Are you ready for a dessert that’s the perfect combination of creamy, crunchy, and oh-so-decadent? Let’s dive into the world of Butterfinger Caramel Cheesecake Bars! This delightful treat brings together the rich flavors of cheesecake with the irresistible crunch of Butterfinger candy, topped off with a luscious caramel drizzle. Fun fact: These bars are so quick and easy to make that you’ll want to whip them up for every family gathering! If you’ve tried classic cheesecake or even no-bake desserts before, this recipe will add a fun twist to your dessert lineup. Trust me; these bars are sure to impress your family and friends. So, grab your ingredients and let’s get baking!
What is Butterfinger Caramel Cheesecake Bars?
Now, you might be wondering, “What’s in a name?” Well, Butterfinger Caramel Cheesecake Bars is a mouthful of sweet goodness that promises a heavenly experience with every bite. Imagine creamy cheesecake goodness dotted with chunks of your favorite Butterfinger candy and topped with luscious caramel—sounds tempting, right? Legends say the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, and trust me, these bars are a surefire way to win hearts! So, are you curious to experience this delightful treat? Let’s get started with the recipe!
Why You’ll Love This:
You’ll absolutely adore Butterfinger Caramel Cheesecake Bars for three main reasons. First, the star of the show is, of course, the heavenly blend of cream cheese and Butterfinger, which creates a rich and indulgent dessert that’s hard to resist. Second, making these bars at home is a cost-saving adventure compared to buying ready-made desserts. Plus, you get to control the ingredients, ensuring freshness. And let’s not forget the tasty toppings: a drizzle of caramel and some whipped cream that takes it over the top! If you love sweet treats like chocolate eclairs, you’ll want to add these bars to your repertoire. So, why not take a moment to treat yourself and whip up this easy recipe at home?
How to Make:
Quick Overview
Making Butterfinger Caramel Cheesecake Bars is a breeze! With a prep time of just 20 minutes and chilling time of 4 hours, you can have a creamy, indulgent dessert ready in no time. The combination of flavors and textures keeps everyone coming back for more, making it a perfect choice for get-togethers or just a sweet treat for yourself.
Ingredients
To make Butterfinger Caramel Cheesecake Bars, you’ll need the following 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)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Mix until well combined. Press the mixture into a greased 8×8-inch pan evenly. Refrigerate for 15 minutes to set.
- Make the Filling: In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add the caramel sauce, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until combined and creamy.
- Fold in Whipped Cream: Gently fold in the whipped heavy cream into the cream cheese mixture until it’s smooth and fluffy.
- Assemble the Bars: Spread the cheesecake mixture evenly over the chilled crust. Sprinkle the crushed Butterfinger candy bars on top of the cheesecake and drizzle with extra caramel sauce.
- Chill & Serve: Refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight) before slicing into bars. If desired, garnish with whipped cream before serving. Enjoy!
What to Serve Butterfinger Caramel Cheesecake Bars With:
These decadent cheesecake bars pair beautifully with a variety of side dishes. For a delightful afternoon treat, serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Complement the sweetness with fresh berries such as strawberries or raspberries for a nice contrast. For drinks, consider serving them alongside a rich coffee or hot chocolate to enhance the flavors.
Top Tips for Perfecting:
- If you want an extra crunch, try mixing in chopped walnuts or pecans with the crust.
- Make sure your cream cheese is softened for easy mixing—leave it out at room temperature for about an hour before starting.
- Avoid overmixing the whipped cream with the cheesecake filling to maintain a light and airy texture.
- If you don’t have graham cracker crumbs, you can use chocolate cookie crumbs for a different flavor kick!
Storing and Reheating Tips:
To keep your Butterfinger Caramel Cheesecake Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you want to enjoy them later, they can be frozen. Cut them into squares, wrap them individually, and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to 2 months! To serve, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and enjoy. For optimal taste, they’re best served chilled.
FAQs
- Can I use a different type of candy?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap Butterfinger for any candy bar of your choice! - Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free graham crackers to make the crust. - Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! These bars actually taste better after chilling overnight.
Conclusion
Trust me, your taste buds will thank you after you’ve made these Butterfinger Caramel Cheesecake Bars! With their creamy texture and delightful crunch, they’re the perfect treat for any occasion. So gather your ingredients and get ready to impress your family and friends with this delicious dessert. Happy baking!
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, for garnish)
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar until combined.
- Press into a greased 8x8-inch pan to form the crust. Chill in the refrigerator for 15 minutes.
- In another bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Mix in caramel sauce, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until creamy.
- Gently fold whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until smooth and fluffy.
- Spread the cheesecake filling evenly over the crust. Sprinkle with crushed Butterfinger and drizzle with caramel sauce.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight) until set.
- Slice into bars and top with whipped cream before serving, if desired.
Notes
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Use softened cream cheese for a smoother filling. You can also substitute Butterfinger with other favorite candy bars, and chocolate cookie crumbs for a richer crust flavor.