Butterfinger Pie: A Sweet and Crunchy Delight
Butterfinger Pie is a no-bake dessert that’s every candy lover’s dream. With its creamy texture, buttery crust, and the signature crunch of Butterfinger candy bars, this pie is perfect for any celebration or a casual sweet craving. Quick to assemble and absolutely decadent, it’s an effortless way to indulge in a dessert that everyone will love.
Let’s dive into everything you need to know to make this showstopping Butterfinger Pie—from the ingredients to the history and the benefits of this luscious treat.
Ingredients
For the Crust
- Graham Cracker Crumbs: 1 1/2 cups
- Unsalted Butter (melted): 1/3 cup
- Granulated Sugar: 2 tablespoons
For the Filling
- Cream Cheese (softened): 8 oz
- Powdered Sugar: 1 cup
- Peanut Butter: 1/2 cup
- Whipped Topping (Cool Whip): 16 oz (divided)
- Butterfinger Candy Bars (crushed): 6 regular-sized bars
For the Topping
- Butterfinger Candy Bars (crushed): 2 regular-sized bars
- Additional Whipped Topping: For garnish (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
- In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until the mixture resembles wet sand.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom and sides of a 9-inch pie pan to form an even crust.
- Chill the crust in the refrigerator for 15–20 minutes to set.
Step 2: Make the Filling
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and peanut butter until smooth and creamy.
- Gently fold in 12 oz of whipped topping using a spatula. Avoid overmixing to keep the filling light and airy.
- Stir in the crushed Butterfinger candy bars until evenly distributed.
Step 3: Assemble the Pie
- Spread the filling evenly over the prepared crust. Smooth the top with a spatula.
- Spread the remaining 4 oz of whipped topping over the pie as a top layer.
Step 4: Add the Toppings
- Sprinkle the top with additional crushed Butterfinger candy bars for that signature crunch and visual appeal.
- Chill the pie in the refrigerator for at least 2–3 hours, or until firm.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Slice the pie into wedges and serve chilled. For extra indulgence, garnish with a dollop of whipped topping.
Methods
- No-Bake Technique: This pie is a no-bake dessert, making it a quick and stress-free option for busy days.
- Folding: Gently folding the whipped topping into the filling ensures a light and creamy texture.
- Crushing Candy Bars: Use a rolling pin to crush the Butterfinger bars inside a zip-top bag for minimal mess.
History of Butterfinger Pie
Butterfinger Pie is a modern twist on classic no-bake desserts, born out of America’s love for candy and simplicity. Butterfinger candy bars, first introduced in 1923, quickly became a favorite due to their unique peanut butter and toffee flavor. This pie combines the nostalgic charm of Butterfinger with the practicality of a chilled dessert, making it a staple at potlucks and family gatherings.
Benefits of Butterfinger Pie
- Quick Preparation: Perfect for those who want an impressive dessert without spending hours in the kitchen.
- No Oven Required: Ideal for hot summer days or times when you want to keep cooking simple.
- Rich Flavor: Combines sweet, salty, and crunchy elements for a balanced treat.
- Customizable: Swap the crust or candy to create your unique variation.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Loved by both kids and adults for its indulgent taste.
- Quick and Easy to Make:
- One of the main benefits of Butterfinger Pie is that it’s a no-bake dessert. This makes it perfect for when you want to make something delicious but don’t want to spend a lot of time in the kitchen. It requires minimal ingredients and preparation, and the pie comes together quickly.
- Crowd-Pleaser:
- Whether you’re hosting a family gathering, a potluck, or a casual get-together, this pie is a guaranteed hit. Its sweet and creamy texture, combined with the crunchy Butterfinger topping, appeals to a wide variety of tastes and is especially loved by those who enjoy candy and desserts with a bit of crunch.
- No Oven Required:
- On a hot summer day, or whenever you’re trying to avoid using the oven, this pie is perfect. The refrigerator does all the work, and you can skip turning on the stove or oven, making it a convenient choice for warm weather or busy times.
- Customizable:
- While Butterfingers are the star of this recipe, you can easily personalize it to suit your taste. You can swap out the candy bars for other favorites like Snickers, Reese’s, or even Milky Way. You can also switch the graham cracker crust for something like an Oreo crust or a cookie crust for added flavor.
- Rich Flavor Profile:
- The pie offers a delightful balance of flavors—creamy peanut butter filling, sweet whipped topping, and the salty, crunchy texture of Butterfinger candy bars. It’s the perfect combination of sweet and salty, which makes it irresistible for candy lovers.
- Great for Special Occasions:
- Butterfinger Pie is an excellent choice for birthdays, holidays, or any special event. It’s not only delicious but also looks impressive with its whipped topping and crushed candy topping. It’s the type of dessert that can be the centerpiece of the table without requiring much effort.
- Versatile Dessert:
- You can serve it as a stand-alone dessert or pair it with fruit, coffee, or after-dinner drinks like milk or coffee for a more indulgent experience. It’s adaptable to different occasions and easily fits into many types of meal plans.
- No Special Equipment Needed:
- The recipe is simple and doesn’t require any fancy kitchen tools. You don’t need a mixer to make the filling or complicated utensils. A simple mixing bowl and spatula are enough to prepare this dessert.
While Butterfinger Pie might not be the healthiest dessert option due to its sugar and calorie content, it offers plenty of indulgent benefits that make it a delightful treat for those who want to satisfy their sweet tooth in a fun and easy way.
Nutritional Information (Per Slice, Approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450-500 kcal |
| Total Fat | 25-30 g |
| Saturated Fat | 10-12 g |
| Cholesterol | 35-40 mg |
| Sodium | 250-300 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 45-50 g |
| Fiber | 1-2 g |
| Sugars | 30-35 g |
| Protein | 5-7 g |
Notes:
- Calories: The calories mainly come from the fats in the crust and whipped topping, as well as the sugars from the candy bars and powdered sugar.
- Fats: The fat content in Butterfinger Pie comes from the peanut butter, cream cheese, and whipped topping. This pie is relatively high in fat due to the use of these ingredients.
- Carbohydrates: The sugar content is high due to the Butterfingers and the powdered sugar. The carbs in the graham cracker crust also add to the total carbohydrate count.
- Protein: There is a moderate amount of protein mainly from the peanut butter and cream cheese, though it’s not a protein-rich dessert.
- Sodium: The sodium content is mostly from the cream cheese and whipped topping.
Serving Size Tip:
If you’re trying to reduce calories or fat, you can adjust the portion sizes or swap in lighter ingredients, such as using reduced-fat cream cheese, sugar-free whipped topping, or a lighter crust option. Additionally, cutting the pie into smaller portions can make it easier to enjoy this treat in moderation.
Why People Love Butterfinger Pie
- Nostalgia: The Butterfinger candy bars evoke fond childhood memories.
- Creamy Crunch: The smooth filling paired with the candy’s crunch is irresistible.
- Effortless Elegance: Despite being easy to make, it looks and tastes like a gourmet dessert.
Conclusion
Butterfinger Pie is the ultimate indulgence for candy lovers and dessert enthusiasts. Its no-bake convenience, combined with rich and creamy textures and the crunch of Butterfinger candy bars, makes it a must-try for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party, sharing it with friends, or treating yourself, this pie is sure to be a hit.