Craving a sweet, crunchy treat that’s ready in minutes? This easy Butterfinger Balls Recipe—inspired by Grandma’s old-fashioned Butterfinger balls—delivers nostalgia in every bite. Combining crushed Butterfinger candy bars, creamy peanut butter, and a silky chocolate coating, these no-bake delights are perfect for parties, last-minute gifts, or satisfying cravings. Like the Pioneer Woman’s Butterfinger Balls, this version balances simplicity with bold flavor, but with a shortcut: use pre-crushed Butterfinger bits to save time!
Whether you’re a busy parent, a dessert newbie, this recipe guarantees crispy, creamy perfection. Keep reading to discover pro twists (try dark chocolate for depth!) and storage hacks straight from our Butterfinger balls recipe .
Table of Contents
What Are Butterfinger Balls? A Decadent Dessert Explained
Butterfinger balls are no-bake peanut butter truffles packed with crushed Butterfinger candy bars and coated in melted chocolate. Imagine the crunchy texture of Butterfingers blended into a peanut butter mixture, rolled into smooth balls, and dipped in chocolate chips or white chocolate. These bite-sized treats mimic the flavor of Butterfinger buckeyes but require zero baking!
This dessert is ideal for busy hosts or anyone craving a quick sweet fix. With just graham cracker crumbs, powdered sugar, and a cookie scoop, you’ll have a crowd-pleaser ready in under an hour. Plus, they’re gluten-free-friendly if you use certified gluten-free graham crackers.
Why You’ll Love This Butterfinger Balls Recipe
This easy recipe requires no baking and minimal cleanup. The crunchy peanut butter and Butterfinger bits create a satisfying texture, while the chocolate coating adds richness. It’s also versatile: swap milk chocolate for white chocolate or add natural peanut butter for a healthier twist.
Ingredients
(Makes 24 balls)
- 8 full-size Butterfinger candy bars (1.9 oz each), crushed
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup softened butter
- 2 cups chocolate chips (milk, dark, or white chocolate)
- Optional: Extra crushed Butterfinger for topping
How to Make Butterfinger Balls: Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Prep the Peanut Butter Mixture
In a large bowl, mix creamy peanut butter, softened butter, powdered sugar, and graham cracker crumbs until smooth. Fold in crushed Butterfinger candy bars (reserve 2 tablespoons for garnish).
Step 2: Roll Into Balls
Use a cookie scoop to portion the mixture, then roll into 1-inch balls. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Chill in the refrigerator for 15 minutes to firm up.
Step 3: Melt the Chocolate
Add chocolate chips to a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
Step 4: Dip the Balls
Using a fork, dip each ball into the melted chocolate, letting excess drip off. Return to the parchment paper and immediately sprinkle with reserved crushed Butterfinger.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
Let the chocolate set in the refrigerator for 20 minutes before serving.
Can You Make Butterfinger Buckeye Balls? A Tasty Twist!
Yes! Butterfinger buckeye balls leave part of the peanut butter ball exposed, resembling a buckeye nut. Simply dip the balls three-quarters of the way into melted chocolate and let them set on a baking sheet.
What’s the Secret to the Perfect Crunch in Butterfinger Balls?
The crunchy Butterfinger texture in this easy Butterfinger balls recipe comes from two key ingredients: crushed Butterfinger candy bars and graham cracker crumbs. The candy bars add their signature crispy, flaky layers, while the crumbs create a sturdy, crumbly base. For an extra irresistible crunch, swap creamy peanut butter for crunchy peanut butter – a pro tip borrowed from old-fashioned Butterfinger balls recipes! This combo ensures every bite of your Butterfinger Balls recipe delivers that crave able, satisfying snap.
Butterfinger Balls vs. Butterfinger Truffles: What’s the Difference?
While both treats feature the iconic crunchy Butterfinger flavor, their textures and ingredients set them apart:
- Butterfinger Balls Recipe (Classic Version):
- Structure: Relies on a peanut butter mixture blended with powdered sugar and graham cracker crumbs for a firm, no-bake bite.
