Nobody’s gonna lay a finger on my Butterfinger. Remember that old slogan?
Well there’s truth to it with these because I wanted to hoard them.
I always loved Butterfingers as a kid and they’re still a gas station favorite treat for me. However, I’ve never made a single recipe that uses Butterfingers in the almost 5 years I’ve been blogging.
It was high time to change that.
As an aside, I have a recipe for Homemade Butterfingers. Ready in 1 minute in the microwave and they’re made with peanut butter and candy corn that are melted together, then topped with chocolate. So easy and taste eerily close to the real thing. If you have extra candy corn, make that recipe, stat.
But back to these bars. No-bake Cereal Bars are one of my favorite things to make. You can’t go wrong combining peanut butter, sugar, cereal, and chocolate in the microwave, with some candy bars tossed in to complete the elegant ensemble.
They may not be the height of classy, but boy, they sure taste ridiculously good and you can’t beat no-bake.
According to Nestle, Butterfingers are gluten-free and since all other ingredients used are gluten-free, you’re looking a gluten-free dessert that comes together in minutes.
If you want to keep the bars vegan and gluten-free, replace the Butterfingers with Peanut Butter Cups, since the Butterfingers are the only non-vegan ingredient used.
Ironically, there’s no butter or buttery spreads used in these very buttery-tasting decadent bars.
They have the same base layer as Chocolate Peanut Butter Kit Kat Crunch Bars and the Chewy Peanut Butter and Chocolate Cereal Bars have, except there’s cocoa powder stirred in. It gives just the right amount of chocolate intensity to stand up to the bold peanut buttery, caramely sauce that glues together the cereal to comprise the base layer.
After making the base, I melted chocolate chips and peanut butter together and spread that over the top.
A couple baking tips. I like melting 1 cup of chocolate chips to 1/4 cup of peanut butter. The peanut butter helps prevent the chocolate from scorching as easily. And it helps prevent the chocolate from setting up too firm and prevents it from cracking when sliced.
Then I sprinkled on crushed Butterfingers. I used 7 Fun-Size candy bars, and I simply squeezed them in my palm before unwrapping them to find orange flakes and chunks. They crush very easily so don’t squeeze to hard or you’ll have orange dust.
Finally, I melted another quarter-cup of chocolate chips for a final drizzle. I did this to help ‘set’ some of the Butterfinger crumbly bits, and as a happy accident, the drizzle gives the bars a Halloween-ish look.
Biting through each of the layers is a texture lover’s dream. They’re firm enough so they’re not a gooey mess, and the texture is dense and exceedingly chewy, yet soft.
The chewy and dense chocolate-peanut butter base with crispy cereal for texture is a great contrast to the the firm yet soft layer of chocolate-peanut butter, and the abundance of crunchy, salty-and-sweet Butterfingers.
It’s a requirement that you’re a chocolate + peanut butter fan for these because that flavor combo is what they’re all about.
And of course, you have to be a Butterfinger lover.
Pin This Recipe
Chewy Chocolate Peanut Butter Butterfinger Bars
A soft, very chewy, rich, dense, chocolate-peanut butter base is topped with a chocolate-peanut butter coating. Then, crushed Butterfinger candy is sprinkled on, before a final drizzle of more chocolate is added. Despite tasting extra buttery and decadent, there’s no butter used. According to Nestle, Butterfingers are gluten-free. If you swap out Butterfingers for Peanut Butter cups, the bars are vegan and gluten-free (since Butterfingers are the only thing that’s not vegan in the recipe). If you need a fast and easy dessert that’s sure to be a huge hit, I highly recommend these. They keep extremely well and can be made in advance, and are one my favorite cereal bars of all time. They’re a great way to clear out and repurpose leftover Halloween candy – or Easter, birthday, holiday candy.
Ingredients
Base
- 1 heaping cup creamy peanut butter (use Jif, Skippy, or similar; do not use natural or homemade peanut butter)
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup (light-colored, not lite)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons unsweetened natural cocoa powder (Dutch-process may be substituted)
- 3 cups Rice Krispies
Topping
- about 1 cup crushed or diced Butterfinger
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter (use Jif, Skippy, or similar; do not use natural or homemade peanut butter)
- 1/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, for drizzling
Instructions
- Base – Line an 8-inch square pan with aluminum foil leaving overhang, spray with cooking spray; set aside.
- In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine peanut butter, corn syrup, sugars, and heat on high power for 1 minute to melt.
- Stop to stir. Mixture will be on the granular side, this is okay.
- Return bowl to microwave and heat for 1 more minute on high power.
- Stir in the vanilla.
- Stir in the cocoa powder
- Stir in the cereal.
- Turn mixture out into prepared pan, packing it down firmly with a spatula and smoothing the top; set pan aside.
- Topping – Crush or dice the Butterfingers. I squeeze them in my palm before unwrapping them. They crush very easily so don’t squeeze too hard or you’ll have orange dust; set candy aside.
- In a medium microwave-safe bowl, combine 1 cup chocolate chips, peanut butter, and heat on high power for 1 minute to melt.
- Stop to stir. Chips may not be completely melted. Return bowl to microwave and heat in 15-second bursts until mixture can be stirred smooth; 15 seconds is likely all they’ll need.
- Pour chocolate mixture over base, smoothing the top lightly with a spatula.
- Working somewhat quickly so that chocolate doesn’t begin to set up, evenly sprinkle Butterfingers over the chocolate. I prefer a fairly densely covered surface; add candy according to preference. Set pan aside.
- In a medium microwave-safe bowl (same one just used to melt the chocolate and peanut butter is fine; don’t need to wash it), place 1/4 cup chocolate chips and heat on high power for 1 minute to melt. Stop to stir. Chips may not be completely melted. Return bowl to microwave and heat in 15-second bursts until chocolate can be stirred smooth, 15 seconds is likely all they’ll need.
- Using a spoon, evenly drizzle chocolate over the top of bars.
- Cover pan with a sheet of foil (to prevent fridge smells), and place pan in fridge to set up for at least 3 hours, or overnight, or until layers are completely set before lifting bars out with foil overhang, slicing, and serving. Before slicing, allowing bars to come to room temp for 15 minutes will make slicing much easier. Bars will keep airtight at room temperature for up to 1 week, in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, or in the freezer for up to 6 months.
Adapted from Chocolate Peanut Butter Kit Kat Crunch Bars, which were adapted from Chewy Peanut Butter and Chocolate Cereal Bars
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
12Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 340Total Fat: 19gSaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 140mgCarbohydrates: 42gFiber: 3gSugar: 35gProtein: 7g
Related Recipes
Chocolate Peanut Butter Kit Kat Crunch Bars (keep vegan and GF by using Peanut Butter Cups instead of Kit Kats)
Chewy Peanut Butter and Chocolate Cereal Bars (vegan, GF)
Peanut Butter Cocoa Krispies Smores Bars (almost no-bake)
No-Bake Peanut Butter Marshmallow Cereal Bars (GF)
Biscoff Marshmallow Chocolate Bars (no-bake)
No-Bake Nutter Butter Special K Bars
Special K Bars (no-bake)
Peanut Butter Caramel Twix Bars (almost no-bake)
Peanut Chewy Payday Bars (almost no-bake)
Double Chocolate Caramel Corn & Cocoa Rice Krispies Candy Bars (no-bake, GF)
Browned Butter Rice Krispies Treats (GF) – The best RKTs I have ever had. Double the butter and it’s browned, for great flavor and soft, buttery, chewy bars
Homemade Butterfinger Bars (vegan, GF) – Ready in 1 minute and taste dangerously close to the real thing
Fan of Butterfingers? Chocolate and peanut butter? Favorite no-bake bar recipe?
would I double the recipe for a 9×9 pan?
You’d double for a 9×13.
I made these for my sons’ birthday, and everyone loved them! Thanks for a terrific recipe.
Happy Bday to your son and glad these were a hit!
Do you think Corn Flakes could be used instead of the Rice Krispies ?
Yes they could and I also have these which can be make with CFs or Special K https://www.averiecooks.com/2013/08/no-bake-peanut-butter-marshmallow-cereal-bars.html
I made these for a Halloween party and they were a huge hit! I’m thinking some peppermint extract, white.chocolate, and a candy cane topping for a Christmas batch!
I’m so glad to hear they were a huge hit!
peppermint extract, white.chocolate, and a candy cane topping = sounds great! The only caveat is I don’t know how that will jive with the PB but…there’s only one way to find out :)
I don’t care what it looks like — if it has chocolate in it, I’m going to eat it! It’s my favorite food group on the pyramid. ;) I never really ate Butterfingers as a kid, probably because I was too distracted by the Reese’s in my trick-or-treat bag!
I haven’t had a butterfinger in years but now seeing all the recipes online featuring them, I want one really badly! These no bake bars are beautiful, Averie. I’m always amazed at how you make something seemingly so simple into a swoonworthy work of art. I can just imagine the chew and crunch of these bars, along with that fabulous flavour combination.
always amazed at how you make something seemingly so simple into a swoonworthy work of art <--- thank you, Nancy! I try to take ingredients everyone has and elevate them into something you'd never guess you could have achieved. So thank you for noticing! :)
they look better than butterfingers!
If Butterfinger Bars are GF that means they’re “healthy,” and if they’re healthy then it’s okay to eat at least half a batch of these bars…right? Excellent. ;)
Exactly! Which is why I always love when people automatically assume that vegan or GF is automatically healthy. Well, a jar of chocolate-peanut butter is both. So that means I get to have all the jars I want, right! :)
Are the any substitutions for corn syrup?
