Butterfinger Caramel Cheesecake Bars

Butterfinger Caramel Cheesecake Bars are my go-to dessert when I want something crowd-pleasing without the hassle. They offer the perfect blend of creamy texture, satisfying crunch, and balanced sweetness. I love how the smooth cheesecake pairs with rich caramel and those golden crispy candy bits. Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a special occasion, these bars always impress. I’ve made them ahead for potlucks, served them at birthdays, and even enjoyed a slice with my afternoon coffee. They never disappoint.

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My Favorite Bars with a Crunchy Candy Twist

The first time I made Butterfinger Caramel Cheesecake Bars, I wasn’t even planning to. I had some cream cheese in the fridge, a few fun-size candy bars stashed in the pantry, and just enough caramel to swirl through a quick dessert. I wasn’t expecting much, but once I took that first bite, I knew I’d found something special. These bars have the perfect balance, creamy cheesecake, rich caramel pockets, and that irresistible candy crunch.

Now, Butterfinger Caramel Cheesecake Bars are my go-to whenever I want to treat my family without making a fuss. My daughter asks for them whenever she sees caramel in the cupboard. My son always enjoys adding the chopped candy pieces as the finishing touch. They’re that one dessert everyone reaches for first, no matter what else is on the table.

Whether it’s a casual Friday night or a last-minute bake sale, I love how these bars feel nostalgic yet indulgent. Honestly, I can’t imagine my dessert rotation without them.

Recipe

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Crust and Filling That Never Fail

Building a Graham Cracker Crust That Holds Its Own

When I first started baking Butterfinger Caramel Cheesecake Bars, I realized quickly that the crust had to be more than just an afterthought. A strong, buttery base gives these bars their structure and balances the sweet, creamy filling. My recipe calls for 1½ cups of graham cracker crumbs combined with some sugar and melted unsalted butter. Once it looks like damp sand, I press it firmly into a parchment-lined baking pan.

A 10-minute bake time allows the crust to firm up while developing a beautiful golden hue. The scent alone will have your kitchen smelling like something amazing is about to happen. If you’re ever in the mood for a similar base in a chilled recipe, it’s also great in my Caramel Cheesecake Shooters.

You can also switch it up with chocolate cookies if you’re craving a richer base. That variation works beautifully with the Butterfinger flavor.

Crust Option	Flavor Profile	Pairs Best With
Graham Crackers	Sweet, buttery, classic	Traditional cheesecake & caramel
Chocolate Cookies	Rich, cocoa-forward	Peanut butter or toffee candy bars
Spiced Biscuit Crumbs	Warm, cinnamon notes	Fall-inspired versions with salted caramel

Mixing the Cheesecake Filling Just Right

The filling is where Butterfinger Caramel Cheesecake Bars truly shine. I always let my cream cheese soften on the counter so it blends smoothly. Once it’s ready, I beat it with sugar until fluffy. Next, I add vanilla extract and incorporate two eggs individually, taking care to avoid overbeating.

To bring the caramel layer to life, I fold in half a cup of caramel sauce. I like to leave visible swirls for that extra pop of flavor. Before baking, I top the batter with chopped Butterfinger pieces. They melt slightly into the cheesecake, adding that signature crunch.

These Butterfinger Caramel Cheesecake Bars come together easily, but every bite feels like something from a bakery window. And they’re even better the next day.

Baking and Finishing with Flair

Baking the Bars to Creamy Perfection

Once I’ve layered everything, it’s time to bake the Butterfinger Caramel Cheesecake Bars. I place the pan in a preheated oven at 325°F and bake for about 35 to 40 minutes. The edges should look firm, while the center still has a soft jiggle. That’s how you know the bars will come out creamy and rich.

Avoid overbaking. The cheesecake layer in these Butterfinger Caramel Cheesecake Bars continues to set as it cools. If you bake too long, it can dry out or crack. I often turn off the oven, crack the door open, and let the bars sit for 10 minutes before removing them. This helps them cool gently and evenly.

