Butterfinger Balls are the chewy, crunchy delights that deliver all the irresistible, peanutty-crisp magic of a classic Butterfinger bar—no baking required! Easy enough to whip up in minutes and addictive enough to steal the spotlight at any party, these bite-sized treats combine crushed Butterfinger candy bars, creamy peanut butter, and rich chocolate into a single, poppable dessert.
Perfect for gifting, holidays, or satisfying your sweet tooth, these balls are a fun and fuss-free way to make everyone’s favorite candy shop flavor at home.
Why You’ll Love It
These Butterfinger Balls pack a perfect punch of texture—creamy from peanut butter, crispy from candy pieces, and finished with a snappy chocolate shell. Every bite bursts with sweet-salty contrasts and nostalgic flavor, and there’s no baking or complicated steps involved.
Making them is interactive and child-friendly—great for little hands eager to help roll and dip. You can make ahead or freeze for a party, gift box, or as a convenient grab-and-go treat during busy weeks. Expect rave reviews and lots of “just one more” moments!
Key Ingredients
Crushed Butterfinger bars lend their signature toffee-peanut crunch and caramelized flavor while creamy peanut butter (crunchy works too!) binds everything together and adds richness. Powdered sugar thickens the mixture and balances the flavors.
Graham cracker crumbs or vanilla wafer crumbs help with structure and make the inside more truffle-like. Good quality melting chocolate or chocolate chips coat each ball for that classic Butterfinger “bite,” while a touch of coconut oil or shortening ensures a smooth and glossy shell.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups crushed Butterfinger bars (about 6 fun-size bars)
- 1 cup creamy or crunchy peanut butter
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 3/4 cup graham cracker or vanilla wafer crumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips or melting wafers (semi-sweet, milk, or dark)
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil or vegetable shortening (optional, for melting)
- Optional: extra crushed Butterfinger for garnish
Preparation
In a large bowl, combine peanut butter, powdered sugar, crushed Butterfinger bars, cookie crumbs, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix with a sturdy spoon or your hands until completely blended—the mixture should hold together when pressed but not feel wet.
Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions and roll into balls, placing them on a parchment-lined tray. Freeze or refrigerate balls for at least 30 minutes to firm up; this makes dipping easier and keeps their shape.
Meanwhile, melt chocolate chips with coconut oil in a microwave or double boiler until smooth and pourable. Working quickly, dip chilled balls in chocolate using a fork or dipping tool, letting excess chocolate drip off.
Place back on parchment and, if desired, immediately sprinkle with extra crushed Butterfinger or a drizzle of more melted chocolate. Repeat with all balls.
Chill dipped Butterfinger Balls until the chocolate shell is set—about 30 minutes. Store in airtight containers in the fridge or freezer until ready to serve.
Tips & Tricks
For mess-free shaping, slightly wet your hands or use a small spring-loaded cookie scoop. Make sure candy bars are well-crushed—large chunks are fun, but too many make rolling harder. Don’t rush the chilling step before dipping; cold balls hold up better in warm chocolate and set quickly for neater finish.
Use parchment or silicone mats to prevent sticking. For a thinner chocolate coating, dip quickly and tap off the excess. For a thick shell, let the chocolate set and then dip a second time. Extra drizzle or a sprinkle of Butterfinger, crushed peanuts, or festive sprinkles on top adds visual appeal and hints at the flavor inside.
Make ahead for holidays or events, and freeze extras—thaw briefly for a cool, chewy snack that’s perfect straight from the freezer. When gifting, layer balls with wax paper in tins or boxes for a professional look.
Substitutions and Variations
Swap graham cracker crumbs for vanilla or chocolate wafer crumbs, or use gluten-free cookies for allergy-friendly treats. Substitute almond, cashew, or sunflower seed butter for peanut-free versions, and try different candy bars if you want new flavor profiles (Snickers, Twix, or Heath work too).
Use white chocolate or dark chocolate for the exterior, or drizzle both for a marble effect. Adding a bit of chopped salted pretzel inside the mixture brings salty crunch, while mini chocolate chips provide extra bursts of chocolate throughout.
For more depth, add a teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the chocolate, or swirl caramel or marshmallow fluff through the peanut butter mixture before rolling for even more gooey flavor.
If you prefer a bar shape, press the mixture into a parchment-lined pan, chill, and slice into bars before dipping or drizzling with chocolate.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Butterfinger Balls on a dessert tray with other candies, brownies, or cookies for a varied and inviting spread. For parties, load them into mini cupcake liners and arrange in a decorative box or tray, garnishing with more Butterfinger crumbles for sparkle and crunch.
Add them to your holiday cookie platter, or include as a special treat in lunchboxes. Butterfinger Balls are perfect for mug cake toppers, ice cream sundaes, or as a poppable after-dinner sweet. For birthday parties or bake sales, stack them tall in glass jars or pretty bowls—they’re eye-catching and inviting.
If you want a cool treat in summer, freeze balls and serve straight from the freezer for a satisfying, candy-bar-meets-ice-cream effect. For edible gifts, wrap balls in cellophane bags tied with ribbon or present in reusable tins for a bakery-style finish.
Share at office parties or bring to potlucks—they travel well and need no refrigeration for short periods. Watch as guests’ faces light up with the familiar flavor and the ultimate combination of crunch and creaminess.
