If you’re looking for a dessert that’s quick, indulgent, and delicious, Butterfinger Balls are the perfect treat. This no-bake recipe combines the beloved crunch of Butterfinger candy bars with creamy, rich chocolate, making it an instant favorite. With only a few ingredients and minimal prep, you can whip up these bite-sized delights for any occasion. Perfect for parties, holidays, or even as a midday snack, Butterfinger Balls are as versatile as they are tasty.
Butterfinger Balls are celebrated for their unique texture, blending the familiar crunch of Butterfinger candy with a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth interior. As a no-bake dessert, they offer an easy and time-saving alternative to traditional treats. Not only are they deliciously satisfying, but they also serve as a great way to experiment with flavors, like adding peanut butter or extra chocolate sprinkles for a personal touch.
Ingredients Overview
To make Butterfinger Balls, gather these simple ingredients, each essential for the perfect texture and flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:
Butterfinger Candy Bars: Roughly 16 fun-sized bars provide the distinctive crunch and caramelized flavor in each bite. For easy preparation, crush these into small, even pieces.
Cream Cheese: An 8-ounce block, softened to room temperature, gives the filling its creamy consistency. The cream cheese also helps bind the ingredients, holding the balls together beautifully.
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: For a rich chocolate coating, you’ll need 2 cups of chocolate chips. Melted, these will encase the Butterfinger Balls in a smooth layer of chocolate. For tips on chocolate preparation, check out chocolate melting techniques.
Vegetable Shortening (optional): Adding 1 tablespoon of shortening to the melted chocolate can enhance its smoothness, making it easier to coat the balls evenly.
Optional Toppings: You can decorate the finished balls with Butterfinger crumbs, chocolate sprinkles, or even edible glitter for an extra visual appeal.
For a twist, try swapping Butterfingers with other candy bars like Snickers or Reese’s to change the flavor profile while keeping the process simple and fun.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Creating Butterfinger Balls is a straightforward process, with just a few simple steps to follow for delicious results.
1. Crush Butterfinger Candy Bars
Start by finely crushing about 16 fun-sized Butterfinger candy bars. This is essential for achieving a consistent texture in each bite. You can crush the bars in several ways:
Place them in a plastic bag and use a rolling pin to break them down.
For a quicker option, pulse the bars briefly in a food processor. Ensure the pieces aren’t too large, as they might make the mixture difficult to shape. The goal is a mix of fine crumbs with tiny candy chunks for that iconic crunch.
2. Mix the Ingredients
In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and crushed Butterfinger pieces. Use a spatula or hand mixer to blend thoroughly, creating a smooth mixture. The cream cheese serves as a perfect binding agent, giving each ball a luscious, creamy consistency.
Next, add in powdered sugar and graham cracker crumbs (if desired), which help add structure to the filling. For a peanut butter twist, consider adding a tablespoon or two of peanut butter, which pairs well with the Butterfinger flavor. When fully mixed, you should have a sticky but moldable filling.
Tip: For an even smoother blend, let the cream cheese reach room temperature before mixing.
3. Form and Chill the Balls
With the filling ready, it’s time to shape it into balls. Scoop about a tablespoon of mixture, rolling it between your palms to form 1-inch balls. Aim for uniformity to ensure even dipping and setting.
Arrange the formed balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Once all balls are shaped, place them in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. This chilling step is crucial as it firms up the filling, making it easier to dip in melted chocolate. Skipping this step can lead to messy, uneven coatings, so be sure to chill thoroughly.
Quick Tip: Lightly grease your hands with a small amount of vegetable oil to prevent the mixture from sticking.
4. Melt Chocolate and Dip the Balls
Using a microwave or stovetop, melt 2 cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips. Adding a tablespoon of vegetable shortening can improve the chocolate’s texture, creating a smoother, shinier finish. If using the microwave, melt in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to avoid burning.
Once melted, dip each chilled ball into the chocolate. Use a fork or dipping tool to lift out the ball, letting any excess chocolate drip off. Place the dipped balls back on the parchment paper, ensuring they don’t touch each other as they set.
Setting and Decorating the Balls
Once you’ve dipped each Butterfinger Ball in chocolate, arrange them neatly on a baking sheet lined with parchment or wax paper. Allow the chocolate coating to set fully; this can take about 20-30 minutes at room temperature or faster if you place the sheet in the refrigerator. The chocolate should be firm to the touch before moving them.
For an extra decorative touch, consider adding chocolate sprinkles or a sprinkle of crushed Butterfinger pieces on top while the chocolate is still slightly soft. This small addition enhances both the look and the flavor of each ball, giving it a gourmet appeal. Another fun option is to drizzle melted white chocolate over the balls for a professional finish. You can also experiment with edible glitter or colored sprinkles to suit festive occasions, making them as eye-catching as they are delicious.
