If you are on the hunt for a delightful, crowd-pleasing treat, look no further than these Butterfinger Balls: Easy No-Bake Chocolate-Covered Treats Recipe. These little bites combine the salty-sweet crunch of Butterfinger candy bars with creamy, luscious cream cheese and a smooth, rich chocolate coating. The best part is they come together effortlessly without any baking involved, making them perfect for busy days, last-minute gatherings, or simply satisfying a sweet craving with minimal fuss. Once you try this recipe, it will quickly become your go-to for a fun, indulgent snack that everyone raves about.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Butterfinger Balls: Easy No-Bake Chocolate-Covered Treats Recipe calls for simple, easy-to-find ingredients that each add their own special touch. These choices guarantee the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and that gorgeous chocolate-covered finish that will have you reaching for seconds in no time.
- Butterfinger bars: The star of the show, chopped into small pieces for maximum crunch and flavor.
- Cream cheese: Softened to blend smoothly and provide a creamy richness to balance the candy’s sweetness.
- Vanilla extract: Just a splash to brighten the overall flavor and add a subtle aromatic touch.
- Salt: A pinch to enhance and balance the sweetness, making every bite more vibrant.
- Chocolate chips or melting wafers: For coating, creating that irresistibly smooth, shiny chocolate shell.
- Shortening: Optional, mixed with chocolate to ensure a silky finish and easy dipping.
- Sprinkles, chopped nuts, or crushed Butterfinger pieces: For decorating, adding fun textures and colors.
How to Make Butterfinger Balls: Easy No-Bake Chocolate-Covered Treats Recipe
Step 1: Chop the Butterfinger Bars
Carefully unwrap and cut your Butterfinger bars into tiny pieces, about a quarter-inch or less. If you have a food processor, you can pulse the candy bars for convenience, but be gentle—you want small chunks, not a paste. This ensures every ball has that signature crunchy, peanut-buttery texture.
Step 2: Soften the Cream Cheese
Let your cream cheese sit out at room temperature for about an hour, or microwave it in short bursts until it’s soft and easily mixable. Softened cream cheese blends beautifully with the chopped Butterfingers, making the binding process smooth and hassle-free.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, toss together your chopped Butterfinger bits and softened cream cheese. Add a splash of vanilla extract and a pinch of salt to lift the flavors. Now it’s time to bring it all together into one harmonious mixture.
Step 4: Mix Until Smooth
Use an electric mixer to beat the mixture until everything is evenly combined and silky. Don’t forget to scrape down the sides of your bowl occasionally to ensure no crunchy bits are left untouched. This step is key to achieving that perfect, uniform consistency.
Step 5: Chill the Mixture
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to an hour. Chilling firms up the mixture, making it easier to handle when you start rolling into balls.
Step 6: Shape the Butterfinger Balls
Line a baking sheet with parchment or wax paper for easy cleanup. Use a small cookie scoop or spoon to portion out the chilled mixture, then roll each portion between your palms until smooth and round. Place each ball on your prepared baking sheet.
Step 7: Freeze for Easy Dipping
Pop the tray into the freezer for 15 to 20 minutes, which will help the balls firm up even more. This step is crucial for preventing any melting or squishing when you dip them in that luscious chocolate coating later on.
Step 8: Melt the Chocolate
Whether you prefer microwave or stovetop double-boiler methods, melt your chocolate chips or melting wafers slowly. Stir in a tablespoon of shortening per cup of chocolate if you want a glossy, smooth dip that hardens perfectly.
Step 9: Dip and Decorate
Using a fork or special dipping tool, submerge each Butterfinger ball fully into the melted chocolate. Tap gently on the side of the bowl to drip off excess chocolate, and then place the coated ball back on your parchment-lined sheet. While the chocolate is still wet, finish them with fun sprinkles, nuts, or even some crushed Butterfinger pieces for extra flair.
Step 10: Let Them Set
Allow the chocolate to set up completely—either at room temperature for about an hour or quicker in the refrigerator for 15 to 20 minutes. Once the chocolate is firm, your Butterfinger Balls are ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Butterfinger Balls: Easy No-Bake Chocolate-Covered Treats Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkles, chopped nuts, or crushed Butterfinger crumbs aren’t just pretty; they add extra texture and layers of flavor that elevate each bite. For a festive touch, try colorful holiday-themed sprinkles or a pinch of sea salt for contrast.
Side Dishes
Serve these Butterfinger Balls alongside a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of ice cream, or a rich hot cocoa for a decadent dessert spread. Their crunch and chocolate coating complement creamy or velvety textures beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging your Butterfinger Balls in decorative cupcake liners or on a tiered dessert stand for an eye-catching treat display. Wrapping each one individually in cellophane with a cute ribbon makes for perfect party favors or gifts.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Butterfinger Balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh and delicious for up to one week, giving you plenty of chances to savor them or share with friends.
