Butterfinger Balls: A Sweet and Irresistible No-Bake Treat
Just as the unique combination of textures and flavors in a Butterfinger candy bar makes it so addictive, these Butterfinger Balls capture that same magic in a bite-sized, no-bake form. The flaky, crispy crunch of crushed Butterfingers melds perfectly with the smooth, creamy peanut butter and the rich, melt-in-your-mouth butter, creating a sweet and utterly irresistible treat. These balls are incredibly easy to make, requiring no baking at all, making them a perfect last-minute dessert, a fun project for kids, or a delightful way to satisfy that Butterfinger craving.
Ingredients:
2 cups crushed Butterfinger candy bars
1 cup creamy peanut butter
½ cup (1 stick or 113g) unsalted butter, softened
These three simple ingredients are the core of these delectable no-bake balls. The crushed Butterfingers provide the signature crispy texture and unique flavor, the creamy peanut butter adds a smooth, nutty richness, and the softened butter helps bind everything together into a cohesive and melt-in-your-mouth treat.
Optional Enhancements:
While these three ingredients are fantastic on their own, you can elevate your Butterfinger Balls with a few optional additions:
Powdered Sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance and can help prevent the balls from being too sticky.
Melted Chocolate (for dipping or drizzling): Coating or drizzling the balls with melted milk, dark, or even white chocolate adds an extra layer of indulgence and visual appeal. A semi-sweet chocolate often complements the sweetness of the Butterfingers well.
Extra Crushed Butterfingers (for coating): Rolling the finished balls in more crushed Butterfinger candy provides an even more intense Butterfinger flavor and a delightful textural coating.
A Pinch of Salt: If you’re using unsalted peanut butter, a tiny pinch of salt can help balance the sweetness and enhance the other flavors.
The No-Bake Magic: A Simple Assembly
Creating these irresistible Butterfinger Balls couldn’t be easier, requiring just a few steps and no oven:
Prepare the Butterfingers: Unwrap the Butterfinger candy bars and crush them into small pieces. You can do this by placing them in a zip-top bag and gently crushing them with a rolling pin or the back of a spoon. You want a mixture of small pieces and some finer crumbs.
Combine the Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter and the creamy peanut butter. Use a fork or an electric mixer to cream them together until smooth and well combined.
Incorporate the Crushed Butterfingers: Add the crushed Butterfinger candy bars to the butter and peanut butter mixture. Stir everything together thoroughly until the crushed candy is evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
Form the Balls: Once the ingredients are well combined, begin to form the mixture into small, bite-sized balls. You can use a spoon or your hands to roll them. Aim for balls about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.
Chill (Recommended): Place the formed Butterfinger Balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet or plate. Refrigerate them for at least 30 minutes to an hour to allow them to firm up. This chilling step makes them easier to handle and helps them hold their shape.
Optional Coating (Melted Chocolate): If you choose to coat the balls in chocolate, melt your chocolate chips (with a teaspoon of vegetable or coconut oil for smoothness if desired) in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Dip each chilled Butterfinger Ball into the melted chocolate, ensuring it’s fully coated. You can use a fork or a toothpick for dipping.
Optional Coating (Crushed Butterfingers or Powdered Sugar): Alternatively, or after a chocolate coating, you can roll the chilled (or chocolate-dipped) balls in additional crushed Butterfinger candy or dust them lightly with powdered sugar.
Set and Serve: If you coated the balls in chocolate, place them back on the parchment-lined sheet and refrigerate until the chocolate is set. Once firm, the Butterfinger Balls are ready to serve and enjoy!
Tips for Butterfinger Ball Perfection:
Soften the Butter: Make sure your butter is properly softened to ensure it creams smoothly with the peanut butter.
Don’t Overmix: Once you add the crushed Butterfingers, mix just until everything is combined to maintain some of the candy’s texture.
Chill for Firmness: Don’t skip the chilling step! It’s crucial for the balls to hold their shape.
Experiment with Peanut Butter: While creamy peanut butter is classic, you can experiment with crunchy peanut butter for added texture within the balls.
Storage: Store leftover Butterfinger Balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. They can also be frozen for longer storage; thaw them in the refrigerator before enjoying.
Serving Suggestions for a Sweet Treat:
Butterfinger Balls are perfect for a variety of occasions:
Quick Dessert: When you need a sweet fix without turning on the oven.
Parties and Gatherings: Their bite-sized format makes them ideal for sharing.
Holiday Treats: They’re a fun and festive addition to holiday dessert platters.
Homemade Gifts: Package them in a decorative tin or bag for a sweet homemade gift.
Snack Time: A satisfyingly sweet snack for any time of day.
Conclusion: A No-Bake Bite of Butterfinger Bliss
Butterfinger Balls are a testament to the fact that sometimes the simplest recipes yield the most satisfying results. By combining the iconic flavors and textures of Butterfinger candy bars with creamy peanut butter and rich butter, you create a no-bake treat that is both incredibly easy to make and utterly delicious. Whether you enjoy them plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or coated in decadent chocolate, these Butterfinger Balls are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a perfect way to indulge in your favorite candy bar in a fun, bite-sized form. So, unwrap those Butterfingers and get ready to create some sweet, no-bake magic!
FAQ: Your Butterfinger Ball Questions Answered
Q: Can I use a different kind of peanut butter?
A: Yes, you can experiment with different types of peanut butter, but creamy is generally recommended for a smooth texture.
Q: Do I have to chill the balls?
A: Chilling is highly recommended as it helps the balls firm up and hold their shape. They will be quite soft at room temperature.
Q: Can I freeze these Butterfinger Balls?
A: Yes, they can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator before enjoying.
Q: What’s the best way to crush the Butterfinger candy bars?
A: Placing them in a zip-top bag and gently crushing them with a rolling pin or the back of a spoon works well. You can also chop them with a sturdy knife.
Q: Can I add anything else to the mixture?
A: Some people like to add a little bit of powdered sugar to the base mixture for added sweetness and to help with binding. You could also experiment with a tiny pinch of salt if you prefer a sweet and salty flavor.
Q: My balls are too sticky to roll. What should I do?
A: Try chilling the mixture in the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes. This will help it firm up and make it easier to roll into balls.