Description
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.
Ingredients
-
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).
Instructions
-
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.
-
-
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.
-
-
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.
-
-
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.
-
-
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.
-
-
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.
-