Butterfinger Caramel Bars: A Decadent Treat with Crunch and Richness

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil. In a bowl, combine the melted butter, flour, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture forms a soft dough. Press this dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are slightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly.

Make the Caramel Layer:
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the brown sugar, butter, heavy cream, and salt. Stir the mixture until the butter is melted and the sugar has dissolved, bringing it to a simmer. Let it cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the caramel thickens slightly. Pour the caramel over the baked base, spreading it out evenly.

Add the Butterfinger Topping:
Sprinkle the chopped Butterfinger pieces evenly over the caramel layer, gently pressing them down so they adhere to the caramel. For an extra touch, drizzle the chocolate chips over the top, if using. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until the caramel is bubbly and the Butterfinger pieces are slightly melted.

Cool and Slice:
Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, cut into squares or bars. For cleaner slices, refrigerate the bars for 1-2 hours before cutting.

Enjoy:
Serve and enjoy these rich, decadent Butterfinger Caramel Bars as a perfect treat for any occasion. The combination of smooth caramel, crunchy Butterfinger, and buttery base will leave everyone craving more.

Serving and Storage Tips: