Name: Butterfinger Bliss Balls
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup creamy peanut butter; 1 cup crushed graham crackers; 1 cup Butterfinger candy bars, chopped; 2 cups melted chocolate (for coating); 1 tablespoon powdered sugar (optional, for coating)

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There’s something instantly joyful about Butterfinger Bliss Balls: they’re small, indulgent, and full of that crunchy peanut-butter-chocolate hook that makes you smile with the first bite. When I first made these Butterfinger Bliss Balls, the kitchen smelled like a candy shop crossed with a cozy bakery — warm peanut butter notes, a hint of chocolate, and that unmistakable brittle crunch. They feel comforting and festive without being fussy, which is exactly why I keep a batch in the freezer for surprise guests or late-night cravings.

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I reach for this Butterfinger Bliss Balls recipe when I want a quick dessert for a potluck, a playful treat after dinner, or a homemade goodie to tuck into holiday gift tins. The finished balls are slightly crisp where the chopped candy mixes in, soft and creamy from the peanut butter, and sealed in a shiny chocolate coating that snaps just enough when you bite. If you love quick, nostalgic sweets that don’t take all afternoon, these Butterfinger Bliss Balls are the kind of recipe you’ll come back to time and again. If you want something different to serve alongside them at a holiday spread, try pairing with a savory centerpiece like Christmas Cranberry Meatballs for a sweet-and-savory contrast.

Why you’ll love this recipe

It’s a one-bowl, no-bake treat that still feels special and homemade.
The texture is irresistible — crunchy Butterfinger bits, smooth peanut butter, and a glossy chocolate shell.
You can make a big batch in under an hour and store extras for weeks.
It hits that nostalgic candy-bar sweet spot but in a bite-sized, shareable form.

How to make Butterfinger Bliss Balls

First, gather everything and clear a little counter space — the assembly moves quickly once you start. Begin by mixing creamy peanut butter, crushed graham crackers, and chopped Butterfinger candy bars in a large bowl; the mixture comes together into a thick, slightly sticky mass that holds when you scoop it. Next, roll spoonfuls of the mixture into roughly one-inch balls; they’ll be soft at this stage but firm up beautifully after a short freeze.

Once the balls have chilled, dip each into melted chocolate and set them back on parchment to let the coating set. This is when the magic happens: the chocolate gives a smooth, decadent finish and the Butterfinger bits peek out inside, keeping every bite full of crunch. Finally, if you like a dusting of powdered sugar for a snowy look, sprinkle lightly before the chocolate fully sets. Don’t worry if the first few aren’t perfectly round — a quick roll with slightly damp hands smooths them right out.

Ingredients

1 cup creamy peanut butter
1 cup crushed graham crackers
1 cup Butterfinger candy bars, chopped
2 cups melted chocolate (for coating
1 tablespoon powdered sugar (optional, for coating)

A few words about these ingredients: creamy peanut butter gives the balls a smooth, rich base that binds everything together — choose a natural-style peanut butter if you want a slightly more pronounced nutty flavor, but keep it smooth so your mixture stays cohesive. The crushed graham crackers add a faint honeyed crunch and help absorb moisture so the balls aren’t overly sticky; graham crackers also contribute a gentle sweetness that balances the peanut butter. Chopped Butterfinger candy bars are the star — their flaky, crunchy texture gives the bliss balls that signature bite and a toffee-like flavor. For coating, choose a good-quality melting chocolate or chocolate chips melted down with a little coconut oil; this yields a shiny, snap-able shell.

Substitutes: if you need a gluten-free option, swap the graham crackers for gluten-free graham crumbs or finely ground gluten-free cookies. For a nut-free version, sunflower seed butter works in place of the peanut butter, though the flavor will be slightly different. If you prefer a softer coating, use milk chocolate; for a richer, more adult finish, opt for dark chocolate.

If you enjoy making no-bake protein snacks as well, you might like my take on Mint Chocolate Chip Protein Balls — they’re a lighter, refreshing cousin to these candy-laden delights.

Directions

Start in a large mixing bowl by combining the creamy peanut butter, crushed graham crackers, and the chopped Butterfinger candy bars. I like to chop the Butterfingers into irregular pieces so some bites have larger shards and others have fine crumbs; it keeps the texture interesting.

Mix everything together until fully combined. You’ll notice the mixture becomes thick and slightly tacky — that’s perfect. Give it a quick taste to check the balance; if you want more crunch, stir in a few extra chopped pieces. The aroma at this point is heavenly: nutty and sweet with a hint of candy crunch.

Scoop and roll the mixture into small balls, about one inch in diameter. I use a small cookie scoop to keep them uniform, then roll them between my palms to smooth them out. If your hands get sticky, dampen them with a little water to make rolling easier.

Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze them for about 30 minutes. Freezing firms them up so they won’t fall apart when you dip them. This is also when the centers cool and the Butterfinger pieces become satisfyingly crispy.

Once frozen, dip each ball into the melted chocolate to coat thoroughly. I like to use two forks to lower and lift them, letting any excess chocolate drip back into the bowl before placing them back on the parchment. You’ll notice the chocolate hardens into a glossy shell that keeps the center intact.

Place the coated balls back on the parchment paper. If you want a decorative touch, lightly sprinkle with powdered sugar while the chocolate is still tacky — it creates a pretty contrast. Let the chocolate set in the refrigerator for about an hour so everything firms up completely.