- Texture: Crunchy from crushed Butterfinger candy bars, with a slightly crumbly interior.
- Prep Time: Faster to make—no melting or chilling beyond coating.
- Best For: Crowd-pleasing gifts or parties (thanks to their sturdy shape).
- Butterfinger Truffles:
- Structure: Uses cream cheese or melted chocolate as a binder, creating a smoother, richer center.
- Texture: Creamier and softer, similar to traditional chocolate truffles.
- Prep Time: Requires chilling the filling longer to hold its shape.
- Best For: Elegant dessert trays or pairing with coffee.
Key Takeaway:
The easy Butterfinger balls recipe is ideal for quick, no-fuss treats, while truffles offer a decadent twist for special occasions. Love both? Try our Butterfinger Balls with cream cheese variation (add 4 oz softened cream cheese to the peanut butter mixture) for a hybrid texture!
Pro Tip:
For truffles, roll the filling into smaller balls and coat them in melted chocolate candy coating twice for a glossy finish. For classic balls, stick to the no-bake Butterfinger method with crushed candy for maximum crunch.
Pro Tips for Perfect Butterfinger Balls Every Time
Master your Butterfinger Balls Recipe with these expert tricks to ensure crunchy, creamy, crowd-pleasing results every time:
- Chill the Peanut Butter Mixture
After mixing the creamy peanut butter, powdered sugar, and crushed Butterfinger, refrigerate the dough for 15-20 minutes. This hardens the fats in the peanut butter, making it easier to roll into smooth balls without sticking to your hands. Cold dough also holds its shape better when dipped in melted chocolate. - Use a Cookie Scoop for Consistency
A #60 (1-tbsp) cookie scoop guarantees evenly sized balls, which ensures uniform chilling and coating. This prevents smaller balls from becoming too hard in the freezer or larger ones from crumbling. Bonus: It speeds up the process for this easy Butterfinger Balls Recipe! - Add Salt to Elevate Flavor
A pinch of salt in the peanut butter mixture balances the sweetness of the powdered sugar and Butterfinger candy bars. For a gourmet twist, sprinkle flaky sea salt over the chocolate coating before it sets. - Double-Coat for Extra Crunch
After the first layer of melted chocolate hardens, dip the balls a second time. This adds a thicker shell and locks in the crunchy Butterfinger texture, mimicking the old-fashioned Butterfinger balls recipe style. - Freeze for Mess-Free Dipping
Pop the rolled balls in the freezer for 10 minutes before dipping. Cold centers prevent the peanut butter mixture from softening the chocolate, giving you glossy, crack-free shells.
Serving Suggestions
Make your Butterfinger balls shine with these creative ideas:
1. Party Platter Perfection
Arrange your quick Butterfinger balls alongside classic peanut butter balls, chocolate-dipped strawberries, or shortbread cookies. For a retro vibe, add Grandma’s Butterfinger Balls or old-fashioned Butterfinger balls favorites like Rice Krispie treats. This mix of textures and flavors will wow guests!
2. Gift-Ready Goodies
Package your Butterfinger Balls recipe in a festive tin or clear cellophane bags tied with ribbon. Add a handwritten tag with storage tips from the balls recipe .
3. Ice Cream Upgrade
Crumble Butterfinger Balls with cream cheese or classic versions over vanilla ice cream. The contrast of cold, creamy ice cream and crunchy Butterfinger pieces is irresistible.
4. Holiday Magic
Roll your finger Balls in red or green sprinkles for Christmas, or use orange-and-black candy crumbs for Halloween. For Easter, coat them in pastel white chocolate – a trick loved by Pioneer Woman Butterfinger Balls fans!
5. Bake Sale Star
Use Butterfinger balls recipe hacks like pre-portioned mini muffin liners for quick packaging. Add a note highlighting their no-bake simplicity – a selling point from Grandma’s recipes Butterfinger Balls traditions.
