Description
These Decadent Salted Caramel Butterfinger Cheesecake Bars combine a rich graham cracker crust with a creamy cream cheese filling, topped with luscious salted caramel sauce and crunchy Butterfinger candy pieces. Baked to perfection and chilled to set, these bars offer a delightful combination of smooth, sweet, and crunchy textures — perfect for dessert lovers craving an indulgent treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 10 full sheets, finely crushed)
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
Filling
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
- â…” 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
- Preheat and Prepare 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.
- 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, then press firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form an even crust layer.
- 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.
- Prepare the Filling – Cream Cheese and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese together with â…” cup sugar on medium speed until the mixture is smooth and creamy without lumps.
- Add Eggs and Flavorings: 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.
- Assemble Filling on 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Add Butterfinger Topping: Sprinkle the crushed Butterfinger candy bars evenly over the caramel topping and gently press them down to ensure they stick.
- 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.
- Serve: Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars from the pan. Cut into 9 equal squares and serve chilled.
Notes
- For best results, use room temperature eggs and softened cream cheese to ensure a smooth filling.
- Make sure not to overbeat the filling once the eggs are added to prevent cracks during baking.
- You can substitute salted caramel sauce with homemade caramel if desired.
- Allow the bars to chill thoroughly to achieve clean cuts and the perfect texture.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
