Butterfinger Pie Recipe
A Sweet, Peanut Butter & Chocolate Lover’s Dream!
If you’re someone who loves the irresistible combo of peanut butter, chocolate, and a little crunch, then you’ve got to try this Butterfinger Pie. This no-bake, creamy dessert is packed with all the flavors you crave, while being quick and simple to make. A graham cracker crust, a rich peanut butter filling, and crushed Butterfinger bars make this the perfect treat for any occasion—whether you’re hosting a party, celebrating a birthday, or just indulging in something sweet.
History of Butterfinger Pie
The creation of the Butterfinger Pie is not a tale rooted in ancient culinary tradition, but rather a delightful concoction of the modern American sweet-tooth culture. As Butterfinger, the famous candy bar from Nestlé (originally made by the Curtiss Candy Company in 1923), became a beloved snack, it didn’t take long before home bakers started using the crunchy peanut butter candy as a key ingredient in pies and other desserts. The combination of the candy bar’s crisp, crunchy texture with the smooth, creamy filling of a pie is an absolute treat for anyone with a sweet tooth. This dessert stands as a testament to the creativity of home cooks who want to turn simple ingredients into an indulgent experience.
Ingredients
For this Butterfinger Pie, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 graham cracker pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup peanut butter (smooth or crunchy, your choice!)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup crushed Butterfinger candy bars (about 2-3 bars)
- 1 cup Cool Whip (or any whipped topping of choice)
Optional garnish:
- Additional crushed Butterfinger bars for topping
- Chocolate drizzle or peanut butter drizzle for extra flair
Instructions:
- Prepare the Pie Crust
- If you’re using a store-bought graham cracker crust, simply set it aside. If you prefer homemade, you can mix 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs with 1/4 cup melted butter and 1/4 cup sugar. Press the mixture into a pie dish and bake it at 350°F for 10 minutes. Allow it to cool completely before adding the filling.
- Make the Filling
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the peanut butter using an electric mixer until smooth and well combined. Add in the powdered sugar and continue to mix until it’s fully incorporated.
- Add the Whipped Topping
- Gently fold in the Cool Whip (or your chosen whipped topping). This will give the pie its light, fluffy texture. Be careful not to deflate the whipped topping too much.
- Incorporate the Butterfingers
- Take your Butterfinger candy bars and crush them into small pieces. You can do this by placing them in a plastic bag and gently crushing them with a rolling pin, or use a food processor. Reserve about 2 tablespoons of crushed candy for topping the pie later.
- Gently fold the crushed Butterfinger pieces into the cream cheese and peanut butter mixture.
- Fill the Pie Crust
- Pour the filling into your prepared graham cracker pie crust. Smooth out the top with a spatula, making sure it’s evenly distributed.
- Chill and Set
- Refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours, but ideally overnight, to allow the flavors to set and the filling to firm up.
- Garnish and Serve
- Once the pie is fully chilled, sprinkle the reserved crushed Butterfingers on top. For an extra touch, drizzle some chocolate syrup or melted peanut butter over the top for an added layer of flavor.
Methods for Perfect Butterfinger Pie
- Cream Cheese Softening: Make sure the cream cheese is softened before you begin. This helps the pie filling become smooth and creamy without lumps.
- Crushing Butterfingers: You can crush the Butterfingers to your desired consistency—some like it finely crushed for an even spread, while others prefer larger chunks for extra crunch in every bite.
- Cool Whip Substitution: If you don’t have Cool Whip on hand, you can substitute it with homemade whipped cream. Whisk 1 cup of heavy cream with 2 tbsp sugar until stiff peaks form.
- Freezing Option: If you want to speed up the chilling process or prefer a frozen dessert, you can freeze the pie for 1–2 hours before serving.
Formation of the Butterfinger Pie
This pie combines the irresistible, nostalgic flavors of the Butterfinger candy bar with the rich creaminess of peanut butter and cream cheese. The graham cracker crust adds a buttery crunch, balancing out the sweetness of the filling. The secret to the pie’s success lies in its simplicity. The key is folding the right ingredients together without over-mixing, keeping that light, fluffy texture while still allowing the peanut butter and candy flavors to shine through.
Conclusion: A Slice of Heaven!
The Butterfinger Pie is a crowd-pleaser, loved by kids and adults alike. It brings together classic candy flavors in an elegant and easy-to-make dessert. Whether you’re throwing a party, baking for the holidays, or just indulging in something sweet, this pie never disappoints. Its combination of peanut butter, Cool Whip, and Butterfingers is the ultimate dessert indulgence. Try it out—you’ll likely be asked for the recipe before you even finish your first slice!
For the Lovers of Sweet and Savory
If you’re a lover of creamy desserts with a sweet and salty twist, this Butterfinger Pie is for you! The peanut butter gives it just the right amount of savory flavor to balance out the sweetness of the candy, creating the perfect indulgence for anyone with a sweet tooth. It’s an easy dessert that’s guaranteed to impress, and it’s flexible enough for you to add your personal flair—whether that’s extra Butterfingers, a drizzle of hot fudge, or a sprinkle of crushed peanuts.
So go ahead—treat yourself to a slice of this creamy, peanut-buttery, Butterfinger goodness. You’ve earned it!