Pro Tips for Success
To make the best Butterfinger Balls, keep these helpful tips in mind:
Crushing the Candy Bars: For a smoother mixture, crush the Butterfinger candy bars finely. Large chunks may make it difficult to shape the balls. Use a food processor or a plastic bag with a rolling pin to achieve the desired consistency.
Chilling for Easy Dipping: Chilling the shaped balls for at least 30 minutes is essential. This helps them hold their shape during the chocolate coating step, making it easier to achieve a smooth, even finish.
Using Almond Bark: If you’re looking for an alternative to chocolate chips, consider using almond bark. It melts well and provides a nice glossy coating, perfect for dipping and setting without any cracking.
Decorations: For a visually stunning finish, add toppings like chocolate sprinkles or crushed Butterfinger pieces right after dipping, while the chocolate is still soft, to ensure they adhere well.
Flavor Variations and Substitutions
Butterfinger Balls are versatile, allowing for plenty of delicious variations to suit different tastes:
Candy Bar Swaps: Substitute Butterfingers with other favorites like Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, Snickers, or Kit Kat bars. Each option brings a unique flavor and texture to the filling.
Chocolate Coating Options: Instead of semi-sweet chocolate, try dark chocolate for a richer, less sweet profile or white chocolate for a contrast in both flavor and color.
Peanut Butter Twist: Adding a tablespoon or two of peanut butter to the mixture can enhance the classic chocolate-peanut flavor, making it even creamier and richer.
Flavor Additions: For a sophisticated twist, add a dash of espresso powder for a mocha flavor or a sprinkle of cinnamon for warmth.
These small tweaks allow you to personalize this treat, giving you a customized dessert that still captures the essence of Butterfinger Balls
Serving Suggestions
Butterfinger Balls are perfect for serving at gatherings, or simply as a treat to enjoy at home. Here are some fun ways to present and pair them:
Mini Cupcake Liners: Place each ball in a colorful mini cupcake liner for an attractive, mess-free presentation. This also makes them easier to grab at parties and keeps them looking neat.
Dessert Charcuterie Board: Include Butterfinger Balls on a dessert board alongside other sweets like chocolate-covered pretzels, mini brownies, and fruit slices. The variety will add visual appeal and cater to diverse tastes.
Coffee Pairing: These balls pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or a latte. The chocolate and peanut flavors complement the bitterness of coffee, creating a perfect dessert pairing.
Ice Cream Topping: For a decadent treat, crumble a few Butterfinger Balls over vanilla ice cream for added crunch and flavor.
This versatility makes Butterfinger Balls a great addition to any dessert spread.
Storage Tips
Proper storage will keep Butterfinger Balls fresh and delicious. For short-term storage, place the balls in an airtight container and refrigerate them for up to one week. This keeps the chocolate coating firm and the filling flavorful. If you need to store them longer, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers.
When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw the Butterfinger Balls in the refrigerator for a few hours to restore their original texture without compromising the chocolate coating.
Nutritional Information
Each Butterfinger Ball offers a rich combination of flavors but also packs a sweet punch in terms of calories. Depending on the size and ingredients, one ball typically contains around 150-200 calories. The main sources of calories come from the cream cheese, Butterfinger candy, and semi-sweet chocolate chips. Here’s a basic nutritional breakdown per ball:
Calories: 150-200
Fats: 10-12g, primarily from the cream cheese and chocolate
Sugars: 10-12g, due to the candy bars and chocolate coating
Protein: 2-3g, thanks to the peanut butter and cream cheese
For a slightly lighter version, consider using lower-fat cream cheese or dark chocolate, which contains less sugar and offers a richer taste. Although Butterfinger Balls are indulgent, they make a delightful treat when enjoyed in moderation.
(FAQs)
Can I make Butterfinger Balls without cream cheese?
Yes! If you want a dairy-free version, substitute cream cheese with peanut butter or almond butter. This will slightly alter the flavor but will still create a deliciously rich filling.
What if I don’t have Butterfinger candy bars?
No problem! You can substitute Butterfingers with other crunchy candy bars like Snickers, Twix, or Kit Kats. Each brings a unique flavor, keeping the dessert interesting and customizable.
How do I prevent the chocolate coating from cracking?
To avoid cracking, make sure the Butterfinger Balls are not too cold when you dip them. Letting them sit for a couple of minutes at room temperature after chilling helps. Additionally, adding a bit of vegetable shortening to the chocolate will improve its flexibility and create a smoother coating.
Can I use almond bark instead of chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Almond bark is a great alternative to chocolate chips. It melts smoothly, coats well, and offers a beautiful shine, making it a favorite for many bakers.
How do I ensure the balls hold their shape?
Chill the mixture for 30 minutes before shaping. If the mixture is still too soft, chill it a bit longer to ensure easy handling and round, uniform balls.