Introduction
Welcome to the world of desserts, where every bite is filled with joy! Today, we will dive into the delightful recipe for Butterfinger Caramel Bars. These bars are not just any treat; they are a sweet symphony of flavors that will make your taste buds dance. If you have a sweet tooth, you are in for a real treat. With the perfect blend of buttery caramel and crunchy Butterfinger, it’s hard to resist having just one. In this post, we will explore everything you need to know about making these irresistible bars.
Ingredients
Before we start baking, let’s gather the ingredients. Here’s what you will need to whip up these Butterfinger Caramel Bars:
- 1 cup of unsalted butter
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 1 cup of packed brown sugar
- 1 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1 cup of rolled oats
- 2 cups of Butterfinger candy bars, chopped
- 1 cup of caramel sauce
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
Make sure you have everything before you start. This will save you from any last-minute runs to the store!
Timing
Timing is everything when it comes to baking. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Baking Time: 25 minutes
- Cooling Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
With a little bit of patience, you will have a delicious dessert ready to go!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that you have your ingredients, let’s get into the fun part: making the Butterfinger Caramel Bars!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial for even baking.
Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Dish
Next, grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or line it with parchment paper. Both methods work well.
Step 3: Mix the Base Ingredients
In a large bowl, cream together the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Use an electric mixer for best results. Blend until it’s light and fluffy, which usually takes about 3 minutes.
Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients
Now, mix in the flour, rolled oats, and salt. Combine until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Step 5: Layer the Mixture
Press half of the crumb mixture into the baking dish. This will form the base of your bars. Make sure it’s evenly spread.
Step 6: Add Caramel and Butterfingers
Drizzle half of the caramel sauce over the base. Then sprinkle the chopped Butterfinger candy bars on top. Drizzle the remaining caramel sauce over the Butterfingers.
Step 7: Add the Top Crust
Finally, crumble the remaining mixture over the top. It doesn’t have to be perfect; rustic is charming!
Step 8: Bake
Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for about 25 minutes or until the top is golden brown. Your kitchen will smell heavenly!
Step 9: Cool and Cut
Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for at least 30 minutes. This will make cutting much easier. Slice into bars and enjoy!
Nutritional Information
Curious about the nutritional content? Here’s a quick overview per bar (assuming 16 bars):
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Protein: 2g
- Sugar: 18g
Remember, moderation is key when enjoying sweet treats!
Healthier Alternatives
If you want to make these bars a bit healthier, consider these substitutions:
- Use coconut oil instead of butter.
- Replace granulated sugar with coconut sugar.
- Try whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour.
- Use a sugar-free caramel sauce.
These swaps can help cut down on calories while still keeping the flavor intact!
Serving Suggestions
Wondering how to serve your Butterfinger Caramel Bars? Here are some fun ideas:
- Top with whipped cream.
- Pair with vanilla ice cream.
- Drizzle extra caramel sauce over the top.
- Serve with a side of fresh fruit for balance.
Each of these options elevates the experience to a whole new level!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even the best bakers make mistakes! Here are some common pitfalls to steer clear of:
- Not measuring ingredients accurately.
- Skipping the cooling time.
- Overbaking the bars.
- Not letting the bars sit before cutting.
Avoiding these errors will help ensure your bars turn out perfectly every time!
Storage Tips
Want to save some for later? Here’s how to store your Butterfinger Caramel Bars:
- Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 2 weeks.
- You can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just wrap each bar individually!
Now you can enjoy these bars whenever the craving hits!
Conclusion
In conclusion, Butterfinger Caramel Bars are a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply indulging yourself, these bars are sure to impress. Follow the steps, avoid the common mistakes, and you’ll be on your way to sweet success!
PrintIrresistible Butterfinger Caramel Bars: A Sweet Treat You Can’t Resist
Delicious Butterfinger Caramel Bars with a perfect blend of chocolate and caramel.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
Ingredients
- 1 cup of unsalted butter
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 1 cup of packed brown sugar
- 1 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1 cup of rolled oats
- 2 cups of Butterfinger candy bars, chopped
- 1 cup of caramel sauce
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Mix in flour, rolled oats, and salt until crumbly.
- Press half of the crumb mixture into the baking dish.
- Drizzle half of the caramel sauce and sprinkle chopped Butterfinger on top, then drizzle remaining caramel.
- Crumble the remaining mixture over the top.
- Bake for about 25 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool for at least 30 minutes before cutting into bars.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use brown butter.
- Feel free to add nuts for extra crunch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
FAQs
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes! Just use gluten-free flour and be sure to check your other ingredients for gluten.
What can I use instead of Butterfinger?
You can use any chocolate-covered candy bar you love. Snickers or Twix work great too!
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! These bars store well and can be made a few days in advance.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have the recipe for these Butterfinger Caramel Bars, it’s time to get baking! Enjoy the process and don’t forget to share with family and friends. After all, desserts are better when shared. Happy baking!