Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars: Smash or Pass

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Absolutely! Here’s a full, mouth-watering deep dive into Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars—from their delicious origins to a detailed recipe and all the love that goes into making and enjoying them.

Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars: Smash or Pass? 🔥

Introduction

If you love a rich blend of crunchy candy, buttery crust, smooth caramel, and luscious white chocolate, then Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars are about to become your new obsession. This indulgent dessert combines the iconic crispy, peanut-buttery crunch of Butterfinger candy bars with layers of gooey caramel and creamy white chocolate. Perfect for parties, potlucks, or just a personal treat, these bars hit all the right notes—sweet, salty, crunchy, and creamy.

Let’s dive into what makes these bars so irresistible, their origins, how to make them step-by-step, and why they’re a favorite for candy lovers everywhere.

The History & Formation of Butterfinger Bars

Butterfinger candy bars were first created in 1923 by the Curtiss Candy Company. Known for their flaky, crispy peanut butter core coated in chocolate, Butterfingers quickly became a popular American treat. The candy’s distinctive crunchy texture and bold flavor make it a perfect ingredient to transform into more elaborate desserts.

The Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars recipe is a creative spin that builds on the candy’s crunchy texture by incorporating it into a layered bar format. The layers—crumbly Butterfinger crust, melted caramel, and drizzled white chocolate—combine classic candy bar elements with homemade dessert craftsmanship. These bars take the nostalgic joy of Butterfingers and elevate it into something shareable and spectacular.

Ingredients

For the Crust:

  • 2 cups crushed Butterfinger candy bars (roughly 3-4 bars)
  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Caramel Layer:

  • 1 ½ cups caramel candies, unwrapped
  • 3 tablespoons heavy cream

For the Topping:

  • 1 cup white chocolate chips
  • ½ cup Butterfinger candy, crushed (for garnish)

Methods & Instructions

1. Prepare the Crust

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the crushed Butterfinger candy bars, all-purpose flour, and powdered sugar.
  • Pour the melted butter into the dry ingredients and stir until everything is fully blended, forming a crumbly but packable dough.
  • Press this mixture evenly into a 9×13-inch baking pan lined with parchment paper. Use the back of a spoon or your hands to compact it tightly and evenly.
  • Bake the crust for 15-20 minutes, or until it turns a beautiful golden brown. Once done, remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly.

2. Create the Caramel Layer

  • While the crust is baking, melt the caramel candies with the heavy cream in a small saucepan over low heat.
  • Stir constantly to ensure the caramel melts smoothly and combines well with the cream, forming a luscious, pourable sauce.
  • Pour this warm caramel evenly over the baked crust. Spread it carefully with a spatula for uniform coverage.
  • Let the caramel layer cool for about 10 minutes so it starts to set.

3. Add the White Chocolate Topping

  • Place the white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl.
  • Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each, until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth.
  • Drizzle the melted white chocolate over the caramel layer in any pattern you like—zigzags, swirls, or dots.

4. Garnish and Chill

  • Sprinkle the crushed Butterfinger candy on top of the white chocolate while it’s still warm so they stick.
  • Let the entire pan cool completely at room temperature, or for faster results, chill in the refrigerator until firm.
  • Once set, cut into squares and serve.

Conclusion

These Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars are the perfect marriage of crunchy, chewy, buttery, and sweet elements that any dessert lover craves. They bring together nostalgic candy flavors with a homemade touch that makes every bite exciting. Whether you’re a fan of Butterfinger candy or simply a lover of caramel and white chocolate desserts, these bars are a definite smash.

For the Lovers of Butterfinger Bars

  • Perfect for candy lovers who want a more decadent, homemade treat.
  • Great for sharing at parties, gifting, or as a special weekend baking project.
  • Pairs wonderfully with coffee, milk, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Bonus Tips for the Ultimate Butterfinger Bar Experience

  • Use fresh Butterfinger bars for the best crunch.
  • Make sure the caramel is melted slowly to avoid burning.
  • Try adding a pinch of sea salt on top before chilling for a salted caramel twist.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge—they taste even better after a day as flavors meld.

So, SMASH or PASS?
If you love candy bars that bring layers of texture and flavor, this is an enthusiastic SMASH! Ready to bake some? Want me to help you with a shopping list or variations?

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