Butterfinger balls are a delightful and indulgent treat that combines the crunchy, peanut buttery goodness of Butterfinger candy bars with a rich, smooth chocolate coating. These bite-sized snacks are simple to make, yet they offer a satisfying blend of textures and flavors that everyone loves. Perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings to holiday parties, Butterfinger balls are sure to impress.
In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about making Butterfinger balls, including the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and even some expert tips on achieving the perfect texture. We will also share ideas on how to decorate them to make them stand out and how to store them for optimal freshness. Let’s get started and make these irresistible treats!
What Are Butterfinger Balls? Discover Their Crunchy, Sweet Delight
Butterfinger balls are small, round confections made from crushed Butterfinger candy bars, peanut butter, and powdered sugar, all coated in a smooth layer of chocolate. These no-bake treats take the best elements of Butterfinger candy — the crunchy, peanut butter-filled center — and turn it into an easy-to-make, bite-sized snack.
The combination of Butterfinger candy bars with peanut butter results in a delightful balance of creamy and crunchy textures. The rich chocolate coating adds a layer of sweetness and smoothness that perfectly complements the other ingredients. Essentially, Butterfinger balls are the perfect candy crossover, offering all the flavors you love in a more convenient form.
Ingredients You’ll Need to Make Perfect Butterfinger Balls
Before you start making your Butterfinger balls, it’s essential to gather all the necessary ingredients. Fortunately, this recipe requires only a handful of items, most of which you likely already have in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Butterfinger candy bars – The star ingredient of the recipe. You’ll want to crush these into small pieces.
- Peanut butter – Use creamy peanut butter to ensure a smooth, rich texture that will bind the ingredients together.
- Powdered sugar – This helps to sweeten the mixture and makes the balls easy to roll.
- Chocolate chips – Dark, milk, or white chocolate chips, depending on your preference, for coating the balls.
- Vanilla extract – A small amount of vanilla enhances the flavor profile.
- Pinch of salt – This balances the sweetness and brings out the peanut butter flavor.
With these basic ingredients, you’re well on your way to creating Butterfinger balls that are both delicious and easy to make.
Step-by-Step Recipe for Homemade Butterfinger Balls
Now that you have your ingredients ready, it’s time to begin the process of making Butterfinger balls. Follow these simple steps to create a batch of delicious treats:
Step 1: Crush the Butterfinger Candy Bars
Unwrap the Butterfinger candy bars and break them into smaller pieces. You can use a food processor for a finer texture or place the candy bars in a zip-lock bag and crush them using a rolling pin. Crush the candy into coarse chunks, not powder, to maintain plenty of texture in the balls.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the crushed Butterfinger candy bars with peanut butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Stir the mixture until it is fully combined and forms a thick, dough-like consistency. If the mixture feels too sticky, you can add a little more powdered sugar until it becomes manageable.
Step 3: Shape the Balls
Once you fully combine the mixture, take small portions and roll them into balls, about the size of a walnut. Place each ball on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving some space between them. If the mixture becomes too sticky to work with, you can chill it in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes to make it easier to roll.
Step 4: Coat the Balls in Chocolate
Next, melt the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat them in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the chocolate is smooth and fully melted. Dip each Butterfinger ball into the melted chocolate, coating it completely. Use a fork or spoon to transfer the coated balls back onto the parchment paper.
Step 5: Let the Chocolate Set
Allow the chocolate-coated Butterfinger balls to cool and set. You can let them harden at room temperature, but if you want to speed up the process, place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes. Once the chocolate is firm, your Butterfinger balls are ready to enjoy!
The Secret to Perfect Texture
The texture of Butterfinger balls is crucial for achieving that satisfying bite. To ensure the right consistency, here are a few tips that will help:
- Balance the peanut butter and powdered sugar: If the mixture is too dry, the balls will fall apart. On the other hand, if there’s too much peanut butter, the balls may be too soft. Aim for a consistency that holds together well but isn’t too sticky.
- Crush the Butterfinger candy bars correctly: Don’t over-process the candy bars. You want coarse chunks that provide crunch in every bite, not a fine powder.
- Use the right chocolate coating: The chocolate should be smooth and thin, so it doesn’t overwhelm the texture of the balls. A thin layer will allow you to enjoy the crunch and peanut butter center while still adding that rich chocolate flavor.
With these texture tips, your Butterfinger balls will have the perfect combination of crunch, creaminess, and sweetness.
Tips for Decorating Butterfinger Balls
Decorating Butterfinger balls is a fun way to make them look even more appealing, especially for holidays or special events. Here are a few decoration ideas to enhance the visual appeal of your treats:
- Drizzle extra chocolate: After coating the balls in chocolate, drizzle some contrasting chocolate (white or dark) over the top to create a beautiful design.
- Sprinkle with crushed Butterfinger candy: For extra crunch and a decorative touch, sprinkle some crushed Butterfinger over the balls before the chocolate sets.
- Use sprinkles or sea salt: For a festive look, sprinkle colored sprinkles or a pinch of sea salt over the chocolate-coated balls to enhance the flavor.
- Customize for holidays: Use themed decorations like red and green sprinkles for Christmas or candy eyes for Halloween.
With these tips, you can make your Butterfinger balls not only delicious but also visually stunning for any occasion.
How to Store Butterfinger Balls
To ensure your Butterfinger balls stay fresh and tasty, proper storage is essential. Depending on how long you plan to keep them, here are a few storage options:
- If you plan to eat the Butterfinger balls within a few days, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
- Refrigeration: To extend the shelf life, store the balls in the refrigerator. This is especially helpful if the weather is warm, as it prevents the chocolate from melting. Refrigerated Butterfinger balls will last up to 2 weeks.
