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This homemade Butterfingers recipe is a sweet treat that brings the nostalgia of a classic candy bar right into your kitchen. It's perfect for satisfying a peanut butter craving with a fun twist from candy corn and a rich chocolate coating. Whether you want a fun snack for the family or a homemade gift, these bars hit the spot with simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
I whipped this up on a whim during a Halloween weekend and it quickly became a favorite to keep around for an afternoon pick-me-up.
Ingredients
- Creamy peanut butter: ensures a smooth, rich base choose a natural or no sugar added brand if you prefer less sweetness
- Candy corn: melts down to add a sweet and slightly chewy texture look for a fresh bag without clumps to melt evenly
- Dipping chocolate: melts easily to coat the bars pick good quality chocolate for a glossy finish and better flavor
Instructions
- Lightly prepare the pan:
- Lightly spray your 9 by 13 inch pan for thinner bars or 7 by 11 inch for thicker bars this helps with easy removal and cleanup.
- Melt peanut butter and candy corn:
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat combine the peanut butter and candy corn stir constantly for about 5 to 8 minutes until everything melts together into a smooth mixture. Stirring nonstop prevents burning and lumps which makes the bars silky.
- Pour and cool the mixture:
- Pour the melted peanut butter and candy corn into your prepared pan use a spatula to smooth out the top for an even thickness. Let it cool at room temperature about 30 minutes until it firms up enough to cut without sticking.
- Cut into bars:
- Once slightly firm cut into your preferred sizes whether you like bite sized or bar shaped doing this now avoids breaking once fully set.
- Dip bars in chocolate:
- Melt the dipping chocolate according to package instructions dip each bar fully into the chocolate then place on waxed paper or a drying rack. Allow the chocolate to harden completely before serving for that perfect snap.
My favorite ingredient is the candy corn it adds nostalgic sweetness and a fun chewy contrast that perfectly balances the peanut butter. Every batch reminds me of Halloween nights with old friends and bags of fun candy.
Storage tips
Store your homemade Butterfingers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If your kitchen is warm consider refrigeration but bring them back to room temp before eating for the best texture.
Ingredient swaps
Crunchy peanut butter works beautifully if you want extra texture. White chocolate or dark chocolate are tasty alternatives to milk chocolate for dipping. If you dislike candy corn you can experiment with crushed butterscotch candies but the flavor will vary.
Serving ideas
These bars are perfect on their own or paired with a cup of coffee or chai tea for a cozy treat. They also chop nicely as toppings on ice cream or folded into homemade trail mix.
Enjoy these bars as a nostalgic treat with a modern twist that's easy to make and sure to please.
Frequently Asked Recipe Questions
- → Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Yes, crunchy peanut butter works well to add extra texture to the bars, enhancing the overall bite and contrast.
- → What type of chocolate is best for coating?
Dark, milk, or white chocolate can be used depending on your flavor preference; each offers a unique richness to complement the filling.
- → How do I ensure the peanut butter and candy corn mixture melts evenly?
Stir constantly over medium heat for 5 to 8 minutes until the mixture appears fully melted and smooth to avoid clumps or burning.
- → What pan size produces thinner bars?
Using a 9x13-inch pan creates thinner bars, while a 7x11-inch pan yields thicker, more substantial pieces.
- → How long should the bars cool before cutting?
Allow the mixture to cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes until it firms up slightly, making it easier to cut cleanly.
- → Can I store these bars for later?
Yes, once cooled and coated, store the bars in an airtight container to maintain freshness and texture.