Easy Butterfinger Candy Recipe: Homemade Goodness in Minutes!
Butterfinger candy bars, with their distinctive crispy, peanut butter-flavored center coated in chocolate, are a beloved treat for many. But did you know you can recreate this iconic candy at home, with a surprisingly simple recipe? This homemade version allows you to control the ingredients, customize the sweetness, and enjoy a fresh, delicious Butterfinger anytime you crave one. This recipe focuses on ease and speed, perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a quick dessert fix. Prepare to be amazed at how close this homemade version tastes to the original, without all the additives and preservatives.
Why Make Homemade Butterfingers?
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s explore why making your own Butterfingers is a great idea:
* **Control over Ingredients:** You know exactly what goes into your candy. This is especially beneficial if you have allergies or dietary restrictions.
* **Fresher Taste:** Homemade always tastes better! The ingredients are fresher, and the candy hasn’t been sitting on a shelf for months.
* **Customization:** You can adjust the sweetness, peanut butter flavor, and chocolate type to your liking.
* **Fun Activity:** Making candy is a fun and rewarding activity to do with kids or friends.
* **Cost-Effective:** In the long run, making your own candy can be more cost-effective than buying pre-made bars, especially if you make them in bulk.
Ingredients for Easy Homemade Butterfingers
This recipe uses readily available ingredients you can find at most grocery stores.
* **2 cups Corn Flakes:** These provide the signature crispy texture of Butterfingers. Use plain, unsweetened corn flakes for the best result. Crushing them into smaller pieces is key.
* **1 cup Creamy Peanut Butter:** Use your favorite brand of creamy peanut butter. Avoid natural peanut butter, as it tends to separate and can make the candy greasy. Jif or Skippy work well.
* **1 cup Powdered Sugar:** This adds sweetness and helps bind the ingredients together. Sift it before measuring to avoid lumps.
* **1/2 cup Light Corn Syrup:** This adds moisture and helps create a chewy texture. You can substitute honey, but it will slightly alter the flavor.
* **1/4 teaspoon Salt:** Balances the sweetness and enhances the peanut butter flavor.
* **1 tablespoon Water:** Helps to bind everything together.
* **12 ounces Chocolate Chips:** Use your favorite type of chocolate chips – milk chocolate, semi-sweet chocolate, or dark chocolate. For the best results, use a good-quality chocolate that melts smoothly.
* **1 tablespoon Shortening (Optional):** Adding shortening to the melted chocolate helps to thin it out and create a smoother coating. Coconut oil also works well.
Equipment You’ll Need
* **Large Bowl:** For mixing the Butterfinger filling.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** For accurate measuring.
* **Food Processor or Ziplock Bag and Rolling Pin:** For crushing the corn flakes.
* **9×13 inch Baking Pan:** Lined with parchment paper for easy removal.
* **Microwave-Safe Bowls:** For melting the chocolate.
* **Spatula or Spoon:** For stirring and spreading.
* **Fork or Dipping Tools:** For dipping the Butterfinger bars in chocolate.
* **Parchment Paper or Wax Paper:** For setting the chocolate-covered bars.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these detailed instructions to create your own batch of delicious homemade Butterfingers.
**Step 1: Prepare the Corn Flakes**
* Place the corn flakes in a food processor and pulse until they are finely crushed. Be careful not to over-process them into a powder. You want a texture that resembles coarse crumbs. Alternatively, place the corn flakes in a Ziplock bag and crush them with a rolling pin until you achieve the desired consistency.
**Step 2: Mix the Butterfinger Filling**
* In a large bowl, combine the crushed corn flakes, peanut butter, powdered sugar, corn syrup, salt, and water.
* Mix well with a spoon or spatula until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined and form a stiff dough. It may take a few minutes to fully incorporate all the ingredients.
**Step 3: Shape the Butterfinger Bars**
* Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper. This will prevent the Butterfingers from sticking and make them easy to remove.
* Press the Butterfinger mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan. Use your hands or the back of a spoon to flatten the mixture and create a smooth surface.
* Place the baking pan in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the Butterfinger mixture to firm up. This will make it easier to cut and dip the bars.
**Step 4: Cut the Butterfinger Bars**
* Remove the baking pan from the refrigerator and lift the parchment paper to remove the Butterfinger slab.
* Using a sharp knife, cut the slab into rectangular bars. The size of the bars is up to your preference; you can make them smaller or larger depending on your desired portion size.
**Step 5: Melt the Chocolate**
* Place the chocolate chips and shortening (if using) in a microwave-safe bowl.
* Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. Be careful not to overheat the chocolate, as it can burn. If you don’t have a microwave, you can melt the chocolate in a double boiler over low heat.
**Step 6: Dip the Butterfinger Bars**
* Using a fork or dipping tools, dip each Butterfinger bar into the melted chocolate, ensuring it is fully coated.
* Gently tap off any excess chocolate.
* Place the chocolate-covered bars on a sheet of parchment paper or wax paper to set.
**Step 7: Let the Chocolate Set**
* Place the chocolate-covered Butterfinger bars in the refrigerator for at least 15-20 minutes to allow the chocolate to set completely.
**Step 8: Enjoy!**
* Once the chocolate is set, remove the Butterfinger bars from the refrigerator and enjoy your homemade treat! Store the remaining bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Tips for Perfect Homemade Butterfingers
* **Don’t Over-Process the Corn Flakes:** The key to the Butterfinger texture is having small, crispy pieces of corn flakes, not a fine powder.
