Butterfinger Balls

Butterfinger Balls are bite-sized treats that combine the irresistible crunch of Butterfinger candy bars with creamy peanut butter and a rich chocolate coating. Perfect for holiday celebrations, potlucks, or just a sweet indulgence, these no-bake treats are easy to make and incredibly addictive.

This recipe is a delightful way to use Butterfinger candy bars, turning them into a convenient, shareable dessert that appeals to kids and adults alike. Whether you’re creating a festive treat for a party or simply craving something sweet, Butterfinger Balls are guaranteed to impress with their perfect balance of salty, sweet, creamy, and crunchy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: With no baking required, these treats come together in just minutes.
Crowd-Pleaser: The combination of chocolate, peanut butter, and Butterfinger is always a hit.
Customizable: Adjust the ingredients or toppings to suit your taste or dietary needs.
Perfect for Gifting: Package them in decorative boxes for a thoughtful homemade gift.
Kid-Friendly: A fun recipe to make with kids, as no oven or stovetop is required.

Preparation Time and Servings

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 24 balls
Serving Size: 1 ball

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 180 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 10g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 14g

Ingredients

For the Butterfinger Balls:

• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 cup crushed Butterfinger candy bars (about 4 full-size bars)

For the Chocolate Coating:

• 12 ounces semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil or shortening (optional, for a smoother coating)

Optional Toppings:

• Crushed Butterfinger pieces
• Sprinkles
• Drizzle of white chocolate

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Butterfinger Mixture

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter and softened butter. Use a hand mixer or whisk to blend until smooth and creamy.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing well after each addition. The mixture should form a dough-like consistency.
3. Fold in the crushed Butterfinger candy bars, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

Step 2: Form the Balls

1. Using a small cookie scoop or a tablespoon, scoop out portions of the mixture and roll them into balls with your hands. Aim for uniform sizes, about 1 inch in diameter.
2. Place the formed balls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or wax paper.
3. Transfer the baking sheet to the refrigerator and chill for at least 30 minutes to allow the balls to firm up.

Step 3: Melt the Chocolate

1. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and coconut oil or shortening (if using). Microwave in 20–30 second intervals, stirring after each, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
2. Alternatively, melt the chocolate using a double boiler on the stovetop, stirring constantly to prevent scorching.

Step 4: Coat the Butterfinger Balls

1. Remove the chilled Butterfinger balls from the refrigerator.
2. 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 before placing the ball back onto the lined baking sheet.
3. While the chocolate is still wet, sprinkle the tops with crushed Butterfinger pieces, sprinkles, or a drizzle of white chocolate for decoration.

Step 5: Set and Serve

1. Return the coated balls to the refrigerator for 15–20 minutes, or until the chocolate is fully set.
2. Once firm, transfer the Butterfinger Balls to an airtight container for storage. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Ingredient Background

Butterfinger Candy Bars

The signature crunch of Butterfinger candy bars is the highlight of this recipe. Their crispy peanut butter core adds a unique texture and flavor that complements the creamy peanut butter base.

Peanut Butter

Creamy peanut butter acts as the binding agent and flavor base for the filling. You can substitute with natural peanut butter or almond butter if preferred, though the texture may vary slightly.

Chocolate Coating

Semi-sweet chocolate offers a balanced sweetness, but milk chocolate or dark chocolate can be used depending on your preference. Adding coconut oil or shortening ensures a smooth, glossy coating.

Technique Tips

Crush Evenly: For a consistent texture, crush the Butterfinger bars into small, even pieces. A food processor works well, or place them in a resealable bag and crush with a rolling pin.

Firm Mixture: Chill the dough if it becomes too soft to roll. This will make it easier to shape into balls.

Smooth Dipping: Use a fork or dedicated dipping tools for easier coating and to achieve a professional finish.

Work in Batches: If the balls soften during dipping, return them to the refrigerator in batches to keep them firm.

Alternative Presentation Ideas

Truffle Box: Arrange the finished Butterfinger Balls in decorative paper liners and place them in a gift box for a festive presentation.

Candy Skewers: Thread the balls onto decorative skewers with marshmallows or fruit pieces for a fun party treat.

Layered Dessert: Crumble the Butterfinger Balls over ice cream or use them as a topping for parfaits or cheesecakes.

Additional Tips for Success

Room Temperature Butter: Ensure the butter is softened for easier mixing with the peanut butter.

Avoid Overheating Chocolate: Melt the chocolate slowly to prevent it from seizing. If it thickens too much, add a small amount of coconut oil to thin it out.

Store Properly: Keep the balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain their texture and freshness.

Recipe Variations

Dark Chocolate Butterfinger Balls: Use dark chocolate for a more intense flavor that contrasts beautifully with the sweet filling.

Nut-Free Option: Substitute the peanut butter with sunflower seed butter for a nut-free version.

White Chocolate Coating: Replace the semi-sweet chocolate with melted white chocolate for a sweeter, creamier coating.

