Irresistible Crunchy Butterfinger Crunch Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Introduction

These Butterfinger Crunch Cheesecake Bars combine a creamy, tangy cheesecake filling with a buttery graham cracker crust and the irresistible crunch of chopped Butterfinger candy. Topped with a drizzle of melted chocolate and optional peanuts, they make for an indulgent treat perfect for any occasion.

A close-up view of two dessert squares on a white plate, each with three distinct layers; the bottom layer is a dense, smooth brown crust, the middle layer is a creamy off-white cheesecake filling, and the top layer consists of a crumbly, golden-brown streusel with visible chunks and a textured surface. Small crumbs are scattered around the plate, which rests on a white marbled texture. The background is softly blurred, focusing attention on the rich texture and warm colors of the dessert. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 2 cups (200 g) graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/2 cup (113 g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 4 (8 oz/226 g) blocks full-fat cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup (240 ml) sour cream
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 cups chopped Butterfinger candy
  • 1/2 cup (85 g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1/4 cup (30 g) chopped peanuts (optional)

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhangs for easy lifting.
  2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter until combined and crumbly. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 8-10 minutes until lightly golden and fragrant. Let cool slightly.
  3. Step 3: In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese on medium speed for 2 minutes until smooth. Gradually add sugar, then add eggs one at a time, mixing on low just until combined.
  4. Step 4: Mix in sour cream and vanilla extract until smooth. Gently fold in 1 1/2 cups chopped Butterfinger pieces, taking care not to crush them.
  5. Step 5: Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust and spread evenly to about 1-inch thickness. Tap the pan gently to release air bubbles.
  6. Step 6: Bake for 45-50 minutes. The edges should be set while the center still jiggles slightly. Tent with foil if the top browns too quickly.
  7. Step 7: Turn off the oven, crack the door, and let the bars cool inside for 1 hour. Then chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight.
  8. Step 8: Melt chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 20-second bursts, stirring until smooth. Drizzle over the chilled bars, then sprinkle with remaining Butterfinger pieces and chopped peanuts if using.
  9. Step 9: Lift bars out using the parchment overhang and slice into 24 squares with a clean sharp knife.

Tips & Variations

  • Add 1/4 cup peanut butter to the batter for a peanut butter swirl without overpowering the Butterfinger crunch.
  • Mix 1/4 cup cocoa powder into the crust crumbs for a chocolatey base.
  • Use almond flour and a sugar substitute like erythritol for a low-carb version.
  • Fold in chopped bananas or swirl in strawberry jam before baking for a fruity contrast.
  • Substitute coconut oil for butter to make the crust dairy-free.
  • Use gluten-free graham crackers or almond flour for a gluten-free crust.

Storage

Store these bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 5 to 7 days. They can be kept at room temperature for up to 2 hours before serving. For longer storage, wrap bars individually and freeze for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge. Serve chilled or at room temperature. To warm, heat slices in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5 minutes without melting the chocolate drizzle.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of a two-piece dessert bar on a white plate with a white marbled surface beneath it. The dessert has four visible layers: the bottom layer is a thick, dense, light brown crust; above it is a smooth, creamy pale yellow layer; next is a slightly darker, crumbly layer with a mix of fine and chunky textures; and the topmost layer is a rough mix of small to medium-sized crumbled pieces in golden brown and light tan shades scattered unevenly, giving a crunchy look. The edges of the dessert are clean-cut, highlighting the contrast between the soft and crumbly parts. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different candy instead of Butterfinger?

Yes, you can substitute with Reese’s Pieces for a peanut butter twist or other crunchy candy bars of your choice. Just chop and fold in gently to maintain the texture.

How do I prevent cracks in the cheesecake bars?

Use room-temperature ingredients and avoid overmixing, especially after adding eggs. Bake until edges are set but the center still jiggles slightly, and cool bars gradually by leaving them in the turned-off oven with the door slightly open before chilling. This helps prevent cracks.

