Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars are the kind of dessert that feels like a celebration in every bite — gooey caramel, melty chocolate, crispy crushed Butterfinger candy, and just a touch of sea salt to balance it all out. They’re rich, sweet, a little salty, and impossibly crunchy in the best way.

I first made these on a chilly Sunday afternoon when I was craving something indulgent but didn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. The moment they came out of the oven, the house smelled like a candy shop. And honestly? They barely had time to cool before my family devoured them. It’s one of those recipes that’s just that good — the kind you make “just to try it” and then find yourself making again and again.

What makes these bars truly special is how simple they are to throw together. Most of the ingredients are pantry staples (hello, graham crackers and sweetened condensed milk!), and the process is wonderfully straightforward — no candy thermometers, no fancy techniques, just one delicious layer after another.

In this post, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know: step-by-step instructions, helpful tips, fun variations, and storage hacks. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or treating yourself on a slow weekend, this foolproof recipe has got you covered.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich and Crunchy Texture

What makes Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars so irresistibly good is the incredible texture in every single bite. You start with a buttery graham cracker crust, which gives you that firm, crumbly base. Then comes the gooey layer of sweetened condensed milk and caramel sauce, melting together into a soft, almost fudge-like center. On top of that, you’ve got a generous sprinkle of crushed Butterfinger bars—crispy, nutty, and perfectly sweet. Add melty chocolate chips and butterscotch chips, and you’re left with a treat that’s rich, crunchy, chewy, and downright dreamy. Every layer brings something different, and together? Total perfection.

Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor

This recipe is proof that you don’t need fancy ingredients to create something truly spectacular. Most of what you need is probably already in your pantry—like graham crackers, sugar, butter, and chocolate chips. The rest, like sweetened condensed milk and caramel sauce, are easy to grab at any grocery store.
You won’t need any specialized tools either—no stand mixer, no candy thermometer, no fuss. Just simple steps and everyday ingredients that come together to make a dessert that tastes like it came straight from a bakery case. Big flavor, low effort—exactly how homemade treats should be.

Foolproof and Beginner-Friendly

Even if you’re brand new to baking, you’ve got this. Really. Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars are a one-pan wonder that requires zero complicated techniques. There’s no dough to chill, no layers to carefully frost, and absolutely no need to stress.
You’ll crush some graham crackers, melt some butter, sprinkle on toppings, and bake—it’s that easy. And the results? They taste like you spent hours in the kitchen.
This recipe is ideal for those times when you want to whip up something impressive with minimal effort. Whether you’re baking for a party, a holiday tray, or just a midweek treat, this is one of those go-to recipes that never fails. Plus, it’s ready in under an hour, start to finish.

Fun to Customize

The base recipe is amazing as-is, but it also leaves plenty of room for creativity. Want to add some crunch? Toss in some pretzel bits or chopped peanuts. Feeling indulgent? A handful of mini marshmallows melted into the caramel layer adds an ooey-gooey twist that’s hard to resist.
You can even switch things up with different drizzles—think peanut butter, Nutella, or white chocolate—or go heavy on the chocolate chips if that’s your thing.
Making it for a crowd? Just double the recipe and bake it in a 9×13-inch pan. Whether you’re customizing for allergies, preferences, or just for fun, this recipe gives you a delicious canvas to play with.

Ingredients

Full List of Ingredients with Role

Here’s what you’ll need to bring these irresistible bars to life—and why each one matters:

• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips – brings a rich, chocolatey layer that balances the sweetness.

• 1/2 cup butterscotch chips – adds buttery, caramel-like notes that enhance the flavor.

• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt – just a pinch makes the sweet layers pop and adds a subtle, crave-worthy contrast.

• 1 sleeve graham crackers, crushed – forms the sturdy, slightly crunchy base.

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted – binds the crust and gives it that signature melt-in-your-mouth feel.

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar – sweetens and stabilizes the crust.

• 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk – gives the bars a fudgy, gooey texture and creamy richness.

• 1 cup caramel sauce – sticky, smooth, and essential for that classic caramel flavor.

• 1 1/2 cups crushed Butterfinger bars – the star ingredient! Brings a crispy texture and unmistakable peanut-buttery crunch.

✨ Pro tip: Crush your Butterfinger bars into small chunks—not crumbs—to keep that crunch alive in every bite.

How to Make Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars

Step-by-Step Instructions

This recipe is delightfully simple — no fancy tools or complicated steps, just good ingredients layered with love. Here’s exactly how to make these gooey, buttery, chocolate-caramel dream bars come to life:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving a bit of overhang on the sides. (This makes lifting the bars out a breeze later.)

2. Make the crust. In a mixing bowl, stir together:

   • 1 sleeve of crushed graham crackers

   • 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter

   • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
     Mix until it looks like wet sand, then firmly press the mixture into the bottom of your lined baking dish to form an even crust.

3. Start the layering magic.

   • Drizzle half of the caramel sauce (about 1/2 cup) over the crust.

   • Pour the entire can of sweetened condensed milk evenly over the caramel layer. Use a spatula to gently spread it if needed.

