If you’re craving a sweet treat that’s both creamy and crunchy, our Butterfinger Balls recipe with cream cheese is exactly what you need. These bite-sized delights combine the rich, tangy flavor of cream cheese with the irresistible crunch of Butterfinger candy, creating a perfect balance of texture and taste.
Ingredients
To make the perfect Butterfinger Balls with Cream Cheese, we need to gather a few key ingredients that bring together the rich flavors and delightful textures. Below are the essential components broken down for clarity.
Candy Ingredients
- Butterfinger candy bars (10-ounce package, chopped into small pieces)
- Crushed Butterfinger pieces (about 1 cup for coating, optional for extra crunch)
Cream Cheese Ingredients
- Cream cheese (8 ounces, softened to room temperature)
- Powdered sugar (1 cup, sifted for smooth blending)
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon for subtle flavor enhancement)
Optional Garnishes
- Chopped peanuts (½ cup for coating and added texture)
- Mini chocolate chips (¼ cup for sprinkling or rolling)
- Extra crushed Butterfinger pieces (for rolling or topping)
- Sprinkles (optional, for festive decoration)
| Ingredient Category | Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| Candy Ingredients | Butterfinger candy bars (chopped) | 10 ounces |
| Crushed Butterfinger (optional coating) | 1 cup | |
| Cream Cheese Ingredients | Cream cheese (softened) | 8 ounces |
| Powdered sugar | 1 cup | |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon | |
| Optional Garnishes | Chopped peanuts | ½ cup |
| Mini chocolate chips | ¼ cup | |
| Additional crushed Butterfinger | As needed | |
| Sprinkles | Optional |
With these ingredients, we create the perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, and sweet — the hallmark of our Butterfinger Balls Recipe with Cream Cheese.
Equipment Needed
To make our Butterfinger Balls Recipe with Cream Cheese successfully, having the right equipment is essential. Each tool helps us achieve the perfect texture and presentation for these delightful treats.
- Mixing Bowl
We need a medium to large bowl to combine the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract smoothly. Using a bowl with a sturdy base helps prevent slipping during mixing.
- Electric Mixer or Hand Mixer
An electric mixer speeds up the process and ensures a smooth, creamy batter. If unavailable, a strong whisk will work, but mixing will take more effort.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
Accurate measurements of ingredients are crucial for balance in flavor and texture.
- Spatula
A silicone spatula helps us scrape down the sides of the bowl, ensuring even mixing and no wasted batter.
- Cutting Board and Knife
To chop the Butterfinger candy bars into small chunks, which fold into the mixture or coat the finished balls.
- Baking Sheet or Plate
We place the formed Butterfinger balls on a flat surface lined with parchment paper or wax paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- Parchment Paper or Wax Paper
Essential for rolling and chilling the balls without them sticking to surfaces.
- Refrigerator
We chill the mixture to firm up the butterfinger balls before serving, ensuring they hold their shape.
Here is a convenient summary of the key equipment:
| Equipment | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Mixing Bowl | Combine ingredients |
| Electric or Hand Mixer | Ensure smooth, creamy texture |
| Measuring Cups/Spoons | Accurate ingredient measurement |
| Silicone Spatula | Scrape mixture, mix evenly |
| Cutting Board & Knife | Chop Butterfinger candy bars |
| Baking Sheet/Plate | Hold formed balls for chilling |
| Parchment/Wax Paper | Prevent sticking during preparation |
| Refrigerator | Chill balls for firmness and shape |
By using this essential equipment, we guarantee that our Butterfinger Balls with Cream Cheese are easy to make, delicious, and visually appealing.
Prep Work
Before we dive into assembling our Butterfinger Balls with Cream Cheese, it’s crucial to prepare the key ingredients properly to ensure the perfect texture and flavor balance.
Preparing the Butterfinger Bars
First, unwrap the Butterfinger candy bars and place them on a clean cutting board. Use a sharp knife to chop the bars into small, irregular pieces—about ¼ inch in size. This size allows the crunchy candy to blend evenly throughout the mixture, providing delightful bursts of crunch in every bite.
If you prefer a finer texture, pulse the chopped Butterfingers in a food processor for a few seconds, but be careful not to over-process; we want to preserve some crunch. Set the chopped Butterfinger pieces aside in a medium bowl for easy mixing.
