If you’re looking for an easy, indulgent dessert that’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth, Butterfinger Balls are the perfect treat. These bite-sized confections are made with crushed Butterfinger candy bars, creamy peanut butter, and a coating of rich chocolate. The result is a delicious, no-bake dessert that’s crunchy, creamy, and utterly irresistible. Whether you’re preparing a treat for a party, a holiday gathering, or simply indulging yourself, Butterfinger Balls will be the hit of the occasion.
In this article, we’ll guide you through the simple steps to make these delightful treats, share some helpful tips, and answer frequently asked questions to make sure your Butterfinger Balls turn out perfect every time.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love Butterfinger Balls
1. No-Bake Simplicity
These treats are incredibly easy to make with no baking required. The process involves just mixing, rolling, and coating, making it a fun and quick treat to prepare.
2. Perfect Balance of Flavors
The combination of the crunchy Butterfinger, creamy peanut butter, and smooth chocolate creates a delightful texture and balance of sweetness that’s hard to resist.
3. Customizable
You can easily customize Butterfinger Balls by adjusting the amount of peanut butter or chocolate, adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top, or even experimenting with different coatings like white chocolate or crushed nuts.
4. Ideal for Gift-Giving
These little treats make for fantastic homemade gifts. They’re easy to pack and present beautifully in a jar or decorative box, making them a thoughtful and delicious gift idea for any occasion.
Ingredients for Butterfinger Balls
Here’s a quick look at the ingredients you’ll need to create these delicious, no-bake treats. You can refer to the table below for easy reference:
Ingredients Table
| Ingredient | Quantity | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Butterfinger candy bars | 5-6 bars (about 2 cups crushed) | The main flavor and crunch component |
| Peanut butter (creamy) | 1 cup | Provides creaminess and helps bind the mixture |
| Powdered sugar | 2 cups | Adds sweetness and helps form the ball shape |
| Butter | 1/4 cup (softened) | Adds richness and helps with texture |
| Chocolate chips (milk or semi-sweet) | 2 cups | For coating the balls with a smooth chocolate layer |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp | Adds a hint of flavor to enhance the sweetness |
How to Make Butterfinger Balls
Step 1: Crush the Butterfingers
- Crush the Butterfingers: Start by unwrapping the Butterfinger candy bars and breaking them into small pieces. You can do this by placing the candy bars in a zip-top bag and gently crushing them with a rolling pin. Aim for small, uneven chunks for that signature crunch in every bite.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
- Combine Peanut Butter, Butter, and Powdered Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter, softened butter, and powdered sugar. Stir until smooth and fully incorporated.
- Add the Crushed Butterfinger: Add the crushed Butterfinger candy to the peanut butter mixture and stir until evenly distributed. The mixture should be thick but manageable enough to roll into balls.
Step 3: Roll into Balls
- Shape the Balls: Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, take small amounts of the mixture and roll them into bite-sized balls (about 1 inch in diameter). Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet or tray.
Step 4: Coat with Chocolate
- Melt the Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips in 20-30 second intervals, stirring in between until completely smooth. You can also use a double boiler if preferred.
- Dip the Balls in Chocolate: Once the chocolate is melted, dip each Butterfinger ball into the chocolate, coating it completely. You can use a fork to help dip and lift the balls out of the chocolate, tapping the fork gently to remove any excess chocolate.
- Set the Coated Balls: Place the chocolate-covered balls back onto the parchment paper. Repeat the process for the remaining balls.
Step 5: Chill and Set
- Chill the Butterfinger Balls: Place the coated balls in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to allow the chocolate to set and harden.
- Serve or Store: Once the chocolate is set, the Butterfinger balls are ready to be enjoyed! If you’re not serving them immediately, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks.
Tips for Perfect Butterfinger Balls
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: For a smooth and easy-to-mix filling, ensure that the butter and peanut butter are at room temperature before mixing.
- Add Sea Salt: For an added layer of flavor, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top of each chocolate-coated ball before the chocolate sets.
- Flavor Variations: You can use white chocolate, dark chocolate, or even peanut butter chips for the coating to change up the flavor profile.
- Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet version, reduce the amount of powdered sugar. You can taste and adjust the sweetness as you go.
Nutritional Information
Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutritional content for one Butterfinger ball (based on 20 balls):
- Calories: 150-180 per ball
- Fat: 10-12 grams
- Carbohydrates: 17-20 grams
- Protein: 3-4 grams
- Sugar: 12-15 grams
- Sodium: 60-80 mg
To reduce the calorie count, you can use reduced-fat peanut butter and a sugar substitute.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Yes! Using crunchy peanut butter will add a bit more texture and crunch to the balls, which can be a fun twist. Just make sure to adjust the consistency if needed by adding a little more powdered sugar.
Can I freeze Butterfinger Balls?
Yes, Butterfinger Balls freeze very well. After dipping them in chocolate, place the balls on a baking sheet and freeze them for about 30 minutes. Once they’re firm, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Can I make these without chocolate coating?
While the chocolate coating adds a delicious layer, you can skip it if you prefer a simpler treat. Just roll the Butterfinger balls in powdered sugar or crushed candy pieces for a different texture and look.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover Butterfinger Balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks. They can also be kept in the freezer for longer storage.
Conclusion: A Simple, Sweet Delight
Butterfinger Balls are the perfect no-bake treat that combines the irresistible crunch of Butterfinger candy with the creamy richness of peanut butter and chocolate. They’re simple to make, customizable, and ideal for any occasion. Whether you’re preparing them for a holiday party, a family gathering, or just to satisfy your sweet cravings, these bite-sized delights will never disappoint.
So, gather your ingredients, get rolling, and enjoy the sweet, crunchy goodness of Butterfinger Balls! They’re sure to become your new favorite treat