Butterfinger Pie recipe

Introduction

Craving a dessert that’s creamy, crunchy, and packed with nostalgic candy bar flavor? What if you could whip up a no-bake pie that combines the rich taste of peanut butter, cream cheese, and Butterfinger candy bars in just a few minutes? Say hello to Butterfinger Pie! This indulgent treat features a fluffy peanut butter-cream cheese filling studded with crushed Butterfinger bars, all nestled in a graham cracker crust and topped with more candy crunch. Perfect for potlucks, holidays, or satisfying your sweet tooth, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s as easy as it is delicious. Ready to create some sweet, creamy magic? Let’s grab a mixing bowl and get started!

Overview

Butterfinger Pie is a no-bake dessert with a pre-made graham cracker crust, a creamy filling of cream cheese, peanut butter, whipped topping, and crushed Butterfinger candy bars, and a crunchy Butterfinger topping. What makes it special? It’s quick to assemble, requires no oven, and delivers a perfect balance of creamy, nutty, and candy-crisp textures. This beginner-friendly recipe takes about 4.5 hours (15 minutes prep, 4 hours chilling) and serves 8, making it ideal for small gatherings or a special treat.

• Time Requirement: 4.5 hours (15 minutes prep, 4 hours chilling)
• Difficulty Level: Easy (perfect for beginners)
• Servings: 8 slices

Essential Ingredients

The magic of Butterfinger Pie lies in its simple, bold ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need and why each one matters:

• Cream Cheese (8 oz, softened): Creates a tangy, creamy base for the filling.
• Whipped Topping (8 oz, like Cool Whip): Adds lightness and fluffiness to the filling.
• Powdered Sugar (1 cup): Sweetens and thickens the filling for a smooth texture.
• Creamy Peanut Butter (½ cup): Brings a rich, nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with Butterfinger.
• Butterfinger Candy Bars (3, crushed): Provide a crunchy, peanut butter-chocolate flavor and texture.
• Pre-Made Graham Cracker Crust (1, 9-inch): Offers a sweet, buttery base that’s ready to use.
• Vanilla Extract (½ tsp): Enhances the flavor with a warm, sweet note.

Substitutions and Variations

• Cream Cheese: Use low-fat cream cheese or vegan cream cheese, noting a softer texture.
• Whipped Topping: Substitute with homemade whipped cream (1 cup heavy cream, whipped with 2 tbsp sugar) or coconut whipped topping for a dairy-free option.
• Powdered Sugar: Reduce to ¾ cup for a less sweet filling or use a sugar-free alternative (adjust texture as needed).
• Peanut Butter: Swap with almond butter or sunflower seed butter for a nut-free version, ensuring a creamy consistency.
• Butterfinger Candy Bars: Replace with crushed Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, Snickers, or Heath bars for a different candy twist.
• Graham Cracker Crust: Use a chocolate cookie crust, shortbread crust, or gluten-free graham cracker crust for dietary needs.
• Add-Ins: Mix in ¼ cup mini chocolate chips or drizzle with caramel sauce for extra decadence.
• Vegan Option: Use vegan cream cheese, vegan whipped topping, vegan graham cracker crust, and vegan-friendly candy bars (check Butterfinger ingredients or use a substitute).

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making Butterfinger Pie is quick and fuss-free with a no-bake method. Follow these instructions for a perfect pie every time:

1. Prepare the Cream Cheese Base:
   • In a large mixing bowl, use a stand mixer or handheld mixer on medium speed to beat 8 oz softened cream cheese and 1 cup powdered sugar until smooth and creamy, about 1–2 minutes.
   • Tip: Soften cream cheese at room temperature for 30–60 minutes to avoid lumps, and sift powdered sugar for a silky texture.
2. Add Peanut Butter and Vanilla:
   • Add ½ cup creamy peanut butter and ½ tsp vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture. Beat on medium speed until fully combined and smooth, about 1 minute.
   • Scrape down the bowl as needed to ensure even mixing.
   • Tip: Use creamy peanut butter for a smooth filling; natural peanut butter may separate.
3. Fold in Whipped Topping:
   • Gently fold in 8 oz thawed whipped topping with a spatula until the mixture is light, fluffy, and fully incorporated, about 1 minute.
   • Tip: Fold gently to maintain the whipped topping’s airiness, avoiding overmixing which can deflate the filling.
4. Incorporate Butterfinger:
   • Crush 3 Butterfinger candy bars (place in a zip-top bag and crush with a rolling pin or pulse in a food processor until coarsely chopped).
   • Stir 2 of the crushed Butterfinger bars into the filling, reserving the remaining 1 bar for topping. Mix until evenly distributed.
   • Tip: Crush to a mix of fine and small chunks for a balanced texture in the filling.
5. Assemble the Pie:
   • Spoon the filling into the pre-made 9-inch graham cracker crust, spreading evenly with a spatula to create a smooth top.
   • Sprinkle the remaining crushed Butterfinger bar evenly over the top for extra crunch and visual appeal.
   • Tip: Press the filling gently to ensure it fills the crust evenly, and smooth the top for a polished look.
6. Chill and Serve:
   • Cover the pie with plastic wrap or the crust’s lid and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to set the filling and meld the flavors.
   • Slice into 8 wedges using a sharp knife, wiping clean between cuts for neat slices.
   • Serve chilled, optionally garnished with extra whipped topping, a drizzle of chocolate syrup, or fresh peanuts.
   • Tip: Chill thoroughly to ensure clean slices and a firm, creamy texture.

