Introduction
Craving a dessert that’s so decadent it feels like a candy bar in pie form? Look no further than Butterfinger Pie! This no-bake treat combines creamy peanut butter, rich cream cheese, and crunchy Butterfinger candy bars in a graham cracker crust for a dessert that’s pure bliss. Wondering how to whip up this sweet, crunchy, and oh-so-easy pie that’ll have everyone begging for a slice? Let’s dive into this simple recipe that’s perfect for parties, holidays, or just satisfying your sweet tooth!
Overview: Why Butterfinger Pie Is Special
Butterfinger Pie is a no-bake masterpiece that blends the creamy texture of cheesecake with the irresistible crunch of Butterfinger candy bars. It’s quick to assemble, requires minimal ingredients, and delivers maximum flavor with its peanut buttery, chocolatey goodness. Perfect for hot days or when you need a make-ahead dessert, this pie is a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to impress.
- Time Requirement:
- Prep: 15 minutes
- Chilling: At least 4 hours (overnight is best)
- Total: About 4 hours 15 minutes
- Difficulty Level: Super easy. No baking or advanced skills needed—just mix, fold, and chill!
- Why It’s Special: This pie is a low-effort, high-reward dessert that serves 8–10, uses a pre-made crust for convenience, and combines the nostalgic flavor of Butterfinger with a creamy, dreamy filling. It’s versatile and perfect for any occasion.
Essential Ingredients
With just seven ingredients, this Butterfinger Pie comes together effortlessly. Here’s what you need and why each matters:
- Cream Cheese (8 oz, softened): Creates a rich, tangy base for the filling.
- Whipped Topping (8 oz, like Cool Whip): Adds a light, fluffy texture to the filling.
- Powdered Sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the filling and helps achieve a smooth consistency.
- Creamy Peanut Butter (½ cup): Brings a nutty, rich flavor that pairs perfectly with Butterfinger.
- Butterfinger Candy Bars (3, crushed): Provide the signature crunchy, chocolate-peanut butter flavor and texture.
- Pre-Made Graham Cracker Crust (1, 9-inch): A convenient, buttery base that holds the filling.
- Vanilla Extract (½ tsp): Enhances the overall flavor with a warm, sweet note.
Substitutions and Variations
- Cream Cheese: Use reduced-fat cream cheese for a lighter option, though it may be less creamy.
- Whipped Topping: Make your own whipped cream by whipping 1 cup heavy cream with 2 tbsp powdered sugar, or use a dairy-free whipped topping.
- Peanut Butter: Crunchy peanut butter adds extra texture, or use almond butter or sunflower seed butter for nut-free options.
- Butterfinger: Swap for other crunchy candy bars like Snickers, Heath, or Reese’s Pieces.
- Crust: Use a chocolate cookie crust or a homemade graham cracker crust for a different flavor.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free graham cracker crust and ensure the Butterfinger bars are gluten-free.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create a Butterfinger Pie that’s creamy, crunchy, and absolutely delicious:
- Mix the Filling Base:
- In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer to beat 8 oz softened cream cheese and 1 cup powdered sugar until smooth and creamy (about 1–2 minutes).
- Add Peanut Butter and Vanilla:
- Add ½ cup creamy peanut butter and ½ tsp vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture. Beat until well combined and smooth.
- Fold in Whipped Topping:
- Gently fold in 8 oz whipped topping with a spatula until the mixture is light and fluffy. Be careful not to overmix to keep the airy texture.
- Incorporate Butterfinger:
- Stir in 2 crushed Butterfinger candy bars, reserving the third for topping. Mix until evenly distributed.
- Assemble the Pie:
- Spoon the filling into the pre-made graham cracker crust, smoothing the top with a spatula for an even surface.
- Add Topping:
- Sprinkle the remaining crushed Butterfinger candy bar evenly over the top for extra crunch and visual appeal.
- Chill:
- Cover the pie with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to set the filling and enhance the flavors.
- Serve:
- Slice into 8–10 pieces with a sharp knife and serve chilled.
Cooking Tips
- Room-Temperature Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese blends smoothly, avoiding lumps in the filling.
- Crush Butterfinger Easily: Place the candy bars in a zip-top bag and crush with a rolling pin for quick, even pieces.
- Gentle Folding: Fold the whipped topping carefully to maintain the filling’s light, fluffy texture.
- Clean Slices: Dip a knife in hot water and wipe clean between cuts for neat slices.
Assembly: Building the Perfect Butterfinger Pie
This pie is all about creating a creamy, crunchy dessert with minimal effort. Here’s how to make it look and taste amazing:
- Crust: Use a pre-made graham cracker crust for convenience, or press it gently to ensure it’s firm before filling.
- Filling: Spoon the filling evenly into the crust, smoothing the top for a polished look.
- Topping:
- Sprinkle the crushed Butterfinger evenly to cover the top, pressing lightly to help it stick.
- For extra flair, add a drizzle of melted chocolate or peanut butter.
- Presentation Tips:
- Serve slices on dessert plates with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Garnish with extra Butterfinger crumbs or whole candy bar pieces for a fun, candy-inspired look.
- Pair with a glass of milk or coffee to complement the rich flavors.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
This pie is perfect for preparing ahead, and it stays fresh with proper storage:
- Refrigerator: Store covered in the fridge for up to 4 days. The filling stays creamy, and the crust softens slightly.
- Freezer: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
- Make-Ahead: Prepare the pie up to 2 days in advance and refrigerate. Add the Butterfinger topping just before serving to keep it crunchy.
