Butterfinger Caramel Cheesecake Bars

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Sure! Here’s a full, rich, and flavorful long-form recipe for Butterfinger Caramel Cheesecake Bars, complete with an intro, ingredients, instructions, history, and some sweet notes for lovers of dessert. You’re about to dive into dessert bliss:

Butterfinger Caramel Cheesecake Bars

Introduction

If you’re a fan of creamy cheesecakes, buttery caramel, and the unmistakable crunch of Butterfinger candy, then this decadent dessert was made for you. Butterfinger Caramel Cheesecake Bars combine a buttery graham cracker crust, silky caramel-infused cheesecake, and a generous topping of crushed Butterfinger pieces. It’s a layered experience of flavor and texture, perfect for celebrations, late-night sweet cravings, or just because you deserve something special.

These bars are easy to make but impressive enough to win over any crowd. The balance of salty-sweet caramel, tangy cream cheese, and the nutty, crispy candy bar pieces make it a show-stopping dessert.

A Brief History of Cheesecake and Butterfinger

Cheesecake dates back to ancient Greece and has evolved across centuries and cultures—from the ricotta-based Italian versions to the dense and creamy New York style. The candy bar, Butterfinger, was invented in 1923 by the Curtiss Candy Company and gained fame for its unique crispy peanut butter core.

This recipe is a lovechild of two dessert icons: cheesecake and Butterfinger, bonded together with luscious caramel. It’s where tradition meets playful indulgence.

Ingredients

For the Crust

  • 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 10 full sheets)
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • ½ cup granulated sugar

For the Cheesecake Filling

  • 8 oz (1 block) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 large egg

For the Topping

  • 4 Butterfinger candy bars (fun-size or 2 regular-sized), crushed
  • Extra caramel sauce, for drizzling
  • Whipped cream (optional, for serving)

Method & Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy lifting.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar.
  3. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan using the bottom of a glass or measuring cup to create an even layer.
  4. Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then remove and let it cool slightly while you prepare the filling.

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling

  1. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
  2. Add the caramel sauce, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat until combined and velvety.
  3. Add the egg and mix just until incorporated. Do not overmix.
  4. Pour the cheesecake mixture over the pre-baked crust and smooth the top.

Step 3: Bake and Cool

  1. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the center is just set and the edges are slightly golden.
  2. Remove from the oven and let it cool to room temperature. Then refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or overnight for best results.

Step 4: Add Topping and Serve

  1. Once chilled and set, sprinkle the crushed Butterfinger candy evenly over the top.
  2. Drizzle generously with caramel sauce.
  3. Use the parchment paper to lift the bars from the pan, then slice into squares.
  4. Serve with a dollop of whipped cream if desired.

Formation and Texture

  • Crust: Buttery, sweet, and with a slight crunch that supports the creamy layer above.
  • Cheesecake Layer: Smooth and dense, with ribbons of caramel enhancing the tangy richness of cream cheese.
  • Topping: Crunchy, peanut-buttery candy bits adding a delightful texture contrast and a nostalgic flavor.

Each bite gives you layers of love—from the classic comfort of cheesecake to the fun surprise of candy bar crunch.

Conclusion

Butterfinger Caramel Cheesecake Bars are the ultimate love letter to dessert lovers everywhere. They’re creamy, chewy, crunchy, and utterly irresistible. Whether you make them for a holiday, a birthday, or simply a night when your sweet tooth speaks louder than reason, this recipe delivers joy.

For the Lovers of Dessert

This one’s for the lovers—the dessert lovers, the cheesecake dreamers, the caramel swirlers, and the Butterfinger believers. These bars are a mood, a vibe, and a memory waiting to happen. Share them with someone sweet or keep them all to yourself—no judgment here.

Bake them with love. Share them with laughter. And maybe, just maybe, keep one last square hidden in the fridge… just for you.

Would you like me to create a printable recipe card version of this or add a homemade caramel sauce recipe too?

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