If you’re a fan of chocolate and peanut butter, then this Butterfinger Reese’s Peanut Butter Bars recipe is a must-try! Combining the irresistible flavors of creamy peanut butter, crunchy Butterfinger candy bars, and the rich taste of Reese’s peanut butter cups, these homemade bars are a delicious, no-bake treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making them for a party, a dessert table, or just for an indulgent snack, these bars are sure to be a hit with everyone.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1 1/2 cups chopped Butterfinger candy bars
- 1 1/2 cups Reese’s peanut butter cups, chopped
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup peanut butter (for the topping)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Base Layer
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter and melted butter. Stir until well blended.
- Add the powdered sugar and graham cracker crumbs to the bowl. Mix everything together until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Fold in the chopped Butterfinger candy bars and chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups. This will add a delightful crunch and extra peanut butter flavor to the bars.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking pan. Use the back of a spoon or your hands to evenly spread it out.
2. Melt the Chocolate Topping
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the semisweet chocolate chips and peanut butter for the topping.
- Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until the mixture is smooth and fully melted.
- Pour the melted chocolate-peanut butter mixture over the peanut butter base layer, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
3. Chill and Set
- Place the pan in the refrigerator for at least 1-2 hours to allow the bars to set and firm up.
- Once the bars are fully chilled and the chocolate has hardened, cut them into squares or rectangles.
4. Serve and Enjoy
- Enjoy your homemade Butterfinger Reese’s Peanut Butter Bars with family and friends! These bars are perfect for sharing or indulging in a sweet treat on your own.
Why You’ll Love These Bars
Irresistible Peanut Butter Flavor
- The combination of creamy peanut butter and the crunch of Reese’s peanut butter cups and Butterfinger bars creates a rich, nutty flavor that will leave your taste buds craving more.
No-Bake Simplicity
- No oven required! This recipe is incredibly easy to make and doesn’t take much time at all. Just mix the ingredients, chill, and you’re done.
Perfect for Any Occasion
- Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply looking for a quick snack, these peanut butter bars are a crowd-pleaser. They’re also a great treat to bring to potlucks, parties, or family gatherings.
Customize Your Bars
- Feel free to adjust the candy-to-base ratio to suit your taste. Add more Butterfinger for extra crunch, or swap out the Reese’s for another candy you love.
Pro Tips:
- Storage: Store these bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. They can also be frozen for longer storageājust thaw in the fridge before serving.
- Toppings: You can sprinkle chopped peanuts or additional crushed candy bars on top of the chocolate layer for an extra touch of crunch.
Final Thoughts
If you love Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and Butterfingers, then these bars are the ultimate treat to satisfy your sweet tooth. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can create a decadent dessert that’s sure to be a hit every time. So, gather your ingredients, make these Butterfinger Reese’s Peanut Butter Bars, and enjoy the perfect peanut butter chocolate experience!
Serving and Storage Tips for Butterfinger Reese’s Peanut Butter Bars
Serving Tips:
- Cut Into Bite-Sized Pieces:
- To make serving easier, cut the bars into bite-sized pieces or small squares. This way, guests can grab a quick treat without needing utensils.
- Pair with a Drink:
- These rich bars pair wonderfully with a glass of milk, coffee, or even a warm cup of hot chocolate. The creamy peanut butter and chocolate flavors are a perfect match with these drinks.
- Chill Before Serving:
- If youāre serving the bars for a special occasion, chill them until theyāre firm. The cool, dense texture adds to the experience and helps them hold together better during serving.
- Garnish for Extra Appeal:
- For an extra touch, sprinkle some crushed Butterfinger candy or chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups on top of the chocolate layer before serving. This will add extra texture and an eye-catching look to your dessert.
Storage Tips:
- Refrigerate for Freshness:
- Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh for up to 1 week. The cool temperature helps maintain the texture of the chocolate and peanut butter layers.
- Freezing for Long-Term Storage:
- These bars can be stored in the freezer if you’d like to keep them for a longer period. Wrap them in plastic wrap or foil and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw them in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving.
- Avoid Sticking:
- If stacking the bars, place wax paper or parchment paper between each layer to prevent them from sticking together.
- Keep Out of Direct Heat:
- These bars are best stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight or heat sources. The chocolate layer can soften if exposed to high temperatures, so always store them in the fridge or freezer for optimal texture.
By following these serving and storage tips, you can enjoy your Butterfinger Reese’s Peanut Butter Bars fresh, perfectly set, and ready to share whenever you like!
1. Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
- Yes, you can use crunchy peanut butter if you prefer more texture in your bars. It will give an extra crunch to the base, which can be a nice variation. However, creamy peanut butter provides a smoother consistency that blends well with the other ingredients.
2. Can I make these bars without Butterfingers or Reese’s?
- Absolutely! You can substitute these candies with any other candy bars you like, such as Snickers, Milky Way, or even M&Ms. The beauty of this recipe is its versatility, so feel free to customize it based on your favorite candy.
3. How can I make these bars more peanut buttery?
- To intensify the peanut butter flavor, you can add more peanut butter to the base layer or sprinkle crushed peanuts on top before adding the chocolate layer. You could also use a peanut butter-flavored chocolate for the topping.
4. How long do these bars need to set in the fridge?
- The bars need to chill in the refrigerator for at least 1-2 hours to allow the chocolate to harden and the bars to set properly. For best results, let them chill longer, preferably overnight, for firmer bars that are easier to cut.
Butterfinger Reese’s Peanut Butter Bars
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1-2 hours
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert, No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Butterfinger Reese’s Peanut Butter Bars are an indulgent, no-bake dessert that combines creamy peanut butter, crushed Butterfinger candy, Reese’s Pieces, and a rich chocolate topping. Perfect for parties or a sweet treat any time!
Ingredients
For the Bars:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1 cup crushed Butterfinger candy bars (about 3 full-size bars)
- 1/2 cup Reese’s Pieces
For the Topping:
- 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips
- 1 tbsp coconut oil or butter (optional, for smoother topping)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Base Layer:
- In a large bowl, combine the peanut butter, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
- Stir in the powdered sugar and graham cracker crumbs until well combined.
- Gently fold in the crushed Butterfinger candy and Reese’s Pieces.
2. Assemble the Bars:
- Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
- Press the peanut butter mixture evenly into the bottom of the dish. Use a spatula or your hands to smooth the surface.
3. Make the Chocolate Topping:
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips and coconut oil in 20-second intervals, stirring after each, until smooth. Alternatively, melt the chocolate in a double boiler.
- Pour the melted chocolate over the peanut butter base, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
4. Chill and Set:
- Refrigerate the bars for 1-2 hours, or until the chocolate is fully set.
5. Slice and Serve:
- Remove the bars from the dish using the parchment overhang.
- Cut into squares or rectangles using a sharp knife. For clean cuts, warm the knife slightly with hot water and dry before slicing.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- Storage: Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Freezing: These bars freeze well! Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
- Decorative Touch: Sprinkle extra Reese’s Pieces or crushed Butterfinger on top of the chocolate layer before it sets.