If you are searching for a show-stopping dessert that dazzles with creamy texture and crunchy sweetness, this Butterfinger Caramel Cheesecake Bars Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine a luscious cream cheese base atop a buttery graham cracker crust, all crowned with drizzles of irresistible caramel sauce and generous chunks of crunchy Butterfinger bars. Each bite is a delicious balance of smooth, sweet, and crunchy, making these cheesecake bars an instant favorite for any occasion. Whether you’re bringing treats to a party or craving something indulgent at home, this recipe is sure to impress and satisfy your dessert cravings like no other.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, quality ingredients is the secret to nailing this Butterfinger Caramel Cheesecake Bars Recipe. Each component adds a unique flavor or texture: the graham cracker crust brings a satisfyingly crisp foundation, the cream cheese filling offers rich creaminess, and the caramel and Butterfinger topping provide just the right touch of decadence and crunch.
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs: For a buttery, crunchy base that holds the cheesecake together flawlessly.
- 1/4 cup sugar: Adds just enough sweetness to balance the graham crackers in the crust.
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted: Binds the crust ingredients and enriches the flavor.
- 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened: The creamy heart of your cheesecake filling; room temperature cream cheese is key for smooth batter.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the filling perfectly without overpowering the other flavors.
- 3 large eggs: Gives structure and a luscious texture to the cheesecake.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the filling.
- 1/4 cup sour cream: Boosts creaminess and adds subtle tang to balance sweetness.
- ½ cup caramel sauce: Use store-bought or homemade for a silky, sweet topping.
- 3 Butterfinger bars, crushed: The star crunchy topping that provides bursts of peanut-buttery flavor in every bite.
How to Make Butterfinger Caramel Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). This is the perfect temperature to slowly bake your cheesecake bars to creamy perfection without cracking. Grease or line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper so you can easily lift out the bars later—this step saves you from any messy sticking issues.
Step 2: Make the Crust
In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs and sugar, then pour in the melted butter. Stir everything together until the crumbs are evenly coated and the mixture feels like wet sand. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan creating the base that will give your cheesecake bars the perfect crisp texture.
Step 3: Bake the Crust
Bake your crust in the oven for 10 minutes. This brief bake sets the crust, ensuring it will hold up to the creamy filling without getting soggy. Once baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool while you prepare the filling.
Step 4: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
Using a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy—this step guarantees your filling won’t have lumps. Add the eggs one by one, mixing thoroughly after each to maintain that silky texture. Stir in the vanilla extract and sour cream last, folding just until combined. This delicious batter is the creamy core of your Butterfinger Caramel Cheesecake Bars Recipe.
Step 5: Bake the Cheesecake
Pour the cheesecake filling over your cooled crust and spread it out evenly. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll want to watch for the edges to turn a slight golden color while the center should still have a gentle jiggle—this ensures the cheesecake bars remain luscious and moist.
Step 6: Chill Completely
Once baked, allow your cheesecake bars to cool to room temperature. Then refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or better yet, overnight. This chilling time lets the bars fully set, making slicing neat and easy without any cracking.
Step 7: Add Caramel and Butterfinger Topping
When your cheesecake bars are fully chilled, drizzle the caramel sauce evenly over the top. Sprinkle the crushed Butterfinger pieces generously on the caramel, creating a beautiful and crunchy finish that bursts with sweet peanut buttery flavor.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Lastly, slice into 16 perfect bars, serve chilled, and enjoy the ultimate treat of creamy cheesecake, sweet caramel, and crunchy Butterfinger bites that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
How to Serve Butterfinger Caramel Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a few creative garnishes can elevate your Butterfinger Caramel Cheesecake Bars Recipe presentation. Try a light dusting of powdered sugar, a few extra crushed Butterfinger pieces scattered on top, or even a dollop of freshly whipped cream on each bar for added richness and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
These bars are richly satisfying on their own, but pairing them with fresh fruit like raspberries or strawberries can add a refreshing contrast. A scoop of vanilla ice cream is also divine, melting beautifully alongside the caramel and creamy cheesecake.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the cheesecake bars on a decorative platter with little squares of caramel sauce beside them for extra dipping. You can also stack mini bars for a festive dessert centerpiece or plate them individually wrapped for gift-giving or parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Butterfinger Caramel Cheesecake Bars keep wonderfully in the refrigerator, tightly wrapped or in an airtight container, for up to 4 days. This storage keeps the bars fresh and prevents the caramel from drying out or making the crust soggy.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these bars later, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They freeze well for up to 2 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight when ready to enjoy.
