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Let me share the dessert bars that caused a happy riot at our last bake sale! After experimenting with different candy bar combinations I created these Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars that have become my most requested recipe. That perfect blend of buttery graham cracker crust gooey caramel and crunchy Butterfinger pieces topped with smooth chocolate it's pure candy bar heaven! The first time I made these my kids actually argued over who got the last piece.
Why These Bars Are Irresistible
These aren't your ordinary dessert bars! Every layer brings something special from that crispy graham base to the smooth chocolate top. Last week when I brought these to my daughter's soccer team party the coach asked if I'd make them for every game! Even my friend who claims she's not a sweets person couldn't stop at just one piece.
What You'll Need
- For The Base:
- Graham cracker crumbs fresh is best
- Real butter melted
- Regular sugar
- For The Filling:
- Soft caramels or caramel bits
- Heavy cream
- Plenty of Butterfinger bars crushed
- For The Top:
- Good semi-sweet chocolate chips
- More butter
- Extra Butterfinger pieces for sprinkling
Let's Start Baking
- Making That Perfect Base
- First we're creating that buttery graham cracker foundation. When it's baking your kitchen starts smelling like a cookie factory! My kids always hover around waiting to lick the spoon.
- The Caramel Magic
- Melting the caramel with cream creates this perfect gooey layer. Watching it spread over the warm crust is like edible artwork! Then comes the fun part crushing those Butterfinger bars.
- The Grand Finale
- That smooth chocolate top is like putting a bow on a present. When you sprinkle those extra Butterfinger pieces it looks absolutely gorgeous!
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Making Them Perfect
Want to know my secrets for the best bars? Line your pan with parchment paper letting it hang over the sides makes removing them so easy! Don't rush the cooling process that's what gives you those clean cuts. And here's my favorite tip chill your knife between cuts for the prettiest squares!
Serving Them Up
These bars are perfect for any occasion! I love bringing them to potlucks they travel beautifully. For bake sales I package them individually people can't resist that glimpse of layers. Sometimes I'll drizzle extra chocolate on top if I'm feeling fancy makes them look totally professional!
Make Ahead Magic
Here's a great party tip these bars actually taste better the next day! All those flavors have time to marry together perfectly. They keep beautifully in the fridge for up to a week if you can resist them that long. I often make a double batch and hide some in the freezer for emergencies though my family has gotten pretty good at finding my secret stash!
Mix It Up
Don't be afraid to play with variations! Sometimes I'll use milk chocolate instead of semi-sweet. My peanut butter loving son suggested adding a peanut butter layer absolute genius! Once I made them with Heath bars instead of Butterfingers also amazing. That's what makes baking fun finding your perfect combination!
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Why These Matter
These bars have become more than just a dessert in our house they're our celebration sweet! There's something so satisfying about creating something that makes people's eyes light up with joy. My kids are learning to bake helping crush cookies and layer ingredients watching simple ingredients transform into something spectacular.
The best part isn't just how delicious they are it's seeing everyone's faces when they take that first bite! Whether you're making them for a special occasion bake sale or just because you need something sweet these never disappoint. And watching people discover they can make something better than store-bought? That's what makes baking so rewarding!
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make these ahead?
- Yes, store at room temperature up to 5 days or refrigerated for a week.
- → Why line the pan with parchment?
- The overhang makes it easy to lift and cut bars cleanly after setting.
- → Can I use different candy bars?
- Yes, substitute with Heath, Skor, or other candy bars for different flavors.
- → How do I cut clean squares?
- Use a sharp knife warmed in hot water and wiped clean between cuts.