Butterfinger Cookie Bars

Imagine the perfect combination of sweet, salty, crunchy, and gooey all layered into one glorious dessert bar. These Butterfinger Cookie Bars bring together melted butter, graham cracker crust, creamy peanut butter, and generous chunks of crushed Butterfingers for a nostalgic candy bar twist on your classic cookie treat.

Perfect for parties, potlucks, or that much-needed sugar fix after a long day, this recipe is quick to make and even quicker to disappear. Every bite delivers a delightful mix of textures and flavors that will keep you coming back for seconds… and thirds. Get ready to impress your friends or simply treat yourself you deserve it!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted

  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs

  • 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk

  • 1 cup peanut butter

  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

  • 1 cup crushed Butterfinger candy bars

  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

  • Pinch of salt

Directions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

  2. In a medium bowl, mix the melted butter and graham cracker crumbs until fully combined. Press the mixture into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish to form a crust.

  3. In a saucepan over low heat, stir together sweetened condensed milk and peanut butter until smooth and well-blended. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.

  4. Pour the peanut butter mixture evenly over the crust.

  5. Sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the top, followed by the crushed Butterfinger pieces.

  6. Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes or until the edges are golden and the top is bubbling slightly.

  7. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 325 kcal | Servings: 24 bars

The Irresistible Charm of Butterfinger Cookie Bars: Why You Need to Bake Them Today

There’s something undeniably nostalgic and satisfying about a dessert that combines all the best parts of childhood and indulgence into one pan. Butterfinger Cookie Bars are exactly that a decadent, crunchy, chewy, and flavor-packed treat that is as simple to make as it is impossible to forget. Whether you’re a lifelong Butterfinger lover or just looking for an easy dessert recipe that will wow guests and family alike, these cookie bars deliver everything you could want in a sweet treat. They’re the perfect fusion of comfort food and candy bar magic.

What Makes Butterfinger Cookie Bars So Special?

Butterfinger Cookie Bars stand out from the crowd because they blend the familiar textures and flavors of your favorite baked goods with the unmistakable crunch and flavor of Butterfinger candy. With their iconic peanut butter and flaky toffee layers, Butterfingers are already a beloved classic. But when you crush them up and layer them into a gooey, chocolatey cookie base, you elevate them to a whole new level.

These bars offer a beautiful contrast of textures: the buttery graham cracker crust, the velvety smooth peanut butter filling, melty chocolate chips, and the crisp, slightly caramelized crunch of Butterfinger crumbles on top. Every bite hits you with sweet and salty notes, rich chocolate, and that unique peanut butter toffee crackle that Butterfinger fans adore.

A Dessert for Every Occasion

Butterfinger Cookie Bars are incredibly versatile and can fit into almost any event or gathering. Need a crowd-pleasing dessert for a potluck? These bars are easy to slice and serve. Looking for a school bake sale hit? Kids (and grownups) will be lining up for seconds. Hosting a holiday party? They’re festive, indulgent, and look beautiful on a dessert tray. And if you’re simply craving something sweet and satisfying at home, these bars are perfect to keep around for those cozy nights in.

They also transport well, making them a popular choice for gifting during the holidays or sharing with coworkers, friends, or neighbors. Stack a few bars in a cute box or tin, and you’ve got an instantly heartwarming gift.

The Flavor Profile

Butterfinger Cookie Bars offer a perfectly layered flavor experience. The base of graham crackers and butter is familiar and satisfying just sweet enough and pleasantly crumbly. The peanut butter layer, enriched with sweetened condensed milk, adds a luscious, creamy texture and a deep nutty richness. Chocolate chips bring gooey decadence, while the crushed Butterfinger topping adds the final punch of flavor and crunch.

The sweet and salty balance is one of the best things about these bars. They’re rich and indulgent but not overly cloying. The crispness of the Butterfinger contrasts beautifully with the softer textures below, creating a satisfying bite every time.

Customization Ideas and Variations

One of the best things about a recipe like this is how easily it can be customized to suit your preferences or to match whatever ingredients you have on hand. Here are a few creative twists you can try:

  • Add chopped peanuts to the top for an extra crunch and nutty flavor.

  • Use a different base, such as crushed Oreos or chocolate graham crackers, to switch up the foundation.

  • Swirl in caramel before baking to add a rich, gooey layer that complements the peanut butter and chocolate.

  • Make it gluten-free by using gluten-free graham crackers and ensuring your candy and other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

  • Try it with white chocolate chips for a sweeter, creamier profile that contrasts beautifully with the Butterfinger topping.

  • Add a layer of mini marshmallows on top during the last few minutes of baking for a s’mores-inspired variation.

The possibilities are endless, and these bars are forgiving enough to handle a little experimentation.

Tips for Baking Success

Even though this recipe is easy to make, there are a few tips to ensure your bars come out perfectly every time:

  • Don’t overbake. The bars will firm up as they cool, so remove them from the oven when the edges are golden and the center is just set.

  • Let them cool completely before cutting to get clean, even slices. For best results, you can even refrigerate them for 30 minutes before slicing.

  • Use parchment paper to line your baking dish. This makes it easier to lift out the whole batch and cut them without sticking.

  • Crush Butterfingers gently. You want chunks, not powder, so that the candy texture really comes through in every bite.

Serving Suggestions

Butterfinger Cookie Bars are delicious straight from the pan, but if you want to dress them up, here are a few ideas:

  • Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an instant dessert à la mode.

  • Drizzle with melted chocolate or peanut butter for an Instagram-worthy finish.

  • Top with whipped cream and a Butterfinger shard to turn it into a plated dessert for dinner parties.

  • Pair with coffee or a glass of milk for a comforting afternoon snack or dessert.

Storing and Freezing

These bars store beautifully, which makes them even more convenient. You can keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or in the fridge for about a week. If you want to freeze them, cut the bars first and place them in a single layer with parchment paper between layers. They’ll keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature or warm briefly in the microwave before serving.

Butterfinger Cookie Bars vs. Other Cookie Bar Recipes

There are countless cookie bar variations out there chocolate chip, seven-layer bars, s’mores bars but Butterfinger Cookie Bars hold their own thanks to their unique flavor and nostalgic appeal. The combination of ingredients makes them more complex and memorable than your average cookie bar. Plus, they’re one of the few recipes that truly showcase a classic candy bar in a way that feels intentional and elevated.

For candy lovers and cookie lovers alike, this dessert bridges the gap perfectly. It’s comfort food with a twist recognizable and creative all at once.

Conclusion:

Butterfinger Cookie Bars aren’t just another dessert they’re a delicious way to blend comfort, nostalgia, and indulgence into one unforgettable bite. With layers of texture, the perfect mix of sweet and salty, and a preparation process simple enough for any skill level, this is the kind of recipe that becomes a staple in your dessert rotation.

Whether you’re baking for a holiday, party, or just because, these cookie bars are sure to delight everyone who tries them. And once you’ve made them, don’t be surprised if people start requesting them again and again. So grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create a treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.

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