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Butterfinger Balls are my go-to treat for birthdays, family game nights, and anytime a sweet peanut butter craving strikes. They taste just like the classic candy bar but in the form of adorable bite-size morsels coated with chocolate. Thanks to pantry staples and a handful of crushed up Butterfinger bars, these are a huge crowd-pleaser and take no time at all to prep.
I made these for a bake sale one year and they were a huge hit with both kids and adults. Now I always save Butterfinger bars after Halloween to whip up a batch whenever we need a quick dessert fix.
Ingredients
- Peanut butter: gives that creamy base and delicious nutty flavor use creamy peanut butter for best results
- Butter: softened so it blends smoothly and helps make the texture rich aim for real unsalted butter
- Vanilla extract: adds warmth and brings all the flavors together select pure vanilla for best aroma
- Powdered sugar: gives the right sweetness and helps the balls hold their shape sift before measuring for lump free results
- Graham cracker crumbs: add subtle crunch and structure crush your own from plain graham crackers for freshest taste
- Crushed Butterfinger candy bars: are the star ingredient bringing crispy bits and caramelized flavor use fresh candies for the best crunch
- Chocolate bark or chocolate chips: melts smoothly and coats the balls for a glossy finish choose good quality chocolate for easy dipping
Instructions
- Make the base mixture:
- In a mixing bowl beat peanut butter softened butter and vanilla extract until silky and totally combined use an electric mixer for super smooth texture
- Add the sweet layers:
- Gradually add powdered sugar a few spoonfuls at a time beating until fully incorporated after each addition this helps prevent lumps and keeps the mixture creamy
- Build the crunch:
- Mix in graham cracker crumbs until just combined then gently stir in crushed Butterfinger candy bars so that you keep bigger candy pieces intact
- Shape and chill:
- Scoop about one tablespoon of the mixture and roll into balls using your hands place each ball on a tray lined with parchment freeze for at least thirty minutes this ensures they hold their shape for dipping
- Melt the chocolate:
- Place the chocolate bark or chips in a microwave safe bowl microwave in thirty second bursts stirring after each until just melted and smooth or melt gently in a double boiler over simmering water
- Dip each ball:
- Drop one chilled ball at a time into the melted chocolate using a fork to lift it out tap off the extra chocolate and set on a parchment lined tray for a pro look sprinkle with extra crushed Butterfinger or drizzle with extra chocolate
- Set and serve:
- Once all the balls are dipped chill them in the fridge until the chocolate is firm serve cold for best crunch and flavor
My favorite part is crushing up those Butterfinger bars the kitchen smells like caramel and peanuts for hours. Last year my niece helped shape the balls and got pretty creative with adding extra candy bits into the centers which made every bite a surprise.
Storage Tips
Store Butterfinger Balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. For longer storage tuck them into a ziptop bag and freeze for up to three months. Let them sit at room temperature for ten minutes before serving for the best creamy bite. Always place parchment between layers to keep the chocolate coating neat.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you do not have Butterfinger bars on hand swap in other crispy chocolate candies or even toffee bars for a different spin. You can use almond butter or sunflower seed butter for a nut free variation just double check that all your other ingredients are allergy safe. For a deeper chocolate hit use dark chocolate chips for the coating.
Serving Suggestions
Butterfinger Balls look great on dessert boards especially next to other homemade candies and cookies. I love setting them out during movie nights or packing them into lunchboxes for a sweet treat. During holidays roll them in colorful sprinkles or drizzle with colored chocolate for festive flair.
Cultural or Historical Context
Butterfinger candy bars were created in the 1920s and are famous for their crunchy peanut butter center. This recipe is a nod to classic Americana candy making with the fun twist of turning everyone’s favorite bar into a homemade delight. No fancy skills required just a little time and a love for classic flavors.
Seasonal Adaptations
Roll in festive sprinkles for holidays Add a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg for a wintry touch Try white chocolate or peanut butter chips for coating in the spring I often make these with my kids right after Halloween when we have leftover candy or during the busiest weeks of December when a homemade treat always makes the season brighter.
Success Stories
Last Christmas these Butterfinger Balls became the star of our cookie exchange. Friends and family raved about the mix of textures the creamy center and crisp shell. A neighbor who is not usually a sweets person asked for the recipe and now it is tradition for her to make them too. It is amazing how quickly simple recipes like this become part of family lore.
Freezer Meal Conversion
If you want to prep Butterfinger Balls way ahead shape and freeze the undipped balls on a baking sheet first then transfer to a bag for longer storage. When ready to serve just thaw roll them in melted chocolate and chill until set. This is my favorite way to keep last minute sweets handy for all occasions.
No matter when you make them, Butterfinger Balls always disappear fast. They are the ultimate simple treat—fun to make and even more fun to eat.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I keep the balls from falling apart when dipping in chocolate?
Chill the balls in the freezer for 30 minutes before dipping; this helps them firm up and hold their shape during dipping.
- → Can I use regular chocolate chips instead of chocolate bark?
Yes, chocolate chips work well. Melt gently and add a small amount of shortening or coconut oil for smoother coating.
- → Are graham cracker crumbs necessary?
Graham cracker crumbs help with texture and binding, but you may substitute with crushed cookies or omit for a softer bite.
- → How should I store the finished balls?
Refrigerate in an airtight container to keep them fresh and maintain the chocolate coating. Enjoy within a week.
- → Can I use other candy bars for this treat?
Absolutely! Try replacing Butterfinger with your favorite crunchy candy bar for new flavors and textures.