If you love cheesecake, caramel, and Butterfinger candy bars, then you’re in for a treat! These Butterfinger Caramel Cheesecake Bars combine the best of all three ingredients into one irresistible dessert. With a crunchy graham cracker crust, a creamy cheesecake filling, gooey caramel, and a sprinkle of crushed Butterfinger candy, these bars are sure to become your go-to dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering, a birthday celebration, or simply want a sweet treat for yourself, these cheesecake bars hit all the right notes.
Why You’ll Love Butterfinger Caramel Cheesecake Bars
Cheesecake is already a popular dessert on its own, but when you add Butterfinger candy bars and caramel, it becomes something truly special. The graham cracker crust provides a buttery crunch, while the smooth and creamy cheesecake filling offers a rich and satisfying bite. The caramel sauce adds a touch of sweetness and gooeyness, and the crushed Butterfinger pieces give the bars an extra layer of crunch and flavor that’ll make you come back for seconds (or thirds!).
These Butterfinger Caramel Cheesecake Bars are also incredibly easy to make. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you don’t need to be a seasoned baker to achieve stunning results. Plus, they can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge, making them the perfect dessert for busy days when you still want something indulgent.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Crust:
-
1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
-
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Filling:
-
1 cup granulated sugar
-
2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
-
2 large eggs
-
1 tsp vanilla extract
-
1 cup sour cream
-
1 cup caramel sauce
-
1 cup crushed Butterfinger candy bars
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Before you begin assembling your bars, make sure your oven is preheated to 325°F (163°C). This ensures that the cheesecake bakes at the right temperature and comes out perfectly set in the center.
Step 2: Prepare Your Pan
Next, line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Be sure to leave some parchment paper overhanging on the sides of the pan—this will make it easier to remove the cheesecake bars once they’re ready to serve. You can also grease the pan with a little butter or cooking spray to ensure that nothing sticks.
Step 3: Make the Graham Cracker Crust
In a bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Stir until the mixture is well combined and the crumbs are fully coated in butter. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan. Use the back of a spoon or your fingers to firmly pack the crust into place. Once the crust is set, bake it for 10 minutes, then remove it from the oven and allow it to cool slightly while you prepare the cheesecake filling.
Step 4: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar together until smooth. You can use an electric hand mixer or a stand mixer for this step. Once the cream cheese and sugar are fully combined, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Next, stir in the vanilla extract and sour cream until everything is well incorporated. You should now have a thick, smooth, and creamy filling.
Step 5: Add the Caramel and Butterfinger
Take half of the crushed Butterfinger candy and half of the caramel sauce, and fold them into the cheesecake filling mixture. Make sure the candy and caramel are evenly distributed throughout the filling.
Step 6: Bake the Cheesecake Bars
Pour the cheesecake filling over the pre-baked graham cracker crust. Use a spatula to smooth the top so it’s even. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly when you gently shake the pan. The edges of the cheesecake should look slightly golden brown.
Step 7: Cool and Chill
Once the cheesecake is done baking, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool at room temperature for about 1 hour. After it has cooled, place the cheesecake in the refrigerator to chill for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight. This will allow the cheesecake to fully set and make it easier to slice into bars.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!
Once the cheesecake is fully chilled, drizzle the remaining caramel sauce over the top and sprinkle the rest of the crushed Butterfinger candy on top for an extra sweet and crunchy finish. Cut into bars and serve! You can store leftovers in the fridge for up to a week, making these Butterfinger Caramel Cheesecake Bars the perfect make-ahead treat.
Tips for Perfect Butterfinger Caramel Cheesecake Bars
-
Use room temperature cream cheese: To avoid lumps in your cheesecake filling, make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature before mixing it with the sugar. This will create a smooth, lump-free batter.
-
Don’t overbake: The cheesecake should be set but still slightly jiggly in the center when you remove it from the oven. Overbaking will cause the texture to become dry, so keep a close eye on it during the final minutes of baking.
-
Let it chill: Chilling the cheesecake is crucial for the texture. The bars need time to set properly, so don’t skip the refrigeration step.