Freezing
Want to make a batch ahead of time? Absolutely! Place the uncoated balls on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a sealed freezer bag. You can also freeze fully dipped Butterfinger Balls on a tray, then store them in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
Reheating
Since these are no-bake treats, reheating isn’t necessary. If frozen, simply thaw in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving to enjoy their best texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use other candy bars instead of Butterfinger?
Absolutely! While Butterfinger bars are iconic for their crunchy peanut butter flavor, you can experiment with similar candy bars. Just keep in mind that the texture and sweetness levels might vary slightly.
Is cream cheese necessary in the recipe?
Yes, cream cheese is key to this recipe as it binds the chopped Butterfingers together and adds a creamy richness that balances the candy’s sweetness perfectly.
Can I make these without chocolate coating?
You can skip the chocolate if you prefer, but the coating not only adds amazing flavor but also helps the balls hold their shape and adds a beautiful finish.
How long do Butterfinger Balls last?
When stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator, these treats stay fresh for about a week, making them an excellent make-ahead treat.
Can I prepare these without a freezer?
While chilling in the refrigerator works, freezing the balls before dipping makes the process easier and helps keep their shape better when coating with chocolate.
Final Thoughts
You can’t go wrong with this Butterfinger Balls: Easy No-Bake Chocolate-Covered Treats Recipe that combines speed, simplicity, and a heavenly combination of flavors and textures. Whether you whip them up for a party, a gift, or just because you want something delicious, these irresistible balls will quickly become a beloved favorite. So grab those Butterfinger bars and start creating magic in your kitchen today!
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Butterfinger Balls: Easy No-Bake Chocolate-Covered Treats Recipe
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes (for melting and dipping chocolate)
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 30-40 balls
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
Butterfinger Balls are a delightful no-bake treat featuring chopped Butterfinger candy bars combined with cream cheese, rolled into bite-sized balls, and coated with melted chocolate. This easy, no-bake recipe yields a rich, crunchy, and creamy dessert that’s perfect for parties or a sweet snack, prepared without any oven baking.
Ingredients
Butterfinger Ball Mixture
- 6 Butterfinger bars (about 48 oz), chopped into small pieces
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Chocolate Coating
- 2 cups melting wafers or chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons shortening (to mix with chocolate)
- Optional toppings: sprinkles, chopped nuts, or crushed Butterfinger pieces
Instructions
- Chop Butterfinger Bars: Unwrap and chop the Butterfinger bars into small pieces about 1/4 inch or smaller. Use a food processor if desired, pulsing carefully to avoid creating a paste.
- Soften Cream Cheese: Leave the cream cheese at room temperature for at least an hour or microwave in 15-second intervals until softened.
- Combine Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the chopped Butterfingers and softened cream cheese.
- Add Flavorings: Add vanilla extract and a pinch of salt to the mixture.
- Mix Thoroughly: Using an electric mixer, beat the mixture until smooth and well combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Chill Mixture: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
- Prep for Shaping: Line a baking sheet with parchment or wax paper.
- Form Balls: Use a small cookie scoop to scoop portions of the mixture, then roll them between your palms to form smooth balls.
- Arrange Balls: Place the shaped balls onto the lined baking sheet.
- Freeze Balls: Freeze the balls for 15-20 minutes to firm up for easier dipping.
- Melt Chocolate: Combine chocolate chips or melting wafers with shortening and melt in 30-second intervals in the microwave, stirring between intervals until smooth, or melt using a double boiler method over simmering water.
- Dip Balls: Using a fork or dipping tool, dip each Butterfinger ball into the melted chocolate, covering completely.
- Remove Excess Chocolate: Gently tap the fork or dipping tool against the bowl’s edge to remove excess chocolate.
- Decorate: Place the chocolate-covered ball back on the lined baking sheet and immediately sprinkle with desired toppings such as sprinkles, chopped nuts, or crushed Butterfinger pieces.
- Repeat Process: Continue dipping and decorating the remaining balls.
- Set Chocolate: Allow the chocolate coating to set completely at room temperature for about an hour or refrigerate for 15-20 minutes.
- Store: Store the finished Butterfinger Balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Notes
- Make sure cream cheese is well softened for smooth mixing.
- Chilling the mixture before rolling helps the balls hold their shape.
- Freezing before dipping makes the dipping process easier and neater.
- Use shortening with chocolate to achieve a smoother, shinier coating.
- Customize toppings based on preference: use crushed candy, nuts, or colorful sprinkles.
- Store properly to maintain freshness and prevent chocolate bloom.
