Craving that irresistible crunch and sweet flavor of a Butterfinger candy bar? Get ready to whip up the most delightful no-bake Butterfinger Balls! This simple recipe combines creamy peanut butter, graham cracker crumbs, and crushed Butterfinger candy, all coated in rich chocolate. These easy-to-make treats are perfect for parties, holidays, or whenever you need a quick, satisfying dessert. You’ll have them ready to enjoy in about 45 minutes of active prep time!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Butterfinger Balls
You’ll adore these Butterfinger Balls for so many reasons, making them an instant favorite for any occasion:
- No-Bake Convenience: Skip the oven and enjoy a fantastic dessert that’s perfect for busy schedules.
- Iconic Flavor: Every bite delivers that beloved crispy, buttery peanut flavor that only Butterfinger offers.
- Simple Ingredients: You’ll find everything you need easily at your local grocery store.
- Shareable Perfection: These irresistible treats are wonderful for potlucks, gatherings, or gifting.
- Kid-Friendly Fun: Involve your little ones in the rolling and dipping for a delightful kitchen activity.
- Customizable: Easily adapt them with various toppings and chocolate coatings to suit your taste.
Ingredients
To make these delightful no-bake Butterfinger Balls, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter (not all-natural types)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened (1/2 stick)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- ¾ cup graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup crushed Butterfinger candy bars, plus extra for garnish
- 8 ounces chocolate bark or chocolate chips (milk, dark, or white)
- Optional garnishes: sprinkles, sea salt, or chocolate drizzles
Notes & Substitutions
- Peanut Butter: Creamy, non-natural peanut butter (like Jif or Skippy) works best for the right consistency. Research indicates that natural peanut butter’s looser consistency can affect baked goods. Natural peanut butter tends to be too oily and can make the mixture difficult to handle.
- Butter: Always use softened unsalted butter. It blends smoothly with the peanut butter and powdered sugar. Avoid margarine, as it can affect the texture and flavor.
- Graham Crackers: You can buy pre-crushed graham cracker crumbs or easily make your own by pulsing whole graham crackers in a food processor until fine.
- Butterfinger: For ½ cup of crushed candy, you’ll typically need about 2-3 standard Butterfinger bars. You can also use pre-crushed Butterfinger Bits, which save you a step.
- Chocolate: Chocolate bark or melting wafers are excellent choices for their smooth melt and easy setting, often eliminating the need for tempering. If using chocolate chips, you might need to add a small amount of coconut oil or shortening to achieve a smoother, more fluid coating.
Equipment
Gather these simple kitchen tools to make your Butterfinger Balls:
- Large mixing bowl
- Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
- Rubber spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cookie scoop (1 to 1.5 tablespoon size)
- Parchment paper or wax paper
- Baking sheet
- Microwave-safe bowl for melting chocolate
- Toothpicks or dipping tools
How To Make Butterfinger Balls
Creating these delicious Butterfinger Balls is a fun and straightforward process. Follow these steps for perfect results every time!
- Step 1: Prepare the Peanut Butter Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter and softened butter. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and creamy. Add the vanilla extract and blend until fully incorporated. Gradually add the powdered sugar, blending on low speed to avoid a sugar cloud, and scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. Finally, gently stir in the graham cracker crumbs and the crushed Butterfinger candy bars until just combined. - Step 2: Form the Balls
Line a large cookie sheet with parchment paper or wax paper. Use a 1 to 1.5 tablespoon cookie scoop to portion out the mixture. Roll each portion into a smooth, even ball with your hands. Place the formed Butterfinger Balls onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving a small space between each one. - Step 3: Chill the Balls
Once all the balls are formed, place the baking sheet into the freezer. Chill the Butterfinger Balls for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial, as firm balls are much easier to dip into chocolate and hold their shape beautifully. - Step 4: Melt the Chocolate
While the balls are chilling, prepare your chocolate coating. Place the chocolate bark or chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals at 50% power, stirring well after each interval. Continue until the chocolate is smooth and fully melted, but be careful not to overheat it, which can cause it to seize. You can also use a double-boiler method for melting: place the chocolate in a heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water, stirring until melted. - Step 5: Dip and Garnish
Remove the chilled Butterfinger Balls from the freezer. Insert a toothpick or use a dipping tool into each ball. Dip each ball into the melted chocolate, coating it completely or partially, as desired. Lift the ball and allow any excess chocolate to drip back into the bowl. Immediately sprinkle with additional crushed Butterfinger candy, festive sprinkles, or a pinch of coarse sea salt while the chocolate is still wet. Return the coated balls to the parchment-lined baking sheet. - Step 6: Set and Serve
Once all the Butterfinger Balls are dipped and garnished, let the chocolate set completely. You can do this at room temperature, which might take an hour or two, or faster in the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes. Once the chocolate is firm, your delicious treats are ready to enjoy!
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
- Achieving Smooth Chocolate Coating: For a consistently smooth and shiny chocolate coating, especially if using chocolate chips, consider adding a teaspoon of coconut oil or vegetable shortening to your chocolate while melting. This helps thin it slightly and ensures a beautiful finish.
- Preventing Oily Mixture: If your peanut butter mixture seems too oily, particularly if you used a natural peanut butter despite the recommendation, you can add an extra tablespoon or two of graham cracker crumbs to help absorb excess oil and firm up the dough.
- Crushing Candy Bars: For perfectly uniform Butterfinger crumbs, use a food processor. Pulse the candy bars until they reach your desired consistency. If you don’t have a food processor, place them in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin.
- Dipping Techniques: Using a toothpick is great for a partial dip, allowing the peanut butter mixture to show. For full coverage, a candy dipping fork or a regular dinner fork can work wonders; simply tap off excess chocolate gently.
- Chocolate Seizing: To prevent your chocolate from seizing (becoming thick and grainy), ensure no water or steam comes into contact with it during melting. Melt slowly and gently, especially in the microwave, and stir frequently.
- Chill Time: Don’t skip or shorten the chilling time for the Butterfinger Balls. This firming step makes them much easier to handle, preventing them from falling apart when dipped in warm chocolate.
Serving, Storage, and Variations
These delightful Butterfinger Balls are versatile and easy to keep fresh!
- Serving Suggestions: These are absolutely perfect for holiday dessert platters, birthday parties, or as a thoughtful homemade gift. Arrange them on a pretty plate for an inviting display.
- Storage: Store your finished Butterfinger Balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 weeks. If layering them, place a piece of parchment paper between the layers to prevent sticking.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the Butterfinger Balls in an airtight container for up to 5-6 months. Thaw them at room temperature for about 30 minutes or overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
- Variations:
- Candy Bars: Feel free to experiment! Substitute the Butterfinger with other crunchy favorites like crushed Heath bars, Skor bars, or even chocolate cookies for a different spin.
- Toppings: Get creative with toppings! Drizzle them with melted white chocolate, caramel, or use different colored sprinkles to match a specific occasion.
- Flavor Boosts: A tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top of the chocolate coating adds a lovely contrast and enhances the flavors beautifully.
Nutrition
Here’s an approximation of the nutritional content for one of these delicious Butterfinger Balls:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 219 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 23 g |
| Protein | 3 g |
| Fat | 13 g |
| Saturated Fat | 6 g |
| Trans Fat | 0.1 g |
| Cholesterol | 6 mg |
| Sodium | 108 mg |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 18 g |
| Unsaturated Fat | 6 g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2 g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 4 g |
| Potassium | 89 mg |
| Vitamin A | 70 IU |
| Calcium | 11 mg |
| Iron | 0.4 mg |
Please note: Nutritional information is an approximation and can vary based on specific ingredients and brands used.
FAQ
What kind of peanut butter works best for Butterfinger Balls?
Creamy, non-natural peanut butter (like Jif or Skippy) is recommended for the best consistency. Natural peanut butter tends to be too oily and can make the mixture difficult to handle.
Do I need to temper the chocolate?
Chocolate bark or melting wafers don’t require tempering and melt smoothly. If you’re using regular chocolate chips, you might want to add a teaspoon of coconut oil to ensure a shiny, non-sticky coating.
Can I use other candy bars in place of Butterfinger?
Yes, absolutely! Any crunchy candy bar that you enjoy can be substituted for Butterfinger. Experiment with your favorites for a fun twist!
How do I prevent the balls from being too sticky?
Ensuring proper chilling is key; freeze the balls for at least 30 minutes before dipping. Also, work quickly when rolling them, and if the mixture becomes too warm, chill it again briefly.
How many Butterfinger bars do I need for 1/2 cup crushed?
You’ll typically need approximately 2-3 standard-sized Butterfinger bars to yield 1/2 cup of crushed candy, depending on how finely you crush them.
Final Thoughts
These delicious no-bake Butterfinger Balls are truly the ultimate easy dessert, combining iconic flavors with minimal effort. They are a perfect treat for any occasion, whether you’re bringing them to a festive gathering, sharing them with loved ones, or simply enjoying a sweet bite at home. We encourage you to try this fun recipe and customize it with your favorite toppings and candy variations. Please share your comments, ratings, and photos with us; we love seeing your creations!
Delicious No-Bake Butterfinger Balls
These no-bake Butterfinger balls are a quick and easy dessert, featuring a delightful blend of peanut butter, crushed Butterfingers, and a rich chocolate coating, perfect for any occasion.
Equipment
- Medium bowl
- Electric mixer
- Parchment Paper
- Large cookie sheet
- Scoop (1-1.5 tbsp)
- Microwave-Safe Bowl
Ingredients
Dough and Coating
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter (not all natural types)
- 4 tablespoons butter softened (1/2 stick)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- ¾ cup graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup crushed butterfinger bars
- 8 ounces chocolate bark or chocolate chips
- additional crushed butterfingers, holiday sprinkles or coarse salt for garnish
Instructions
Preparing the Balls
- In a medium bowl, beat peanut butter and softened butter together with an electric mixer until well combined.
- Blend in the vanilla extract until it’s fully incorporated into the mixture.
- Gradually add powdered sugar in batches on low speed, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Gently stir in the graham cracker crumbs and crushed Butterfingers until evenly distributed.
- Line a large cookie sheet with parchment paper, then scoop out 1 to 1½ tablespoons of dough.
- Roll the scooped dough into smooth balls and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Place the cookie sheet in the freezer for about 30 minutes to ensure the balls are completely chilled.
Melting the Chocolate & Finishing
- After chilling, melt chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl by heating at 30-second intervals at 50% power, stirring between each interval.
- Remove the chocolate when a few chunks remain and stir until fully melted, avoiding overheating.
- Dip each chilled ball into the melted chocolate, covering them completely or partially as desired.
- Immediately sprinkle with additional crushed Butterfingers, holiday sprinkles, or flaky sea salt.
- Allow the chocolate coating to set completely before serving and enjoying the finished treats.
Notes
Be careful not to overheat the chocolate when melting; remove it when a few chunks remain and stir until smooth. You can customize the garnish with additional crushed Butterfingers, holiday sprinkles, or coarse salt for different occasions.
Nutrition
Calories: 220kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 4gFat: 17gSodium: 100mgFiber: 1gSugar: 18g
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