Get ready to create an irresistibly sweet treat that comes together with incredible ease. These no-bake Butterfinger Balls are a delightful combination of creamy peanut butter, rich chocolate, and the beloved crunchy candy. Perfect for holiday platters, party desserts, or simply satisfying a sweet craving, this recipe guarantees smiles with minimal effort. You’ll love how quickly these Butterfinger Balls become a go-to dessert!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fast & Easy: With minimal prep time and a straightforward process, you’ll have these delicious no-bake Butterfinger treats ready in no time. They’re perfect for busy schedules!
- No-Bake Delight: Skip the oven and enjoy a simple, stress-free dessert. This recipe is fantastic for all skill levels and great for warm weather.
- Customizable: Easily adapt these candy-filled peanut butter balls to fit various dietary needs or personal preferences, from chocolate choices to candy alternatives.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Everyone adores these crunchy, chocolate-coated spheres. They’re always the first to disappear at gatherings and are incredibly easy to transport.
Ingredients for Butterfinger Balls
Creating these delectable Balls requires just a few pantry staples and, of course, the star candy. Gather your ingredients and prepare for a truly enjoyable no-bake experience!
- 1⅓ cup creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup salted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1½ cups Butterfinger Bits, plus more for topping (optional)
- 3 cups chocolate melting wafers
Notes and Substitutions
Using natural peanut butter can affect the texture and sweetness of the filling, potentially making it softer or less sweet. Adjust powdered sugar as needed. Feel free to use different types of chocolate for dipping, such as semi-sweet chocolate chips, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate. If Butterfinger isn’t your preference, substitute with another crunchy candy bar, chopped finely, to create unique candy-coated peanut butter balls.
Equipment
You won’t need much to whip up these fantastic Butterfinger Balls. Here’s a list of the essential tools to get started:
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium mixing bowl
- Electric mixer or stand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Medium cookie scoop
- Parchment paper
- Baking sheet
- Dipping tools (fork, small skewers)
How To Make Butterfinger Balls
Follow these simple steps to create perfect, irresistible Balls. This no-bake recipe is incredibly forgiving and guarantees a delicious outcome every time.
- Cream: Add the creamy peanut butter, softened butter, and vanilla extract to a large mixing bowl or your stand mixer. Cream them together on medium speed for about 30 seconds until well combined and smooth.
- Sift: Sift the powdered sugar directly into the bowl with the peanut butter mixture. Continue to beat until the mixture is completely smooth and uniform, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Mix: Gently fold in the 1½ cups of Butterfinger Bits until they are evenly incorporated throughout the creamy peanut butter filling. Ensure the candy bits are distributed well for optimal crunch in your Butterfinger Balls.
- Chill: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial for making the filling easier to handle.
- Scoop & Roll: Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Using a medium cookie scoop, portion out the chilled peanut butter mixture. Roll each portion into smooth, uniform balls. Place the formed Butterfinger Balls onto the prepared cookie sheet.
- Freeze: Place the cookie sheet with the rolled balls into the freezer for 20 to 30 minutes. This helps the balls firm up, making them easier to dip and preventing them from falling apart in the warm chocolate.
- Melt Chocolate: Just before you remove the Butterfinger Balls from the freezer, begin melting your chocolate. Place the chocolate melting wafers in a wide, microwave-safe glass or bowl. Microwave on 30-second intervals, stirring thoroughly between each interval, until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth.
- Dip: Using a fork or dipping tool, carefully submerge each frozen ball into the melted chocolate, coating it completely. Lift the ball, allowing any excess chocolate to drip off, then place it back onto the parchment-lined cookie sheet.
- Sprinkle: While the chocolate is still wet, immediately sprinkle the tops of the dipped Butterfinger Balls with additional Butterfinger Bits, if desired. This adds extra crunch and visual appeal.
- Set: Allow the chocolate-coated Butterfinger Balls to set completely at room temperature or in the refrigerator. Once the chocolate is firm, they are ready to enjoy!
Pro Tips for Perfect Balls
Achieving perfect Butterfinger Balls is simple with these expert tips. They ensure your treats are delicious and visually appealing every time.
- Chill Time: Do not skip the chilling steps for the filling or the rolled balls. Proper chilling makes the mixture firm enough to roll and prevents the balls from melting into the chocolate during dipping.
- Melting Chocolate: Melt chocolate slowly in intervals, stirring well each time, to prevent burning or seizing.
For detailed advice on preventing chocolate from seizing, consult this guide on how to properly melt chocolate. If it gets too thick, add a tiny bit of neutral oil (like coconut oil) to thin it slightly.