-
Customize your toppings: While caramel and Butterfinger are a perfect match for this cheesecake, feel free to get creative with other toppings. Try adding chopped nuts, chocolate drizzle, or even whipped cream for a little extra flair.
-
For a firmer crust: If you like your crust to be firmer, press it down more firmly and bake it for a few extra minutes until it’s golden brown.
Why These Bars Are Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re making these Butterfinger Caramel Cheesecake Bars for a holiday party, a family gathering, or just a sweet treat for yourself, they’re sure to impress. The combination of creamy cheesecake, sweet caramel, and crunchy Butterfinger creates a flavor profile that everyone will love. Plus, they’re easy to slice into bars, making them perfect for serving at parties or events.
These bars are also a great option if you’re looking for a dessert that can be made ahead of time. The flavors only get better as the cheesecake chills, so you can prepare them the day before your event and have them ready to serve when you need them.
More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy
If you enjoyed making these Butterfinger Caramel Cheesecake Bars, here are some other decadent desserts that are equally as irresistible:
FAQs About Butterfinger Caramel Cheesecake Bars
Q: Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, making these bars ahead of time is recommended. Allow them to chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to let the flavors fully develop.
Q: Can I use a different candy bar instead of Butterfinger?
Absolutely! While Butterfinger is the star of this recipe, you can swap it out for another candy of your choice. Snickers, Milky Way, or even Heath Bars would work great in this recipe.
Q: Can I freeze these cheesecake bars?
Yes, you can freeze these bars. Once they’re fully set and chilled, place them in an airtight container or wrap them in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. They’ll keep for up to 3 months in the freezer. Just allow them to thaw in the fridge before serving.
Q: Can I make the crust gluten-free?
Yes, to make these bars gluten-free, simply use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs or another gluten-free cookie alternative for the crust.
Conclusion
These Butterfinger Caramel Cheesecake Bars are the perfect combination of creamy, crunchy, and indulgent. With a simple recipe and minimal ingredients, you can create a dessert that is sure to wow your guests or satisfy your sweet tooth. Whether you’re serving them at a special occasion or just enjoying them on a quiet evening, these cheesecake bars are guaranteed to be a hit. So, what are you waiting for? Get your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy this irresistible treat today!
Print
Butterfinger Caramel Cheesecake Bars Step-by-Step
- Total Time: 5 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Rich, creamy, and downright irresistible, these Butterfinger Caramel Cheesecake Bars are layered with buttery graham cracker crust, smooth cheesecake filling, swirls of caramel, and crunchy Butterfinger bits. They’re the perfect make-ahead dessert for holidays, parties, or whenever your sweet tooth strikes!
Ingredients
Crust:
-
1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
-
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
Cheesecake Filling:
-
1 cup granulated sugar
-
2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
-
2 large eggs
-
1 tsp vanilla extract
-
1 cup sour cream
-
1 cup caramel sauce, divided
-
1 cup crushed Butterfinger candy bars, divided
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).
-
Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy lifting.
-
Make the crust: In a bowl, stir together graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Press into the bottom of the pan and bake for 10 minutes. Let cool.
-
Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
-
Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each.
-
Mix in vanilla extract and sour cream until fully combined.
-
Fold in half the caramel sauce and half the crushed Butterfingers.
-
Pour filling over crust, smoothing the top.
-
Bake 30–35 minutes, or until the center is just set and slightly jiggly.
-
Cool for 1 hour, then refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight.
-
Before serving, drizzle remaining caramel and sprinkle with crushed Butterfingers. Slice into bars and enjoy!
Notes
-
For a gluten-free version, use GF graham cracker crumbs.
-
Swap Butterfinger with another candy bar for fun flavor twists.
-
Cheesecake bars can be made 2–3 days in advance and stored chilled.
-
Freeze for up to 3 months – just thaw in the fridge before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 290 kcal
- Sugar: 21g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: Butterfinger Caramel Cheesecake Bars, caramel cheesecake bars, candy bar desserts, easy cheesecake bars