Are you ready to dive into a world of sweet, salty, and crunchy goodness? Forget store-bought candy bars – today, we're making homemade Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars! This incredibly easy recipe delivers all the deliciousness of your favorite candy bar, with the added bonus of knowing exactly what's going into each bite. These bars are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth, impressing guests, or simply enjoying a delicious treat after a long day. They’re a fantastic addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and quick dinner ideas (yes, dessert counts!).
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups chow mein noodles
- 1 cup chopped Butterfinger candy bars
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Caramel: In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir constantly until the mixture comes to a boil.
-
Simmer and Thicken: Reduce the heat to low and continue to simmer, stirring frequently, for about 5-7 minutes, or until the caramel has thickened slightly. The mixture will be thick enough when it coats the back of a spoon.
-
Combine with Noodles and Butterfingers: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the chow mein noodles and chopped Butterfinger candy bars until evenly coated.
-
Press into a Pan: Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to lift the finished bars out easily. Pour the caramel mixture into the prepared pan and press down firmly to create an even layer.
-
Chill: Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until the bars are completely set.
-
Melt the Chocolate: Once the bars are set, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips in a double boiler or microwave (in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth).
-
Top with Chocolate: Pour the melted chocolate over the chilled caramel bars and spread evenly.
-
Set and Cut: Refrigerate for another 30 minutes to allow the chocolate to set completely. Once set, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang and cut into squares.
Tips for Success:
- Don't Overcook the Caramel: Overcooked caramel can become too hard. Keep a close eye on it while it simmers.
- Use Quality Chocolate: Using good quality chocolate will make a noticeable difference in the taste of your bars.
- Customize Your Candy: Feel free to experiment with different types of candy bars or nuts to create your own unique variations.
Delicious Variations:
- Peanut Butter Crunch: Add 1/2 cup of creamy peanut butter to the caramel mixture for an extra layer of flavor.
- Snickers Caramel Crunch: Substitute chopped Snickers bars for the Butterfingers.
- Pretzel Crunch: Add 1 cup of crushed pretzels for a salty and crunchy twist.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used. It's best to use a nutritional calculator for precise values based on your exact ingredients.
- Calories: Approximately 300-350
- Fat: Approximately 18-20g
- Sugar: Approximately 35-40g
Making these homemade Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars is a fun and rewarding experience. They're a delicious treat that's sure to become a favorite among family and friends. Enjoy the process and the delicious results of your homemade cooking! These are undeniably among the best recipes for satisfying a sweet craving. They're also great healthy meals in moderation, of course!