Description
These Butterfinger Caramel Bars feature a rich and buttery graham cracker crust layered with creamy peanut butter, smooth caramel, crunchy chopped Butterfinger candy, and a luscious chocolate topping. Perfectly balanced between sweet, crunchy, and chocolatey, these bars are an irresistible American dessert treat that requires minimal baking and is chilled to set.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
Peanut Butter Layer
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Carmel Layer
- 1 (11 oz) bag caramel bits or wrapped soft caramels (about 40)
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
Topping
- 1 1/2 cups chopped Butterfinger candy bars (about 4 regular bars)
- 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Crust: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, combine melted butter, graham cracker crumbs, and granulated sugar. Press mixture evenly into the bottom of the pan to form the crust.
- Bake Crust: Bake the crust for 10 minutes until set and golden. Remove from oven and let cool slightly to prepare for the layering.
- Prepare Peanut Butter Layer: In another bowl, stir together creamy peanut butter and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. Gently spread this mixture over the cooled graham crust, ensuring an even layer.
- Melt Caramel: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt caramel bits together with heavy cream in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until smooth and pourable.
- Assemble Caramel Layer: Pour the melted caramel evenly over the peanut butter layer. Use a spatula to gently spread it for complete coverage.
- Add Butterfinger Candy: Sprinkle the chopped Butterfinger candy bars evenly over the warm caramel layer to add crunchy texture.
- Melt Chocolate: Melt semi-sweet chocolate chips in the microwave or using a double boiler until smooth. Spread the melted chocolate evenly over the Butterfinger layer to seal the bars.
- Chill Bars: Refrigerate the assembled bars for at least 2 hours to allow them to set firmly before cutting into 24 squares.
Notes
- For easier slicing, dip a sharp knife in hot water and dry it before cutting between slices.
- You can substitute almond butter for a slight variation in flavor.
- Store bars in the refrigerator or freezer to maintain freshness and prolong shelf life.