- Freezing: If you want to keep Butterfinger balls for an extended period, you can freeze them. Place the balls on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer.
Proper storage ensures that your Butterfinger balls maintain their delicious texture and flavor, so you can enjoy them whenever you want!
Why This Treat is Perfect for Holidays
Butterfinger balls are the perfect treat for any holiday gathering, from Christmas to Halloween. They offer a delightful combination of crunchy Butterfinger candy and rich chocolate, making them both indulgent and satisfying. Plus, they are incredibly easy to make and can be customized for any occasion. The versatility of butterfinger balls makes them a hit with both kids and adults, making them ideal for parties, potlucks, or as a sweet addition to your holiday dessert table.
Additionally, butterfinger balls are a great way to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen. Their no-bake nature saves time, while their presentation can be personalized with different toppings or decorative touches. If you’re looking for a quick and festive dessert, these balls are just what you need. You can learn more about making Butterfinger balls in our step-by-step guide.
Butterfinger Balls for Gifting
If you’re looking for a sweet, homemade gift, Butterfinger balls are the perfect choice. Their bite-sized nature makes them easy to package in decorative jars or gift boxes, adding a personal touch that store-bought treats can’t match. The combination of rich chocolate and the crunch of Butterfinger candy creates a treat that’s sure to delight anyone who receives them.
These little treats are perfect for creating gift baskets for the holidays. You can also personalize them by adding a festive ribbon or pairing them with other homemade goodies like cookies or brownies. If you’re considering giving Butterfinger balls as gifts, be sure to check out our holiday treat ideas.
Variations of Butterfinger Balls
While the classic Butterfinger balls recipe is delicious on its own, there are plenty of ways to customize and experiment with the flavors. For example, you can add a layer of caramel to the center for a gooey surprise, or sprinkle crushed nuts on top for added texture. You can even dip them in white chocolate or add colorful sprinkles to match the season or occasion.
If you want to make your Butterfinger balls even more indulgent, consider adding a touch of sea salt on top to balance the sweetness. These variations not only enhance the flavor but also give you the chance to get creative with your treats. For more inspiration, check out this guide on fun recipe variations.
Nutritional Information
While Butterfinger balls are certainly a sweet indulgence, it’s good to know their nutritional breakdown, especially if you’re trying to keep track of your diet. Here’s an approximate look at the nutritional values for one Butterfinger ball (based on a standard recipe):
- Calories: 180–220 per ball
- Fat: 10–15 grams
- Carbohydrates: 25–30 grams
- Protein: 2–3 grams
These treats are high in sugar and fat, so it’s best to enjoy them in moderation. If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, consider experimenting with lower-calorie ingredients, like sugar-free chocolate or reduced-fat peanut butter. Check out healthy dessert alternatives.
FAQs About Butterfinger Balls
1. Why was Butterfinger discontinued?
Butterfinger was never fully discontinued, but there was a shift in its production over the years. The candy bar’s recipe underwent changes when Nestlé sold its U.S. candy business to Ferrero in 2018. Ferrero revamped the brand, which led to some variations and temporary changes in production. Some consumers felt that the newer version of Butterfinger didn’t have the same taste or texture as the original. However, Butterfinger itself is still available on the market today under Ferrero’s ownership.
2. Do Butterfinger BB’s still exist?
No, Butterfinger BB’s were discontinued in 2006. These small, bite-sized versions of the classic Butterfinger were available for a short time but were pulled from the market due to a lack of consumer demand. Fans of the BB’s were disappointed by their discontinuation, and to date, there have been no official plans to bring them back.
3. What is the orange stuff in Butterfingers?
The orange stuff in Butterfinger bars is a crunchy peanut butter core. It’s made from a mixture of peanuts, sugar, and corn syrup, which is then processed and hardened to form the crisp, flaky texture that defines Butterfingers. The orange color comes from the high amount of sugar and the caramelization process used to make the peanut butter center.
4. What is the stuff inside a Butterfinger called?
The interior of a Butterfinger bar is often referred to as the “crispety, crunchety” peanut butter core. This core is made from a combination of peanut butter, sugar, and corn syrup, which is then processed and hardened to create the bar’s signature crunchy texture. The name itself isn’t an official ingredient, but rather a fun marketing term to describe the bar’s unique, crispy texture.
5. What is the oldest candy bar?
The oldest candy bar still in production today is the Fry’s Chocolate Cream, first introduced in 1866. It was created by the British company J.S. Fry & Sons, which is now part of the Cadbury brand. The Fry’s Chocolate Cream bar is considered the first solid chocolate bar, although some earlier forms of chocolate, like the chocolate-covered praline, existed in different forms.
6. What happened to all the Butterfingers?
There’s no evidence that Butterfinger bars disappeared completely from the market. However, their production and recipe did experience changes when Nestlé sold its U.S. candy business to Ferrero in 2018. After the brand change, some consumers noted differences in taste or texture, and the company reformulated the recipe to suit a broader audience. Despite this, Butterfinger remains one of the most popular candy bars in the U.S. today, though Butterfinger BB’s no longer exist due to discontinuation.
For more information on making gluten-free desserts, check out this guide to gluten-free baking.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Butterfinger balls are the ultimate sweet treat for holidays, gifting, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth. Their easy preparation and customizable options make them perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making them for yourself, as a gift, or to impress guests, Butterfinger balls will always be a crowd-pleaser. Don’t forget to try out some variations, store them properly, and share them with loved ones.
Enjoy these decadent bites of Butterfinger goodness, and for more creative recipes, be sure to explore our other articles linked throughout this guide.