Butterfinger Balls – An Easy No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Treat
If you love the irresistible combination of chocolate, peanut butter, and crunchy candy, these Butterfinger Balls are a dessert you won't want to lose! Made with crushed Butterfinger candy bars, creamy peanut butter, butter, powdered sugar, and a smooth chocolate coating, these bite-sized treats deliver a delicious combination of crunchy, creamy, and sweet textures.
One of the best things about this recipe is that it requires no baking. Simply mix the filling, roll it into small balls, chill until firm, and dip each one in melted chocolate. The result is a homemade candy that looks impressive but requires only a few simple steps.
These chocolate-covered Butterfinger balls are perfect for Christmas cookie trays, holiday parties, potlucks, birthday celebrations, homemade food gifts, or an everyday sweet treat. Prepare a batch ahead of time and keep them chilled until you're ready to share.
Why You'll Love These Butterfinger Balls
- No oven required: This easy no-bake dessert comes together without baking.
- Only a handful of ingredients: The recipe uses familiar ingredients that combine into a rich, satisfying candy.
- Chocolate and peanut butter: The creamy peanut butter filling pairs beautifully with the chocolate shell.
- Crunchy Butterfinger flavor: Crushed candy bars add the distinctive sweet, crispy texture that makes these treats special.
- Perfect for sharing: Their bite-sized shape makes them ideal for dessert platters and parties.
- Make-ahead friendly: Prepare them in advance and store them in the refrigerator until serving.
Ingredients for Butterfinger Balls
Here's everything you need to make these easy chocolate-covered peanut butter candies.
- 2 cups crushed Butterfinger candy bars: The star ingredient, providing the signature crunchy peanut butter candy flavor.
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter: Creates a rich, smooth filling and helps bind the ingredients together.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and helps create a tender, cohesive mixture.
- 2 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens the filling and gives it enough structure to roll into balls.
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips: Form the delicious chocolate coating and balance the sweetness of the filling.
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or coconut oil: Helps thin the melted chocolate, making it smoother and easier to dip.
How to Make Butterfinger Balls
Step 1: Prepare the Butterfinger Candy
Place the Butterfinger candy bars in a sealed food bag and crush them with a rolling pin, or pulse them briefly in a food processor. Aim for a mixture of small crunchy pieces and fine crumbs rather than a completely smooth powder.
A few larger pieces add extra crunch, while the finer crumbs help the filling hold together.
Step 2: Mix the Peanut Butter Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the crushed Butterfinger candy, creamy peanut butter, softened butter, and powdered sugar.
Stir with a sturdy spoon or mix with a hand mixer on low speed until everything is evenly combined. The mixture should form a thick, cohesive dough that can be rolled without falling apart.
If the filling feels too soft or sticky, refrigerate it for 10–15 minutes before shaping. If it seems unusually dry and crumbly, mix in a small amount of peanut butter until it holds together.
Step 3: Roll into Balls
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Using a small cookie scoop or your hands, roll the mixture into approximately 1-inch balls.
Arrange the balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between them. Try to keep them similar in size so they chill evenly and are easy to dip.
Step 4: Chill Until Firm
Refrigerate the shaped balls for at least 30 minutes, or until firm enough to handle without losing their shape.
Chilling is an important step because firm filling is easier to dip into warm chocolate. It also helps prevent the balls from breaking apart during coating.
Step 5: Melt the Chocolate
Add the semisweet chocolate chips and vegetable oil or coconut oil to a microwave-safe bowl.
Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring thoroughly after each interval, until the chocolate is smooth and glossy. Be careful not to overheat it, as chocolate can scorch or become thick and difficult to work with.
Alternatively, melt the chocolate and oil in a heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of gently simmering water. Make sure no water or steam gets into the chocolate.
Step 6: Dip the Butterfinger Balls
Remove the chilled balls from the refrigerator. Using a fork or dipping tool, lower one ball into the melted chocolate and turn it gently until completely coated.
Lift the ball out and allow the excess chocolate to drip back into the bowl. Place it on the parchment-lined baking sheet and repeat with the remaining balls.
If the chocolate begins to thicken while you're working, gently warm it again in short intervals, stirring until smooth.
Step 7: Let the Chocolate Set
Allow the coated balls to set at room temperature in a cool environment, or refrigerate them until the chocolate coating is firm.
For a decorative finish, sprinkle a few reserved Butterfinger crumbs over the chocolate before it sets. You can also drizzle the finished candies with a little melted white chocolate.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Once the chocolate is firm, transfer the Butterfinger balls to a serving plate or an airtight storage container. Enjoy them chilled or let them sit briefly at room temperature for a slightly softer filling.