Assembly

Assembling Butterfinger Pie is all about creating a creamy, crunchy dessert with a nostalgic candy bar twist. Here’s how to make it look and taste incredible:

• Mix Thoughtfully: Beat the filling until smooth, fold in whipped topping gently, and incorporate Butterfinger chunks for a balanced texture.
• Presentation Tips:
  • Spread the filling evenly in the crust for a professional look, and sprinkle the topping generously for crunch.
  • Garnish with a swirl of whipped topping, a drizzle of melted chocolate, or extra candy pieces for a festive touch.
  • Serve chilled on a pie plate or transfer slices to dessert plates for a refined presentation.
  • Pair with a glass of cold milk, hot coffee, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a complete dessert experience, perfect for birthdays, potlucks, or Halloween parties.
  • Use a pie server to lift slices cleanly, showcasing the creamy filling and crunchy Butterfinger bits.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Butterfinger Pie is best chilled and can be prepped or stored with these tips to maintain its quality:

• Make-Ahead:
  • Assemble the pie up to 1 day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Add the Butterfinger topping just before serving to keep it crisp.
  • Prepare the filling (without whipped topping) up to 4 hours ahead, store in the fridge, and fold in whipped topping when ready to assemble.
  • Tip: Don’t add the topping too early, as it may soften in the fridge.
• Storage:
  • Store the pie in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap or the crust’s lid, for up to 4 days. The crust may soften slightly over time.
  • Keep in the pie plate for easy storage, or transfer slices to an airtight container.
  • Tip: Cover tightly to prevent the pie from absorbing fridge odors.
• Freezing:
  • Freeze the assembled pie (without the Butterfinger topping) wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then add fresh crushed Butterfinger before serving.
  • Freeze individual slices for convenient portions, wrapping each tightly to prevent freezer burn.
  • Tip: Avoid freezing with the topping, as it may lose its crunch when thawed.

Recipe Variations

Butterfinger Pie is versatile and fun to customize. Here are some creative twists to try:

• Reese’s Peanut Butter Pie: Replace Butterfinger with crushed Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and add a chocolate drizzle.
• Snickers Pie: Use crushed Snickers bars and swirl ¼ cup caramel sauce into the filling.
• Chocolate Butterfinger Pie: Use a chocolate cookie crust and mix ¼ cup melted chocolate into the filling.
• Banana Butterfinger Pie: Layer sliced bananas in the crust before adding the filling for a banana-cream twist.
• Gluten-Free Pie: Use a gluten-free graham cracker crust and ensure all ingredients (cream cheese, whipped topping, Butterfinger) are gluten-free.
• Vegan Pie: Use vegan cream cheese, vegan whipped topping, vegan graham cracker crust, and vegan-friendly candy bars or a substitute.

Conclusion

You’re now ready to create a Butterfinger Pie that’s as indulgent as it is effortless! This 4.5-hour recipe is perfect for potlucks, holidays, or anytime you crave a creamy, crunchy dessert. With its peanut butter-cream cheese filling, Butterfinger candy bursts, and buttery graham cracker crust, it’s a treat that’s sure to impress. Feel free to swap candy bars, add-ins, or garnishes to make it your own. Grab your mixing bowl, crush those Butterfingers, and enjoy every sweet, creamy bite. Happy assembling, and savor the Butterfinger bliss!

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FAQs

1. Can I use crunchy peanut butter?
Yes, but creamy peanut butter creates a smoother filling. Crunchy will add texture but may make the filling slightly grainy.

2. Is this pie healthy?
It’s an indulgent dessert, but you can lighten it with low-fat cream cheese, reduced powdered sugar (¾ cup), or smaller slices. Enjoy in moderation.

3. Can I make this vegan?
Yes! Use vegan cream cheese, vegan whipped topping, vegan graham cracker crust, and vegan-friendly candy bars (check Butterfinger ingredients or use a substitute).

4. Why is my filling too soft?
Insufficient chilling or overmixing can cause a soft filling. Chill for at least 4 hours, and fold in whipped topping gently to maintain structure.

5. Can I use a homemade crust?
Yes! Make a graham cracker crust with 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs, ¼ cup sugar, and 6 tbsp melted butter, pressed into a 9-inch pie plate and chilled.

6. How do I get clean slices?
Chill the pie for at least 4 hours, use a sharp knife dipped in hot water, and wipe clean between cuts for neat, professional slices.

7. Can I prep this for a party?
Yes! Assemble up to 1 day ahead, refrigerate, and add the Butterfinger topping just before serving to keep it crunchy and fresh.

8. What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store covered in the fridge for up to 4 days. Keep in the pie plate or transfer slices to an airtight container to maintain texture.