- Dipping: Keep your melted chocolate smooth and the Butterfinger Balls very cold. This allows the chocolate to set quickly and evenly, ensuring a beautiful, crisp coating.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
- Chocolate not sticking: Your Butterfinger Balls are likely too warm. Ensure they are well-chilled or even slightly frozen before dipping for optimal coating adhesion.
- Filling too soft: If the peanut butter mixture is too sticky or soft to roll, gradually add a little more powdered sugar until it reaches a manageable consistency.
- Truffles too hard: If your filling becomes overly firm and difficult to work with, ensure your butter is fully softened before you begin mixing. You can also let the mixture sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly.
Serving, Storing, and Variations
These Butterfinger Balls are versatile and delicious. Here’s how to best enjoy and keep them fresh, along with some fun ways to change them up.
Serving: Arrange your finished Butterfinger Balls attractively on a platter for parties or enjoy them as a delightful snack. They are best served at room temperature or slightly chilled.
Storing: Store your homemade Butterfinger Balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. For more on why proper storage is essential, the Food Revolution Network discusses the benefits of storing food correctly. This keeps them fresh and helps maintain their shape.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the finished balls in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid. Then transfer them to an airtight freezer-safe container or bag for 2–3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Butterfinger Balls Variations
- Salty Crunch: Add crushed pretzels to the peanut butter mixture for an extra layer of salty-sweet crunch that pairs wonderfully with the Butterfinger Bits.
- Different Chocolate: Experiment with various chocolate coatings. Try dark chocolate for a richer flavor, white chocolate for a sweeter profile, or even swirl two types together for a marbled effect.
- Nut-Free: For a nut-free version, substitute the peanut butter with a seed butter (like sunflower seed butter) and ensure your chosen candy bar alternative is also nut-free. This creates delightful nut-free Butterfinger treats.
Nutrition Information
Here’s an estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving of these Balls. Please remember that these values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients and brands used.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 210 kcal |
| Carbohydrate Content | 24 g |
| Protein Content | 3 g |
| Fat Content | 13 g |
| Saturated Fat Content | 6 g |
| Cholesterol Content | 7 mg |
| Sodium Content | 73 mg |
| Fiber Content | 1 g |
| Sugar Content | 21 g |
| Serving Size | 1 serving |
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use natural peanut butter?
- You can, but natural peanut butter might make the mixture softer and less sweet. You might need to add a bit more powdered sugar to achieve the correct consistency.
- How long should I freeze the Butterfinger Balls before dipping?
- Freeze them for 20 to 30 minutes. This firms them up perfectly, making them much easier to coat in chocolate without falling apart.
- Why isn’t the chocolate sticking to the balls?
- This usually happens if the balls aren’t cold enough. Ensure your Butterfinger Balls are thoroughly chilled or frozen right before dipping for best results.
- Should I use chocolate chips or melting wafers?
- Melting wafers are ideal for dipping because they melt smoothly and harden quickly without tempering. Chocolate chips can work but may require tempering for a glossy, stable coating.
- How do I store Butterfinger balls?
- Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. They also freeze well for up to 2-3 months.
Conclusion
You now have the perfect recipe for effortlessly delicious, no-bake Butterfinger Balls! These treats bring joy with their irresistible crunch, creamy center, and rich chocolate coating. They’re a fantastic choice for any occasion, from casual snacking to festive celebrations. We encourage you to try this simple recipe, share your creations, and rate it. Get ready to impress everyone with these delightful homemade Butterfinger Balls!
Butterfinger Peanut Butter Balls
Equipment
- Large bowl
- Stand mixer
- Sifter
- Cookie sheet
- parchment paper
- Medium cookie scoop
- Wide glass
- Fork or dipping tool
Ingredients
Peanut Butter Mixture
- 1.33 cup creamy peanut butter
- 0.5 cup salted butter softened
- 1 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1.5 cups Butterfinger Bits plus more for topping (optional)
Coating
- 3 cups chocolate melting wafers
Instructions
Preparation
- Combine peanut butter, butter, and vanilla in a large bowl or stand mixer and cream for 30 seconds.
- Sift powdered sugar into the bowl and beat the mixture until it becomes smooth.
- Stir in the Butterfinger bits until they are fully incorporated into the mixture.
- Chill the peanut butter mixture in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
Assembly
- Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper, then scoop and roll the mixture into balls, placing them on the sheet before freezing for 20 to 30 minutes.
- Before removing the balls from the freezer, melt the chocolate melting wafers in a wide glass by heating in 30-second intervals and stirring until smooth.
- Dip each ball in the melted chocolate using a fork or dipping tool, then return them to the parchment paper.
- Sprinkle the dipped balls with extra Butterfinger Bits (if desired) and let them set until the chocolate hardens completely.