Soften the Cream Cheese
Next, the cream cheese must be perfectly softened to blend smoothly with the Butterfinger pieces. Remove the 8 ounces (one package) of cream cheese from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30–45 minutes.
If you’re short on time, cut the cream cheese into smaller cubes and microwave it on low power in 10-second intervals until soft but not melted. Softened cream cheese will ensure a rich, creamy consistency that binds the ingredients without any lumps, giving us those irresistible Butterfinger Balls.
| Prep Item | Details | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Butterfinger Bars | Chop into ¼ inch pieces | Can pulse briefly in a food processor |
| Cream Cheese | Soften at room temperature 30-45 min | Alternate: microwave in 10 sec intervals |
By starting with these essential prep steps, we set the stage for achieving the perfect combination of creamy texture and crunchy sweetness in our Butterfinger Balls Recipe with Cream Cheese.
Instructions
Follow these precise steps to create our irresistible Butterfinger Balls with Cream Cheese. Each stage is crafted to ensure perfect texture and flavor balance.
Mixing the Ingredients
- Combine the softened cream cheese in a large mixing bowl. Use 8 ounces of cream cheese softened to room temperature for smooth blending.
- Add 1 cup of powdered sugar gradually while mixing with an electric mixer on medium speed. This creates a sweet creamy base.
- Incorporate 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract to enhance the flavor profile.
- Gently fold in 2 cups of finely chopped Butterfinger candy bars using a silicone spatula. The uneven crushed pieces provide the perfect crunch.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Preparation |
|---|---|---|
| Cream Cheese | 8 ounces | Softened |
| Powdered Sugar | 1 cup | Gradually added |
| Vanilla Extract | 2 teaspoons | Measured carefully |
| Butterfinger Candy Bars | 2 cups | Finely chopped |
Tip: Use a low mixer speed when adding the Butterfinger pieces to avoid crushing them too finely.
Shaping the Balls
- Using your hands or a small ice cream scoop, form the mixture into 1-inch diameter balls. This size ensures a perfect bite.
- Roll each ball firmly but gently to keep the Butterfinger pieces intact.
- Place the shaped balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet spaced about 1 inch apart to prevent sticking.
“Consistency in size will help the balls set evenly and create a professional look.”
Chilling the Balls
- Cover the baking sheet loosely with plastic wrap to prevent drying.
- Refrigerate the Butterfinger Balls for at least 1 hour. This chilling process sets the cream cheese mixture, making the balls firm and easy to handle.
- For best results and enhanced flavor, we recommend chilling for up to 2 hours before serving.
Pro Tip: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week to maintain freshness and texture.
By following these steps carefully, our Butterfinger Balls with Cream Cheese will come together flawlessly, showcasing a creamy texture paired with crunchy Butterfinger pieces in every bite.
Directions for Serving
Butterfinger Balls with Cream Cheese are best enjoyed chilled and served with flair to highlight their creamy crunch and sweet flavor. Here are our top tips to elevate the serving experience.
Presentation Ideas
- Arrange the Butterfinger Balls on a decorative platter lined with parchment or wax paper to prevent sticking and create a neat display.
- For added texture and visual appeal, sprinkle chopped peanuts, mini chocolate chips, or colorful sprinkles over the balls just before serving.
- Serve alongside a small bowl of chocolate or caramel sauce for dipping to create an interactive treat experience.
- Use festive cupcake liners or small paper cups to individually portion the balls, making them perfect for parties and easy to grab.
- Garnish the platter with fresh mint leaves or edible gold dust for a touch of elegance.
“A simple yet elegant presentation transforms these bite-sized delights into irresistible showstoppers.“
Storage Tips
To maintain the freshness and optimal texture of the Butterfinger Balls with Cream Cheese, proper storage is essential.
| Storage Method | Duration | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerate | Up to 5 days | Store in an airtight container layered with parchment to avoid sticking. Bring to room temperature 10 minutes before serving for best flavor. |
| Freeze | Up to 1 month | Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Thaw in refrigerator overnight before serving. |
- Avoid storing at room temperature for extended periods as cream cheese can spoil and texture becomes too soft.
