Butterfinger Balls Recipe
Butterfinger Balls are a delectable no-bake dessert treat that combines the rich, nutty flavor of peanut butter, the satisfying crunch of crushed Butterfinger candies, and the velvety smoothness of chocolate coating. Perfect for holidays, parties, or a sweet indulgence at home, these bite-sized treats are as fun to make as they are to eat.
Whether you’re looking for a crowd-pleaser or a quick and easy recipe, Butterfinger Balls are guaranteed to delight every sweet tooth. This recipe requires minimal effort, a few simple ingredients, and zero baking skills, making it ideal for cooks of all levels.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No-Bake Convenience: Skip the oven and save time with this hassle-free treat.
- Kid-Friendly: Fun to make and eat, perfect for family bonding.
- Customizable: Add your own twists, such as festive sprinkles or white chocolate drizzle.
- Crowd-Pleasing: A hit at parties, potlucks, and holiday gatherings.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Base Mixture
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and creamy peanut butter.
- Using an electric mixer or a sturdy whisk, beat until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and mix until fully incorporated.
Step 2: Add the Butterfinger Crunch
- Place the Butterfinger candy bars in a zip-top bag and crush them using a rolling pin or pulse them in a food processor until fine but slightly chunky.
- Fold the crushed Butterfinger candies into the peanut butter mixture. Mix thoroughly until the crunch is evenly distributed.
Step 3: Shape the Balls
- Scoop out small portions of the mixture using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop.
- Roll the scooped mixture into bite-sized balls (about 1 inch in diameter) between the palms of your hands.
- Place the rolled balls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment or wax paper.
Step 4: Chill the Balls
- Refrigerate the prepared balls for 30 minutes to 1 hour, or until firm. Chilling ensures they hold their shape during the chocolate dipping process.
Step 5: Melt the Chocolate
- Using a double boiler or microwave, melt the chocolate chips with the coconut oil or shortening.
- If microwaving, heat in 20–30 second intervals, stirring after each, to prevent burning.
- Once fully melted, stir until smooth and glossy.
Step 6: Coat the Balls in Chocolate
- Using a fork or dipping tool, dip each chilled ball into the melted chocolate, ensuring it is fully coated.
- Lift the ball out of the chocolate, allowing excess to drip off, then place it back onto the parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 7: Decorate and Set
- If desired, decorate the coated balls with sprinkles, crushed Butterfinger pieces, or a drizzle of white chocolate.
- Allow the chocolate to set completely by placing the baking sheet in the refrigerator for another 30 minutes.
Serving and Storing
- Serve: Arrange Butterfinger Balls on a decorative platter for parties or holiday gatherings.
- Store: Keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- Freeze: For longer storage, freeze the balls in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
Tips for Success
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Softened butter and room-temperature peanut butter mix more easily.
- Prevent Sticking: Lightly dust your hands with powdered sugar when rolling the balls to avoid sticking.
- Perfect Dipping: Ensure the balls are thoroughly chilled before dipping to prevent them from falling apart in the chocolate.
- Smooth Chocolate: Add coconut oil or shortening to the chocolate for a smoother, shinier coating.
Variations
- White Chocolate Butterfinger Balls: Substitute white chocolate chips for the coating.
- Nut-Free Option: Use sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter.
- Festive Touch: Add seasonal sprinkles for holidays like Christmas, Halloween, or Easter.
- Extra Crunch: Mix in crushed pretzels or graham crackers with the Butterfinger pieces.
Pairing Suggestions
- Serve alongside a cup of coffee, hot chocolate, or a glass of milk for a comforting treat.
- Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
- Include in a dessert platter with other no-bake treats like truffles and cookies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Butterfinger Balls are perfect for making ahead and storing in the fridge or freezer.
What if I don’t have Butterfingers?
Substitute with any crunchy candy bars like Snickers, Heath Bars, or even Reese’s Pieces.
How do I keep the chocolate coating smooth?
Ensure the chocolate is melted slowly and evenly, stirring constantly. Adding a small amount of oil or shortening helps achieve a silky texture.
Why Butterfinger Balls Are Perfect for Any Occasion
- Holiday Treats: Delight guests at Christmas or Thanksgiving with this indulgent dessert.
- Gift Giving: Package them in decorative boxes or jars for a homemade gift.
- Party Snacks: A crowd-pleaser at birthdays, baby showers, or game nights.
Conclusion
Butterfinger Balls are the ultimate no-bake dessert, blending the creamy richness of peanut butter with the crunchy sweetness of Butterfinger candy and a smooth chocolate coating. Simple to make and endlessly customizable, these treats are guaranteed to be a hit for any occasion.
Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones or enjoying them as a late-night snack, Butterfinger Balls are a recipe you’ll come back to again and again. Try them today and experience the magic of this sweet, satisfying treat!
Butterfinger Balls Recipe
Butterfinger Balls are a delectable no-bake dessert treat that combines the rich, nutty flavor of peanut butter, the satisfying crunch of crushed Butterfinger candies, and the velvety smoothness of chocolate coating. Perfect for holidays, parties, or a sweet indulgence at home, these bite-sized treats are as fun to make as they are to eat.
Ingredients
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups crushed Butterfinger candy bars (about 8 fun-sized bars or 4 regular bars)
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 cups semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil or shortening (optional, for smoother chocolate coating)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Butterfinger Mixture
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with a hand mixer until smooth and creamy.
- Add the powdered sugar gradually, mixing well after each addition, until fully incorporated.
- Stir in the crushed Butterfinger candy bars until evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
2. Shape the Balls
- Using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop, scoop the mixture and roll it into 1-inch balls.
- Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
3. Chill the Balls
- Transfer the baking sheet to the refrigerator and chill the Butterfinger balls for at least 30 minutes. This makes them easier to dip in chocolate.
4. Melt the Chocolate
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and coconut oil (if using).
- Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth.
5. Coat the Balls
- Remove the chilled Butterfinger balls from the refrigerator.
- Using a fork or dipping tool, dip each ball into the melted chocolate, ensuring it is fully coated. Allow any excess chocolate to drip off.
- Place the coated balls back onto the lined baking sheet.
6. Let the Chocolate Set
- Once all the balls are coated, let the chocolate set by placing the baking sheet in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes.
7. Serve and Enjoy
- Once the chocolate has hardened, transfer the Butterfinger balls to a serving plate or store them in an airtight container.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- Candy Substitutes: Try swapping Butterfinger bars with other favorite candy bars like Reese’s or Snickers for a fun variation.
- Toppings: Add sprinkles, chopped nuts, or a drizzle of white chocolate on top before the chocolate sets for extra decoration.