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Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars

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Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars Recipe

These Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars are the ultimate treat for those who love a balance of crunch, chewiness, and sweetness. With a buttery graham cracker-oat base, a rich caramel-Butterfinger filling, and a smooth chocolate topping, each bite is pure indulgence. Perfect for parties, bake sales, or simply as a delicious dessert to enjoy at home, these bars are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love These Bars

  1. Decadent Flavor: The blend of Butterfinger candy, caramel, and chocolate with a crunchy base creates a delightful explosion of flavors.
  2. Easy to Make: The recipe is simple and accessible to bakers of all levels, with straightforward steps and common ingredients.
  3. Customizable: Add your favorite nuts or additional candies to put your unique spin on this recipe.

Ingredients

For the Base:

  • 1 cup graham cracker crumbs: Adds crunch and flavor to the base.
  • 1 cup rolled oats: Provides a chewy texture to balance the crunch.
  • ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Gives the bars a rich chocolate flavor.
  • ½ cup brown sugar, packed: Adds sweetness and depth of flavor.
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted: Binds the base ingredients together.
  • ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.

For the Filling:

  • 1 cup Butterfinger candy bars, chopped (about 4-5 bars): Provides that signature crunch and peanut butter flavor.
  • 1 cup caramel sauce: You can use store-bought or homemade caramel for a gooey filling.
  • ½ cup sweetened condensed milk: Adds richness and helps create a smooth texture.

For the Topping:

  • 1 cup milk chocolate chips: The perfect finishing layer for a smooth and creamy chocolate topping.
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (optional): Helps the chocolate melt smoothly and gives it a shiny finish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

2. Make the Base

  • In a large bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, rolled oats, cocoa powder, brown sugar, melted butter, and salt. Mix until everything is well incorporated.
  • Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking pan. This will create a sturdy, flavorful base for the bars.

3. Prepare the Filling

  • In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine the chopped Butterfinger bars, caramel sauce, and sweetened condensed milk. Stir constantly until the mixture is smooth and the Butterfingers are melted.
  • Pour this gooey filling over the graham cracker base, spreading it evenly to cover the entire surface.

4. Bake the Bars

  • Bake the bars in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the filling becomes bubbly and fragrant. Remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan.
See also  Lemon Pound Cake

5. Add the Chocolate Topping

  • Once the bars are completely cool, melt the milk chocolate chips and vegetable oil (if using) in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth.
  • Drizzle or spread the melted chocolate evenly over the cooled bars.

6. Chill and Serve

  • Place the pan in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to allow the chocolate to set.
  • Once set, cut the bars into squares or rectangles and enjoy!

Tips for Success

  • Storage: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, or store them in the fridge to extend freshness.
  • Customization: Get creative by adding chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, or mix in extra candies such as mini M&Ms or Reese’s Pieces.
  • Serving Suggestion: For an extra indulgent treat, serve these bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of extra caramel sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate?

Yes, you can substitute dark chocolate chips if you prefer a richer, more intense chocolate flavor. It pairs well with the sweetness of the caramel and Butterfinger.

2. Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Absolutely! These bars can be made a day or two in advance and stored in the refrigerator. They actually taste even better after sitting for a day as the flavors meld together.

3. Can I freeze these bars?

Yes! Once the bars are completely cooled and set, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

4. Can I use a different candy instead of Butterfinger?

Definitely! You can substitute your favorite candy bars like Snickers, Twix, or Reese’s Cups for a different flavor profile.

5. How do I prevent the chocolate from cracking when I cut the bars?

To prevent the chocolate from cracking, use a sharp knife and warm the blade under hot water, then dry it off before cutting. This will help the chocolate slice smoothly.

These Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars are the perfect combination of chewy, crunchy, and gooey, with layers of flavor that will leave everyone asking for more. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just treating yourself, these bars are a must-try! Enjoy the indulgent, sweet goodness in every bite.

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