- Ensure the container seals well to prevent absorption of other refrigerator odors.
With these Directions for Serving, our Butterfinger Balls promise to deliver a delicious and visually stunning dessert experience every time.
Make-Ahead Instructions
To enjoy our Butterfinger Balls Recipe With Cream Cheese anytime, planning ahead is key. Here are the best make-ahead tips to ensure your treats stay fresh, flavorful, and ready for any occasion.
Preparing in Advance
- Mix and Shape Early
Prepare the Butterfinger mixture by combining softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and chopped Butterfinger pieces as usual. After shaping into 1-inch balls, place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Refrigerate to Set
Chill the balls uncovered in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or up to 2 hours. This step is critical for the mixture to firm up properly.
- Store Overnight or Longer
After the initial chill, place the Butterfinger Balls in an airtight container. They can be refrigerated for up to 5 days without losing texture or flavor.
Freezing for Extended Storage
For longer storage, freezing the Butterfinger Balls is ideal. Follow this process:
- Flash Freeze Before Storing
Arrange the shaped balls on a parchment-lined tray. Freeze them for 1–2 hours until solid.
- Transfer to Airtight Container
Move the frozen balls into a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Label with the date.
- Freeze Duration
Butterfinger Balls stay fresh in the freezer for up to 1 month.
Thawing and Serving
Before serving, follow these steps for optimal enjoyment:
| Step | Method | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Thaw in Refrigerator | Overnight thawing | 8–12 hours |
| Quick Thaw | Room temperature (covered) | 30–60 minutes |
“Thawing in the refrigerator preserves texture and flavor best.”
Important Notes on Storage
- Avoid Room Temperature Storage — These cream cheese-based treats spoil quickly when left unrefrigerated.
- Container Tips — Use airtight containers to prevent moisture absorption and flavor loss.
- Prevent Clumping — Place parchment paper between layers if stacking balls to avoid sticking.
By following these Make-Ahead Instructions precisely, our Butterfinger Balls will maintain their delicious creaminess and crunch, making them an effortless treat for your next gathering or snack time.
Conclusion
Butterfinger Balls with cream cheese are a delightful treat that combines rich creaminess with satisfying crunch. They’re simple to make yet impressive enough for any gathering or just a sweet indulgence at home. With just a few ingredients and some easy prep, we can whip up these bite-sized delights in no time.
Keeping them fresh and ready to serve is straightforward, making them a perfect make-ahead dessert. Whether for a party, holiday, or everyday treat, these Butterfinger Balls bring a delicious twist to classic candy flavors that everyone will love.
Frequently Asked Questions
What ingredients are needed to make Butterfinger Balls?
You need Butterfinger candy bars, cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Optional garnishes include chopped peanuts, mini chocolate chips, and sprinkles.
What equipment do I need to make Butterfinger Balls?
Essential tools include a mixing bowl, mixer (electric or hand), measuring cups and spoons, silicone spatula, cutting board and knife, baking sheet or plate, parchment or wax paper, and a refrigerator.
How should I prepare the Butterfinger bars for the recipe?
Chop the Butterfinger bars into small, irregular pieces to ensure even blending and a crunchy texture in the final treat.
How do I soften cream cheese properly?
Let cream cheese sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes or microwave it in short 10-second intervals until smooth but not melted.
What is the best way to mix the ingredients for Butterfinger Balls?
Combine softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract thoroughly. Then gently fold in the chopped Butterfinger pieces to maintain crunch.
How large should the Butterfinger Balls be shaped?
Shape the mixture into balls about 1-inch in diameter for perfect bite-sized treats.
How long should I chill the Butterfinger Balls?
Chill the balls for at least one hour, preferably two, to allow them to set properly and enhance flavor and texture.
Can Butterfinger Balls be stored, and if so, how?
Store them refrigerated in an airtight container for up to five days or freeze for up to one month. Avoid room temperature storage to prevent spoilage.
Can I make Butterfinger Balls ahead of time?
Yes, prepare and shape them in advance, then refrigerate to set. For longer storage, flash freeze before placing in a freezer-safe container.
What is the best way to thaw frozen Butterfinger Balls?
Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator to preserve their texture and flavor before serving.