Butterfinger Caramel Cheesecake Bars That Melt in Your Mouth (Easy Recipe Inside!)

Posted on June 17, 2025

Butterfinger Caramel Cheesecake Bars stacked with caramel drizzle

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Butterfinger caramel cheesecake bars are one of those dangerously irresistible desserts that combine the best of both worlds—crunchy candy and creamy cheesecake. Whether you’re baking for a party, holiday, or just because your sweet tooth won’t quit, these bars are the kind of treat that vanish before they even cool. In this guide, I’ll show you exactly how to make them from scratch, store them properly, and even adapt them to your taste. We’re starting with a warm, real-life kitchen memory, followed by foolproof steps that guarantee success—even if you’re a beginner.

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Why Butterfinger Caramel Cheesecake Bars Are My Go-To Dessert

Baking Memories That Started in a Vermont Kitchen

When I was a teenager growing up in Vermont, our house always smelled like something sweet—my mom owned a bakery and my dad was the king of backyard grilling. But it was one quiet Sunday afternoon when I stumbled upon a Butterfinger cheesecake recipe in a dusty old cookbook that changed my dessert game forever.

With caramel sauce from a jar and a few leftover candy bars from Halloween, I made my first batch of butterfinger caramel cheesecake bars. I didn’t expect perfection—but the moment that creamy cheesecake hit with a crunch of candy, I was hooked. Even though I live in Asheville now, this recipe still brings me back to that warm little Vermont kitchen, where baking was messy, fun, and full of flavor.

What Makes Butterfinger Caramel Cheesecake Bars So Irresistible

Here’s the thing: these cheesecake bars are easy enough for beginners, but delicious enough to impress a crowd. The layers of sweet graham cracker crust, smooth vanilla cheesecake, sticky caramel swirls, and crushed Butterfinger make every bite a textural dream. You get crunch, creaminess, and just the right amount of sweetness.

And they’re not just good fresh out of the oven—they store well and even taste amazing chilled. Whether you use store-bought or homemade caramel sauce, the flavor is unbeatable.

If you’re already dreaming of more creamy desserts, you’ll love sipping on this White Chocolate Raspberry Coffee Creamer while your cheesecake bars chill.

How to Make the Best Butterfinger caramel cheesecake bars recipe Step by Step

Ingredients for butterfinger caramel cheesecake bars — All the ingredients you need to make Butterfinger caramel cheesecake bars

Ingredients That Make These Butterfinger Caramel Cheesecake Bars Irresistible

To create the perfect butterfinger caramel cheesecake bars, you need the right blend of creamy, crunchy, and sweet. The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity—you probably already have most of these ingredients in your kitchen. And yes, crushed Butterfinger candy bars make these bars truly unforgettable.

Here’s what you’ll need for a perfect batch of butterfinger caramel cheesecake bars:

1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs – the buttery base for your cheesecake bars
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted – to bind the crust
16 oz cream cheese, softened – full-fat cream cheese gives the creamiest result
¾ cup granulated sugar – just the right amount to balance the tang of the cream cheese
2 large eggs – room temperature helps them blend smoothly
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – a must for rich depth of flavor
½ cup caramel sauce – for swirling into the cheesecake (store-bought or homemade both work)
1 ½ cups chopped Butterfinger bars – fold some into the filling and save some for topping
Pinch of salt – just enough to cut the sweetness and boost flavor

Optional but recommended: extra caramel drizzle and Butterfinger bits for topping.

Instructions for Foolproof recipe for Butterfinger caramel cheesecake bars

Butterfinger caramel cheesecake bars in baking pan with caramel swirl — Cheesecake mixture with caramel swirls before baking

Prep Your Pan and Oven
Preheat your oven to 325°F. Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a bit of overhang so you can lift the bars out easily.
Build the Crust
In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter. Press firmly into the bottom of the pan to create a tight, even crust. Bake for 8 minutes, then cool slightly while you prepare the filling.
Mix the Cheesecake Layer
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until fluffy. Add sugar, eggs, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Beat until smooth and creamy—this is the foundation of your butterfinger caramel cheesecake bars.
Add Candy Crunch
Fold in 1 cup of the chopped Butterfinger bars gently. Pour this cheesecake mixture over the pre-baked crust and spread evenly.
Swirl the Caramel
Drop spoonfuls of caramel sauce across the top of the cheesecake. Use a butter knife to gently swirl the caramel throughout the batter for that beautiful marbled look.
Bake Low and Slow
Bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’re looking for a set edge and a slightly jiggly center. Overbaking will make the texture less creamy, so keep an eye on it!
Cool and Chill Completely
Let the bars cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours (overnight is best). This helps the butterfinger caramel cheesecake bars firm up perfectly for slicing.
Top and Serve
Drizzle more caramel sauce and sprinkle the reserved Butterfinger pieces over the chilled bars. Slice into squares and serve cold for the best texture and flavor.

