Butterfinger Caramel Cheesecake Bars

Some recipes come together so perfectly that you wonder how you ever lived without them. That’s exactly how I feel about these Butterfinger Caramel Cheesecake Bars.

They started as a last-minute experiment—an attempt to combine my love for cheesecake with the irresistible flavors of caramel and peanut butter. What I ended up with was a dessert so rich, creamy, and satisfying that it instantly became a favorite.

Imagine biting into a buttery graham cracker crust that crumbles just right, followed by a layer of smooth, caramel-infused cheesecake. Then, just as you think it can’t get any better, the crushed Butterfinger topping adds a satisfying crunch, balancing the creamy sweetness with a salty, peanut-buttery contrast. It’s the kind of dessert that turns heads at any gathering, leaving people wondering where you got the recipe.

No water bath, no complicated techniques—just simple ingredients coming together to create something unforgettable. These bars are perfect for potlucks, holidays, or just a well-deserved treat for yourself. They’re best served chilled, making them a refreshing option for warm days or a luxurious finish to any meal.

Ready to indulge? Let’s get baking!

Short Description

These Butterfinger Caramel Cheesecake Bars feature a buttery graham cracker crust, a creamy caramel cheesecake filling, and a crunchy Butterfinger topping. They’re easy to make, require no water bath, and are the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and creamy textures.

Key Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• ½ cup granulated sugar

For the Filling:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup caramel sauce (plus extra for drizzling)
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream, whipped to stiff peaks

For the Topping:

• 4 Butterfinger candy bars, crushed
• Whipped cream (optional)

Tools Needed

• Mixing bowls
• Hand mixer or stand mixer
• 9×9-inch baking pan
• Parchment paper
• Rubber spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a slight overhang for easy removal.

In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Stir until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press it evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 8 minutes, then set aside to cool.

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling

In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, caramel sauce, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.

In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cheesecake mixture until fully combined.

Step 3: Assemble the Bars

Spread the cheesecake mixture evenly over the cooled crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.

Step 4: Add the Butterfinger Topping

Crush the Butterfinger bars and sprinkle them generously over the cheesecake layer. Lightly press them down so they stick.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until fully set. For best results, chill overnight.

Drizzle extra caramel sauce over the top before serving, and add a dollop of whipped cream if desired.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

No-bake (except for the crust!) – No water bath or complicated techniques required.

Perfect balance of flavors – Creamy caramel, rich peanut butter, and a crunchy graham cracker crust.

Easy to make ahead – Chill overnight for stress-free serving.

Crowd-pleasing – Always a hit at parties and gatherings.

Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions

1. Overmixing the whipped cream

Overbeating can cause it to become grainy. Stop once you see firm peaks.

2. Using warm caramel sauce

Let the caramel cool before mixing it into the cheesecake filling to prevent it from thinning the mixture.

3. Not chilling long enough

The bars need at least 4 hours in the fridge, but overnight is best for the perfect texture.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

With coffee: The caramel and peanut butter flavors pair beautifully with a rich espresso.

As part of a dessert platter: Serve alongside fresh berries, chocolate truffles, or mini cheesecakes.

Topped with extra Butterfinger crumbs: A little extra crunch never hurts!

Storage and Reheating Tips

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Freezing: Wrap bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in an airtight container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different candy instead of Butterfinger?
Yes! Try Snickers, Reese’s Cups, or Heath Bars for a twist.

2. Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! These bars taste even better after chilling overnight.

3. What if I don’t have caramel sauce?
You can substitute dulce de leche or a homemade caramel sauce.

4. Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free graham crackers for the crust.

5. How do I get clean slices?
Run your knife under hot water, wipe it clean between cuts, and slice slowly.

Tips & Tricks

– Use full-fat cream cheese for the best texture. Low-fat versions can make the filling too soft.
– Chill your mixing bowl before whipping the cream for extra volume.
– For extra crunch, reserve some crushed Butterfinger and sprinkle it on right before serving.

Recipe Variations

Chocolate Butterfinger Cheesecake Bars

Swap graham crackers for chocolate cookie crumbs in the crust.

Add 2 tablespoons cocoa powder to the cheesecake filling.

Peanut Butter Cheesecake Bars

Mix ½ cup peanut butter into the cheesecake filling.

Replace caramel sauce with chocolate sauce.

Salted Caramel Twist

Add a pinch of sea salt to the caramel sauce for a sweet-and-salty contrast.

Final Thoughts

Butterfinger Caramel Cheesecake Bars leaves a lasting impression. Every bite delivers a perfect mix of textures—crunchy, creamy, buttery, and rich. They’re the kind of treat that disappears fast, leaving everyone asking for more.

What I appreciate most is how effortless they are. The hardest part is waiting for them to chill! Whether you make them for a special occasion or just because you’re craving something sweet, they never disappoint.

The combination of caramel, peanut butter, and cheesecake feels like it was meant to be. If you’re a fan of any of those flavors, you’ll love this recipe. Give it a try, and let me know how it turns out—I have a feeling it’ll become one of your favorites, too!