Craving a dessert that’s rich, creamy, and packed with crunchy texture? These Butterfinger Caramel Cheesecake Bars are here to satisfy your sweet tooth in the most indulgent way possible. With a buttery graham cracker crust, a luscious caramel cheesecake filling, and a generous topping of crushed Butterfinger candy bars, this recipe is a showstopper for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party, celebrating a special event, or simply treating yourself, these bars are sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love These Butterfinger Caramel Cheesecake Bars
Before we begin, here’s why this recipe stands out:
- Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The creamy cheesecake layer pairs beautifully with the sweetness of caramel and the crunch of Butterfinger candy bars.
- No-Bake Recipe: No oven required—this recipe is simple and easy to make.
- Customizable: Add extra toppings like whipped cream or chocolate drizzle for an even more indulgent treat.
- Crowd-Pleasing: These bars are a hit at parties, potlucks, or family gatherings.
- Easy to Store: They can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for convenience.
Ready to embark on this sweet journey? Let’s explore the ingredients and detailed instructions.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Here’s what you’ll need to create these irresistible Butterfinger Caramel Cheesecake Bars:
For the Crust:
- Graham cracker crumbs: Provides a buttery, crunchy base for the bars.
- Unsalted butter, melted: Binds the crust together and adds richness.
- Granulated sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the crust.
For the Filling:
- Cream cheese, softened: Creates a smooth, creamy base for the cheesecake layer.
- Caramel sauce: Infuses the filling with rich, gooey sweetness.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the filling while keeping it light and airy.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with its warm, aromatic notes.
- Heavy whipping cream, whipped to stiff peaks: Adds a light, fluffy texture to the filling.
For the Topping:
- Butterfinger candy bars, crushed: Adds a satisfying crunch and a burst of peanut butter flavor.
- Whipped cream (optional): For an elegant garnish.
- Extra caramel sauce: Drizzled on top for added decadence.
These simple yet high-quality ingredients come together to create a dessert that’s both satisfying and nostalgic. Now, let’s move on to the step-by-step instructions.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these detailed steps to make the most decadent Butterfinger Caramel Cheesecake Bars.
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated and the mixture resembles wet sand.
Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased 8×8-inch pan, using the back of a spoon or the bottom of a measuring cup to ensure an even layer. The crust should be compact and smooth to provide a sturdy base for the bars.
Refrigerate the crust for 15 minutes to allow it to set. This step ensures the crust holds together when you add the filling.
Pro Tip: For an extra-flavorful crust, toast the graham cracker crumbs in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2–3 minutes before mixing them with the butter and sugar. This enhances their nutty aroma.
Step 2: Make the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, caramel sauce, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract using a hand mixer or stand mixer. Blend until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps.
In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture in three parts, being careful not to deflate the whipped cream. The goal is to maintain a light, airy texture in the filling.
Pro Tip: Taste the filling before assembling the bars. If you prefer a sweeter filling, add an additional tablespoon of powdered sugar or caramel sauce.
Step 3: Assemble the Bars
Spread the cheesecake filling evenly over the chilled crust, using a spatula to smooth the top. Be sure to spread the filling all the way to the edges of the pan for a polished look.
Sprinkle the crushed Butterfinger candy bars evenly over the filling, pressing them lightly into the surface to help them adhere. For an extra touch of indulgence, drizzle additional caramel sauce over the top in a zigzag pattern.
Pro Tip: Crush the Butterfinger bars into small, bite-sized pieces for even distribution, or leave some larger chunks for added texture.
Step 4: Chill and Set
Refrigerate the assembled bars for at least 4 hours, or until the filling is firm and set. Chilling allows the flavors to meld and ensures clean slices when serving.
Pro Tip: For faster chilling, place the pan in the freezer for 1–2 hours. Be sure to transfer it to the refrigerator afterward to soften slightly before slicing.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Once the bars are set, remove them from the refrigerator and lift them out of the pan using the overhanging parchment paper or foil. Cut them into squares or rectangles using a sharp knife, wiping the blade clean between cuts for neat edges.