   • Sprinkle crushed Butterfinger candy bars across the top. (Pro tip: slightly larger chunks = more crunch.)

4. Add the chocolatey goodness.
   Evenly scatter semi-sweet chocolate chips and butterscotch chips across the top. These melt into the candy layer as it bakes, making every bite rich and indulgent.

5. Finish with a drizzle.
   Pour the remaining caramel sauce across the top in a zigzag pattern. Don’t worry about being perfect — the caramel will spread beautifully as it bakes.

6. Bake for 25–30 minutes until the edges are golden brown and the center is bubbling gently.

7. Cool completely before slicing. This is the hardest part, but it’s worth the wait — the bars set up and slice much more cleanly when cool.

8. Sprinkle with sea salt just before serving for that final sweet-salty touch that brings it all together.

These bars are perfect for sharing… or not. (We won’t judge.)

What to Serve with This Recipe

Suggested Pairings

Drinks:

• Iced coffee or a cozy mug of hot cocoa

• A tall glass of cold milk

Desserts:

• Vanilla ice cream (a scoop on top = instant magic)

• Light whipped cream or a dollop of chocolate mousse

Occasions:

• Perfect for potlucks, cookie swaps, bake sales, or just because!

These bars hold their own but pair beautifully with just about anything sweet or creamy.

Variations and Substitutions

Nut-Free Version

If you need a nut-free option, simply replace the Butterfinger bars with toffee bits or a nut-free candy like Heath bar minis (nut-free version) or crushed pretzels for crunch.

Extra Chocolatey Version

Love chocolate? Double up on the chocolate chips or drizzle the cooled bars with chocolate ganache or melted dark chocolate for an even richer treat.

Gluten-Free Option

You can easily make this recipe gluten-free by swapping the graham crackers for a certified gluten-free brand or crushed gluten-free cookies. Everything else is naturally gluten-free!

Storage Instructions

Room Temperature

• Store the bars in an airtight container at room temp for up to 5 days.

• They’ll stay chewy and soft with a nice crunch on top.

Refrigeration Tips

• Want them firmer or planning to stack them? Pop them in the fridge.

• They’ll stay fresh and firm for up to 10 days.

Freezing Instructions

• Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap, then place them in a zip-top freezer bag or airtight container.

• Freeze for up to 2 months.

• To enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature, or microwave in 10-second intervals for a warm, melty treat.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

These little details can make a big difference — here are some of my tried-and-true tips to make sure your Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars turn out absolutely perfect every time:

• Line your pan with parchment paper. It makes cleanup easier and helps you lift the bars out in one clean piece.

• Use good-quality chocolate. It’s a simple recipe, so quality really shines through.

• Let the bars cool completely before slicing — trust me, it’s worth the wait for those nice, clean edges.

• Crush your Butterfingers coarsely. You want chunks, not crumbs. Bigger pieces keep that signature crunch.

• Don’t overbake. You’re looking for bubbling around the edges, not a dark brown top. Overbaking can dry out the caramel.

These bars are all about contrast — gooey and crunchy, sweet and salty — and these tips help you nail that balance every time.

Related Recipes

Loved these Butterfinger Bars? Try these next:

• 🍫 Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownie Bombs – triple-layered indulgence!

• 🍓 Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Tacos – a fruity and fun twist!

• 🍮 Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls – chewy, sticky, and totally nostalgic!

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes! If you only have salted butter on hand, go ahead and use it — just omit or reduce the sea salt sprinkled on top to keep things balanced.

Do I need to refrigerate them before cutting?

You don’t have to, but it helps a lot. Chilling the bars firms everything up and gives you cleaner slices — especially if you’re planning to serve them for a party or gift box.

Can I make them in advance?

Absolutely. These bars actually taste better the next day as the flavors have time to meld. Store them at room temp or in the fridge, and they’ll stay fresh for several days. You can even freeze them for longer storage.

Can I make these bars without baking?

This particular version does require baking to get that caramelized magic. However, if you’re looking for a no-bake version, try combining melted marshmallows and caramel bits on the stovetop, then layering over a graham cracker crust and chilling until set.

Can I use homemade caramel sauce?

Yes — and if you’ve got a good homemade caramel sauce recipe, it can take these bars to the next level. Just make sure it’s thick enough to hold its shape and not too runny, or it may soak into the crust.

Conclusion

There’s something truly special about these Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars. They’re rich, chewy, crispy, and perfectly indulgent — the kind of dessert that disappears faster than you expect. Between the crunchy graham cracker base, gooey caramel center, melty chocolate, and those iconic Butterfinger chunks, each bite is layered with flavor and texture.

What makes them even better? They’re so easy to make. Whether you’re baking for a crowd, a holiday, or a Tuesday night treat, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. And with all the options to customize — from nut-free to extra chocolatey — you can truly make them your own.

If you give these Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars a try, leave a comment below and let me know how they turned out! Or better yet, tag me on Instagram so I can see your delicious creations. Happy baking! 🍫✨

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