For extra smooth results, you can bake the pan in a water bath. I’ve used this trick when making my Plant-Based Tiramisu, and it works well here too. It prevents sudden temperature changes and keeps the texture velvety.

Once baked, let the bars cool at room temperature. Then refrigerate for at least three hours, though I find overnight works best. Chilling gives Butterfinger Caramel Cheesecake Bars their firm, clean slices and enhances the flavor.

Garnishing with Crunch, Caramel, and Style

After chilling, it’s time to make them shine. I drizzle the remaining caramel sauce over the top, then sprinkle on the rest of the chopped Butterfingers. That final layer brings texture, sweetness, and eye-catching color.

When I slice Butterfinger Caramel Cheesecake Bars, I use a hot knife and wipe it clean between each cut. This keeps the layers sharp and photo-worthy.

Storage, Substitutions, and What to Serve It With

How to Store Butterfinger Caramel Cheesecake Bars

After a bit of trial and error, I’ve learned the best way to store Butterfinger Caramel Cheesecake Bars for both texture and flavor. I keep them in an airtight container in the fridge, where they stay fresh for up to five days. In fact, I think they taste even better after the first 24 hours. The flavors meld, the caramel sets perfectly, and the crust holds strong.

If I’m prepping for a holiday or party in advance, I wrap individual bars in parchment, then slide them into a freezer bag. They freeze well for up to three months. For serving, I just move them to the refrigerator the evening prior. They thaw slowly and stay beautifully creamy.

I also like to pull them out of the fridge about 15 minutes before serving. That slight rise in temperature softens the cheesecake layer just enough, making every bite melt-in-your-mouth good.

Easy Substitutions and Serving Pairings

One of the reasons I keep coming back to Butterfinger Caramel Cheesecake Bars is their flexibility. If I’m out of graham crackers, chocolate sandwich cookies make a great crust alternative. I’ve also made a cinnamon-spiced crust in the fall, and it worked beautifully with the caramel notes.

Can’t find Butterfingers? No problem. I’ve tried using chopped Reese’s, Heath bars, and even pieces of toffee chocolate. They each bring something unique, but the caramel swirl ties everything together.

Easy substitutions for Butterfinger Caramel Cheesecake Bars:

• Crust: Use crushed chocolate sandwich cookies instead of graham crackers.
• Spice twist: Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon to the crust for a cozy fall flavor.
• Candy swaps: Try chopped toffee bars, peanut butter cups, or milk chocolate chunks.
• Caramel variations: Use salted caramel for a deeper, more complex flavor.

When it comes to serving, I love pairing these bars with a strong coffee or espresso. The rich bitterness balances the sweetness perfectly. On warmer days, I’ll add a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or serve them with a quick berry compote for a bright, fruity contrast.

These Butterfinger Caramel Cheesecake Bars offer rich decadence while remaining versatile. They feel fancy enough for special occasions, but easy enough to enjoy on a lazy Sunday afternoon.

Perfect pairings with Butterfinger Caramel Cheesecake Bars:

• Strong espresso or cold brew
• Vanilla bean or caramel swirl ice cream
• Fresh berry compote with a touch of lemon zest
• Toasted pecans or candied walnuts
• Warm chocolate sauce on the side

Final Thoughts

These Butterfinger Caramel Cheesecake Bars Recipe deliver everything you want in a dessert. They’re creamy, crunchy, sweet, and just a little nostalgic. Whether I’m baking ahead for a birthday or just need a quick dessert to share with family, I know I can count on this recipe.

It’s the kind of treat that feels special but doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. I’ve made them so many times now, I could probably mix the crust blindfolded. But the result never gets old. If you’re ready to bring a little joy to your dessert table, give these bars a try.

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FAQ About Butterfinger Caramel Cheesecake Bars