Serve and enjoy your Butterfinger Bliss Balls! Bring them to room temperature for a minute before serving so the center isn’t too cold, and watch how fast they disappear.

How to serve Butterfinger Bliss Balls

These Butterfinger Bliss Balls work for so many occasions. Serve them on a dessert platter at a holiday gathering alongside cookies and small pastries; their shiny chocolate shells and golden Butterfinger flecks make them look festive and inviting. They’re also great for casual snacking — pop a few into a small paper cup as a sweet treat for lunchboxes or after-school snacks.

For a coffee or tea pairing, place two Bliss Balls on a petite saucer beside espresso or a creamy latte; the bitterness of coffee balances the candy’s sweetness beautifully. If you’re hosting a buffet or potluck, arrange them on a tiered stand mixed with other bite-sized sweets to create visual variety. Their contrast of crunchy interior and smooth chocolate exterior offers a fun mouthfeel — the dark chocolate version looks especially elegant against white platters.

One more serving idea: build a simple dessert plate with a couple of Butterfinger Bliss Balls, a dollop of whipped cream, and some fresh berries to cut through the richness. The color contrast — glossy brown shells, pale interior crumbs, and bright berries — will make the plate pop.

How to store Butterfinger Bliss Balls

Store leftover Butterfinger Bliss Balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. If you plan to keep them longer, freeze them in a single layer on a parchment-lined tray until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature for 15–30 minutes before serving so they soften slightly without losing their shape.

If the chocolate shell loses some shine after refrigeration, let the balls sit at room temperature for a short while — the sheen usually returns as condensation dissipates. Avoid stacking too many balls directly on top of each other while they’re fresh, as the chocolate finish can stick; use parchment layers between rows if packing them in a container.

A quick reheating trick: if you prefer a slightly softer center, pop a couple of balls in the microwave for about 7–10 seconds — just enough to warm the middle without melting the chocolate completely. This trick makes them feel freshly made in seconds.

Tips for perfect Butterfinger Bliss Balls

Chop the Butterfinger bars into uneven pieces for the best texture. Large shards give delightful bursts of crunch while smaller crumbs distribute flavor.
Keep the mixture chilled before coating. If the balls are too soft, the chocolate can tear or clump when you dip them. A brief freeze solves that.
Use a double boiler or microwave in short bursts to melt the chocolate to avoid burning. Stir frequently for a smooth, glossy coating.
Don’t overload with powdered sugar; a light dusting adds charm without hiding the chocolate’s shine.
If your peanut butter is oily, stir it to reincorporate the oils so the mixture binds properly.

These little practices come from making batches over time — they help prevent common problems like cracking chocolate or overly sticky centers.

Variations

Nut-free version: Swap creamy peanut butter for sunflower seed butter and use gluten-free graham crumbs to keep the texture similar. The flavor will shift away from classic peanut notes but remains rich and satisfying.
Chocolate-peanut swirl: Fold a few tablespoons of mini chocolate chips into the base mixture before rolling. The extra chocolate inside pairs wonderfully with the outer shell for chocolate lovers.
Dark-chocolate sea-salt: Coat the balls in dark chocolate and sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top while the coating sets. The contrast of bitter dark chocolate and a hint of salt enhances the Butterfinger crunch.
White chocolate and raspberry: Use melted white chocolate for coating and add a teaspoon of freeze-dried raspberry powder to the powdered sugar dusting for a fruity, colorful twist. This version looks beautiful for spring gatherings.

Each variation keeps the core method but introduces new flavors to suit different tastes or dietary needs.

FAQs

Q: Can I make the Butterfinger Bliss Balls ahead of time for a party?

A: Absolutely — these Bliss Balls are excellent make-ahead treats. You can prepare them up to three months in advance and keep them frozen; just thaw in the refrigerator the day before your event. For same-week prep, store them in the fridge and they’ll stay fresh for about two weeks.

Q: My mixture is too sticky to roll. What should I do?

A: If the mixture feels overly sticky, pop it into the freezer for 10–15 minutes to firm up slightly — that usually does the trick. Alternatively, add a tablespoon or two more crushed graham crackers to absorb excess moisture, but don’t overdo it or the balls will become dry.

Q: Can I use peanut butter with chunks instead of creamy?

A: You can, but chunky peanut butter will change the texture and make rolling a bit more uneven. If you prefer extra nutty crunch, chunky works fine; just expect a more rustic look and possibly a slightly drier mixture. Smooth peanut butter gives the creamiest, most cohesive result.

Q: How do I get a shiny chocolate coating?

A: Melt your chocolate gently using a double boiler or microwave in short bursts, stirring frequently. Adding a teaspoon of coconut oil or vegetable oil helps create a glossy finish and makes dipping smoother. Work at room temperature so the chocolate sets evenly without blooming.

Q: Are Butterfinger Bliss Balls suitable for kids’ lunchboxes?

A: Yes — they’re an easy, portable treat kids love, though keep them cool in a small insulated container to prevent the chocolate from melting. For younger children, cut the balls into halves so they’re easier to handle and portion control is simpler.

Conclusion

Butterfinger Bliss Balls are a delightful, easy-to-make treat that blend nostalgic candy crunch with simple pantry ingredients. They’re perfect for holidays, quick gifts, or a cozy night when you crave something sweet but homemade. Try making a double batch and freezing extras — they’ll be a welcome surprise whenever the craving hits. If you love this Butterfinger Bliss Balls recipe, save it for later or share it with someone who’d enjoy it too.