If you love a combination of buttery crust, gooey caramel, and crunchy candy, these Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars are the ultimate treat! Whether for a family gathering or just a sweet craving, this recipe is sure to satisfy your taste buds with its delightful layers of texture and flavor.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 cup butter, melted 🧈
- 1 cup granulated sugar 🍚
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 🌿
- 2 cups all-purpose flour 🌾
- 1 cup quick oats 🌾
- 1 teaspoon baking soda 🥄
- 1/4 teaspoon salt 🧂
For the Filling:
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk 🥛
- 1 (10 oz) bag caramel bits 🍬
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream 🍶
- 2 cups roughly chopped Butterfinger candy bars 🍫
For the Topping:
- 1/2 cup milk chocolate chips 🍫
- 1/2 cup chopped Butterfinger candy bars 🍫
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. 🔥
2️⃣ Prepare the crust: In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined. 🥄
3️⃣ Add dry ingredients: Add the flour, oats, baking soda, and salt. Stir the mixture until it forms a dough. 🌾
4️⃣ Press and bake the crust: Press 2/3 of the dough mixture into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 10 minutes until lightly golden. ⏳
5️⃣ Make the caramel filling: While the crust is baking, in a saucepan over medium heat, melt the caramel bits with the sweetened condensed milk and heavy cream. Stir frequently until smooth and creamy. 🍬
6️⃣ Layer the caramel: Remove the crust from the oven and pour the caramel mixture over the top, spreading it evenly with a spatula. 🥄
7️⃣ Add Butterfinger layer: Sprinkle the chopped Butterfinger candy bars evenly over the caramel layer. 🍫
8️⃣ Crumble the remaining dough: Crumble the remaining dough mixture over the top of the Butterfinger layer. 🥄
9️⃣ Bake again: Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown. ⏳
1️⃣0️⃣ Add chocolate chips: Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle the milk chocolate chips over the top. Let them sit for a few minutes to melt, then spread the chocolate evenly with a spatula. 🍫
1️⃣1️⃣ Garnish with more Butterfinger: Finally, sprinkle the remaining chopped Butterfinger candy bars over the melted chocolate. 🍫
1️⃣2️⃣ Cool and cut: Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares and serving. ❄️
Notes 📝
- Caramel consistency: If your caramel seems too thick, add a bit more heavy cream (a tablespoon at a time) until it becomes a smooth and pourable consistency.
- Cutting clean slices: For neater slices, refrigerate the bars for about 30 minutes to let the chocolate set fully before cutting. Use a sharp knife, and wipe it clean between cuts.
- Candy substitution: If Butterfinger isn’t your candy of choice, feel free to swap it with another favorite like Snickers or Heath bars for a different flavor twist.
- Storage: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to a week. They also freeze well if wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use old-fashioned oats instead of quick oats?
Yes, you can substitute old-fashioned oats, but the texture of the crust may be slightly chewier. Quick oats help create a finer, crumbly crust.
2. Can I substitute the caramel bits with homemade caramel?
Absolutely! If you prefer homemade caramel, you can use it in place of the caramel bits. Just make sure the caramel is thick enough to hold its shape when baked, but still pourable.
3. Do I have to melt the chocolate chips, or can I leave them as is?
Melting the chocolate chips helps create a smooth, even layer on top, but if you prefer a chunkier texture, you can simply sprinkle the chocolate chips on top and let them melt slightly without spreading.
4. Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes! These bars actually taste even better the next day once the flavors have had time to meld. Just store them in an airtight container until you’re ready to serve.
5. Can I make these bars gluten-free?
You can try substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensuring that your oats are certified gluten-free. However, the texture and taste may differ slightly from the original recipe.
Conclusion
These Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars are a sweet, buttery, and crunchy dream come true! With layers of rich caramel, crispy Butterfinger pieces, and a golden oat crust, they offer an explosion of flavors and textures in every bite. They are perfect for sharing at parties, serving at family gatherings, or indulging in as a special treat.
Give this recipe a try, and you’ll see why it’s a crowd favorite. Not only are they quick and easy to make, but the combination of caramel and Butterfinger is irresistible. Enjoy!