If you have a sweet tooth that craves something creamy, crunchy, and absolutely decadent, the Butterfinger Caramel Cheesecake Bars Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine a smooth, luscious cheesecake filling resting on a buttery graham cracker crust, all generously topped with rich caramel and the unmistakable crunch of crushed Butterfinger bars. This dessert is the perfect blend of textures and flavors that come together to make every bite a little celebration. Whether you’re serving it at a party or just indulging yourself after a long day, these cheesecake bars will quickly become one of your favorite treats to make and share.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is the first step toward creating these irresistible bars. The components are straightforward but each plays a crucial role in building the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and that mouthwatering appearance.
- Graham cracker crumbs: This forms the buttery, crumbly base that contrasts beautifully with the creamy topping.
- Sugar: Adds the essential sweetness to both crust and filling, balancing the caramel’s richness.
- Unsalted butter, melted: Binds the crust together and adds a lovely buttery flavor.
- Cream cheese, softened: The star ingredient of your cheesecake filling for that silky, tangy texture.
- Eggs: Help set the cheesecake, giving it structure without heaviness.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the cheesecake’s flavor with a warm, inviting aroma.
- Sour cream: Adds a subtle tang and keeps the cheesecake moist and tender.
- Caramel sauce: A luscious topping that brings a rich, buttery sweetness to the bars.
- Butterfinger bars, crushed: Provide the iconic crunchy, chocolatey finish that makes these bars unforgettable.
How to Make Butterfinger Caramel Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan
Start by heating your oven to 325°F (163°C). Greasing the 9×9-inch baking pan or lining it with parchment makes sure your bars come out perfectly without sticking, making cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Create the Crust
Mix the graham cracker crumbs with sugar and melted butter in a bowl until the mixture is evenly moistened. Press this into your pan evenly to build the foundation of your bars. Then bake it for 10 minutes so it sets firmly, creating that ideal crunchy base you need to contrast with the creamy topping.
Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Cheesecake Filling
Beat softened cream cheese and sugar together until you have a smooth, lump-free mixture. This step is vital to avoid any graininess in your final bars. Then add in the eggs one at a time, blending well after each to keep the filling silky and uniform.
Step 4: Add Flavor and Moisture
Stir in vanilla extract and sour cream, which brighten up the cheesecake’s flavor and add a luscious creaminess. Mix gently to combine without over-beating, ensuring a tender texture.
Step 5: Bake the Cheesecake Layer
Pour the cheesecake mixture over your baked crust and spread it evenly. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes until the edges are set and lightly golden, but keep an eye on the center – it should still jiggle slightly for that perfect creamy finish once chilled.
Step 6: Chill and Add the Toppings
Let the bars cool to room temperature before refrigerating them for a minimum of 4 hours or overnight so they fully set. Once chilled, drizzle the caramel sauce over the top and sprinkle crushed Butterfinger bars generously, adding that signature crunch and sweetness.
Step 7: Slice and Serve
Cut the cheesecake into even bars and serve chilled. Prepare for compliments because these bars combine creamy, crunchy, and sweet flavors in a way that’s downright addictive.
How to Serve Butterfinger Caramel Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Butterfinger Caramel Cheesecake Bars Recipe even more irresistible, consider garnishing with a light dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of extra caramel sauce, or even a few chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for added texture. A dollop of whipped cream on the side never hurts either!
Side Dishes
These cheesecake bars shine on their own, but if you want to get fancy, serve them alongside fresh berries such as raspberries or strawberries to add a refreshing contrast. A cup of freshly brewed coffee or rich hot chocolate is also a perfect pairing that highlights the dessert’s richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or special occasion, consider serving these bars on a decorative platter with alternating layers of caramel drizzle and Butterfinger sprinkles. You can also prepare mini versions using a muffin tin for bite-sized delights that are perfect for sharing – everyone will be asking for the recipe!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover bars tightly in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They keep beautifully fresh for about 4 to 5 days, making them perfect for weekend treats or a quick sweet fix anytime.
Freezing
If you want to make these bars in advance, you can freeze them. Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap and then foil to avoid freezer burn. They’ll stay good for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, let them thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture.
Reheating
Since these are cheesecake bars, reheating isn’t usually necessary or recommended because they’re best served cold. However, if you prefer, you can let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before eating to soften slightly and enhance the flavors.
FAQs
Can I use homemade caramel sauce in this recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade caramel adds a wonderful depth of flavor and allows you to control the sweetness. Just make sure it’s fully cooled before drizzling over the bars to avoid making a mess or melting the cheesecake topping.
What type of Butterfinger bars work best?
The classic Butterfinger bars with the crispy peanut butter core are ideal for this recipe. Crushing them into various sized pieces gives a nice texture mix on top. Avoid pre-crushed or candy-coated Butterfinger pieces that may be too fine or sticky.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely! Simply substitute the graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free graham crackers or a gluten-free cookie crumb of your choice. The rest of the recipe remains the same and still delivers delicious results.
Is it okay to use light or reduced-fat cream cheese?
For the best creamy texture, full-fat cream cheese is recommended. Lower-fat options tend to affect the richness and firmness of the cheesecake filling, making the bars less smooth and dense.
How do I prevent cracks in my cheesecake bars?
To avoid cracks, blend the filling gently and don’t overmix. Also, baking at a relatively low temperature and allowing the bars to cool gradually help maintain a smooth surface. A slight jiggle in the center at the end of baking is perfect for that creamy finish without cracking.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like sharing a tray of homemade Butterfinger Caramel Cheesecake Bars Recipe with loved ones and watching their eyes light up with every bite. This recipe hits every note of indulgence and comfort, combining rich caramel, creamy cheesecake, and crunchy candy in one sensational dessert. I can’t wait for you to try making these bars yourself — trust me, once you do, they’ll be a staple in your dessert repertoire!
Print
Butterfinger Caramel Cheesecake Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 5 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in decadence with these Butterfinger Caramel Cheesecake Bars featuring a crunchy graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake filling, luscious caramel drizzle, and crunchy Butterfinger topping. Perfect for satisfying sweet tooth cravings with a blend of smooth, rich, and crunchy textures.
Ingredients
For the Crust
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Filling
- 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup sour cream
Topping
- ½ cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 3 Butterfinger bars, crushed
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease or line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Make the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Stir until well combined.
- Press Crust: Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.
- Bake Crust: Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and set aside to cool.
- Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Add Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure a smooth filling.
- Mix Flavorings: Stir in the vanilla extract and sour cream until fully combined.
- Assemble Bars: Pour the cheesecake mixture over the cooled graham cracker crust and spread evenly.
- Bake Cheesecake: Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the cheesecake is set and slightly golden around the edges. The center should retain a slight jiggle.
- Cool and Chill: Allow the cheesecake to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to fully set the bars.
- Top with Caramel and Butterfinger: Once chilled, drizzle the caramel sauce evenly over the top.
- Sprinkle Butterfinger: Generously sprinkle the crushed Butterfinger pieces on top of the caramel for added crunch and sweetness.
- Serve: Slice into bars and serve chilled. Enjoy the luscious combination of creamy cheesecake, sweet caramel, and crunchy Butterfingers!
Notes
- For easier removal, line the baking pan with parchment paper extending beyond the edges.
- Use full-fat cream cheese for the creamiest texture.
- Let the cheesecake cool completely before refrigerating to prevent cracking.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- You can substitute Butterfinger bars with any crunchy peanut butter candy bars if preferred.
- Make sure not to overbake the cheesecake; it should still have a slight jiggle for perfect texture.