Holiday Twist: Add festive-colored sprinkles or drizzle with red and green chocolate for a holiday-themed treat.

Freezing and Storing

Refrigeration: Store the Butterfinger Balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezing: Freeze the balls before coating them in chocolate for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before dipping and decorating. Once coated, they can also be frozen for longer storage.

Healthier Twist Ideas

Natural Sweeteners: Replace powdered sugar with alternatives like powdered monk fruit or coconut sugar. These substitutes provide sweetness with fewer calories and less impact on blood sugar, making the Butterfinger Balls a better choice for those looking to reduce processed sugar in their diet.

Dark Chocolate: Opt for high-quality dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa for a rich, bittersweet flavor. Dark chocolate is lower in sugar than milk chocolate and contains antioxidants that may offer health benefits, making it a nutritious upgrade.

Almond Butter: Swap peanut butter for almond butter to create a unique flavor profile while adding a dose of vitamin E, healthy fats, and protein. Almond butter pairs beautifully with the chocolate and crushed Butterfinger for a sophisticated twist.

Oat Flour Add-In: Adding a small amount of oat flour to the filling increases fiber content and helps create a firmer structure, which can make the balls easier to roll and coat. Oat flour also adds a subtle nuttiness to the overall flavor.

Low-Sugar Chocolate Chips: Use sugar-free or reduced-sugar chocolate chips to lower the overall sugar content of the coating. Brands like Lily’s or ChocZero provide excellent options for this adjustment.

Serving Suggestions for Events

Holiday Party: Elevate the presentation by arranging the Butterfinger Balls on a festive platter lined with holly leaves, edible glitter, or red and green sprinkles for a holiday-themed touch. Add small decorative signs to label them, making them the star of your dessert table.

Birthday Celebration: Display the Butterfinger Balls alongside cupcakes, cake pops, and other treats on a tiered dessert stand. Use colorful cupcake liners or edible glitter to make each ball pop with festive charm. Adding a birthday candle to one ball can create a unique way to celebrate.

Potluck Dessert: Transport the Butterfinger Balls in a decorative tin or airtight container lined with parchment paper for a polished and practical presentation. Include a small serving spoon or tongs for easy handling and set the tin at the center of the dessert table to share the sweetness with everyone.

Movie Night Snack: Serve the balls in themed mini cupcake liners featuring popular movies or patterns for a fun twist. Pair them with popcorn, pretzels, or other bite-sized snacks for the ultimate finger-food spread. Add a drizzle of white or caramel chocolate over the balls to give them an extra touch of indulgence.

Tea Party Treat: Add the Butterfinger Balls to a high tea tray with scones, tea sandwiches, and cookies. Pair them with flavored teas like chai or Earl Grey for a deliciously balanced treat.

Special Equipment

Food Processor: A food processor is a quick and efficient way to crush Butterfinger candy bars evenly, creating a consistent texture that blends seamlessly into the filling.

Small Cookie Scoop: Ensures uniform-sized balls, making them not only visually appealing but also easier to coat evenly in chocolate. A cookie scoop also saves time and effort during preparation.

Microwave-Safe Bowl: Perfect for melting chocolate chips safely and evenly in the microwave. Look for bowls with handles or heat-resistant properties for easy handling and pouring.

Parchment Paper: An essential tool for lining your baking sheet. It prevents sticking, ensures easy removal of the Butterfinger Balls after chilling, and makes cleanup hassle-free. You can also use silicone baking mats for an eco-friendly alternative.

Double Boiler (Optional): If you don’t prefer microwaving, a double boiler offers a foolproof method for melting chocolate slowly and evenly without the risk of scorching. It’s particularly useful for achieving a glossy finish on the chocolate coating.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use crunchy peanut butter?
   Yes, crunchy peanut butter works well and adds extra texture to the filling.
2. What if I don’t have Butterfinger candy bars?
   Substitute with another crispy candy bar, like Crunch or Twix, for a similar result.
3. Can I use white chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate?
   Absolutely! White chocolate creates a sweeter and creamier coating.
4. How do I keep the chocolate coating smooth?
   Add a small amount of coconut oil or shortening to the chocolate while melting for a glossy finish.
5. Can I freeze the Butterfinger Balls after coating?
   Yes, coated balls freeze well. Store them in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers.
6. What’s the best way to crush Butterfinger candy bars?
   Use a food processor or place the bars in a sealed bag and crush them with a rolling pin.
7. Are these treats gluten-free?
   Check the ingredient labels on the candy bars and other components to ensure they are gluten-free.
8. Can I double the recipe?
   Yes, this recipe doubles easily for larger gatherings or gift batches.

Conclusion

Butterfinger Balls are a delightful no-bake treat that combines the best of creamy, crunchy, and chocolatey goodness. Perfect for any occasion, these bite-sized desserts are easy to make and always a crowd favorite.

Whether you’re preparing them for a party, a holiday celebration, or a personal indulgence, Butterfinger Balls deliver a decadent flavor experience that’s hard to resist. Try this recipe today and discover why these treats are loved by all!

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