knife (dipped in hot water and wiped dry) to slice through the chocolate cleanly.

How can I get perfectly clean-cut squares?
Refrigerate the bars until completely firm (at least 2 hours), then use a large sharp knife dipped in hot water and dried between each cut. Measure and mark your cutting lines before starting for consistent sizing.

Conclusion

These Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars are comfort food at its finest — a luxurious layered dessert that transforms the beloved candy bar flavor into something even more spectacular. The combination of buttery shortbread, silky caramel, nostalgic peanut butter crunch, and smooth chocolate creates an irresistible treat that satisfies on every level. It’s the kind of dessert that makes any gathering special and will have friends and family begging for your recipe. While they look and taste impressively complex, the straightforward process makes these bars accessible to bakers of all skill levels. Treat yourself and your loved ones to these unforgettable Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars — they’re sure to become a treasured recipe in your collection.

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