Butterfinger Balls are the best of classic candy, childhood nostalgia, and homemade simplicity—crunchy, chocolatey, peanut-buttery treats inspired by the iconic Butterfinger candy bar. Every bite holds a lush peanut butter center, tinged with the unmistakable crisp-toffee crunch of crushed Butterfinger or flaky cereal, all wrapped in a cloak of silky chocolate.
Fast, no-bake, and requiring just a handful of staple ingredients, these truffle-style treats are a hit at parties, cookie exchanges, and on festive dessert trays. They’re irresistible as a lunchbox surprise, crowd-pleasing as gifts, and so fun to make, you’ll want to whip up a double batch every time.
Why You’ll Love It
Butterfinger Balls bring the familiar flavor of the classic bar—peanut butter, caramel-crunch, and chocolate—in a poppable, snackable form that you control. The contrast of creamy center and crunchy bits, all enrobed in rich chocolate, makes them addictive. The process is quick: no baking or special equipment required, meaning you can get a batch done in under an hour.
They last for days, freeze beautifully, travel well, and are adaptable for all dietary needs. Whether packaged for teachers, whipped up for parties, or simply devoured out of hand, these sweet-and-salty bites win fans of all ages.
Key Ingredients
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups crushed Butterfinger bars (about 6 standard bars) OR 2 cups cornflakes + 1/2 cup toffee bits
- 12 oz semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips (or melting wafers), for coating
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil or vegetable shortening (for smoother chocolate)
- Optional: sea salt for garnish, festive sprinkles, extra Butterfinger bits
Preparation
Begin by finely crushing Butterfinger bars (a rolling pin and zip-top bag works perfectly) or mixing cornflakes with toffee bits if making a chewy-crunchy alternative.
In a medium bowl, beat together peanut butter, softened butter, vanilla, and powdered sugar until thick and smooth. Fold in crushed Butterfinger (or cereal-toffee mixture) until combined.
Roll mixture into 1-inch balls and place on a parchment-lined tray. Chill balls in the refrigerator or freezer for 30–45 minutes to firm up before coating.
Meanwhile, melt chocolate chips (and coconut oil/shortening if using) in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second bursts, stirring until glossy and smooth. Using forks or a candy dipping tool, dunk chilled balls in melted chocolate, turning to coat—let excess drip off, then return to lined tray.
Decorate immediately with extra Butterfinger bits, sea salt, or sprinkles before chocolate sets. Chill in fridge until chocolate is firm—about 30 minutes.
Store Butterfinger Balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks, or freeze for several months.
Technique, Tips & Tricks
For the crunchiest, flakiest balls, crush Butterfinger bars in the bag they come in, or in a zip bag with a heavy rolling pin. For even more crunch, try mixing in feuilletine flakes or crushed cornflakes with the Butterfinger or toffee bits.
Chilling the peanut butter mixture is key: it makes rolling cleaner and keeps the balls firm for dipping. For smooth chocolate coating, use a bit of coconut oil or shortening, and work quickly—if chocolate thickens as you work, microwave briefly until fluid again.
Decorate each ball as soon as it’s dipped so toppings stick. For extra drizzle decoration, let chocolate set, then flick extra melted chocolate over finished balls in a zigzag pattern.
Substitutions and Variations
- Gluten-free: Use GF candy or swap in rice cereal or GF cornflakes for Butterfinger.
- Nut-free: Substitute sunflower seed butter and skip the Butterfinger, using crispy rice cereal, toffee bits, and chocolate.
- Dark chocolate: Use dark chips or couverture.
- Double crunch: Add chopped pretzel bits, crushed potato chips, or sprinkle with chopped roasted peanuts.
- Vegan: Use vegan butter, plant-based chocolate, and vegan toffee.
Experiment with shapes—flatten for “bark” or press mixture into a pan for no-bake bars.
Serving Suggestions
Pile Butterfinger Balls into holiday tins, arrange on tiered platters, or gift in parchment-lined boxes for special occasions. Add to cookie trays with truffles, buckeyes, or peppermint bark for variety.
Serve at Halloween or birthday parties with bowls of mini-candy for a DIY candy bar effect or as a sweet treat alongside popcorn and spiced nuts for movie night.
For dessert boards, pair with fresh fruit, salty snacks, or coffee and hot chocolate for balance.
Story & Origins
The Butterfinger candy bar was invented in the 1920s by the Curtiss Candy Company and has been a beloved American classic ever since. Home cooks have since recreated its signature flavor with peanut butter, crispy cereals, and chocolate—eventually transforming it into balls, bars, and truffles for bake sales and family parties.
The no-bake truffle or ball has become a staple of cookbooks and holiday swaps, evolving with new candies, toppings, and creative twists each year.
Nutrition Notes
Butterfinger Balls are treats, so they’re rich in sugar and fat, with some protein from the peanut butter. Lighter versions can use natural PB, less sugar, or dark chocolate, and nut-free or vegan versions require simple swaps.
For portion control, make mini balls, and freeze any extras for future snacking.
Those with allergies or dietary needs can adapt with sunflower seed butter, rice cereal, or gluten-free candies/chips.
Flavors & Pairings
Their sweet-salty, nutty-chocolate flavor pairs well with coffee, spiced teas, or milk. Serve with fresh strawberries or banana slices for contrast, or alongside caramel popcorn or roasted nuts at parties.
Mix into ice cream, fold into brownie batter, or sandwich between graham crackers for bonus treats.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze them?
Yes—thaw for 15 minutes at room temp for best texture.
What’s the best Butterfinger substitute?
Crispy cornflakes with toffee bits, or peanut brittle crumbs.
Can kids help?
Absolutely—rolling balls and dipping in chocolate is fun for all ages.
How to prevent sticky hands?
Chill mixture before rolling, and butter hands lightly if needed.
How long do they last?
2 weeks in the fridge, several months frozen.
Final Thoughts
Butterfinger Balls are a pure bite of nostalgia and homemade joy—fast, fun, delicious, and deeply craveable. With their peanut butter crunch and chocolatey shell, these little orbs of delight are destined for repeat appearances on your treat table, in holiday boxes, and during snack attacks all year long.
