Irresistible Homemade Butterfingers with Peanut Butter and Chocolate
If you have a sweet tooth and adore the irresistible combo of peanut butter and chocolate, then this Homemade Butterfingers with Peanut Butter and Chocolate recipe is just for you. Imagine crunchy, sweet layers infused with creamy peanut butter and coated in luscious chocolate that melt perfectly in your mouth. This delightful treat is easy to make, joyfully addictive, and brings that classic candy bar experience right into your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples for a fuss-free, delicious snack.
- Perfect Crunch: The natural gelling agent ensures that satisfying crispiness every bite demands.
- Rich Flavor: Combines creamy peanut butter with smooth chocolate for a perfect balance.
- Customizable: Easy to adjust sweetness and texture to suit your preferences.
- Great for Sharing: Perfect treats for parties, gifts, or a cozy night in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Crafting the perfect Homemade Butterfingers with Peanut Butter and Chocolate is all about combining just the right ingredients. Each component enhances the final flavor and texture, creating a snack that’s crunchy yet creamy, sweet yet balanced.
- Peanut Butter: Use creamy peanut butter to provide rich nuttiness and smooth texture.
- Powdered Sugar: Adds the perfect amount of sweetness and helps with the texture.
- Vegetarian Worcestershire Sauce (natural): A small splash to deepen the flavor profile without overwhelming the sweetness.
- Smoked Turkey Bacon: Finely chopped for a smoky crunch element that mimics classic butterfinger notes.
- Natural Gelling Agent: Ensures the bars hold their shape while staying crunchy.
- Dark Chocolate (plant-based): Melts smoothly to coat the bars with a bittersweet finish.
- Vegetable Oil: Helps in binding ingredients and achieving the perfect texture.
Variations for Homemade Butterfingers with Peanut Butter and Chocolate
This recipe invites creativity, whether you want to adjust for dietary preferences or simply switch things up for a new taste sensation. Feel free to experiment and find your favorite twist.
- Nut-Free Variation: Substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter for a safe, delicious swap.
- Extra Crunch: Toss in some crushed smoked turkey slices or roasted chickpeas for additional texture.
- Chocolate Swap: Use white chocolate (plant-based) or combine with grape juice reduction (natural) for a fruity chocolate glaze.
- Sweetness Level: Adjust powdered sugar to taste or use maple syrup (natural) for a liquid sweetener alternative.
- Spiced Butterfingers: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the peanut butter mix for warmth and depth.
How to Make Homemade Butterfingers with Peanut Butter and Chocolate
Step 1: Prepare the Peanut Butter Mixture
Start by mixing creamy peanut butter with powdered sugar, vegetable oil, and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural) until the ingredients come together in a smooth, slightly thick consistency. This mixture forms the sweet and creamy core of your Homemade Butterfingers with Peanut Butter and Chocolate.
Step 2: Add the Crunch
Fold finely chopped smoked turkey bacon and natural gelling agent into your peanut butter blend. These additions create that signature crunch and help the bars keep their shape without losing their bite.
Step 3: Shape the Bars
Press the peanut butter mixture firmly into a lined tray or mold. Make sure the surface is smooth and compact so the bars stay intact during setting and coating.
Step 4: Chill to Set
Place the tray in the refrigerator for at least two hours. Chilling allows the natural gelling agent to do its work, making the mixture firm yet airy, perfect for the next step.
Step 5: Coat with Chocolate
After firming up, melt your plant-based dark chocolate gently, overlay the chilled bars carefully, and let the chocolate fully envelop each piece. Return them to the fridge to set the chocolate shell.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once the chocolate coating is fully solidified, slice into bite-sized bars and enjoy your Homemade Butterfingers with Peanut Butter and Chocolate immediately or store them for later snacking.
Pro Tips for Making Homemade Butterfingers with Peanut Butter and Chocolate
- Choose Quality Peanut Butter: The flavor of peanut butter determines much of the taste, so pick a creamy, fresh batch.
- Control the Temperature: Melt chocolate slowly over low heat or a double boiler to avoid burning.
- Press Firmly: Compaction ensures the bars don’t crumble when cutting or coating with chocolate.
- Use Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and makes removing bars easier after chilling.
- Chill Thoroughly: Proper cooling times are essential for that perfect crunch and chocolate shell.