I’ve tried to use honey and maple syrup and they don’t work nearly as well. I have not tried brown rice syrup and it could be viable. Agave, definitely no. Unless you are allergic to corn, I would just use the corn syrup and view these as a special treat :)
I haven’t had a BF in forever but these bars are the perfect excuse to stock up!
omg, I never even thought about butterfingers being gluten free-how cool!! These bars look so crunchy and yummers!
I never would have guessed they are but good old google and some research said they are!
These are damn good looking dessert bars, Averie! Butterfingers were my favorite growing up! My Dairy Queen order? A medium chocolate blizzard with butterfingers. Oh man, so good. I haven’t had one in years though! These bars bring back some nostalgia!
I love baking with butterfingers, but I don’t do it nearly enough. And they are on super sale this week at target. I have to stock up!
My DQ order was a Heath Bar Blizzard but sometimes I would get Butterfingers!
All candy everywhere seems to be on a super sale…makes it way too easy to end up with way too much! :)
Oh my yum! There is something so deliciously addicting about butterfinger and I have a feeling these bars are just as addicting, if not more! You must have either really great will power or wonderful friends who are willing to keep taking baked goods from you. :)
I have plenty of friends and neighbors. Nothing goes to waste. After I’ve had my share, off it goes. I need to fit into my clothes! :)
These look amazing. Love Butterfingers!
PB cups are vegan?? That’s life changing!! Of course these look incredible!!! :)
Seriously, Butterfingers are GF??? Where have I been? Well, that confirms it… I will be making these in the near future! Thanks for sharing this wonderful recipe, it looks delectable!
I would have never guessed it actually. But according to everything I could find – they are!
Butterfingers rule! and this recipe is amazing!
THESE…Halloween heaven …in bar form!!!…Butterfinger was ALWAYS my absolute favorite thing to receive in the trick-or-treat bag….that and Heath Toffee Bars and…and…Chick-O’-Sticks!!!!!…Do you remember THOSE?!…Or am I simply that aged of a woman!!!…Something about that crispy, crunchy…peanut-ery thing goin’ on….I am a complete and utter sucker for it every time! Thank you for this holiday appropriate offering Averie!
Glad you like them!
You must keep boxes of rice krispies in your pantry too :) These bars look awesome. I love butterfingers!!
I have a jumbo box of them on hand at all time :) Along with at least 6 huge containers of PB :)
Wow! These look great and will be a hit in my household since everyone here loves butterfingers!!
I have always wondered why butter fingers are not used more often. I only discovered them this year and I am hooked(even got my shipment from the USA coming in).
I love the krispy and chewy nature of these bars, and that frosting and topping is drool worthy! Only you can make a treat like this pop in pictures.
That’s amazing that you have to order them (ugh) but also so cool that you love them enough to order them! Thanks for the photo compliments :)
These look really delicious and your photos are AMAZING!!! Xx
Thank you – I appreciate it!
Umm I just made these this evening and they are amazing. Super rich and super delicious. Thanks!
I’m so glad to hear you tried them. Yes, super rich and oh, so good :) Thanks for trying them on the same day I posted them!
Seriously. I need to start a Crazy for Averie pinboard. :) LOVE these!
You are so sweet. I pin almost every single recipe of yours, too. Sometimes I don’t know if Pinterest ‘alerts’ even if I put the @ sign in. It can be super wonky. Especially if I pin it to 1 board and then try to repin – it will alert a totally random person!
Oh man, I adore butterfingers!! These look divine :)
You have a real knack for making fun and easy desserts, I love a good no-bake bar!
Nobody stacks treats like you. These are another work of art. GREG
Thank you, Greg. You always make me smile :) Some people can make a great macaron or a fondant-covered cake but my specialty is stackable treats I guess :)
These bars are gorgeous, Averie, and I know try must taste even better! Butterfingers are one my favorites!
I LOVE butterfingers, they’re the only reason I ever get frozen yogurt … so I can get the Butterfingers and Heath Toffee Bars. Another great GF dessert!
They’re like a happy accident being GF b/c I would never have guessed that! And you know candy corn is too :)
I want these in the worst way, Averie! Gimme a stack of ten!
Butterfngers always remind me of Bart Simpson.
I made your homemade Butterfingers last year (the year before?) and they were great! My mom has made them several times since then also.
Love these!
I didnt’ know your mom made them – wow, of all recipes to make! I always say, it’s the easy stuff :)
How do you get everything to turn out so perfect Averie?!! Yum!
these look amazingly sinfully good!
Oh butterfingers bring up so much nostalgia for me! I’d love to try these!
Nostalgia is a great word – yes for me too!
Oh my! Those look so stinking good!!! I love all that yummy Butterfinger on the to with the chocolate drizzle. Definitely perfect color tones for this time of year :-) Pinned!