Butterfinger caramel cheesecake bars are pure magic fresh out of the fridge. The buttery graham crust, creamy cheesecake layer, swirls of caramel, and those pops of Butterfinger crunch in every bite? Absolutely dreamy. And they store beautifully for up to 5 days in an airtight container—if they last that long!

For another deliciously easy dish to add to your weekly rotation, try this Creamy Kielbasa Broccoli Skillet—a great savory complement to these sweet, indulgent cheesecake bars.

Easy Variations and Smart Tips for Butterfinger Caramel Cheesecake Bars

Fun Twists on Butterfinger Caramel Cheesecake Bars

One of the things I love most about butterfinger caramel cheesecake bars is how easy they are to customize. Once you’ve nailed the base recipe, you can play around with flavors and textures to make it your own. These ideas work great if you want to shake things up for the holidays or cater to different tastes.

Chocolate Lover’s Dream:
Add ¼ cup of mini chocolate chips into the cheesecake filling along with the Butterfingers. You’ll get extra richness in every bite.

Peanut Butter Boost:
Swirl a few tablespoons of peanut butter (slightly melted) alongside the caramel. This intensifies the Butterfinger flavor and makes the bars even more indulgent.

Cookie Crust Swap:
Instead of a graham cracker crust, try crushed chocolate sandwich cookies or vanilla wafers. The change in base adds a totally new dimension.

Salted Caramel Finish:
Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt over the top just before serving. It balances the sweetness and elevates the flavor of the caramel beautifully.

Whatever variation you choose, the heart of the dessert stays the same—creamy cheesecake loaded with Butterfinger crunch and caramel goodness.

Tips for Beginners Making Butterfinger Caramel Cheesecake Bars

If this is your first time making cheesecake bars, don’t stress. This recipe is super forgiving. Here are some quick tips to help your butterfinger caramel cheesecake bars turn out perfect:

Use room-temperature cream cheese for the smoothest filling. Cold cream cheese will clump and ruin the texture.
Don’t overmix the eggs. Once they’re in, mix gently. Overbeating can cause the cheesecake to crack.
Swirl caramel gently. A heavy hand can muddle the layers, so use a light touch with your knife or skewer.
Chill thoroughly. Butterfinger caramel cheesecake bars need at least 3 hours in the fridge. The longer they chill, the cleaner they slice.

Even if they’re a little messy the first time, trust me—they’ll still taste amazing. These bars are perfect for birthdays, bake sales, or anytime you’re craving something that’s crunchy, creamy, and downright addictive.

If you’re looking for another unique and crowd-pleasing flavor combo, you might also enjoy the Brazilian Mounjaro Recipe—a savory, high-protein option that balances the sweetness of these bars perfectly.

How to Store Butterfinger Caramel Cheesecake Bars

Sliced butterfinger caramel cheesecake bars served on platter — Serve these chilled bars with a cup of coffee or tea

How to Store and Freeze for Maximum Freshness

Once you’ve baked your delicious batch of butterfinger caramel cheesecake bars, you’ll want to keep them tasting fresh and fabulous. Good news: these bars store beautifully in the fridge and even freeze well for longer-term dessert planning.

Refrigerator:
Place cooled and sliced bars in an airtight container. Layer parchment paper between rows to prevent sticking. Stored this way, your butterfinger caramel cheesecake bars will stay fresh for up to 5 days.

Freezer:
Want to make them ahead? These bars freeze like a dream. Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

For another wholesome, make-ahead favorite that works great for meal planning, check out this Chicken Broccoli Potato Casserole—perfect right before dessert.

Frequently Asked Questions About Butterfinger Caramel Cheesecake Bars

Can you use store-bought caramel sauce in cheesecake bars?

Absolutely. Store-bought caramel sauce works wonderfully in butterfinger caramel cheesecake bars. If you’re short on time, just warm it slightly to make it easier to swirl. Want to go homemade? That’s great too—but either option gives that gooey, buttery caramel flavor the bars are known for.

How do you store Butterfinger cheesecake bars for freshness?

Store your butterfinger caramel cheesecake bars in an airtight container in the fridge. They stay fresh for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them individually wrapped and enjoy up to 2 months later.

What makes Butterfinger caramel cheesecake bars so rich and creamy?

It’s the combination of full-fat cream cheese, smooth caramel swirls, and crushed Butterfingers folded into the batter. The richness of the cream cheese balances the sweet crunch of the candy bars, making these cheesecake bars ultra-creamy and satisfying.

Are Butterfinger cheesecake bars easy to make for beginners?

Yes! Butterfinger caramel cheesecake bars are incredibly beginner-friendly. The steps are simple, the ingredients are easy to find, and the results are impressive even if you’ve never baked cheesecake before.

Conclusion: Why You’ll Make These Again (And Again)

Butterfinger caramel cheesecake bars are the kind of dessert that disappear fast and get talked about long after the last bite. With just a few ingredients, one bowl, and some creative swirling, you get a dessert that’s equal parts creamy, crunchy, buttery, and unforgettable. Whether you’re hosting a party, craving something sweet at home, or need a beginner-friendly bake, this recipe will hit the spot every time.