Reheating
Since these bars are best served chilled, there’s no need to reheat. If you prefer a softer texture, let the bars sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before eating—this brings out the creamy cheesecake flavors beautifully.
FAQs
Can I make the crust gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap out graham cracker crumbs for gluten-free graham style crackers or your favorite gluten-free cookie crumbs to keep the crust safe for gluten-sensitive guests.
Is homemade caramel sauce necessary?
Not at all. Store-bought caramel sauce works perfectly in this Butterfinger Caramel Cheesecake Bars Recipe and is a great shortcut to save time while still achieving great flavor.
Can I use a different candy bar instead of Butterfinger?
Yes! While Butterfinger bars provide a distinctive peanut buttery crunch, you could experiment with other crunchy candy bars like Heath or Snickers for a different twist.
How do I prevent cracks in the cheesecake?
Beating the cream cheese until fully smooth and not overbaking are key to a crack-free cheesecake. A gentle baking temperature of 325°F and proper chilling will help keep the filling smooth and intact.
What’s the best way to cut neat bars?
Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry before slicing. This warm blade cuts cleanly through the cold cheesecake bars, making neat slices without crumbling.
Final Thoughts
This Butterfinger Caramel Cheesecake Bars Recipe is one of those heavenly desserts that transforms any ordinary day into a celebration of sweet, creamy, and crunchy joy. Whether you’re whipping these up for family, friends, or simply treating yourself, these bars deliver pure happiness in every bite. Give this recipe a try—you might just find your new go-to dessert that everyone will adore.
Print
Butterfinger Caramel Cheesecake Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 60 minutes (20 minutes prep + 40 minutes bake + 4 hours chilling)
- Yield: 16 squares
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these rich and creamy Butterfinger Caramel Cheesecake Bars, featuring a buttery graham cracker crust, luscious cheesecake filling, a drizzle of sweet caramel sauce, and a crunchy topping of crushed Butterfinger bars. Perfect for a decadent dessert that combines smooth, sweet, and crunchy textures in every bite.
Ingredients
For the Crust
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Filling
- 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup sour cream
Topping
- ½ cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 3 Butterfinger bars, crushed
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease or line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper to facilitate easy removal of the bars.
- Make the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Stir until the mixture is well incorporated and holds together when pressed.
- Press the Crust: Press the crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form a solid crust layer.
- Bake the Crust: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. Once done, remove it from the oven and set aside to cool completely to prevent the filling from melting.
- Prepare the Cheesecake Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy, ensuring no lumps remain.
- Add Eggs: Incorporate the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to create a smooth and fully blended mixture.
- Mix in Flavorings: Stir in the vanilla extract and sour cream until the mixture is uniform and silky.
- Assemble the Bars: Pour the cheesecake filling evenly over the cooled graham cracker crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake the Cheesecake: Bake the assembled cheesecake bars for 35-40 minutes, or until the edges are slightly golden and the center has a gentle jiggle, indicating it’s set but creamy inside.
- Cool and Refrigerate: Allow the cheesecake to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to let it fully set for optimal texture.
- Top with Caramel Sauce: Once chilled and set, drizzle the caramel sauce evenly over the surface of the cheesecake bars.
- Add Butterfinger Crunch: Sprinkle the crushed Butterfinger bars over the caramel for a sweet, crunchy finish.
- Serve: Cut into 16 squares and serve chilled. Enjoy the rich, creamy cheesecake combined with sweet caramel and crunchy Butterfinger pieces!
Notes
- For best results, ensure the cream cheese is fully softened before mixing to avoid lumps.
- You can use store-bought caramel sauce or homemade caramel for topping.
- Press the crust firmly to prevent it from crumbling when slicing.
- Allowing the cheesecake to chill overnight enhances the flavor and texture.
- Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
