Butterfinger Pie

Butterfinger Pie: A Decadent Delight for Chocolate and Peanut Butter Lovers

If you’re craving a dessert that combines rich chocolate, creamy peanut butter, and the satisfying crunch of candy bars, look no further than Butterfinger Pie. This indulgent treat is a favorite at potlucks, family gatherings, and holiday celebrations across North America. Known for its easy preparation and crowd-pleasing flavor profile, Butterfinger Pie brings together the nostalgic taste of Butterfingers with the smoothness of peanut butter and the richness of chocolate in one heavenly pie. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner looking for a simple yet impressive dessert, this recipe delivers on every level—texture, flavor, and visual appeal.

The History of Butterfinger Pie

The origins of Butterfinger Pie trace back to mid-20th century American home cooking, where inventive bakers began experimenting with packaged candies in desserts. The Butterfinger candy bar, first introduced by the Ferrara Pan Candy Company in 1923, quickly became a staple in American pantries. Its unique combination of crisp, flaky chocolate coating and honey-crunch peanut butter center made it ideal for incorporating into baked goods and no-bake pies alike.

Butterfinger Pie emerged as part of a broader trend of “candy bar pies” popularized in the 1950s and 60s, when convenience ingredients like pre-made crusts, whipped toppings, and instant pudding mixes became widely available. Home cooks embraced these new products, creating quick, delicious desserts that felt special without requiring hours in the kitchen. Over time, Butterfinger Pie evolved from regional recipes shared in church cookbooks and women’s magazines into a nationally recognized treat, often associated with fall holidays and winter festivities due to its rich, comforting flavors.

Today, variations of Butterfinger Pie can be found in countless forms—from frozen versions in grocery stores to gourmet renditions served in diners and dessert cafes. Despite its evolution, the core elements remain the same: a crunchy crust, a creamy peanut butter filling, layers of chocolate, and generous chunks of Butterfinger candy.

Ingredients Breakdown: What Makes Butterfinger Pie So Irresistible?

The magic of Butterfinger Pie lies in its layered complexity and contrasting textures. Each ingredient plays a vital role in building the final flavor experience:

Chocolate Wafer Crust: Provides a deep cocoa flavor and firm base that holds up well against the soft filling. Graham crackers can be substituted, but chocolate wafers enhance the chocolate presence in the pie.
Cream Cheese: Adds tanginess and body to the filling, ensuring a smooth, velvety texture that’s richer than plain whipped cream alone.
Peanut Butter: The star of the show—creamy peanut butter infuses the entire pie with nutty warmth and balances the sweetness of other components.
Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the filling gently while helping to stabilize the mixture and give it a silky consistency.
Heavy Whipping Cream: When whipped, it adds lightness and airiness, transforming the dense peanut butter-cream cheese blend into a cloud-like mousse.
Instant Chocolate Pudding Mix: Simplifies the process by providing a ready-to-use chocolate layer with perfect thickness and flavor. It also helps set the middle layer without requiring cooking.
Milk: Used to prepare the pudding mix, it hydrates the starches and thickeners for a smooth, glossy texture.
Cool Whip (or Homemade Whipped Cream): Adds an extra layer of fluffiness and ensures the pie stays stable when chilled. Using real whipped cream gives a fresher, less artificial taste.
Butterfinger Candy Bars: These are essential. Their signature honeycomb crunch contrasts beautifully with the creamy layers, offering bursts of texture and nostalgia in every bite. They’re used both within the filling and as a topping.
Chocolate Syrup or Melted Chocolate: Drizzled on top for visual flair and an additional chocolate kick.

Together, these ingredients create a harmonious dessert where each bite offers something different—smooth, crunchy, sweet, tangy, cold, and rich—all contributing to the pie’s addictive quality.

Step-by-Step Recipe: How to Make Butterfinger Pie at Home

Follow these detailed instructions to make a stunning Butterfinger Pie that will wow your guests and satisfy even the most discerning sweet tooth.

Ingredients

1 ½ cups crushed chocolate wafer cookies (about 24 wafers)
¼ cup granulated sugar
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
1 cup creamy peanut butter
1 cup powdered sugar
1 ¾ cups heavy whipping cream, divided
1 package (3.9 oz) instant chocolate pudding mix
2 cups cold milk
1 tub (8 oz) Cool Whip, thawed (or 1 ½ cups homemade whipped cream)
3–4 Butterfinger candy bars, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
¼ cup chocolate syrup (optional, for drizzling)

Directions

Prepare the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine the crushed chocolate wafers, sugar, and melted butter. Stir until the crumbs are evenly coated. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes to set.
Make the Peanut Butter Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add the peanut butter and powdered sugar, and continue beating until fully combined and fluffy.
In a separate bowl, whip 1 ¾ cups of heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold about one-third of the whipped cream into the peanut butter mixture to lighten it, then carefully fold in the remaining whipped cream until no streaks remain. Set aside.
Prepare the Chocolate Pudding Layer: In a medium bowl, whisk together the instant chocolate pudding mix and cold milk for about 2 minutes, until thickened. Let it sit for 5 minutes to fully set.
Fold half of the thawed Cool Whip into the prepared pudding to lighten the texture and add volume.
Layer the Pie: Spread half of the peanut butter mixture evenly over the chilled crust. Pour the chocolate pudding mixture over the peanut butter layer and smooth the top with a spatula. Sprinkle a generous amount of chopped Butterfinger pieces over the pudding layer.
Add the remaining peanut butter filling on top of the candy pieces, spreading it smoothly to cover the entire surface.
Sprinkle more chopped Butterfingers over the top layer. Drizzle with chocolate syrup if desired.
Chill the Pie: Cover loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow all layers to set and flavors to meld.
Serve: Slice with a sharp knife dipped in hot water for clean cuts. Garnish with additional Butterfinger crumbles and a dollop of whipped cream if desired.

