If your family loves a good no-bake treat, Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars are an instant crowd-pleaser. Crushed Butterfingers and graham crackers create a wonderfully crisp base that holds a layer of rich caramel. You’ll just press the crust into the pan before adding the decadent toppings. It’s the kind of fuss-free dessert that makes any weeknight feel a little more special.
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Reasons to Fall in Love with These Bars
As a mom who’s always chasing that sweet spot between easy and impressive, these bars are my weeknight hero. They come together so quickly and solve that last-minute dessert panic with style. Honestly, you’ll love how they make your kitchen smell like a candy shop!
- Seriously Simple – With just a handful of ingredients and no baking required, it’s a true pantry-raider’s dream.
- Major Crowd-Pleaser – The combination of chocolate, peanut butter, and caramel is a guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike.
- Perfect for Make-Ahead – You can whip these up in the morning and they’ll be perfectly set for after-dinner treats.
- Endlessly Customizable – Swap in different candies or use a sugar-free caramel sauce for a quick twist.
What You Need for Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars
For the Crust
- Graham Cracker Crumbs – The perfect sweet, slightly spiced base for these bars.
- Unsalted Butter – Melted to bind everything together for that irresistible crumbly texture.
For the Filling
- Sweetened Condensed Milk – This is the magic ingredient that makes everything rich and gooey.
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips – They melt into a luscious layer—don’t skimp here!
- Creamy Peanut Butter – Dollop it generously for that nutty, salty-sweet contrast.
For the Topping
- Butterfinger Candy Bars – Roughly chopped for maximum crunch and that iconic toffee flavor.
- Caramel Sauce – Drizzled over the top for a sticky, decadent finish—store-bought is just fine!
Quick Timeline for Your Caramel Crunch Bars
I know how busy life gets, so I love that these Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars are a true no-fuss project. You only need about 15 minutes to get everything ready to go. Then, it’s just a matter of waiting patiently while they set in the fridge.
From start to finish, you’re looking at under an hour of mostly hands-off time for this easy layered candy bar treat. It’s the perfect recipe to throw together during naptime or while you’re tidying up the kitchen after lunch. They’re ready to slice by the time you need an afternoon pick-me-up or a sweet ending to dinner. If you love desserts that don’t keep you tied to the stove, you’ll also adore my simple Date Bark.
Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk 14 ounce
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 8 Butterfinger candy bars full-size, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce
Equipment
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- oven
- spatula
- measuring cups
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a 9×13 inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal.
- In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs with the melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand and all the crumbs are moistened.
- Firmly press the crumb mixture into an even layer at the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust, then bake for 8 minutes until set.
- Pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the warm crust, then sprinkle the chocolate chips and dollop the peanut butter over the top.
- Return the dish to the oven and bake for 25-28 minutes, until the edges are bubbly and the top appears set.
- Immediately sprinkle the chopped Butterfinger bars over the hot surface and gently press them down, then drizzle the caramel sauce evenly over the top.
- Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature for at least 2 hours, then transfer the pan to the refrigerator for 1 hour to fully set and firm up before cutting.
- Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the entire bar slab out of the dish, place it on a cutting board, and slice into squares with a sharp knife.
Nutrition
Private Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Thoughtful Tips for Special Diets
I know many of us are more sugar conscious these days, whether for ourselves or our families. The great news is that this no-bake Butterfinger bars recipe is wonderfully adaptable. For a lower sugar version that’s still indulgent, you can easily find sugar-free caramel sauce and chocolate chips.
If you’re looking for a natural sweetener alternative, consider a stevia-sweetened condensed milk substitute. Another simple tweak is to use a natural peanut butter with no added sugar. Remember, even small swaps can make a delicious difference for a more glucose-friendly treat!
My Pro Tips for Perfect Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars
After making these bars more times than I can count for potlucks and playdates, I’ve picked up a few tricks. These little hacks ensure you get that perfect chewy caramel crunch dessert square every single time.
- Flavor Swap: For a fun twist, try using crushed Reese’s cups instead of Butterfingers for an even bigger peanut butter punch.
- Diet Tweak: To make these gluten-free, simply swap the graham crackers for your favorite gluten-free crumbs.
- Texture Fix: For ultra-neat slices, run your knife under hot water and wipe it dry between each cut.
- Storage Tip: Keep these bars in a single layer in an airtight container to prevent them from sticking together. They also freeze beautifully for up to a month!
A Peek into the Nutrition of Our Bars
Let’s be real—these are a treat, and that’s perfectly okay! I believe in balance, and understanding what’s in our food helps us enjoy it mindfully. These chocolate peanut butter caramel squares are a source of energy, mainly from the carbohydrates and fats.
While they’re an indulgent dessert, you can feel good about the protein from the peanut butter and the calcium from the condensed milk. For more ideas on balancing sweet treats, check out my Pumpkin Protein Bars or explore the Butterfinger Official Website for more candy inspiration. Remember, all foods can fit into a happy, healthy lifestyle when enjoyed in moderation.
