Irresistible Butterfinger Pie

Last spring, during a family reunion, my grandson came running up to me with chocolate smeared across his cheeks and the brightest grin on his face. He had just finished a candy bar, and in that moment, I thought about how much joy those little treats can bring.

Watching him, I remembered my own classroom days, when I’d keep a small jar of candy on my desk for students who needed a pick-me-up. Butterfingers were always the first to disappear. That night after everyone left, I sat in the quiet kitchen and thought, “Why not turn that beloved candy into something bigger—a pie worth sharing at the next gathering?”

The idea grew roots in my heart, and soon after, I tested a recipe that combined creamy peanut butter filling, crushed Butterfinger bars, and a crisp chocolate crust. When I brought it to the table, my husband closed his eyes after the first bite and said it reminded him of childhood summers at the corner store. That was all the confirmation I needed.

This Butterfinger Pie makes both children and adults lean in for seconds. It’s rich, playful, and almost too easy to make, which is why I love sharing it.

Short Description

A no-bake pie with a creamy peanut butter filling, crushed Butterfinger candy bars, and a chocolate cookie crust—chilled until firm and perfect for sharing.

Key Ingredients

• 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, room temperature
• ½ cup creamy peanut butter
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
• 1 (12.5-ounce) bag fun-sized Butterfinger bars, crushed (reserve 2 bars for topping)
• 1 (8-ounce) container Cool Whip, thawed
• 1 store-bought Oreo or chocolate graham cracker crust

Tools Needed

• Electric mixer or hand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Rubber spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spoon or offset spatula for spreading

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Blend Cream Cheese and Peanut Butter
Place cream cheese and peanut butter in a large mixing bowl. Add vanilla and beat with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.

Step 2: Add Powdered Sugar
Beat in powdered sugar gradually until the mixture is silky and lump-free.

Step 3: Fold in Butterfingers
Gently fold in crushed Butterfinger bars, leaving some texture for crunch.

Step 4: Add Cool Whip
Fold in the Cool Whip until the filling is airy and well combined.

Step 5: Fill and Chill
Spread the mixture evenly into the crust. Sprinkle the reserved crushed Butterfingers on top. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until firm and sliceable.

Tip: If the filling feels too soft when mixing, refrigerate the bowl for 15 minutes before spreading it into the crust.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Sweet and Crunchy: The mix of smooth peanut butter filling and crunchy Butterfingers makes every bite satisfying.

No-Bake Dessert: Perfect for hot days or busy schedules—no oven required.

Family-Friendly: Kids can help crush the candy and fold in the Cool Whip.

Crowd-Pleaser: A nostalgic treat that sparks smiles in both kids and adults.

Make-Ahead Friendly: Ideal for parties, since it can chill in the fridge overnight.

Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions

Using cold cream cheese: This makes the filling lumpy. Always bring cream cheese to room temperature.

Overmixing the Cool Whip: Stir gently to keep the filling light.

Crushing Butterfingers too finely: You want some small chunks for texture, not just dust.

Skipping the chill time: The pie needs at least 4 hours to set. Cutting early will make it messy.

Using a weak crust: If your store-bought crust feels crumbly, brush it lightly with melted butter and bake at 350°F for 5 minutes before filling. Let it cool completely.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Serve chilled in neat slices with a dollop of whipped cream.

Pair with a hot cup of coffee or a tall glass of cold milk.

Great addition to potlucks, birthday tables, or casual Sunday dinners.

Dress it up with a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce before serving.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Freeze slices individually wrapped in plastic, then foil, for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Do not microwave, as it will melt the filling—serve chilled only.

FAQs

1. Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?
Yes, but stabilize it with a tablespoon of powdered sugar so it doesn’t deflate.

2. What if I can’t find Butterfinger bars?
You can swap with Reese’s, Kit Kats, or Heath bars, though the flavor will change slightly.

3. Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Absolutely! It tastes even better after sitting overnight in the fridge.

4. Do I need to bake the crust?
Not if using store-bought. But if you want a sturdier crust, you can lightly bake it.

5. Can I use crunchy peanut butter?
Yes, but keep in mind the filling will be less smooth and more textured.

Tips & Tricks

Chill your mixing bowl before folding in Cool Whip for extra fluffiness.

Crush Butterfingers by sealing them in a zip-top bag and rolling over with a rolling pin.

Add a pinch of sea salt to the filling for a sweet-salty contrast.

Recipe Variations

Chocolate Lover’s Twist: Add ½ cup melted chocolate chips to the cream cheese mixture before folding in candy.

Nut-Free Option: Replace peanut butter with sunflower seed butter and choose a nut-free chocolate bar.

Mini Butterfinger Pies: Use mini graham cracker crusts for individual servings; reduce chill time to 2 hours.

Frozen Butterfinger Pie: Freeze the pie and serve as an ice cream-style dessert. Allow 10 minutes at room temp before slicing.

Extra Crunch Layer: Spread a thin layer of crushed Oreos mixed with melted butter on the crust before filling.

Final Thoughts

Butterfinger Pie is one of those recipes that doesn’t just feed the body but stirs up little sparks of joy. The first time I made it, I wasn’t sure if it would feel too sweet or too heavy, but the balance of peanut butter, cream cheese, and chocolate candy turned out just right. It’s the kind of dessert that disappears faster than you expect, and before you know it, someone’s asking for the recipe.

For me, that’s the real magic—knowing that a pie I pulled together in my quiet kitchen has found a place at someone else’s table. When I see the crumbs left on a plate and hear laughter around the room, I’m reminded why I keep sharing these recipes. Simple, heartfelt food always has a way of bringing people closer.