Ready to wow your taste buds with a dessert that’s delightfully crunchy, decadently chocolatey, and loaded with classic candy bar nostalgia? These Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars combine layers of gooey caramel-infused cereal, an irresistible peanut butter chocolate topping, and a generous scattering of Butterfinger bits for the ultimate treat. If you’re looking for a show-stopping no-bake dessert that’s just as easy as it is memorable, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your home!

Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Pulling together the magic for Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars is a breeze. Each ingredient plays its part—some provide crunch, others bring richness or irresistible gooeyness, and together, they create an unforgettable dessert bar you’ll crave again and again!

Rice cereal: The foundation for unbeatable crunch and that classic, chewy texture.
Caramel candies: Melting these creates the gooey, sweet layer that holds everything together.
Heavy cream: Makes the caramel silky-smooth and easy to blend with the cereal.
Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Adds the perfect chocolatey richness without overwhelming sweetness.
Creamy peanut butter: Gives the chocolate layer an extra touch of decadence and a perfect salty-sweet balance.
Butterfinger candy bars: Crushed up for topping, these add crispy, peanut-buttery bites throughout every bar.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor and gives warmth to the chocolate-peanut butter topping.
Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness and rounds out all the flavors beautifully.

How to Make Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan

Start strong by lining a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, making sure there’s extra paper hanging over the edges for easy removal later. This simple step ensures you’ll release your finished Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars without any fuss or sticky mess.

Step 2: Get the Crunch Ready

Pour your rice cereal into a large mixing bowl and set it aside. This ensures you’ll be ready for the caramel once it’s melted—no frantic searching for bowls mid-recipe! The cereal is the heart of the crunch, creating that wonderful base you’ll taste in every bite.

Step 3: Melt the Caramel

In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, combine your caramel candies with the heavy cream. Stir gently and patiently until you have a luscious, glossy caramel with zero lumps. The cream helps make the caramel pourable and smooth, so every puffed grain gets a delicious sticky coating.

Step 4: Mix Caramel with Cereal and Press

Pour your freshly made caramel over the rice cereal. Use a spatula to turn and coat every bit—this is where your bars get their gooey charm. Once thoroughly mixed, press the cereal-caramel mixture firmly and evenly into your prepared pan. The tighter you press, the neater your final bars will be!

Step 5: Make the Chocolate Peanut Butter Topping

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and peanut butter. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring well after each one, just until everything is melted and smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt for a layer that’s rich, creamy, and full of depth.

Step 6: Spread Chocolate Layer and Add Butterfinger

Spread the chocolate peanut butter topping evenly over the cereal base with a spatula, making sure it reaches all edges and corners. Sprinkle your crushed Butterfinger candy bars across the top, gently pressing them into the soft chocolate to help them adhere. This final step brings that signature Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars flavor and texture!

Step 7: Chill and Slice

Let the entire pan chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour, or until everything is beautifully set and firm. Once ready, lift out your slab using the parchment overhang, cut into bars, and admire your handiwork!

How to Serve Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars

Garnishes

To take your Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars from delicious to unforgettable, try drizzling a little extra melted chocolate over the top or adding a light dusting of flaky sea salt right before serving. Both options highlight the balance of sweet, salty, and crunchy in every bite.

Side Dishes

These bars certainly shine alone, but they’re also amazing with a scoop of classic vanilla ice cream or alongside a cold glass of milk. For grown-up gatherings, try serving them with espresso or strong coffee—the bitter notes pair perfectly with the bars’ sweet and nutty flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars don’t need much dressing up, but for special occasions, stack them on a tiered plate stand or nestle them in colorful cupcake liners for easy, charming presentation. For party favors, wrap individual bars in wax paper and tie with a bright ribbon or rustic twine for a homemade touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep their texture crisp and their chocolate layer firm. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to five days—though they rarely last that long!

Freezing

If you’d like to keep some on hand for future cravings, these bars freeze beautifully. Layer them between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer-safe container, and they’ll keep for up to three months. Defrost in the fridge overnight before serving for best results.

Reheating

If you prefer your Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars a bit softer, just let them come to room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes before enjoying. There’s no need to actually heat them—just a quick rest on the counter will make every bite perfectly gooey and chewy again.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Dessert

Absolutely! While classic rice cereal gives the perfect light crunch, you can swap in corn flakes or even crispy wheat squares for a fun twist. Just be aware that texture and flavor may change slightly.

What if I don’t have Butterfinger candy bars?

If you can’t find full-size Butterfinger bars, use pre-made Butterfinger baking bits or chop up mini Butterfinger candies. The key is scattering them generously across the top to get that signature flavor in every bite.

Is there a way to make these bars allergy-friendly?

You can substitute sunflower seed butter for the peanut butter and use allergy-safe chocolate chips if needed. For gluten-free diets, double-check that your cereal and caramel candies are certified gluten free.

Can I double this recipe for a crowd?

Yes! Simply use two 9×13 pans, or a larger sheet pan, and increase all ingredients proportionally. Just be sure to give the bars extra chilling time so they set firmly all the way through.

Do Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars travel well?

They do! As long as you keep them cool and pack them snugly to prevent shifting, these bars make excellent additions to lunchboxes, picnics, or potluck dessert spreads.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been searching for the ultimate no-bake dessert to brighten up your dessert table, make your next potluck stand out, or just treat yourself to some crunchy, caramel-filled nostalgia, don’t miss these Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars. Give them a try—you’ll make lifelong fans out of everyone who grabs a square!

Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars Recipe

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4.5 from 6 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Yield: 24 bars 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the irresistible combination of crunchy rice cereal, gooey caramel, smooth peanut butter, rich chocolate, and classic Butterfinger candy bars in these decadent Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars. A perfect treat for any sweet tooth!

Ingredients

Scale

Rice Cereal:

1 box (12 oz)

Caramel Layer:

1 bag (11 oz) caramel candies, unwrapped
2 tablespoons heavy cream

Chocolate Peanut Butter Layer:

2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup creamy peanut butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

Topping:

6 full-size Butterfinger candy bars, crushed

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Instructions

Prepare Pan: Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
Mix Cereal: Place rice cereal in a large bowl.
Melt Caramel: In a saucepan, melt caramel candies with heavy cream until smooth.
Coat Cereal: Pour melted caramel over cereal, stir to coat, and press into pan.
Melt Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate chips and peanut butter, then stir in vanilla and salt.
Layer Chocolate: Spread chocolate mixture over cereal base.
Add Topping: Sprinkle crushed Butterfinger bars over chocolate layer.
Chill: Refrigerate for at least 1 hour until firm, then cut into bars and serve.

Notes

For a quicker version, use pre-crushed Butterfinger baking bits instead of full bars.
Store bars in the fridge for up to 5 days in an airtight container.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Bake
Cuisine: American