Conclusion
These easy Butterfinger balls are the ultimate no-fuss dessert. With their crunchy texture, sweet peanut butter filling, and glossy chocolate coating, they’re guaranteed to disappear fast. Store leftovers (if any!) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, or freeze for later. Once you try this recipe, it’ll become your go-to treat for every occasion!
FAQs
Why Does Butterfinger Taste Different?
Butterfinger’s iconic flavor comes from its crunchy, flaky layers of peanut butter candy made by cooking corn syrup and sugar into a crispy, honeycomb-like texture. This unique process, patented in 1923, creates a lighter, airier crunch compared to other peanut butter candies. When making your old-fashioned Butterfinger balls recipe, crushing the candy bars finely ensures that signature texture shines through in every bite.
Can You Freeze Butterfinger Balls?
Absolutely! This easy Butterfinger balls recipe freezes beautifully. Store them in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. They’ll keep for up to 3 months in the freezer. For best results, thaw at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving. Pro tip: Label the container with the date, just like Grandma’s Butterfinger Balls tradition!
What Makes a Butterfinger Crunchy?
The crunchy texture comes from a process called “candy flaking,” where cooked corn syrup and sugar are layered into delicate, crispy sheets. In your Butterfinger Balls recipe, this texture is recreated using crushed Butterfinger candy bars mixed with graham cracker crumbs. For extra crispness, try the Pioneer Woman Butterfinger Balls hack: add a handful of Rice Krispies to the peanut butter mixture.
What Does Butterfinger Have?
Butterfinger’s classic ingredients include peanuts, corn syrup, sugar, and cocoa. When making homemade Butterfinger balls, you’ll use similar flavors with creamy peanut butter, powdered sugar, and melted chocolate. For a nostalgic twist, try the old-fashioned Butterfinger balls recipe with crushed graham crackers and softened butter.
How Long Does Butterfinger Last?
Store your easy Butterfinger balls recipe creations in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, freeze them . Pro tip: If adding cream cheese (like Butterfinger Balls with cream cheese variations), reduce fridge time to 1 week for freshness.
What Are Butterfinger Bites Made Of?
Butterfinger bites are mini versions of the classic Butterfinger balls recipe, using the same peanut butter mixture and crushed Butterfinger candy bars. Roll them smaller (½-inch balls) and dip in melted chocolate candy coating for bite-sized perfection. For a crowd-pleasing twist, try the Pioneer Woman Butterfinger Balls method: drizzle with white chocolate .
Easy Butterfinger Balls Recipe You Will Love
Ingredients
8 full-size Butterfinger candy bars (1.9 oz each), crushed
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
¼ cup softened butter
- 2 cups chocolate chips milk, dark, or white chocolate
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Peanut Butter Mixture
- In a large bowl, mix creamy peanut butter, softened butter, powdered sugar, and graham cracker crumbs until smooth. Fold in crushed Butterfinger candy bars (reserve 2 tablespoons for garnish).
Step 2: Roll Into Balls
- Use a cookie scoop to portion the mixture, then roll into 1-inch balls. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Chill in the refrigerator for 15 minutes to firm up.
Step 3: Melt the Chocolate
- Add chocolate chips to a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
Step 4: Dip the Balls
- Using a fork, dip each ball into the melted chocolate, letting excess drip off. Return to the parchment paper and immediately sprinkle with reserved crushed Butterfinger.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
- Let the chocolate set in the refrigerator for 20 minutes before serving.
Notes
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 160 |
| Total Fat | 9g |
| Saturated Fat | 4g |
| Protein | 3g |
| Total Carbs | 18g |
| Sugars | 13g |
| Sodium | 85mg |
| Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on ingredient brands. |
Categorization
- Course: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
- Method: No-Bake
- Keywords: Butterfinger Balls Recipe, No-Bake Dessert, Peanut Butter Truffles, Easy Candy Recipes, Party Treats
- Skill Level: Beginner-Friendly