Lighten Up Your Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars
If you’re looking for a slightly lighter version of this decadent dessert, I’ve got you covered. Sometimes a few smart swaps are all you need to make a treat feel a little more guilt-free without sacrificing flavor.
For a lower-fat option, you can use a light butter alternative in the crust. I also love using a reduced-fat peanut butter, which works just as well for binding and flavor. If you enjoy these kinds of simple tweaks, you might also like my Raspberry Cheesecake Bars which can be adapted similarly. Another great option is to explore White Chocolate Raspberry Bars for a fruit-forward dessert.
How to Serve These Bars for Maximum Joy
I’ll never forget the first time I brought these bars to a neighborhood barbecue. The kids descended on the plate like a delightful swarm of locusts, and the parents weren’t far behind! Serving these simple chilled graham cracker dessert squares is part of the fun.
For a real showstopper, I love plating them with a tiny dollop of whipped cream and an extra drizzle of caramel. They pair beautifully with a cold glass of milk for the kids or a hot coffee for the adults. They’re also the perfect portable treat to bring to a friend’s house or pack for a picnic.
My son now requests these for his birthday instead of cake, and we love cutting them into fun shapes with cookie cutters for holidays. It’s become our little tradition, and it makes a regular Tuesday feel like a celebration.
Common Mistakes to Avoid with This Recipe
Even the easiest recipes can have little pitfalls, so let’s walk through them together. Avoiding these common missteps will guarantee your Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars turn out perfectly every time.
First, don’t rush the cooling process. If you try to cut them before they’re fully set, you’ll have a gooey mess instead of neat bars. Second, press the crust firmly into the pan—a loose crust will crumble when you slice it. For more bar-making techniques, you can see an alternative approach on this Butterfinger Bars Recipe.
Also, be sure to chop your Butterfingers into nice, uneven chunks for the best texture. Finally, using the parchment paper overhang is non-negotiable for easy removal! If you love bar desserts, learning from mistakes in recipes like Snickerdoodle Blondies can help too. I learned the hard way after trying to pry out a pan of bars with a spatula—what a disaster that was!
How to Store and Keep Them Fresh
These bars never last long in my house, but when they do, storing them properly keeps them tasting fantastic. I always make a double batch to have some on hand for surprise guests or after-school cravings.
For short-term storage, an airtight container at room temperature is fine for a day. For longer freshness, I highly recommend keeping them in the fridge; they stay firmer and the flavors remain bright. You can also freeze them in a single layer for up to a month—just separate layers with parchment paper. If you’re looking for other great make-ahead treats, my Candy Bar Blondies and Butterscotch Pecan Cookies are fantastic options that freeze beautifully.
Ready to Make Your Own Crunch Bars?
I truly hope you feel inspired to whip up a batch of these easy Butterfinger treats. They’ve brought so much joy to my kitchen, and I’d love to hear how they turn out in yours! There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of creating a delicious dessert that everyone raves about.
This recipe is a wonderful starting point for your own creations. Remember, cooking is all about making it your own. For more inspiration, explore our other favorite desserts like Caramel Butterscotch Cake, Caramel Apple Cheesecake, Caramel Apple Puppy Chow, Almond Caramel Crunch Cookie, and Cherry Lemon Bars.
More Irresistible No-Bake Desserts to Try
If you loved the simplicity of these bars, you’re going to adore these other fuss-free treats. They’re all about big flavor with minimal effort.
Date Bark – A sweet and salty snack that’s surprisingly wholesome and perfect for energy bites.
Chocolate Bark – The ultimate customizable treat that you can deck out with your favorite toppings.
Raspberry Cheesecake Bars – A creamy, dreamy dessert with a vibrant fruit swirl that’s always a hit.
White Chocolate Raspberry Bars – A sophisticated combination of sweet white chocolate and tart raspberries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Butterfinger discontinued?
Butterfinger wasn’t discontinued! The recipe was changed a few years ago to remove hydrogenated oils and use more peanut butter, which some fans noticed. The classic candy bar is still widely available for making delicious treats like these Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars.
Is Butterfinger Salted Caramel limited edition?
The Butterfinger Salted Caramel variety has been released as a limited edition flavor in the past. It’s a delicious twist, but for this recipe, the original Butterfinger works perfectly to create that iconic caramel crunch dessert flavor.
What is the flaky stuff in butterfingers?
That unique flaky, crunchy texture inside a Butterfinger comes from a process called “layered candy production.” It’s created by folding and pulling a candy mixture, similar to how peanut brittle is made, which gives it that characteristic crisp and layered crunch we all love.
What is the backlash of the new Butterfinger?
When the recipe changed, some longtime fans felt the new version tasted different—notably less crunchy and a bit sweeter. However, many people enjoy the updated formula, and it still makes for fantastic no-bake Butterfinger bars in recipes like this one!
