There’s something magical about a dessert that brings back the nostalgia of childhood, wrapped in the rich, satisfying flavor of peanut butter and chocolate. Whether you’re curled up on the couch for a movie night, preparing treats for a holiday cookie exchange, or simply looking for an indulgent weekend project, these Butterfinger Balls hit all the right notes.
Inspired by the classic Butterfinger candy bar — crunchy, flaky, and peanut-buttery — this no-bake recipe transforms it into a bite-sized delight that’s both simple and impressive. What started as a fun family experiment one snowy December afternoon has become a staple in our kitchen. The best part? You only need seven ingredients and less than an hour to whip up a batch of these chocolate-covered gems.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Butterfinger Balls are the perfect blend of crunchy, creamy, and chocolaty — a trifecta that’s hard to resist. Here’s why they’re so irresistible:
- No-Bake Simplicity: No oven required! Just mix, chill, dip, and devour.
- Texture Heaven: The crushed Butterfinger bars provide a delightful crunch that pairs beautifully with smooth peanut butter and rich chocolate.
- Crowd-Pleaser: From kids’ birthday parties to grown-up gatherings, these treats always disappear fast.
- Perfect for Gifting: Package them in a decorative tin or mason jar for a thoughtful, homemade edible gift.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s take a look at what goes into these delicious little bites:
- 2 cups crushed Butterfinger candy bars
(Tip: About 8 fun-size bars or 4 full-size bars. A food processor works great for crushing.) - 1 cup creamy peanut butter
(Avoid natural-style peanut butter — it’s too oily and doesn’t hold the shape well.) - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
(Let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before mixing.) - 2 cups powdered sugar
(This helps bind everything together and adds a subtle sweetness.) - 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
(You can also use dark chocolate chips for a more intense flavor.) - 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or coconut oil
(This helps the chocolate melt smoothly and coat the balls evenly.)
How to Make Butterfinger Balls (Step-by-Step Instructions)
Step 1: Mix the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the crushed Butterfinger candy bars, peanut butter, softened butter, and powdered sugar. Use a wooden spoon or electric hand mixer to stir everything together until it forms a thick, uniform dough. It should hold its shape but still feel soft and pliable.
Pro Tip: If the mixture feels too soft, refrigerate it for 10–15 minutes before rolling into balls.
Step 2: Roll the Balls
Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, form 1-inch balls (about the size of a walnut) and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. This batch makes roughly 24 balls. Once they’re all rolled, place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to firm them up.
Step 3: Melt the Chocolate
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and oil. Microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each session until the chocolate is fully melted and glossy.
Tip: You can also melt the chocolate using a double boiler on the stovetop if you prefer.
Step 4: Dip and Coat
Take the chilled Butterfinger balls out of the fridge. Using a fork, candy dipping tool, or even a toothpick, dip each ball into the melted chocolate, making sure it’s completely coated. Let any excess chocolate drip off before placing the ball back on the parchment-lined baking sheet.
Optional Garnish: While the chocolate is still wet, sprinkle a little extra crushed Butterfinger or drizzle melted peanut butter over the top for a fancy finish.
Step 5: Let Them Set
Let the dipped balls sit at room temperature until the chocolate hardens, or speed things up by placing the tray back in the fridge for about 15–20 minutes.
Serving and Storage
These treats are best served slightly chilled or at room temperature. Their firm texture makes them perfect for stacking on dessert platters or packing into lunchboxes.
Storage:
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week, or in the freezer for up to 2 months. Just let them thaw for 10–15 minutes at room temp before serving.
Nutritional Info (Per Ball)
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Fat: 11g
- Carbs: 19g
- Sugar: 15g
- Protein: 2g
(Nutrition may vary depending on brands and specific ingredients used.)
Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Butterfinger Balls
- Crush the Candy Just Right: Use a food processor for fine crumbs or a rolling pin for a chunkier texture.
- Don’t Skip the Chill: Chilling helps the balls hold their shape while dipping. Otherwise, they might fall apart in the warm chocolate.
- Add a Crunchy Twist: Mix in chopped pretzels or toasted rice cereal for a fun texture variation.
- Make It Vegan-Friendly: Use plant-based butter, dairy-free chocolate chips, and a vegan-friendly peanut butter to suit dietary needs.
- Use a Melon Baller or Mini Ice Cream Scoop: This helps make uniform sizes and saves your hands from sticky dough.
Creative Variations
Looking to shake things up? Try these fun variations to customize your Butterfinger Balls:
1. Oreo Butterfinger Balls
Mix in 1 cup of crushed Oreo cookies with the Butterfinger candy for a cookies-and-cream twist.
2. White Chocolate Coating
Swap semi-sweet chocolate for white chocolate chips. Add food coloring to match the season (orange for Halloween, red/green for Christmas).
3. Nut-Free Version
Use sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter for an allergy-friendly treat. It still gives you that creamy richness without the peanuts.
Perfect for Any Occasion
These no-bake Butterfinger Balls are versatile and festive, making them ideal for:
- Holiday Treat Platters: A standout among cookies and candies.
- Birthday Parties: Kid-friendly and fun to eat.
- Bake Sales or Fundraisers: Easy to make in bulk and sell individually.
- Gifting: Wrap in cellophane or decorative boxes for a thoughtful homemade gift.
- Potlucks and Picnics: They travel well and don’t need reheating or refrigeration on the spot.
What Readers Are Saying
“My kids LOVED these. We made a double batch for a school fundraiser, and they were gone in minutes!” – Sarah B.
“I had leftover Halloween candy and didn’t know what to do with it. This recipe was perfect!” – Jen M.
“Dangerously delicious! I brought them to work and my coworkers thought they were from a bakery.” – Mark D.
Final Thoughts: Why You Need to Make These Butterfinger Balls Today
Few desserts are as easy, impressive, and crave-worthy as these Butterfinger Balls. They combine the nostalgia of a classic candy bar with the rich indulgence of a chocolate-peanut butter truffle. Whether you’re making a batch for yourself or sharing them with loved ones, this is one sweet recipe you’ll come back to again and again.
So why wait? Grab those Butterfinger bars, raid the pantry, and get rolling — these heavenly bites are just a few minutes away from becoming your new favorite treat.