Tips for the Perfect Butterfinger Pie

Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Softened cream cheese blends more smoothly and prevents lumps in the filling.
Don’t Skip the Chill Time: Refrigerating the crust before filling helps prevent sogginess. Allowing the finished pie to set ensures clean slices.
Whip Cream Properly: Under-whipped cream results in a runny pie; over-whipped cream can curdle. Stop when stiff peaks hold their shape.
Customize the Crunch: For extra texture, add a thin layer of crushed pretzels between the crust and first filling layer.
Avoid Weeping: If using Cool Whip, ensure it’s fully thawed but not melted. Homemade whipped cream is more stable when stabilized with a teaspoon of cornstarch or powdered sugar.
Slice Cleanly: Dip your knife in hot water and wipe it dry between each slice for neat presentation.
Balance Sweetness: If you find the pie too sweet, reduce powdered sugar slightly and add a pinch of sea salt to the peanut butter layer to enhance flavor depth.

Variations and Customizations

While traditional Butterfinger Pie is beloved for its classic flavor combo, there are many ways to personalize it for different tastes and occasions:

Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free chocolate sandwich cookies (like Schär or homemade) for the crust and verify that your Butterfingers are produced in a gluten-free facility (note: traditional Butterfingers contain wheat).
Dairy-Free Option: Substitute dairy-free margarine for butter, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream, and choose plant-based cream cheese. Ensure pudding mix and candy bars are dairy-free.
Low-Sugar or Keto-Friendly: Replace sugar with erythritol or monk fruit sweetener, use sugar-free pudding mix and low-sugar peanut butter, and opt for keto-approved chocolate wafers.
Nut-Free Alternative: Swap peanut butter for sunflower seed butter or soy nut butter, and use a nut-free candy bar like Heath or Skor (check labels for cross-contamination).
Mini Pies: Prepare the recipe in individual tart shells or mason jars for portable desserts perfect for parties.
Boozy Twist: Add 1–2 tablespoons of bourbon or Baileys Irish Cream to the peanut butter filling for an adult version.
Seasonal Themes: Add orange zest and dark chocolate for a Christmas twist, or pastel-colored sprinkles for Easter. Top with crushed peppermint in December.
Double Chocolate Version: Mix cocoa powder into the peanut butter layer or use chocolate peanut butter for deeper flavor.
Cake Hybrid: Turn it into a trifle by layering cake cubes with the pie fillings in a glass bowl.

Health Considerations and Nutritional Value

Butterfinger Pie is undeniably a treat meant for occasional enjoyment. While delicious, it is high in sugar, fat, and calories due to its rich ingredients. Here’s a general nutritional breakdown per serving (based on 8 servings):

Calories: ~550–650 kcal
Total Fat: ~35–40g (including 12–15g saturated fat)
Carbohydrates: ~50–60g (with 35–45g sugars)
Protein: ~8–10g
Sodium: ~300–400mg
Dietary Fiber: ~2–3g

Key Considerations:

Sugar Content: The pie contains multiple sources of added sugar—pudding mix, powdered sugar, candy bars, and cookie crust. Those managing blood sugar should consume in moderation.
Allergens: Contains peanuts, milk, wheat, and soy. Not suitable for individuals with allergies to these ingredients unless modified.
Saturated Fat: High due to butter, cream cheese, heavy cream, and chocolate. Heart-conscious individuals may want to enjoy smaller portions.
Portion Control: Serve small slices—this pie is rich, and a little goes a long way.
Balancing the Meal: Pair with fresh fruit or a green salad if serving as part of a larger meal to offset heaviness.

For a slightly healthier take, consider using reduced-fat cream cheese, natural peanut butter with no added sugar, and increasing the proportion of whipped cream to pudding. However, keep in mind that substitutions may affect texture and stability.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make Butterfinger Pie ahead of time?
Yes! This pie actually tastes better when made 12–24 hours in advance. The chilling time allows flavors to meld and textures to firm up.

How long does Butterfinger Pie last in the fridge?
It will keep well for 3–4 days when covered tightly with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container.

Can I freeze Butterfinger Pie?
Yes, though texture may change slightly. Freeze unbaked or after setting for at least 4 hours. Wrap tightly in plastic and foil. Thaw in the refrigerator for 4–6 hours before serving. Note: whipped cream may weep slightly upon thawing.

Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?
Absolutely. Fresh whipped cream tastes cleaner and less processed. Stabilize it with 1 tsp cornstarch or 1 tbsp powdered sugar to help maintain structure.

Why did my pie turn out runny?
Common causes include under-chilled ingredients, skipping the chill time, using warm milk for pudding, or not whipping cream enough. Always use cold milk and fully whip the cream to stiff peaks.

Can I use Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups instead of Butterfingers?
Yes, though the flavor and texture will shift. Reese’s add more peanut butter and less crunch. You can even do a hybrid version with both!

Is there a way to make this pie without pudding mix?
Yes. Cook 2 tablespoons cocoa powder, 3 tablespoons sugar, and 2 tablespoons cornstarch in 2 cups of milk until thickened, then cool before layering. Add vanilla extract for flavor.

Can I make this pie in a springform pan?
Yes, especially if you plan to unmold it for presentation. Line the bottom with parchment and wrap the outside with foil to prevent leaks if freezing.

Summary

Butterfinger Pie is a rich, no-bake dessert featuring layers of chocolate crust, creamy peanut butter mousse, chocolate pudding, and crunchy Butterfinger candy pieces. Easy to assemble and unforgettable in flavor, it’s a must-make for candy lovers and holiday hosts alike.
With endless customization options and a nostalgic taste that delights all ages, this pie is sure to become a staple in your dessert repertoire.

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