🍫 Introduction
Butterfinger Balls are no-bake treats made with crushed Butterfinger candy bars, peanut butter, graham crackers, and chocolate. They’re sweet, crunchy, creamy, and chocolaty — everything you love about a candy bar but in a bite-sized, shareable form. With just five ingredients, these are quick to prepare and perfect for parties, holidays, or a quick dessert fix.
🌍 Origin and Cultural Significance
The original Butterfinger candy bar was introduced in 1923 by the Curtiss Candy Company and later popularized by Nestlé and Ferrero. Its unique flaky, peanut-buttery center and crispy texture have made it a U.S. favorite for over a century.
Recipes using Butterfinger candies — such as cookies, pies, and truffles — have become staples of American “kitchen creativity,” especially around Halloween when leftover candy finds new life. These Butterfinger Balls reflect that spirit of playful indulgence, blending classic candy with modern no-bake dessert trends.
🧾 Ingredients & Quantities (Yields about 20–24 balls)
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Butterfinger candy bars (fun size or full) | 1½ cups crushed (about 6–8 fun-size bars or 3 full-size) |
| Creamy peanut butter | 1 cup (240g) |
| Graham cracker crumbs | 1 cup (about 8 full crackers, crushed) |
| Powdered sugar | ¾ cup (90g) |
| Chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk) | 1½ cups (9 oz or 250g), for coating |
➕ Optional Additions
- Pinch of salt – balances the sweetness
- Splash of vanilla extract – adds depth
- Chopped roasted peanuts – for crunch
- White chocolate drizzle – for decoration
- Crushed pretzels – for a salty-sweet twist
- Crushed cornflakes or Rice Krispies – for extra texture
🔑 Tips for Success
- Crush Butterfingers finely for better blending; use a food processor or rolling pin + bag.
- Use creamy peanut butter, not natural or oily types, for best texture.
- Chill the mixture before rolling into balls to make handling easier.
- Freeze balls before dipping in chocolate to prevent melting and help chocolate set faster.
- Use a fork or dipping tool to dip in melted chocolate and tap off excess.
- Store in fridge in an airtight container for up to 7 days, or freeze for longer shelf life.
🥣 Instructions
- Prepare the filling
In a large bowl, mix together crushed Butterfingers, peanut butter, graham cracker crumbs, and powdered sugar until a thick dough forms. - Chill the dough
Cover and chill in the fridge for 20–30 minutes to firm up. - Roll into balls
Scoop and roll mixture into 1-inch balls. Place on a parchment-lined tray. - Freeze briefly
Freeze the rolled balls for 15–20 minutes to make dipping easier. - Melt the chocolate
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate chips in 30-second bursts, stirring between each, until smooth. - Dip and set
Using a fork or skewer, dip each ball into the melted chocolate and place on parchment. Let set at room temperature or in fridge until firm. - Serve and enjoy
Once set, store in an airtight container. Enjoy chilled or at room temperature.
🍬 Description
Butterfinger Balls have a rich, peanut butter–based center with bursts of crispy, flaky Butterfinger crunch. The graham crackers and powdered sugar bind the filling together into a fudge-like texture. The chocolate shell provides a satisfying snap and contrast to the creamy interior. Each bite is nutty, sweet, salty, and nostalgic — like a truffle, cookie dough bite, and candy bar rolled into one.
🧮 Nutritional Information (Per ball, approx. 24 servings)
| Nutrient | Estimated Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150–170 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 16–20g |
| Sugar | 12–15g |
| Fat | 8–10g |
| Protein | 2–3g |
| Sodium | ~80mg |
| Fiber | <1g |
Note: Will vary based on candy bar size and type of chocolate used.
✅ Conclusion and Recommendation
If you love Butterfinger candy or peanut butter desserts, these no-bake Butterfinger Balls are a must-try. With just five pantry-friendly ingredients, they deliver big flavor with minimal effort. They’re ideal for:
- Potlucks and parties
- Edible holiday gifts
- Kid-friendly desserts
- Last-minute treats
They store well, freeze great, and offer that candy-bar nostalgia in a convenient, bite-sized format.
🌿 Embracing Healthful Indulgence
You can still enjoy this treat mindfully with a few tweaks:
💡 Healthier Tweaks
- Use dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher) for antioxidants and reduced sugar
- Reduce powdered sugar to ½ cup
- Swap graham crackers with ground oats or almond flour
- Use natural peanut butter (stirred well) — note it may change texture slightly
- Use chopped roasted peanuts + dark chocolate + a pinch of sea salt for a Butterfinger-inspired snack without the candy bar