* **Use Creamy Peanut Butter:** Avoid natural peanut butter, as it tends to separate and can make the candy greasy.
* **Chill the Mixture Before Cutting:** This makes it easier to cut the bars cleanly.
* **Melt the Chocolate Carefully:** Overheating the chocolate can cause it to seize up. Microwave in short intervals, stirring frequently.
* **Add Shortening for a Smoother Chocolate Coating:** Shortening helps to thin the chocolate and create a glossy finish.
* **Let the Chocolate Set Completely:** This prevents the chocolate from melting and creating a mess.
* **Experiment with Different Chocolate:** Try using dark chocolate, white chocolate, or even flavored chocolate chips for a unique twist.
* **Add Sprinkles or Toppings:** Decorate the chocolate-covered bars with sprinkles, chopped nuts, or other toppings for a festive touch.
Variations and Add-Ins
Get creative with your homemade Butterfingers! Here are some variations and add-ins to try:
* **Chocolate Variety:** Use different types of chocolate, such as dark chocolate, white chocolate, or even flavored chocolate chips like peanut butter or mint chocolate chips.
* **Peanut Butter Enhancement:** Add a tablespoon or two of peanut butter powder to the corn flake mixture for an even stronger peanut butter flavor. You can also swirl in some extra melted peanut butter on top of the chocolate coating before it sets.
* **Nutty Goodness:** Add chopped peanuts, pecans, or walnuts to the corn flake mixture for a crunchy texture and nutty flavor. You can also sprinkle chopped nuts on top of the chocolate coating.
* **Caramel Swirl:** Drizzle melted caramel over the chocolate coating before it sets for a sweet and gooey treat.
* **Pretzel Crunch:** Add crushed pretzels to the corn flake mixture for a salty and crunchy twist.
* **Spicy Kick:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the corn flake mixture for a subtle spicy kick.
* **Mini Butterfingers:** Use a mini muffin tin to create bite-sized Butterfingers. Press the mixture into the muffin cups, chill, dip in chocolate, and let set.
* **Butterfinger Bark:** Instead of cutting the mixture into bars, spread it thinly on a baking sheet, cover with melted chocolate, and break it into pieces after the chocolate sets.
Storing Your Homemade Butterfingers
Store your homemade Butterfinger candy bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. The refrigerator will help the chocolate stay firm and prevent the peanut butter mixture from becoming too soft. You can also freeze the Butterfingers for longer storage. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator before enjoying.
Troubleshooting
* **Butterfingers are too dry:** Add a little more corn syrup or water to the mixture.
* **Butterfingers are too soft:** Add a little more powdered sugar or crushed corn flakes to the mixture.
* **Chocolate is not melting smoothly:** Add a tablespoon of shortening or coconut oil to the chocolate before melting. Make sure to microwave in short intervals and stir frequently.
* **Chocolate is seizing up:** This can happen if the chocolate gets too hot or if there is moisture in the bowl. Try adding a tablespoon of vegetable oil and stirring vigorously to see if it smooths out. If not, it’s best to start with fresh chocolate.
* **Chocolate is cracking after setting:** This can happen if the chocolate is not tempered properly. Tempering chocolate involves heating and cooling it to specific temperatures to create a stable crystalline structure. While this recipe doesn’t require tempering, using high-quality chocolate and avoiding overheating can help prevent cracking.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
**Q: Can I use natural peanut butter?**
A: It’s not recommended. Natural peanut butter tends to separate and can make the Butterfingers greasy. Creamy peanut butter works best.
**Q: Can I use honey instead of corn syrup?**
A: Yes, you can, but it will slightly alter the flavor of the candy.
**Q: Can I make these vegan?**
A: You can make a vegan version by using vegan chocolate chips and ensuring that your corn flakes are vegan-friendly (some brands contain honey).
**Q: How long do these last?**
A: They will last up to a week in the refrigerator or 2-3 months in the freezer.
**Q: Can I use different types of chocolate?**
A: Absolutely! Milk chocolate, dark chocolate, and even white chocolate all work well.
**Q: My Butterfinger mixture is too sticky. What should I do?**
A: Add a little more crushed corn flakes or powdered sugar to the mixture to absorb some of the excess moisture.
**Q: My chocolate is too thick to dip the bars easily. What can I do?**
A: Add a teaspoon or two of shortening or coconut oil to the melted chocolate and stir until smooth. This will thin out the chocolate and make it easier to dip the bars.
**Q: Can I add other ingredients to the Butterfinger mixture?**
A: Yes, feel free to experiment with other ingredients like chopped nuts, pretzels, or dried fruit to customize your Butterfingers.
**Q: Do I need to temper the chocolate?**
A: No, tempering the chocolate is not necessary for this recipe, but it can help to create a smoother and more stable chocolate coating. If you want to temper the chocolate, you can find instructions online or in a candy-making cookbook.
Conclusion
Making homemade Butterfinger candy bars is a fun and rewarding experience. This easy recipe allows you to create a delicious treat with simple ingredients and minimal effort. Whether you’re looking for a fun activity to do with kids, a way to control the ingredients in your candy, or simply a craving for a fresh and delicious Butterfinger, this recipe is sure to satisfy. So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy your homemade Butterfinger candy!