Tips for Perfect Butterfinger Balls
- Use softened butter: Softened butter combines more easily with the peanut butter and powdered sugar.
- Crush the candy evenly: A mixture of fine crumbs and small pieces creates a filling that holds together while preserving the Butterfinger crunch.
- Chill before dipping: Firm centers are much easier to coat without breaking.
- Melt chocolate slowly: Short microwave intervals and frequent stirring help prevent scorching.
- Thin the chocolate if needed: A little vegetable oil or coconut oil helps the coating flow smoothly.
- Use a fork for dipping: Tap the fork gently against the side of the bowl to remove excess chocolate before placing each ball on the parchment.
- Keep the filling cold: If the balls soften while you're dipping, return them to the refrigerator for several minutes.
- Decorate before the coating sets: Add crushed candy, sprinkles, or other toppings while the chocolate is still wet.
Delicious Variations to Try
White Chocolate Butterfinger Balls
Replace the semisweet chocolate chips with white chocolate chips or white melting wafers. The sweeter coating creates a beautiful contrast with the crunchy peanut butter filling.
Dark Chocolate Butterfinger Balls
Use dark chocolate chips for a richer, less sweet coating. The deeper chocolate flavor pairs especially well with the candy's caramel-like sweetness.
Peanut Butter Drizzle
Warm a small amount of peanut butter until it is easy to drizzle, then decorate the set chocolate coating with thin lines. For a polished finish, use a spoon or a small piping bag.
Extra-Crunchy Butterfinger Balls
Reserve some of the crushed candy and sprinkle it over the chocolate coating before it sets. This adds extra crunch and makes each ball look more inviting.
Mini Butterfinger Bites
Roll the filling into smaller balls for bite-sized candies that are perfect for party platters, gift boxes, and holiday dessert trays. Smaller portions may require less chilling time, but make sure they are firm before dipping.
How to Serve Butterfinger Balls
These little candies are delicious on their own, but they also make a wonderful addition to a dessert spread.
- Arrange them on a holiday candy platter with fudge, truffles, and chocolate-covered pretzels.
- Serve with coffee, hot chocolate, or a glass of cold milk.
- Package them in small food-safe boxes or treat bags for homemade gifts.
- Add them to a birthday dessert table alongside cookies and brownies.
- Serve them straight from the refrigerator for a firm, chocolatey bite.
How to Store Butterfinger Balls
Refrigerator Storage
Because the filling contains peanut butter and butter, store the finished balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. For the best texture and flavor, enjoy them within about 1–2 weeks.
Freezer Storage
These candies freeze well. Arrange them in a single layer until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe airtight container with parchment between the layers. Freeze for up to 2–3 months for best quality.
Thaw them in the refrigerator before serving to help reduce condensation on the chocolate coating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Butterfinger Balls need to be baked?
No. These are no-bake treats. The filling is mixed, shaped, chilled, and coated in melted chocolate without using an oven.
Why is my Butterfinger filling too soft?
The butter or peanut butter may be too warm, or the mixture may need additional chilling. Refrigerate the filling before rolling, and chill the shaped balls until firm before dipping.
Why is my filling crumbly?
Too much powdered sugar or very fine, dry candy crumbs can make the mixture difficult to shape. Add a little more peanut butter, a small amount at a time, until the mixture holds together.
Can I use crunchy peanut butter?
Yes. Crunchy peanut butter adds another layer of texture. However, creamy peanut butter generally produces a smoother filling that is easier to roll and dip.
Can I make Butterfinger Balls ahead of time?
Absolutely. Prepare them a few days before your event and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They are an excellent make-ahead dessert for holidays and parties.
How do I keep the chocolate coating smooth?
Melt the chocolate gently, stir frequently, and add the oil to help improve its consistency. Keep water away from the chocolate and avoid overheating it.
Can I use a different chocolate coating?
Yes. Semisweet, dark, milk, or white chocolate can all work. Candy-melting wafers are another convenient option because they are designed for dipping and setting.
Are Butterfinger Balls gluten-free?
Do not assume they are gluten-free. Check the current packaging and ingredient statements for the Butterfinger candy, chocolate chips, and any other products you use, especially if preparing them for someone with a gluten-related dietary restriction.
Conclusion
These Butterfinger Balls are an easy, no-bake dessert that combines crunchy candy pieces, creamy peanut butter, sweet filling, and a smooth chocolate shell. With simple ingredients and minimal preparation, they deliver the kind of irresistible bite-sized treat that disappears quickly from dessert trays.
Make them for holiday celebrations, family gatherings, homemade gifts, or whenever you're craving something sweet and chocolatey. Chill the filling well, melt the chocolate gently, and enjoy these delicious homemade candies whenever you need an easy dessert everyone will want to try.

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