- Serving Tip: Let the pie sit at room temperature for 5 minutes before slicing for easier cutting.
Recipe Variations
Get creative with these fun twists to make the Butterfinger Pie your own:
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie: Add ¼ cup melted chocolate chips to the filling for a richer chocolate flavor.
- Reese’s Pie: Swap Butterfinger for crushed Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and use a chocolate crust.
- Salted Caramel Butterfinger Pie: Drizzle caramel sauce over the top and sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt.
- Nut-Free Version: Use sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter and swap Butterfinger for a nut-free candy like Skor or crushed pretzels.
- Mini Pies: Divide the filling into mini graham cracker crusts or muffin liners for individual servings, chilling for 2 hours.
Conclusion
Butterfinger Pie is the ultimate no-bake dessert that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. With its creamy peanut butter filling, crunchy Butterfinger bits, and buttery graham cracker crust, it’s a treat that’s sure to bring smiles to any gathering. Whether you’re serving it at a party, holiday, or just indulging at home, this pie is a guaranteed hit. So grab your mixing bowl, crush some candy bars, and get ready to enjoy this sweet, crunchy masterpiece!
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Butterfinger Pie recipe
Description
Craving a dessert that’s so decadent it feels like a candy bar in pie form? Look no further than Butterfinger Pie! This no-bake treat combines creamy peanut butter, rich cream cheese, and crunchy Butterfinger candy bars in a graham cracker crust for a dessert that’s pure bliss. Wondering how to whip up this sweet, crunchy, and oh-so-easy pie that’ll have everyone begging for a slice? Let’s dive into this simple recipe that’s perfect for parties, holidays, or just satisfying your sweet tooth!
Ingredients
-
Cream Cheese (8 oz, softened): Creates a rich, tangy base for the filling.
-
Whipped Topping (8 oz, like Cool Whip): Adds a light, fluffy texture to the filling.
-
Powdered Sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the filling and helps achieve a smooth consistency.
-
Creamy Peanut Butter (½ cup): Brings a nutty, rich flavor that pairs perfectly with Butterfinger.
-
Butterfinger Candy Bars (3, crushed): Provide the signature crunchy, chocolate-peanut butter flavor and texture.
-
Pre-Made Graham Cracker Crust (1, 9-inch): A convenient, buttery base that holds the filling.
-
Vanilla Extract (½ tsp): Enhances the overall flavor with a warm, sweet note.
Substitutions and Variations
-
Cream Cheese: Use reduced-fat cream cheese for a lighter option, though it may be less creamy.
-
Whipped Topping: Make your own whipped cream by whipping 1 cup heavy cream with 2 tbsp powdered sugar, or use a dairy-free whipped topping.
-
Peanut Butter: Crunchy peanut butter adds extra texture, or use almond butter or sunflower seed butter for nut-free options.
-
Butterfinger: Swap for other crunchy candy bars like Snickers, Heath, or Reese’s Pieces.
-
Crust: Use a chocolate cookie crust or a homemade graham cracker crust for a different flavor.
-
Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free graham cracker crust and ensure the Butterfinger bars are gluten-free.
Instructions
-
Mix the Filling Base:
-
In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer to beat 8 oz softened cream cheese and 1 cup powdered sugar until smooth and creamy (about 1–2 minutes).
-
-
Add Peanut Butter and Vanilla:
-
Add ½ cup creamy peanut butter and ½ tsp vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture. Beat until well combined and smooth.
-
-
Fold in Whipped Topping:
-
Gently fold in 8 oz whipped topping with a spatula until the mixture is light and fluffy. Be careful not to overmix to keep the airy texture.
-
-
Incorporate Butterfinger:
-
Stir in 2 crushed Butterfinger candy bars, reserving the third for topping. Mix until evenly distributed.
-
-
Assemble the Pie:
-
Spoon the filling into the pre-made graham cracker crust, smoothing the top with a spatula for an even surface.
-
-
Add Topping:
-
Sprinkle the remaining crushed Butterfinger candy bar evenly over the top for extra crunch and visual appeal.
-
-
Chill:
-
Cover the pie with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to set the filling and enhance the flavors.
-
-
Serve:
-
Slice into 8–10 pieces with a sharp knife and serve chilled.
-
Cooking Tips
-
Room-Temperature Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese blends smoothly, avoiding lumps in the filling.
-
Crush Butterfinger Easily: Place the candy bars in a zip-top bag and crush with a rolling pin for quick, even pieces.
-
Gentle Folding: Fold the whipped topping carefully to maintain the filling’s light, fluffy texture.
-
Clean Slices: Dip a knife in hot water and wipe clean between cuts for neat slices.
FAQs
Q: Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of whipped topping?
A: Yes! Whip 1 cup heavy cream with 2 tbsp powdered sugar until stiff peaks form, then fold into the filling.
Q: Is Butterfinger Pie healthy?
A: It’s a decadent dessert, but you can lighten it with reduced-fat cream cheese or less sugar. Enjoy in moderation for a fun treat!
Q: Why is my filling runny?
A: Runny filling can result from under-mixing the cream cheese or not chilling long enough. Beat until smooth and chill for at least 4 hours.
Q: Can I use a different crust?
A: Absolutely! Try a chocolate cookie crust, shortbread crust, or even a pretzel crust for a salty-sweet twist.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store covered in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 1 month. See storage tips above for details.
Q: Can I make this pie nut-free?
A: Yes! Use sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter and swap Butterfinger for a nut-free candy or crushed cookies.