Thanks for pinning, Jocelyn!
These look amazing! We love butterfingers so this looks like a winner of a recipe for us to try!
LMK if you give it a whirl!
For some silly reason, I never liked Butterfingers as a kid, but I they’ve grown on me a LOT in the past couple years. I love the way these bars look! Drizzly chocolate and crushed Butterfingers. Yum!
I loved the drizzly top layer too :)
Butterfingers have been my go to candy for sweet tooth emergencies since way back in the day! I’m seeing these on our counter very soon! I think I’ll Pin these to my Halloween board {loving the black and orange :}
thanks for pinning and if you try them, LMK! :)
I LOVE Butterfingers. I think I was the only kid I knew that loved Butterfingers. My mom would always stir them into chocolate ice cream for us. Such a treat. These sound SO yummy!
Oh wow, everyone I knew growing up loved BF’s. And Reese’s Cups! And there were some die hard Snickers and Milky Way fans. All those old school candies – can’t go wrong!
I think I just passed out. In the best possible way.
Averie, I love your new board you’ve been shooting one…very classy and makes everything you make just pop! I just love everything you make…especially with butterfingers! (And, everything else!)
Thanks for noticing, Gloria! I’ve been trying to rig up a few new setups. It’s hard with 4-5 new desserts a week to make them look fresh, without having props and gear take over my home! lol
Wow! I definitely need to try these out– they look delicious and so pretty! Yummmm!
http://www.dressdinedwell.wordpress.com
Oh I always forget about butterfingers when asked about my favorite candy bar. Loved them! I can seriously remember how they smell too!
I certainly can’t think of many things more comforting that the old chocolate and peanut butter combination. It truly is hard to beat. The texture of these bars looks amazing! Dense and chewy, just the way I like them!
those seriously look too good to true :o) yum!! !What not vegan about a butterfinger? :o).. thinking of trying ths base with something chistmas for the holidays :o) Emily
Pinned! These look incredible. Just incredible, Averie! I cannot believe this is your first butterfinger recipe aside from your homemade ones! Crazy, but I guess you waited to show us the best one!
I know, I have no idea why. I mean I have a million things with M&Ms (and Snickers, Twix, Heath, candy corn, PB Cups, Rolos – and it goes on and on – except not BFs til now!)
Thanks for pinning!
These are definitely Halloween appropriate! They look great! Bars like this are so nice because they’re easy to make.
Oh my goodness… these look absolutely amazing! :)
I am usually guilty of eating all the fun size Butterfingers from the trick or treat stash, but I will save a handful of them just to make these, lol!
I pilfer out & hoard the BF’s out of the stash, too :)
Seriously, you are the queen for making delicious goodies out of candy bars! Chocolate, peanut butter, and butterfingers. Deeeeeeelish. Butterfingers used to be my favorite candy bar when I was a kid. Haven’t had one in ages but now you’re making me crave one!
I have a knack for culinary masterpieces with gas station candy. But hey, it really tastes amazing. LOL
And lmk how the beer bread goes if you try it (no rush, no pressure!!)
Butterfingers, M&M’s, and PB cups are probably my top favorites for candy. These look like a texture lover’s dream bar…and perfect for Halloween. We have our annual neighborhood Halloween party next weekend–I might take these just so I can try one myself! Love those homemade butterfinger bars too!
A texture lover’s dream bar is right! Make these for the Hween block party, yes!
Btw, how did the treats you made for your other party go over last weekend? I know you said you loved them but did others enjoy too? I assume so but just asking…ha! :)
Everybody loved them!! A few said the fluffernutters reminded them of loaded up fudge and I told everyone the recipe was from my favorite blogger in CA:)! I talked about your cookbook and website and told them to check it out for some fabulous recipes..and to go score some candy corn M&M’s before they’re out of season!
You are too sweet! Thank you for saying all that and telling them about my site and cookbook!!! I am so happy that they liked the treats and it’s fun hearing what people think things remind them of, i.e. loaded up fudge, and little stories like this! And I know – I am going to have to hoard some of the seasonal candy too! :)
I want to shove a whole bar in my mouth…these look freaking amazing!
I would totally hoard these too! And you know, it’s 2:37 in the morning and I just want that stack right now as a nightcap!
You and me both with the midnight oil :)
Gorgeous! Hard to believe you hadn’t posted a recipe using Butterfingers before today, Averie! I love the crunchy layers, plenty of crushed Butterfinger bars and chocolate drizzle on top! Mmm. Beautiful photos, too. Butterfingers and Reese’s PB Cups were my favorite Halloween treats. Thanks for sharing. Pinning (of course)!
Thanks for pinning and BF’s and PB Cups were some of my faves, too!
These bars are gorgeous! I love the cocoa powder added to the base and the drizzle on top. Yum!