Decadent Salted Caramel Butterfinger Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Introduction

These Decadent Salted Caramel Butterfinger Cheesecake Bars combine creamy cheesecake with crunchy candy and a buttery graham cracker crust. Perfect for a homemade dessert, they blend sweet, salty, and crunchy flavors into every bite.

Two square dessert bars with four visible layers sit on a wooden surface set against a white marbled texture. The bottom layer is a crumbly, brown crust, dense and compact. Above it is a thick, smooth white cream layer, followed by a thinner, golden caramel or fruit layer with a slightly uneven texture. The top is covered with dark, glossy caramel sauce dripping down the sides, and sprinkled with chunky, crumbly pieces of brown streusel or cookie crumbs. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 10 full sheets, finely crushed)
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • ⅔ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 2 Butterfinger candy bars, crushed (about 3.5 ounces)
  • ½ cup salted caramel sauce

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy bar removal.
  2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and ¼ cup sugar. Stir until evenly mixed and press firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
  3. Step 3: Bake the crust for 10 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
  4. Step 4: In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese with ⅔ cup sugar on medium speed until smooth and creamy.
  5. Step 5: Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract and sour cream until just combined.
  6. Step 6: Pour the filling over the cooled crust and spread evenly. Tap the pan gently to release air bubbles.
  7. Step 7: Bake for 35-40 minutes, until edges are set but center jiggles slightly.
  8. Step 8: Remove from oven and let cool for 10 minutes. Drizzle salted caramel sauce evenly over the top.
  9. Step 9: Sprinkle crushed Butterfinger pieces evenly over the caramel and press gently to stick.
  10. Step 10: Refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight to firm up.
  11. Step 11: Lift bars out using parchment overhang and cut into 9 squares.

Tips & Variations

  • Use softened cream cheese to ensure a smooth batter and prevent lumps.
  • Do not overbeat the filling to avoid cracks in the cheesecake surface.
  • Room temperature eggs help create a better texture in the filling.
  • Tap the pan after pouring the filling to release trapped air bubbles.
  • For easier slicing, chill bars thoroughly for at least 3 hours or overnight.
  • Crush Butterfinger bars gently to keep nice chunks for texture.
  • If cracks form, cover them with extra caramel or Butterfinger pieces when topping.

Storage

Store cheesecake bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat is not recommended, but serving chilled is best to maintain texture and flavor.

How to Serve

Two square pieces of cheesecake sit side by side on a wooden board. Each piece has three layers: the bottom is a crumbly brown crust, the middle is a thick, creamy off-white cheesecake layer, and the top is a glossy, dark amber caramel sauce that drips down the sides. On top of the caramel, there are small chunks and crumbs of a crunchy, nutty topping that adds texture. The caramel is shiny and smooth, contrasting with the rough crumbs on top. The entire scene is set on a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes, these cheesecake bars actually benefit from chilling overnight, which helps them firm up and makes slicing easier.

Can I substitute Butterfinger bars with another candy?

You can substitute with other crunchy candy bars like Heath or Snickers, but the flavor and texture will vary slightly.

Print

Decadent Salted Caramel Butterfinger Cheesecake Bars Recipe

These Decadent Salted Caramel Butterfinger Cheesecake Bars combine a buttery graham cracker crust with a creamy cheesecake filling, topped with rich salted caramel sauce and crunchy Butterfinger candy pieces for an indulgent homemade dessert bar that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion.

  • Author: Hannah
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Total Time: 3 hours 65 minutes (including chilling time)
  • Yield: 9 bars 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Crust

  • 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 10 full sheets, finely crushed)
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar

Cheesecake Filling

  • 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • ⅔ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • ½ cup sour cream

Topping

  • 2 Butterfinger candy bars, crushed (about 3.5 ounces)
  • ½ cup salted caramel sauce

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal of the bars later.
  2. Make the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and ¼ cup granulated sugar. Stir well until the mixture is evenly coated and press firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form an even crust layer.
  3. Bake the Crust: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. Remove from oven and allow it to cool slightly while you prepare the filling.
  4. Prepare the Cheesecake Filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese together with ⅔ cup sugar on medium speed until the mixture is smooth and creamy without lumps.
  5. Add Eggs and Flavoring: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to incorporate fully. Stir in the vanilla extract and sour cream, mixing until just combined to keep the filling smooth and prevent overbeating.
  6. Pour Filling over Crust: Pour the cheesecake filling evenly over the slightly cooled crust. Spread with a spatula to level the surface and gently tap the pan on the counter to release any trapped air bubbles.
  7. Bake the Cheesecake Bars: Bake in the oven for 35-40 minutes, until the edges are set and the center still jiggles slightly when gently shaken.
  8. Cool and Add Toppings: Remove from oven and let the bars cool for about 10 minutes. Evenly drizzle the salted caramel sauce over the warm cheesecake surface.
  9. Add Butterfinger Pieces: Sprinkle the crushed Butterfinger candy bars evenly over the caramel topping and gently press them down to ensure they stick.
  10. Chill to Set: Refrigerate the cheesecake bars for at least 3 hours or overnight to allow them to firm up and the flavors to meld.
  11. Serve: Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars from the pan. Cut into 9 equal squares and serve chilled.

Notes

  • Use softened cream cheese to ensure a smooth batter without lumps.
  • Do not overbeat the cheesecake filling, as this can cause cracks during baking.
  • Use room temperature eggs to help the batter combine smoothly.
  • Tapping the pan removes air bubbles for a creamier texture.
  • Chill bars thoroughly before slicing to get clean cuts.
  • Crush Butterfinger bars gently to preserve chunky texture pieces.
  • If cracks form, cover them with extra caramel sauce or Butterfinger pieces for a beautiful finish.

Keywords: Salted Caramel, Butterfinger, Cheesecake Bars, Dessert Bars, Homemade, Easy Dessert

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