Irresistible Crunchy Butterfinger Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Introduction

These Irresistible Crunchy Butterfinger Crunch Cheesecake Bars are a delightful twist on traditional cheesecake. Creamy and smooth with a satisfying crunch from Butterfinger candy pieces, they’re perfect for any occasion. Easy to make and great for sharing, these bars bring childhood candy bar flavors into a delicious dessert form.

A square slice of cheesecake with three visible layers sits on a white plate. The bottom layer is a crumbly, golden-brown crust. The middle layer is thick and creamy, off-white in color, with embedded chunks of peanut butter candy pieces. The top layer is glossy dark chocolate sauce that drips down the sides in thick streams. On top, there are chopped peanuts and chunks of peanut butter candy scattered evenly. A silver fork rests on the edge of the plate. The scene is set on a white marbled surface. 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 (about 10-12 bars)
  • 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 and melted butter until combined and resembling damp sand. Press evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 8-10 minutes until lightly golden. Let cool slightly.
  3. Step 3: In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese on medium speed for 2 minutes until smooth. Gradually add sugar, beating until incorporated. 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.
  5. Step 5: Pour the filling over the cooled crust, spreading evenly to about 1-inch thickness. Tap the pan gently to release air bubbles.
  6. Step 6: Bake for 45-50 minutes until edges are set and center jiggles slightly. If browning too fast, tent with foil after 30 minutes.
  7. Step 7: Turn off oven, crack the door, and cool bars inside for 1 hour. Chill in fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight.
  8. Step 8: Melt chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 20-second bursts. Drizzle over chilled bars and sprinkle with remaining Butterfinger pieces and peanuts if using.
  9. Step 9: Lift bars out using parchment overhang. Slice into 24 squares with a sharp knife dipped in hot water for clean cuts. Serve at room temperature or chilled.

Tips & Variations

  • Add a 1/4 cup peanut butter swirl into the batter for extra nutty flavor.
  • Mix 1/4 cup cocoa powder into the crust for a chocolate base.
  • Use almond flour and erythritol for a low-carb version.
  • Fold in chopped bananas or swirl strawberry jam before baking for a fruity twist.
  • Substitute coconut oil for butter to make the crust dairy-free.

Storage

Store the cheesecake bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 5-7 days. They can be frozen, wrapped individually, for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge. Serve them cold or at room temperature. To warm slightly, heat in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5 minutes to soften without melting the chocolate drizzle.

How to Serve

A square dessert bar is shown on a white plate with three visible layers. The bottom layer is a crumbly, golden brown crust. The middle layer is thick and creamy white cheesecake with swirls of chunky pieces inside, likely peanut butter and chocolate. The top layer features a smooth dark chocolate drizzle dripping down the sides, covered with chopped peanuts and broken pieces of peanut butter cups. A metal fork rests on the plate next to the bar, with the whole scene set against a white marbled textured surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Do I need a water bath for this cheesecake?

No, this recipe is designed to be baked simply in a sheet pan without a water bath, making it much easier and quicker to prepare.

Can I use a different candy instead of Butterfinger?

Yes, you can substitute with Reese’s Pieces for a peanut butter twist or other chopped crunchy candy bars of your choice.

Print
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Irresistible Crunchy Butterfinger Cheesecake Bars Recipe


  • Author: Sarah
  • Total Time: 6 hours 5 minutes
  • Yield: 24 bars 1x

Description

Irresistible Crunchy Butterfinger Crunch Cheesecake Bars offer a perfect blend of creamy cheesecake and crunchy Butterfinger candy in a simple, no-water-bath recipe baked in a single sheet pan. These bars combine nostalgic candy flavor with a buttery graham cracker crust, making them a crowd-pleasing dessert ideal for parties, make-ahead treats, or everyday indulgence.


Ingredients

Scale

Crust

  • 2 cups (200 g) graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/2 cup (113 g) unsalted butter, melted

Cheesecake Filling

  • 4 (8 oz/226 g) blocks full-fat cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 cup (240 ml) sour cream
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups chopped Butterfinger candy (from 2 cups total)

Topping

  • 1/2 cup (85 g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • Remaining 1/2 cup chopped Butterfinger candy
  • 1/4 cup (30 g) chopped peanuts (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep Your Workspace: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper with overhangs to prevent sticking and allow easy lifting later.
  2. Make the Crust: In a medium bowl, mix 2 cups graham cracker crumbs with 1/2 cup melted butter until resembling wet sand. Press firmly into the prepared pan to form an even crust. Bake for 8-10 minutes until lightly golden and fragrant. Let cool slightly.
  3. Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese on medium speed for 2 minutes until smooth. Gradually beat in 1 cup sugar until combined. Add eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed just until incorporated to avoid overmixing. Mix in sour cream and vanilla extract until smooth. Gently fold in 1 1/2 cups chopped Butterfinger pieces carefully to retain crunch.
  4. Assemble the Bars: Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust, spreading evenly to about 1-inch thickness. Tap the pan gently 5-6 times on the counter to release air bubbles and smooth the surface.
  5. Bake to Perfection: Bake for 45-50 minutes until edges are set and puffed, but the center jiggles slightly like Jell-O. If browning too fast, tent foil after 30 minutes. Internal temperature should reach approximately 150°F (66°C).
  6. Cool and Chill: Turn off oven, crack door, and let bars cool inside for 1 hour to prevent cracking. Then transfer to refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours or overnight to set completely.
  7. Finish and Serve: Melt chocolate chips in microwave-safe bowl in 20-second bursts, stirring until smooth. Drizzle melted chocolate over bars, sprinkle remaining Butterfinger pieces and chopped peanuts if using. Lift bars out using parchment paper, slice into 24 squares with a wet sharp knife for clean edges, wiping between cuts. Serve at room temperature or chilled.

Notes

  • Substitutions & Diet Options: Use gluten-free graham crackers or almond flour for a gluten-free crust. Vegan adaptations require plant-based cream cheese, coconut yogurt, aquafaba for eggs, and dairy-free Butterfinger alternatives; bake time may increase by 5 minutes.
  • Equipment Tips: A stand mixer with paddle attachment prevents overbeating the filling. Use a metal or glass baking pan for even heat. An instant-read thermometer ensures the correct internal temperature (~150°F/66°C).
  • Storage: Store at room temperature no more than 2 hours. Refrigerate in an airtight container for 5-7 days. Freeze individually wrapped bars for up to 2 months, thaw overnight in the fridge.
  • Reheating Methods: Best served cold or room temperature. To warm, bake slices at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes to soften without melting chocolate drizzle.
  • Scaling & Common Mistakes: For smaller batches, halve ingredients and bake in 8×8-inch pan for 35-40 minutes. Avoid rapid cooling to prevent cracks. Always use room-temperature ingredients for smooth batter.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: Butterfinger cheesecake bars, crunchy cheesecake bars, candy bar cheesecake, easy cheesecake recipe, party dessert bars, no water bath cheesecake, candy crunch dessert

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