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Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars are a decadent dessert featuring a buttery base, a rich caramel layer, and a crunchy topping of Butterfinger candy. This multi-layered treat offers the perfect mix of textures and flavors, making it a standout choice for dessert lovers.
Why You'll Love This Dessert
These bars combine sweet, salty, and crunchy elements for a perfectly satisfying bite. With their gooey caramel, crisp Butterfinger pieces, and buttery foundation, they're ideal for parties, potlucks, or as a special family treat.
Essential Ingredients For Success
- Base Components: - Unsalted butter: 1 cup (227g) melted at 165°F (74°C) - Dark brown sugar: 1 cup (200g) packed, moisture content 3-4% - All-purpose flour: 2 cups (240g) at 70°F (21°C) - Fine sea salt: ½ teaspoon (3g)
- Caramel Layer: - Sweetened condensed milk: 14 oz (397g) at 70°F (21°C) - Unsalted butter: ½ cup (113g) at 65°F (18°C) - Light corn syrup: ½ cup (120ml) clear and fresh - Granulated sugar: 1 cup (200g) pure cane Final caramel temperature: 240°F (116°C) for soft-ball stage
- Topping: - Butterfinger bars: 2 cups (200g) crushed to ¼-inch pieces Temperature should be 65°F (18°C) for optimal adherence
Step By Step Instructions
- Environment Preparation
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), verified with separate thermometer. Position rack in center. Line 9x13-inch pan with parchment, leaving 2-inch overhang.
- Base Development
- Mix melted butter and brown sugar until combined. Add flour gradually until mixture resembles wet sand. Press into pan with 2 pounds pressure for even ¼-inch layer. Bake 10-12 minutes until light golden (Pantone 7508 C).
- Caramel Formation
- Combine caramel ingredients in heavy-bottomed saucepan. Heat over medium flame (325°F/163°C) while stirring constantly. Cook until mixture reaches: 1. Thread stage: 230°F (110°C) 2. Soft-ball stage: 240°F (116°C) Color should be amber (Pantone 7509 C)
- Assembly Protocol
- Pour caramel over base while hot (240°F/116°C). Spread to uniform thickness. Immediately top with crushed Butterfinger pieces, pressing gently to adhere.
- Setting Specifications
- Cool at room temperature (68-72°F/20-22°C) for 60 minutes or refrigerate 30 minutes until caramel is set but still slightly soft when pressed.
Tips for Customization
Add extra flavor by drizzling melted chocolate (tempered to 88-90°F/31-32°C) on top or mixing chopped nuts like pecans (½ cup/57g) into the caramel layer. For a sweet-salty twist, sprinkle flaky sea salt (¼ teaspoon/1.5g) over the Butterfinger topping before cooling.
Serving and Storage
Store bars in airtight container:
- Room temperature (68-72°F/20-22°C): up to 5 days
- Refrigerated (40°F/4°C): up to 2 weeks
- Frozen (0°F/-18°C): up to 3 months
Bring to room temperature before serving for optimal texture.
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Perfect for Every Occasion
Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars are a crowd-pleasing dessert for birthdays, holidays, potlucks, and family gatherings. With their irresistible flavors and textures, they're guaranteed to be a hit wherever they're served.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use regular caramels instead of bits?
Yes, unwrapped regular caramels work fine. Just cut them into smaller pieces for easier melting.
- → Why is my caramel too hard?
Adding milk helps keep the caramel soft. Don't skip this ingredient, and don't overcook the caramel in the microwave.
- → How should I store these bars?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Let sit at room temperature briefly before serving.
- → Can I use other candy bars?
Yes, try Heath bars, Snickers, or any crispy chocolate candy bar for different variations.
- → Why won't my chocolate drizzle smoothly?
Microwave chocolate in short bursts and stir between each to prevent overheating, which can make it grainy or thick.