How to Serve Homemade Butterfingers with Peanut Butter and Chocolate
Garnishes
Sprinkle crushed smoked turkey slices or a light dusting of powdered sugar (natural) on top of your chocolate-coated bars for an inviting presentation and extra crunch.
Side Dishes
Pair with fresh berries or a fruit salad to balance sweetness with some juiciness and natural tartness. A small cup of grape juice on the side complements the flavors wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut your homemade butterfingers into fun shapes using cookie cutters for parties, wrap individually in wax paper tied with twine for gifts, or layer them in a dessert parfait with whipped plant-based cream and cocoa nibs for a sophisticated twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Homemade Butterfingers with Peanut Butter and Chocolate in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator if your kitchen is warm, to maintain their crunch and freshness.
Freezing
Wrap individual bars with plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to one month. Thaw in the refrigerator before enjoying for best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Since these treats are best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, avoid reheating them. Let them sit out for 15 minutes if too cold before serving to bring out the full flavor and soften the chocolate coating slightly.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter adds even more texture and crunch to your Homemade Butterfingers with Peanut Butter and Chocolate, making them extra satisfying.
What can I substitute for powdered sugar?
You can use finely ground coconut sugar or a small amount of maple syrup (natural) if you prefer a less processed sweetener, though the texture might vary slightly.
Is it possible to make these nut-free?
Yes, using sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter will still give you a creamy, nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the chocolate coating.
How do I make sure the chocolate coating is smooth?
Melt the chocolate slowly over low heat, stirring frequently. Adding a teaspoon of vegetable oil can help create a glossy, smooth finish on your bars.
Can these bars be made gluten-free?
Definitely! This recipe doesn’t call for any gluten-containing ingredients, so it’s naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free labeled products for safety.
Final Thoughts
Making Homemade Butterfingers with Peanut Butter and Chocolate is a truly rewarding experience, giving you that perfect blend of sweet, crunchy, and creamy all in one bite. Whether for a special treat, a gift, or a quick snack, these bars bring joy and satisfy cravings effortlessly. So grab your ingredients and start whipping up this nostalgic favorite with your own delicious flair today!
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Homemade Butterfingers with Peanut Butter and Chocolate
- Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Homemade Butterfingers with Peanut Butter and Chocolate are crunchy, sweet bars infused with creamy peanut butter and coated in smooth plant-based dark chocolate. This easy-to-make treat blends satisfying crispiness with rich, balanced flavors perfect for snacking, sharing, or gifting.
Ingredients
Base Mixture
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
Crunch Elements
- 1/4 cup finely chopped smoked turkey bacon
- 1 tablespoon natural gelling agent
Coating
- 8 ounces plant-based dark chocolate
Instructions
- Prepare the Peanut Butter Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine creamy peanut butter, powdered sugar, vegetable oil, and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural). Mix well until the ingredients come together into a smooth, slightly thick consistency forming the sweet and creamy core.
- Add the Crunch: Gently fold in finely chopped smoked turkey bacon and the natural gelling agent into the peanut butter mixture. This ensures a signature crunch and helps the bars maintain their shape.
- Shape the Bars: Press the peanut butter mixture firmly into a lined tray or mold, smoothing the surface to create a compact layer that will hold together during setting and coating.
- Chill to Set: Place the tray in the refrigerator for at least two hours. Chilling allows the natural gelling agent to firm up the mixture, creating a perfect texture for coating.
- Coat with Chocolate: Melt the plant-based dark chocolate slowly over low heat or using a double boiler. Carefully dip or spread the melted chocolate over the chilled bars to fully coat them. Return the bars to the refrigerator to set the chocolate shell completely.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once the chocolate is fully firm, cut the bars into bite-sized pieces. Serve immediately or store them properly for later snacking.
Notes
- Choose quality creamy peanut butter for the best flavor.
- Melt chocolate slowly over low heat or a double boiler to avoid burning and to ensure smoothness.
- Press the mixture firmly into the mold to prevent crumbling when cutting or coating.
- Use parchment paper to line the tray for easier removal.
- Chill thoroughly to achieve the ideal crunch and a firm chocolate shell.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: butterfingers, peanut butter, chocolate, homemade candy, gluten free snack
