Chocolate Covered Butterfinger Bites
Every time I make these no-bake peanut butter treats they disappear within minutes. The combination of creamy filling crunchy Butterfinger bits and smooth chocolate coating creates the most incredible candy-inspired bites. They remind me of those special candy bars but even better because they're homemade.
A Treat Worth Making
Sometimes you just need a simple dessert that feels special and these Butterfinger balls always deliver. I love how quickly they come together no oven needed. The filling has that perfect balance of creamy and crunchy while the chocolate shell adds such a lovely finish. My kids beg to help roll them and always sneak a few Butterfinger pieces in the process.
What You'll Need
- Creamy Peanut Butter: 1 cup, providing a smooth and rich base for the filling. Avoid natural peanut butter, as it's too oily.
- Salted Butter: 1/4 cup, softened for easy mixing.
- Pure Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon, adding depth to the flavor.
- Powdered Sugar: 1 cup, sweetening and binding the mixture.
- Graham Cracker Crumbs: 3/4 cup, adding texture and balance.
- Crushed Butterfinger Candy: 1/2 cup (from 6 fun-size bars), plus extra for garnish.
- Chocolate Almond Bark: 10 ounces, melted for the coating. Use 8 ounces for dipping and 2 ounces for drizzling.
Making Your Treats
- Prepare Ingredients
- Soften butter to room temperature and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix the Filling
- In a mixing bowl, combine peanut butter, softened butter, and vanilla with a hand mixer until smooth. Add powdered sugar, graham cracker crumbs, and crushed Butterfinger candy. Blend until well combined.
- Shape the Balls
- Use a 1-tablespoon scoop to portion the mixture. Roll into balls and place on the prepared baking sheet. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Melt the Chocolate
- Microwave 8 ounces of chocolate almond bark in a bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth.
- Coat the Balls
- Dip each chilled ball into the melted chocolate, ensuring it's fully coated. Remove with a fork, let excess chocolate drip off, and place back on the parchment paper. Let the coating harden.
- Decorate and Garnish
- Drizzle melted chocolate from the remaining 2 ounces of almond bark over the coated balls. Sprinkle with additional crushed Butterfinger candy for a decorative touch.
- Chill and Serve
- Refrigerate until the chocolate sets completely. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Making Them Your Own
I love experimenting with different variations of these treats. Last week I tried using crushed Oreos instead of graham crackers which was amazing. Sometimes I'll mix in some chopped almonds or even mini marshmallows for extra texture. My kids love when I decorate them with colorful M&Ms on top instead of the extra Butterfinger pieces.
Keeping Them Fresh
These treats stay perfectly fresh in the fridge for about a week though they rarely last that long in my house. Just pop them in an airtight container and let them sit out for 10 minutes before serving. If you're making them ahead for an event they freeze beautifully too. I've kept them frozen for up to two months just remember to thaw them in the fridge overnight.
Common Questions
Friends often ask if they can use regular chocolate chips instead of almond bark. You can but watch it carefully when melting. Skip the natural peanut butter though it just won't set up right. For perfectly coated balls make sure they're really cold before dipping. And yes you can definitely get creative with toppings crushed Oreos or colorful candies work great for different occasions.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make these ahead of time?
- You can make these balls up to a week ahead and store them in the fridge. They also freeze well for up to 3 months in an airtight container.
- → Why chill the balls before dipping?
- Chilling helps the balls hold their shape and makes them easier to dip in chocolate. The cold center also helps the chocolate coating set up quickly.
- → Can I use milk chocolate instead of almond bark?
- Regular chocolate can be used but may need to be tempered. Almond bark or candy coating is recommended as it sets better and doesn't need tempering.
- → How do I store these treats?
- Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Let them sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving for the best texture.
- → Can I make these without graham crackers?
- You can substitute crushed vanilla wafers or more crushed Butterfinger for the graham crackers. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.