If you love the combination of creamy cheesecake and crunchy candy bars, then you are going to adore Butterfinger Caramel Cheesecake Bars. These delightful dessert bars mix rich cheesecake flavors with the sweet crunch of Butterfinger candy and a hint of caramel, creating a treat that’s nearly impossible to resist. Perfect for parties, family gatherings, or just a sweet snack, these bars are sure to please everyone!
Why Make This Recipe
Making Butterfinger Caramel Cheesecake Bars is a great choice for several reasons. First, they are incredibly easy to prepare, requiring no baking and only a few simple steps. Second, the combination of flavors and textures—a creamy filling, crunchy topping, and sweet caramel drizzle—creates a dessert that’s utterly delicious. Lastly, they can be made in advance, giving you more time to enjoy with friends and family when they are ready to be served!
How to Make Butterfinger Caramel Cheesecake Bars
Ingredients:
- 1 1⁄2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1⁄2 cup granulated sugar
- 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)
Directions:
Prepare the Crust: In a bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar until well combined. Press this mixture into a greased 8×8-inch pan. Refrigerate for 15 minutes to set.
Make the Filling: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, caramel sauce, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gently fold in the whipped cream to add lightness.
Assemble the Bars: Spread the cheesecake mixture evenly over the chilled crust. Sprinkle the crushed Butterfinger bars on top and drizzle with extra caramel sauce for added sweetness.
Chill & Serve: Refrigerate the dessert for at least 4 hours before slicing into bars. You can garnish with whipped cream if desired. Enjoy your delicious, creamy, and crunchy dessert bars!
How to Serve Butterfinger Caramel Cheesecake Bars
Serve the Butterfinger Caramel Cheesecake Bars chilled, either on their own or topped with a little more whipped cream. You can also add a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra flavor. They make a wonderful dessert after dinner or a sweet treat to enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea.
How to Store Butterfinger Caramel Cheesecake Bars
These bars can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To keep them fresh, cover them tightly with plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the bars for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap them well to prevent freezer burn.
Tips to Make Butterfinger Caramel Cheesecake Bars
- Make sure your cream cheese is softened before mixing. This helps achieve a smooth and creamy filling.
- Don’t skip the chilling time! Refrigerating them for at least 4 hours helps the bars set properly and enhances the flavors.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of crushed Butterfinger bars to your liking. More candy means more crunch!
Variation
For a different flavor, consider swapping the Butterfinger bars with another type of candy, such as Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups or Snickers. You can also try adding cocoa powder to the crust for a chocolatey twist!
FAQs
1. Can I make Butterfinger Caramel Cheesecake Bars ahead of time?
Yes! These bars can be made a day in advance. Just make sure to store them in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve.
2. Can I use a different type of crust?
Absolutely! While graham cracker crust is traditional, you can use Oreo cookies, vanilla wafers, or any other cookie you like as a base.
3. How do I make the bars gluten-free?
Use gluten-free graham crackers or a gluten-free cookie option for the crust. Double-check the labels on the candy bars to ensure they fit your dietary requirements.
Butterfinger Caramel Cheesecake Bars
Ingredients
Crust Ingredients
- 1.5 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 0.5 cup granulated sugar
Filling Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened Make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
- 0.5 cup caramel sauce Plus extra for drizzling.
- 0.5 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream, whipped to stiff peaks
- 4 bars Butterfinger candy, crushed
- Whipped cream (optional) For garnish.
Instructions
Prepare the Crust
- In a bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar until well combined.
- Press this mixture into a greased 8×8-inch pan.
- Refrigerate for 15 minutes to set.
Make the Filling
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, caramel sauce, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Gently fold in the whipped cream to add lightness.
Assemble the Bars
- Spread the cheesecake mixture evenly over the chilled crust.
- Sprinkle the crushed Butterfinger bars on top and drizzle with extra caramel sauce for added sweetness.
Chill & Serve
- Refrigerate the dessert for at least 4 hours before slicing into bars.
- Garnish with whipped cream if desired and enjoy!
