Irresistibly Sweet Butterfinger Caramel Cheesecake Bars: Your New Favorite Dessert!
Hey there, sweet friends! If you’re like me, there’s just something about a decadent dessert that makes the day feel a little brighter, right? That’s why I’m so excited to share my recipe for Butterfinger Caramel Cheesecake Bars. They’re not only lip-smackingly good, but they also come together so easily you’ll wonder why you didn’t make them sooner! Perfect for family gatherings, lazy weekends, or just because you deserve a treat—let’s dive right in!
Why You’ll Love These Butterfinger Caramel Cheesecake Bars
Picture this: creamy cheesecake, a crunchy Butterfinger crust, and heavenly caramel sauce, all wrapped up in one delightful bar. It’s like a candy bar and cheesecake had a delicious lovechild! Honestly, once you try these, you might make them your go-to dessert (trust me, my family asks for them every weekend)! They’re perfect for busy days or when you just want to impress your guests without breaking a sweat. Plus, who doesn’t love Butterfinger?
Ingredients
Before we get into the steps, here’s what you’ll need to whip up these bars:
- 1 package of Butterfinger candy bars (crushed)
- 1 cup of graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup of melted butter (or coconut oil for a twist)
- 2 (8 oz) packages of cream cheese (softened—don’t forget this step!)
- 1 cup of sugar (or agave syrup for a lighter touch)
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs (or flaxseed meal mixed with water if you want to make it vegan)
- 1 cup of caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- Whipped cream (for topping, can use coconut whipped cream for a dairy-free version)
Steps to Sweet Perfection
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Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C), and grease that 9×9 inch baking dish like it’s getting ready for a spa day! -
Mix the Crust
In a bowl, mix the crushed Butterfinger candy bars, graham cracker crumbs, and melted butter until everything is combined. This mixture should feel like sandy heaven. Press it firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to create a sturdy base. -
Make the Cheesecake Filling
In a separate bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until it’s smooth as a baby’s bottom. Then, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Just don’t let your kids distract you during this step—it’s a delicate balance! -
Pour Over the Crust
Pour that fluffy cream cheese mixture over your crust in the baking dish. Try not to drool—it’s hard, I know! -
Swirl in the Caramel
Drizzle the caramel sauce over the cream cheese layer and take a knife to it! Swirl gently, creating a marbled effect that’s just as fun to look at as it is to eat. -
Bake Away
Bake for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly—kind of like your favorite jiggly dance moves! -
Cool and Chill
Let those babies cool completely, then pop them in the fridge for at least 4 hours. Waiting is the hardest part, but the reward will be worth it! -
Serve and Enjoy!
Once they’re set, cut into bars, top with whipped cream, and sprinkle with more crushed Butterfinger if you’re feeling extra fancy. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Cooking Tips
- Don’t Have a Food Processor? No problem! A zip-top bag and rolling pin work wonders for crushing those Butterfingers.
- Feeling Adventurous? Try adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the caramel. The sweet and salty combo is divine!
- Storage: Keep any leftovers (if they last that long!) in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
A Little Personal Note
I can’t help but think back to the first time I made these Butterfinger Caramel Cheesecake Bars. My kids came running into the kitchen, drawn by the heavenly aroma of baking desserts. They didn’t just eat them—they devoured them! Now, they’re always requesting this dessert, and I get to play the “cool mom” card. Win-win!
FAQs
Can I substitute ingredients in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can easily swap out white sugar for agave syrup and use vegan cream cheese for a dairy-free option.
How can I store leftovers?
Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge. Just be prepared for them to disappear quicker than you can say "Butterfinger"!
With Butterfinger Caramel Cheesecake Bars, you’re not just baking—you’re creating sweet memories. So go ahead, treat yourself and your loved ones! Trust me; they’ll love them just as much as my family does. Happy baking, friends!
#ButterfingerDelight #SweetDesserts
