I absolutely love sharing this Butterfinger Balls: Quick and Easy Peanut Butter Chocolate Treats Recipe with you because it’s one of those no-fuss desserts that feel totally special without demanding tons of effort. When I first tried making these balls, I was blown away by how the peanut butter and crushed Butterfinger bars melded into this buttery, crunchy, indulgent bite that you can pop in your mouth any time. If you’re craving a quick treat that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, this recipe’s going to become your new go-to.
What makes these Butterfinger Balls so worth trying—besides the fact that they’re ridiculously tasty—is how versatile and forgiving this recipe is. Whether you’re throwing together an after-dinner snack or prepping ahead for a party, you’ll find that these treats stay fresh for days and freeze beautifully. Plus, they come together in less than an hour, so you get all the joy of homemade chocolate peanut butter goodies without the wait or hassle.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Quick & Easy: You can whip these up in under an hour, perfect for last-minute cravings or party prep.
- Perfect Balance of Flavors: Creamy peanut butter and crisp Butterfinger candy create an irresistible combo.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: These freeze really well, so you can have them ready to go whenever you want.
- Kid-Approved & Crowd-Pleasing: My family literally can’t stop eating them, and guests always ask for the recipe!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Butterfinger Balls: Quick and Easy Peanut Butter Chocolate Treats Recipe uses simple pantry staples paired with the fun crunch of Butterfinger candy bars. Each ingredient plays a role to create a texture that’s soft, creamy, and just the right amount of crispy.
- Butter: Use softened butter to get a smooth, creamy base that blends well with the peanut butter.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash adds warmth and depth to the peanut butter flavor.
- Peanut Butter: Stick to the classic creamy, non-natural kinds like Jif or Skippy to avoid separation.
- Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the mixture while keeping it silky.
- Graham Cracker Crumbs: Adds a subtle crunch and a hint of buttery flavor.
- Crushed Butterfinger Bars: This gives you the signature Butterfinger crunch—don’t skimp here!
- Chocolate Bark or Chocolate Chips: For coating these balls—choose your favorite chocolate type.
- Optional Toppings: Extra crushed Butterfingers, festive sprinkles, or coarse sea salt to sprinkle on top for a pretty and tasty finish.
Variations
I love tweaking recipes to suit my family or the occasion, and this Butterfinger Balls: Quick and Easy Peanut Butter Chocolate Treats Recipe is no exception. Feel free to get creative with the chocolate coating or mix-ins to make it uniquely yours.
- Double Chocolate: Try using dark chocolate for dipping to add a richer chocolate flavor—my kids didn’t even notice the switch!
- Nut-Free Version: Swap peanut butter for sunflower seed butter if you need a nut allergy-friendly option; just make sure your Butterfingers are safe too.
- Extra Crunch: Toss in some chopped peanuts or pretzel bits for an added textural surprise.
- Holiday Flair: Use colored sprinkles or drizzle white chocolate on top for festive occasions.
How to Make Butterfinger Balls: Quick and Easy Peanut Butter Chocolate Treats Recipe
Step 1: Cream Together Your Base
Start by softening your butter at room temperature to make mixing easier—no melting here! In a large bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to blend the softened butter with your creamy peanut butter until the mixture is smooth and fully combined. Then, add in that splash of vanilla extract and mix again. I like this step because it sets a luscious creamy base where all the flavors start to shine.
Step 2: Sweeten & Add the Crunch
Slowly mix in the powdered sugar at low speed—it helps keep the texture light and prevents a sugar dust cloud in your kitchen! Be sure to scrape down the sides as you go so everything gets incorporated evenly. Then fold in the graham cracker crumbs and those crushed Butterfinger bars. The key here is folding gently to keep the crunch intact and distribute it evenly.
Step 3: Roll Into Perfect Little Balls
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep things tidy. Scoop about 1 to 1½ tablespoons of the mixture at a time and roll each into a smooth ball. I find using a cookie scoop helps keep the size uniform, which means they’ll set evenly. Leave some space between balls because they firm up rather than spread.
Step 4: Chill Until Firm
Pop your tray into the freezer for about 30 minutes or until the balls are completely firm. This step is crucial because it makes dipping them in chocolate way easier—plus, it helps your balls hold their shape and get that ideal bite.
Step 5: Melt & Dip the Chocolate
Using a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate bark or chips gently in 30-second bursts at 50% power, stirring between each interval. This slow melting keeps your chocolate silky without burning it. When ready, dip each firm peanut butter ball fully or halfway—whichever look you prefer. Right after dipping, sprinkle with extra crushed Butterfinger bars, sprinkles, or a pinch of sea salt while the chocolate is still soft.
Step 6: Set & Enjoy!
Let the chocolate harden completely at room temperature or you can speed it up by popping the tray back into the fridge for about 10-15 minutes. Once set, your Butterfinger Balls are ready to serve or store. Honestly, they disappear so fast at my house, so plan on making plenty!
Pro Tips for Making Butterfinger Balls: Quick and Easy Peanut Butter Chocolate Treats Recipe
- Use Room-Temperature Butter: Soft butter blends with peanut butter so much easier, giving a smoother, creamier dough.
- Crush Butterfingers Lightly: I learned that finely crushed bars mix better without making the dough crumbly, so aim for small but not powdery pieces.
- Don’t Skip the Chill: Freezing the balls before dipping makes your life easier by preventing melting or falling apart during coating.
