Introduction
Craving a dessert that’s crunchy, creamy, packed with chocolate, and ridiculously easy to whip up? You’ve just struck gold. These Butterfinger Balls bring the best of all dessert worlds into one bite-sized, no-bake wonder. Perfect for parties, potlucks, or those spontaneous sweet tooth moments, they come together fast and disappear even faster. Trust us—once you try them, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them.
Reasons to Love This Butterfinger Balls Recipe
No-Bake Goodness
Let’s face it—sometimes we want dessert without firing up the oven. This recipe is delightfully no-bake, which means less time cooking and more time munching.
Kid-Approved and Party-Perfect
With the irresistible combo of peanut butter and Butterfinger bars, even picky eaters will be reaching for seconds. These treats also make a stellar addition to party trays or holiday gift boxes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
It doesn’t take a gourmet pantry to whip up these delights. Most of the ingredients are probably already in your kitchen!
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1 cup peanut butter (skip the natural types for best texture)
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4 tbsp softened butter (½ stick)
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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1 cup powdered sugar
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¾ cup crushed graham crackers
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½ cup crushed Butterfinger bars
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8 oz chocolate bark or chips (for coating)
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Optional: sea salt, sprinkles, more crushed Butterfinger for garnish
Possible Ingredient Additions and Substitutions
Candy Swaps
Not a Butterfinger fan? You can totally switch it up. Try chopped Reese’s, Snickers, or even Oreos for a different twist.
Allergy-Friendly Tweaks
Need a nut-free version? Swap out peanut butter for sunflower seed butter and choose nut-free candy alternatives.
Tools You’ll Need
You don’t need fancy gadgets, just a few kitchen basics:
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Mixing bowl and spatula or electric mixer
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Measuring cups and spoons
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Cookie sheet lined with parchment paper
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Microwave-safe bowl or double boiler for melting chocolate
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Fork or dipping tool
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s roll (literally)! Follow this step-by-step process for perfect Butterfinger Balls.
Preparing the Peanut Butter Base
Start by blending the peanut butter and softened butter in a bowl. Use an electric mixer on medium until the texture is smooth and creamy. Then mix in the vanilla extract.
Next up, slowly add the powdered sugar. Work in batches so it doesn’t puff up everywhere. Make sure everything’s well combined.
Folding in the Crunch
Toss in the crushed graham crackers and Butterfinger pieces. Stir with a spatula until it’s all evenly incorporated. The dough should be firm but pliable.
Forming the Balls
Scoop out about 1 to 1½ tablespoons of the dough and roll them into balls. Place each on the parchment-lined tray. Once done, freeze the tray for 30 minutes so the balls become firm and easy to dip.
Melting the Chocolate
Microwave Method
Place your chocolate bark or chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals at 50% power, stirring between each round. Stop when a few small chunks remain—they’ll melt from residual heat.
Double Boiler Option
Prefer a gentler approach? Use a double boiler over low heat to melt the chocolate evenly and prevent burning.
Dipping & Decorating
Dip each chilled ball into the melted chocolate using a fork or a dipping tool. Let the excess drip off, then place it back on the parchment paper.
Before the coating sets, sprinkle crushed Butterfinger, sea salt, or colorful sprinkles on top for that final flourish.
What to Serve with Butterfinger Balls
These little treats play well with others! Serve them on a platter with chocolate truffles, fudge, or cookies. They’re also fabulous next to a hot chocolate bar or coffee tray during cozy gatherings.
How to Store Butterfinger Balls
Pop them into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 weeks. If stacking, separate layers with wax or parchment paper to avoid sticking.
Can I Freeze Butterfinger Balls?
Absolutely! These freeze like a dream. Arrange them in a single layer to freeze, then transfer to a sealed container or freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 5-6 months. When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature for 30 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use natural peanut butter?
It’s not recommended. Natural peanut butter tends to be oily and can mess with the texture. Stick with creamy commercial brands like Jif or Skippy.
What if I want to use different candy bars?
Go for it! Butterfinger is classic, but feel free to get creative. Just make sure the candy is crunchy for the texture contrast.
What’s the best chocolate for coating?
Chocolate bark melts smoothly and sets with a glossy finish. You can also temper chocolate chips if you’re feeling fancy.
Can these be made gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free graham crackers and double-check that your candy bars and chocolate are gluten-free too.
How long will they stay fresh?
Stored properly, these delights will last in the fridge for nearly a month—or much longer in the freezer.
Two Resources
Nutritional Information
Each Butterfinger Ball (based on 20 servings) contains approximately:
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Calories: 180
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Fat: 11g
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Carbohydrates: 18g
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Sugar: 14g
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Protein: 3g
Note: These values are approximate and can vary based on ingredients used.
Conclusion
If you’re craving something that’s ridiculously easy, yet mouthwateringly delicious, Butterfinger Balls are your go-to. They’re customizable, freezer-friendly, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re whipping up a batch for a potluck or just sneaking a sweet bite between errands, they bring the fun and flavor every single time. Go ahead—treat yourself. You’ve earned it.
PrintButterfinger Balls
Craving a dessert that’s crunchy, creamy, packed with chocolate, and ridiculously easy to whip up? You’ve just struck gold. These Butterfinger Balls bring the best of all dessert worlds into one bite-sized, no-bake wonder. Perfect for parties, potlucks, or those spontaneous sweet tooth moments, they come together fast and disappear even faster. Trust us—once you try them, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them.
- Prep Time: 15min
- Cook Time: 0min
- Total Time: 15min
- Yield: 12 balls
- Category: Dessert,snack
- Method: No bake
- Cuisine: american
Ingredients
Butter and Peanut Butter
You’ll want to use regular creamy peanut butter—think Skippy or Jif. Natural types tend to separate and mess with the texture. The butter adds a rich base and helps everything come together smoothly.
Powdered Sugar and Vanilla
Powdered sugar brings the sweetness and structure, while vanilla adds that warm, aromatic touch that ties the flavors together.
Graham Cracker Crumbs
These add texture and keep the dough from being too sticky. If your peanut butter is extra soft, graham crumbs step in as the balancing act.
Crushed Butterfinger Candy Bars
This is where the flavor hits hard. Butterfinger bars bring in that signature crispiness and peanut-buttery goodness that sets these balls apart from your typical truffles.
Chocolate Coating Options
Use chocolate bark for a glossy, smooth finish. You can also go with tempered chocolate chips if you’re feeling a little fancy. Both options work beautifully for dipping.
Instructions
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and peanut butter until smooth and fluffy. This forms the rich, creamy foundation of your Butterfinger Balls.
Stir in vanilla and powdered sugar slowly. Mix until it starts to look like a soft dough. Then fold in the graham cracker crumbs and crushed Butterfinger bars. It’ll be a little sticky—don’t panic.
Scoop out small portions and roll them into balls (around 1 to 1½ tablespoons). Place them on a parchment-lined tray.
Pop the tray into the freezer for about 30 minutes. This firms them up so they don’t fall apart when you dip them in chocolate.
Melt your chocolate using short 30-second bursts in the microwave, stirring in between. Dip each ball in, let the excess drip off, and return to the tray. Garnish with crushed candy or sprinkles while the chocolate is still wet.
Notes
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Use Conventional Peanut Butter: Stick with brands like Jif or Skippy for a smooth, cohesive texture. Natural peanut butter tends to be oily and can cause the mixture to separate.
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Make It Ahead: You can prep the balls up to 3 days in advance and keep them refrigerated until you’re ready to dip them in chocolate.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ball
- Calories: 145kcal
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 5mg