If desired, garnish each bar with a dollop of whipped cream or an extra drizzle of caramel sauce for a restaurant-worthy presentation.
Pro Tip: Serve the bars chilled for a firmer texture, or let them sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes for a softer, creamier consistency.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
These Butterfinger Caramel Cheesecake Bars are incredibly versatile and pair beautifully with a variety of accompaniments:
- As a Standalone Dessert: Perfect for parties, holidays, or casual gatherings.
- With Beverages: Pair with a glass of cold milk, iced coffee, or hot cocoa for a cozy treat.
- For Entertaining: Arrange them on a dessert table alongside other treats like brownies, cookies, or fruit skewers for a festive spread.
- With Toppings: Experiment with additional toppings like chocolate shavings, sprinkles, or chopped nuts for added flair.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Storage:
- Refrigeration: Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Keep them in a single layer or separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Freezing: Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Reheating:
- While reheating isn’t necessary for this recipe, letting the bars sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes before serving ensures they’re soft and creamy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?
A: Absolutely! Store-bought caramel sauce works perfectly and saves time. Look for a high-quality brand for the best flavor.
Q: What can I substitute for Butterfinger candy bars?
A: Try crushed peanut butter cups, Heath bars, or even pretzel pieces for a similar crunchy texture.
Q: How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A: Use gluten-free graham crackers or crushed gluten-free cookies for the crust, and ensure your caramel sauce is gluten-free.
Q: Can I use cool whip instead of homemade whipped cream?
A: Yes! Cool Whip is a convenient substitute for homemade whipped cream in the filling.
Q: Why is my filling too runny?
A: A runny filling can occur if the whipped cream isn’t folded in gently or if the bars aren’t chilled long enough. Ensure the whipped cream is whipped to stiff peaks and chill the bars for at least 4 hours.
Variations to Try
- Add Chocolate: Melt semisweet or dark chocolate and drizzle it over the top for a chocolatey twist.
- Swap Candy Bars: Use Snickers, Milky Way, or Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups instead of Butterfingers.
- Layered Bars: Add a thin layer of Nutella or peanut butter spread between the crust and filling for extra richness.
- Mini Bars: Cut the bars into smaller, bite-sized pieces for a fun, party-friendly treat.
Final Thoughts
These Butterfinger Caramel Cheesecake Bars are the ultimate dessert indulgence—a creamy, crunchy, caramel-filled treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With their buttery crust, velvety filling, and crunchy candy topping, they’re a recipe that feels indulgent yet approachable. Whether you’re serving them as a dessert, snack, or party centerpiece, these bars are sure to bring smiles and satisfaction.
By following the detailed instructions, storage tips, and customization ideas provided here, you’ll be able to create a dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. So, gather your ingredients, embrace the simplicity of this recipe, and treat yourself to a taste of homemade indulgence anytime you’d like. Enjoy every bite of these creamy, crunchy, caramel-filled bars—you deserve it! 🍬✨
Butterfinger Caramel Cheesecake Bars
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for the crust)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce (plus extra for drizzling)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream (whipped to stiff peaks)
- 4 Butterfinger candy bars, crushed
- whipped cream (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated and the mixture resembles wet sand.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased 8×8-inch pan. Use the back of a spoon or the bottom of a measuring cup to ensure an even layer. Refrigerate for 15 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, caramel sauce, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract using a hand mixer or stand mixer. Blend until smooth and free of lumps.
- In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture in three parts, being careful not to deflate the whipped cream.
- Spread the cheesecake filling evenly over the chilled crust. Sprinkle the crushed Butterfinger candy bars evenly over the filling, pressing them lightly into the surface.
- Drizzle additional caramel sauce over the top in a zigzag pattern for added decadence.
- Refrigerate the assembled bars for at least 4 hours, or until the filling is firm and set.
- Once set, lift the bars out of the pan using parchment paper or foil. Cut into squares or rectangles using a sharp knife, wiping the blade clean between cuts. Garnish with whipped cream if desired.