Print
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Irresistible Crunchy Butterfinger Crunch Cheesecake Bars Recipe


  • Author: Ella
  • Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 24 bars 1x

Description

These Irresistible Crunchy Butterfinger Crunch Cheesecake Bars combine a buttery graham cracker crust with a creamy, tangy cheesecake filling loaded with chopped Butterfinger candy pieces for a delightful crunchy texture. Topped with a decadent drizzle of melted chocolate and optional chopped peanuts, these bars deliver a perfect balance of sweet, creamy, and crunchy in every bite, ideal for dessert lovers craving a unique treat.


Ingredients

Scale

Crust

  • 2 cups (200 g) graham cracker crumbs (or digestive biscuits)
  • 1/2 cup (113 g) unsalted butter, melted (or coconut oil for dairy-free)

Filling

  • 4 (8 oz / 226 g) blocks full-fat cream cheese, softened (Neufchâtel for lighter version)
  • 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar (or coconut sugar as substitute)
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 cup (240 ml) sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 cups chopped Butterfinger candy (about 1012 bars) (Reese’s Pieces for peanut butter twist)

Topping

  • 1/2 cup (85 g) semi-sweet chocolate chips (dairy-free chips for vegan option)
  • 1/4 cup (30 g) chopped peanuts (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep Your Workspace: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhangs for easy removal to prevent sticking and ease slicing.
  2. Make the Crust: In a medium bowl, mix 2 cups graham cracker crumbs with 1/2 cup melted butter until fully combined and resembling damp sand. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 8-10 minutes until lightly golden and fragrant, then let cool slightly.
  3. Prepare the Filling: Using an electric mixer, beat 4 softened blocks of cream cheese on medium speed for about 2 minutes until smooth and creamy, scraping down the bowl sides. Gradually add 1 cup sugar, beating about 1 minute until combined. Add 4 eggs one at a time on low speed, mixing just until incorporated to avoid overmixing.
  4. Incorporate Additional Ingredients: Mix in 1 cup sour cream and 1 tsp vanilla extract until smooth. Gently fold in 1 1/2 cups chopped Butterfinger pieces with a spatula, preserving their crunch.
  5. Assemble and Bake: Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust and spread evenly to about 1-inch thickness. Tap the pan gently 5-6 times to release air bubbles. Bake for 45-50 minutes until edges are set and the center jiggles slightly (internal temperature around 150°F / 66°C). Tent with foil if top browns too quickly after 30 minutes.
  6. Cool and Chill: Turn off oven, crack door, and cool bars inside for 1 hour to avoid cracks or sinking. Then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for optimal texture.
  7. Add Finishing Touches: Melt 1/2 cup chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 20-second bursts, stirring until smooth. Drizzle melted chocolate over the chilled bars, and sprinkle with remaining Butterfinger pieces and optional chopped peanuts.
  8. Serve: Lift bars out using parchment overhang and slice into 24 squares with a sharp knife dipped in hot water for clean cuts, wiping between slices. Serve at room temperature for best flavor or chilled for firmer texture.

Notes

  • Substitutions & Diet Options: Use gluten-free graham crackers or almond flour for gluten-free; plant-based cream cheese, yogurt, aquafaba eggs, and dairy-free Butterfinger alternatives for vegan (may increase bake time by 5 minutes).
  • Equipment Tips: Stand mixer with paddle attachment recommended for smooth filling and metal baking pan for even heat distribution. Use an instant-read thermometer to check doneness at 150°F (66°C).
  • Storage: Keep at room temperature up to 2 hours; refrigerate airtight for 5-7 days; freeze individually wrapped for up to 2 months, thaw overnight in fridge.
  • Reheating: Serve cold or room temp preferred; if warming, use 300°F (150°C) oven for 5 minutes to soften without melting chocolate drizzle.
  • Scaling & Common Mistakes: Halve recipe and use 8×8-inch pan for smaller batch, bake 35-40 minutes. Avoid rapid cooling and overmixing to prevent cracks. Use room-temperature ingredients for smooth batter.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 55 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: Butterfinger cheesecake bars, crunchy cheesecake bars, Butterfinger dessert, creamy cheesecake, chocolate drizzle, peanut crunch, easy dessert bars

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