Looking for a sweet treat that perfectly balances creamy, crunchy, and caramel goodness? Look no further than these Butterfinger Caramel Cheesecake Bars! Whether you’re planning a cozy family gathering, a festive holiday party, or just craving something indulgent for a weekend treat, these bars are guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Inspired by the iconic Butterfinger candy bars, this dessert combines the rich flavors of caramel, cheesecake, and a buttery graham cracker crust—creating a layered masterpiece that will impress everyone at the table. The irresistible crunch of Butterfingers adds the perfect contrast to the creamy filling, making each bite a true delight. With minimal effort, you can make this dessert the star of any occasion, leaving guests raving for more.
Why You’ll Love These Butterfinger Caramel Cheesecake Bars
There are so many reasons to love this dessert. Here are just a few:
- Creamy and Crunchy: The cheesecake filling is smooth and velvety, while the crushed Butterfinger bars provide a satisfying crunch in every bite.
- Perfectly Balanced: The rich caramel sauce and sweetened cream cheese filling are perfectly offset by the slight tanginess of the graham cracker crust.
- No-Bake Convenience: With a few easy steps, you can prepare these bars without turning on the oven, making them ideal for hot days or busy evenings when you want a hassle-free dessert.
- Great for Any Occasion: From birthdays and holidays to casual gatherings and potlucks, these bars are the ideal dessert for any celebration.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before diving into the steps, let’s gather the ingredients for the Butterfinger Caramel Cheesecake Bars. The beauty of this recipe lies in how simple and accessible the ingredients are, but the result is an extraordinary dessert!
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup granulated sugar
The crust is buttery, slightly sweet, and perfectly complements the creamy filling. It provides a solid foundation for all the delicious layers above.
For the Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup caramel sauce (plus extra for drizzling)
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream, whipped to stiff peaks
The filling is a rich combination of cream cheese and caramel, lightened up with whipped cream for a mousse-like texture that melts in your mouth.
For the Topping:
- 4 Butterfinger candy bars, crushed
- Whipped cream (optional)
For the topping, the crushed Butterfinger candy bars bring the crunch and the caramel flavor, while the whipped cream adds a touch of decadence (and is optional, but highly recommended).
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Butterfinger Caramel Cheesecake Bars
Let’s walk through the steps to create these irresistible dessert bars. While the process is straightforward, there are a few key tips to ensure the bars come out perfectly every time.
1. Prepare the Crust:
Start by preparing the graham cracker crust, which will be the base of your cheesecake bars. In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Stir until everything is evenly mixed, and the crumbs are fully coated in butter.
Next, take an 8×8-inch pan (or any similarly sized square baking dish) and lightly grease it. Press the graham cracker mixture into the bottom of the pan, making sure it’s even and compact. Use the back of a spoon or your hands to press it down firmly.
Place the pan in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes to set the crust. This step ensures the crust holds together well when you add the filling.
2. Make the Cheesecake Filling:
While the crust is chilling, it’s time to make the decadent cheesecake filling. Begin by beating the softened cream cheese with a handheld or stand mixer. You want to beat the cream cheese until it’s smooth and creamy, with no lumps remaining.
Add the caramel sauce, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract to the cream cheese and continue mixing until the mixture is smooth and well combined. The caramel sauce will add a rich, buttery flavor to the filling, making it absolutely irresistible.
Next, whip the heavy whipping cream in a separate bowl until stiff peaks form. This step is key to achieving the light, airy texture of the cheesecake. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture. Take your time and mix carefully so as not to deflate the whipped cream.
Once fully incorporated, the filling will be smooth, light, and airy, ready to be spread over the crust.
3. Assemble the Bars:
Now that both the crust and filling are ready, it’s time to assemble the dessert. Take the chilled graham cracker crust from the fridge and spread the cheesecake mixture evenly over the top. Use a spatula to smooth it out, ensuring that it covers the entire crust in a thick, creamy layer.
Once the filling is spread evenly, sprinkle the crushed Butterfinger candy bars over the top of the cheesecake. The crushed Butterfingers will provide a crunchy, peanut-buttery contrast to the smooth and creamy filling.
Finally, drizzle some extra caramel sauce over the top of the bars for an added burst of sweetness and an attractive finishing touch.
4. Chill & Serve:
After assembling the bars, place them back in the refrigerator and let them chill for at least 4 hours. This step is crucial for the bars to set and hold together when you slice them. If you have the time, letting them chill overnight will result in even better flavor and texture.
Once the bars have chilled and set, it’s time to slice them into squares and serve. For an extra touch of elegance, you can top each piece with a dollop of whipped cream. This is totally optional, but it adds a beautiful finish and makes the bars look even more indulgent.
Tips for Success
While this recipe is relatively easy, here are a few helpful tips to ensure your Butterfinger Caramel Cheesecake Bars turn out perfectly every time:
- Use Room Temperature Cream Cheese: For the smoothest filling, make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature before beating it. Cold cream cheese can result in lumps that are hard to mix out.
- Chill the Bars Properly: Be patient and let the bars chill for at least 4 hours. The texture and flavor improve as they set.
- Customizable Toppings: Feel free to experiment with the topping! If you’re not a fan of Butterfinger candy, try other candy bars like Snickers or Reese’s for a different twist.
- Serve with Extra Caramel Sauce: For the ultimate indulgence, serve the cheesecake bars with a drizzle of extra caramel sauce on top or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make these cheesecake bars ahead of time?
Yes, these Butterfinger Caramel Cheesecake Bars are perfect for making ahead! In fact, they need to chill for a few hours anyway, so making them the day before is a great idea. Just store them in the refrigerator, and they’ll stay fresh for up to 4 days.
Can I freeze the cheesecake bars?
Yes, you can freeze these bars for up to 1-2 months. To freeze, slice the bars and place them on a baking sheet in a single layer. Once frozen solid, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. When ready to serve, allow the bars to thaw in the fridge for several hours or overnight.
Can I use a different type of candy for the topping?
Absolutely! While Butterfingers give these cheesecake bars a distinct flavor, you can easily swap them for other candy bars like Reese’s, Snickers, or even crushed Oreos for a fun twist. The options are endless, so feel free to get creative!
Final Thoughts: Why These Cheesecake Bars Are a Must-Try
If you’re a fan of creamy desserts with a bit of crunch and an indulgent caramel flavor, these Butterfinger Caramel Cheesecake Bars should be on your must-try list. With their simple ingredients, easy prep, and irresistible flavor, they’re sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.
Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply treating yourself to something sweet, these bars are sure to impress. The best part? They’re easy to make and guaranteed to leave everyone asking for the recipe.
So, what are you waiting for? Whip up these Butterfinger Caramel Cheesecake Bars today and get ready for an unforgettable dessert experience!
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Did you try making these cheesecake bars? We’d love to hear how they turned out! Don’t forget to share your photos and experiences with us on social media, and tag us in your posts. Happy baking!