Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars

Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars are a gooey, chewy, and irresistibly crunchy dessert that’s bursting with layers of flavor and texture. These bars combine a buttery base, rich caramel, crispy cereal, and crushed Butterfinger candy bars for the perfect sweet bite. They’re easy to make, no-bake, and dangerously addictive.

Why I’ll Love This Recipe

I love how quickly these bars come together—no oven required, just a saucepan and a pan to press everything into. The combination of creamy caramel, crunchy cereal, and that signature Butterfinger flavor gives every bite a perfect balance of sweet, salty, soft, and crisp. They’re ideal for potlucks, parties, or just when I want something nostalgic and decadent.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Cornflakes or crispy rice cereal

• Butter

• Brown sugar

• Light corn syrup

• Sweetened condensed milk

• Vanilla extract

• Crushed Butterfinger candy bars

• Semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips (optional, for topping)

Directions

1. I start by lightly greasing or lining a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.

2. In a large saucepan over medium heat, I melt the butter, then stir in the brown sugar and corn syrup until smooth.

3. I add the sweetened condensed milk and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring constantly for about 5–6 minutes until it thickens slightly and becomes golden.

4. I remove it from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.

5. In a large bowl, I pour the caramel mixture over the cereal and stir quickly to coat everything evenly.

6. I gently fold in most of the crushed Butterfingers, reserving a bit for the topping.

7. I press the mixture firmly into the prepared pan using a spatula or my hands (lightly greased), then sprinkle the remaining Butterfinger crumbs over the top.

8. If I want a chocolate layer, I melt chocolate chips and drizzle or spread them over the top.

9. I let the bars cool completely before slicing into squares.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 24 bars and takes 20 minutes to prepare, plus 30 minutes for cooling.

Variations

• I sometimes use peanut butter in the caramel mixture for an extra nutty flavor.

• For a twist, I use chocolate-flavored cereal or mix in chopped pretzels for a salty crunch.

• I’ve even layered melted marshmallows over the top before adding chocolate for a s’mores-style twist.

• If I want smaller bites, I press the mixture into a 9×9-inch pan for thicker, more decadent bars.

Storage/Reheating

I store these bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, or in the refrigerator if I want them extra firm. They don’t need reheating, but if I want the chocolate soft and gooey again, I microwave a bar for 5–10 seconds. I don’t recommend freezing them, as the texture can change.

FAQs

Can I use a different candy bar instead of Butterfinger?

Yes, I can use crushed Snickers, Milky Way, or even Reese’s for a different flavor, but Butterfingers give the signature crunch and peanut butter flair.

What kind of cereal works best?

I usually use cornflakes for their crispy texture, but crispy rice cereal or even crushed graham crackers work well too.

Do I need to cook the caramel mixture to a certain temperature?

No candy thermometer is needed—I just boil and stir until the mixture thickens slightly, usually about 5–6 minutes. It should coat the back of a spoon.

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Absolutely. I often make them a day in advance and keep them tightly covered—they hold their shape well and taste even better the next day.

How do I cut the bars neatly?

I use a sharp knife and clean it between slices. If the bars are too sticky, I chill them for a few minutes before cutting.

Conclusion

Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars are everything I want in a dessert—easy, chewy, crunchy, sweet, and a little bit nostalgic. They come together fast and disappear even faster. Whether I’m making them for a crowd or just a weekend treat, they always hit the spot and bring that perfect mix of textures and flavors to every bite.