- Dip Quickly & Decorate Fast: Chocolate hardens surprisingly fast, so have your toppings ready to sprinkle right after dipping.
How to Serve Butterfinger Balls: Quick and Easy Peanut Butter Chocolate Treats Recipe
Garnishes
I personally love a sprinkle of coarse sea salt on top of the chocolate-coated Butterfinger Balls—it brings out the peanut butter and chocolate flavors so much more. Sometimes, I’ll toss on extra crushed Butterfingers for extra crunch, or colorful sprinkles if I’m making these for a party. They add a pretty pop while keeping that irresistible texture.
Side Dishes
These sweet-n-salty bites pair wonderfully with a simple glass of cold milk or a cup of rich coffee. For parties, I like setting up a dessert platter with fresh fruit and maybe some salted nuts alongside these Butterfinger Balls to balance the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
For birthdays or holiday gatherings, I arrange the Butterfinger Balls in a pretty circular pattern on a cake stand, sometimes interspersed with small edible flowers or peppermint sticks. Another fun idea I tried was stacking them into a little ‘tower’ and wrapping the whole thing in clear cellophane with a colorful bow—everyone loved it!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I keep any leftover Butterfinger Balls sealed in an airtight container in the fridge. They stay fresh and delicious for about a week, which gives you plenty of time to enjoy every last bite. Just make sure they’re not packed too tight or the chocolate coating might get a bit sticky.
Freezing
One of the best things about this recipe is how well it freezes. I place the balls on a parchment-lined tray, freeze until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep perfectly for up to 3 months, making them ideal for holiday prep or surprise snacks.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy frozen Butterfinger Balls, just let them thaw in the fridge for a few hours or at room temperature for about 30 minutes. I don’t recommend microwaving because it can make the chocolate coating soft and the texture a bit off—defrosting slowly preserves their perfect bite.
FAQs
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Can I use natural peanut butter for this recipe?
For best results, avoid natural peanut butter because it tends to separate and makes the mixture feel oily or crumbly. Stick to classic creamy peanut butters like Jif or Skippy for a smooth, cohesive dough that holds together well.
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How should I store Butterfinger Balls?
Store these treats in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they’ll stay fresh and maintain their texture for up to one week. For longer storage, freezing is a great option and keeps them delicious for months.
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Can I use milk chocolate instead of chocolate bark?
Absolutely! Milk chocolate chips work perfectly for coating and give a sweeter, creamier finish. Just be sure to melt the chocolate gently to avoid burning and achieve a smooth dip.
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Do I have to freeze the balls before dipping?
Freezing the balls before dipping really helps keep their shape and prevents the peanut butter mixture from softening too much during dipping. It’s a little extra step that makes the process smoother and gives a prettier result.
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How long do Butterfinger Balls stay good after being dipped in chocolate?
Once dipped and fully set, Butterfinger Balls keep well in the fridge for up to a week. Just make sure they’re stored in a sealed container to maintain freshness and keep the chocolate coating from sweating.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, this Butterfinger Balls: Quick and Easy Peanut Butter Chocolate Treats Recipe has become such a staple in my kitchen because it’s so reliable and universally loved. Whether it’s a casual snack or part of a festive dessert spread, you’ll find yourself reaching for these more often than you expect. Give them a try—I’m confident you’ll love how easy they are and how quickly they disappear. Consider this your new favorite little indulgence to brighten any day!
PrintButterfinger Balls: Quick and Easy Peanut Butter Chocolate Treats Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 24 balls
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
Butterfinger Balls are a quick and easy no-bake treat that combines creamy peanut butter, sweet powdered sugar, crunchy graham crackers, and crushed Butterfinger bars, all coated in a smooth chocolate shell. Perfect for holiday parties or simple indulgent snacks, these bite-sized delights offer a delicious mix of textures and flavors with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup peanut butter (avoid all-natural varieties that separate)
Mix-ins
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 3/4 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup crushed Butterfinger bars
Coating
- 8 ounces chocolate bark or chocolate chips
Optional Toppings
- Extra crushed Butterfinger bars
- Festive sprinkles
- Coarse sea salt
Instructions
- Mix the Base: In a large bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to cream together the peanut butter and softened butter until smooth. Add vanilla extract and mix until combined.
- Add Sweetness and Crunch: Gradually mix in the powdered sugar at low speed, scraping the sides of the bowl as needed. Fold in graham cracker crumbs and crushed Butterfingers until the mixture is evenly combined.
- Form the Balls: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop about 1 to 1½ tablespoons of the dough and roll into balls. Place them spaced apart on the sheet.
- Chill to Set: Freeze the formed balls for 30 minutes or until completely firm.
- Melt the Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate bark or chips in 30-second intervals at 50% power, stirring between bursts until smooth. Be careful not to overheat.
- Dip and Decorate: Dip each chilled ball in the melted chocolate—either fully or halfway. Immediately top with additional crushed Butterfingers, sea salt, or sprinkles before the chocolate sets.
- Let Them Set: Allow the chocolate coating to harden completely before serving or storing.
Notes
- Use regular peanut butter (like Jif or Skippy) for best consistency.
- For a deeper chocolate flavor, use dark chocolate chips or bark.
- These freeze beautifully—great for make-ahead treats during holidays or special occasions.
- Try dipping only halfway for a two-tone look or drizzle extra chocolate over the tops once set.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ball
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg