Get ready to fall in love with the Butterfinger Caramel Cheesecake Bars Recipe, your next go-to dessert that’s as indulgent as it is irresistible. Imagine the perfect buttery graham cracker crust layered with a creamy cheesecake filling embedded with crunchy Butterfinger pieces, all topped off with luscious caramel swirls. This dessert is an ultra-decadent treat that manages to balance sweetness, texture, and richness in every bite—trust me, once you try these bars, they’ll become a beloved classic in your dessert rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple but powerful, each bringing its own magic to the Butterfinger Caramel Cheesecake Bars Recipe. From the crumbly graham crust to the dreamy cream cheese filling, and of course, those crunchy Butterfinger chunks, every element plays a key role in delivering that perfect texture and flavor combination.
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs: Provides a sturdy, buttery base with a hint of sweetness for the crust.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds just the right touch of sweetness to the crust mix.
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted: Binds the crust crumbs together and adds a rich, buttery flavor.
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened: The star ingredient in the cheesecake filling, offering creaminess and tang.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake layer evenly without overpowering it.
- 2 large eggs: Helps set the cheesecake and gives it structure.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses a warm aroma that enhances the overall flavor.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Adds moisture and a slight tang to keep the cheesecake silky smooth.
- 1 cup chopped Butterfinger candy bars: Delivers delightful crunchy and chocolate-peanut buttery bites throughout.
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce plus extra for drizzling: Swirled on top to elevate sweetness with a rich, buttery finish.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances and amplifies all the sweet and creamy flavors perfectly.
How to Make Butterfinger Caramel Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal later. Combine the graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and melted butter in a bowl, stirring until the mixture is evenly moistened. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form your crust. Bake it for 8 minutes to set, then take it out and let it cool slightly while you prepare the filling.
Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese along with 1/2 cup sugar until you get a smooth and creamy texture with no lumps. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to incorporate air and create a light filling. Stir in the vanilla extract, sour cream, and salt until everything is perfectly combined. Finally, gently fold in the chopped Butterfinger candy bars to bring that special crunch and chocolate-peanut flavor inside.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
Pour the cheesecake filling over your pre-baked crust and spread it out evenly with a spatula. Drizzle the caramel sauce over the top in a pattern, then use a knife to create soft swirls by gently dragging it through the caramel and cheesecake. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Watch for the center to be mostly set but still have a slight jiggle—that’s the perfect creamy texture waiting for you!
Step 4: Chill and Slice
Once baked, allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature. Then pop them into the refrigerator for at least 2 hours; this chilling step is crucial as it firms up the bars and makes slicing clean squares a breeze. Before serving, feel free to drizzle additional caramel sauce over the bars or even sprinkle some more crushed Butterfinger pieces on top for extra texture.
How to Serve Butterfinger Caramel Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your presentation, garnish each bar with a light drizzle of caramel sauce and a few crushed Butterfinger bits. A dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of sea salt flakes can also be a fantastic way to contrast the sweetness and highlight the flavors.
Side Dishes
These bars are a rich dessert, so keep side accompaniments simple and fresh. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a handful of fresh berries balances the decadence. For a celebratory feast, pair with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a lightly sweetened iced tea to refresh your palate.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider cutting the bars into bite-sized squares for a party platter, or layering them in dessert cups with extra caramel and whipped cream for an irresistible trifle. Wrapping individual bars in parchment paper and tying them with twine makes a charming homemade gift that friends and family will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Butterfinger Caramel Cheesecake Bars, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep fresh and delicious for up to 3-4 days, making them perfect for a few days of sweet treats without any loss of flavor or texture.
Freezing
If you want to make these bars ahead of time or save extras for later, they freeze beautifully. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. Frozen Butterfinger Caramel Cheesecake Bars Recipe portions can be stored for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving for best results.
Reheating
This dessert is best enjoyed chilled, but if you prefer a slightly softer texture, let the bars sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving as it can alter the texture of the cheesecake and caramel sauce.
FAQs
Can I use other candy bars instead of Butterfinger?
Absolutely! While Butterfinger offers a unique peanut buttery crunch, you can substitute with chopped Heath bars, Snickers, or even chopped peanut butter cups for a similar texture and flavor twist.
Do I have to use sour cream in the cheesecake filling?
Sour cream adds a tangy moisture that keeps the cheesecake creamy and prevents cracking. You can replace it with Greek yogurt in equal amounts if needed, but skip it entirely and the texture might be less rich.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free graham cracker crumbs or almond flour to maintain a similar crust texture while keeping the recipe gluten-free.
How do I avoid cracks in the cheesecake?
Mix the batter just until combined and bake at the recommended temperature without overbaking. Also, allowing the bars to cool gradually and chilling them before cutting can prevent cracks and ensure a smooth surface.
What’s the best way to cut the bars cleanly?
Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts. Chilling the bars thoroughly for at least 2 hours before slicing makes it much easier to get perfect squares without crumbling.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dessert that feels like a big warm hug wrapped in sweet, crunchy, and creamy layers, the Butterfinger Caramel Cheesecake Bars Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s truly a joy to make and a delight to eat—perfect for sharing or treating yourself to something extraordinary. Give this recipe a try and prepare to be amazed by how quickly these bars disappear!
Print
Butterfinger Caramel Cheesecake Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these luscious Butterfinger Caramel Cheesecake Bars that combine a crunchy graham cracker crust with a creamy cheesecake filling studded with chopped Butterfinger candy bars and swirled with rich caramel sauce. Perfectly baked to a velvety texture and chilled to set, these bars are a delightful American dessert to satisfy your sweet tooth with a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Cheesecake Filling
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped Butterfinger candy bars
Topping
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce, plus extra for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the bars later.
- Make Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and melted unsalted butter. Mix until the crumbs are evenly moistened. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust base.
- Bake Crust: Place the crust in the preheated oven and bake for 8 minutes. Once done, remove from the oven and allow it to cool slightly while you prepare the filling.
- Prepare Cheesecake Filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with 1/2 cup granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy with no lumps.
- Add Eggs and Flavor: Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to incorporate fully. Mix in vanilla extract, sour cream, and salt until the filling is well combined and smooth.
- Incorporate Butterfinger: Carefully fold in the chopped Butterfinger candy bars to distribute them evenly throughout the cheesecake batter.
- Assemble and Add Caramel: Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust and spread it evenly. Drizzle 1/2 cup of caramel sauce on top and gently swirl it into the batter with a knife to create a marbled effect.
- Bake Cheesecake Bars: Bake in the oven for 30 to 35 minutes until the center is set but remains slightly soft to the touch, ensuring a creamy texture.
- Cool and Chill: Remove the bars from the oven and let them cool completely at room temperature. Then, refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until thoroughly chilled to firm up for clean slicing.
- Serve: Before serving, optionally drizzle additional caramel sauce over the top and sprinkle extra crushed Butterfinger pieces for added texture and decoration.
Notes
- Chilling the bars thoroughly makes them easier to cut into neat, clean squares.
- For extra texture and presentation, sprinkle additional crushed Butterfinger candy pieces on top just before serving.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness for up to 4 days.
- You can line your pan with parchment paper having sides extending upward to easily lift out the bars after chilling.
