Butterfinger Pie: A Decadent No-Bake Delight
Introduction
Butterfinger Pie is a rich, creamy, and delightfully crunchy no-bake dessert that combines the beloved flavors of peanut butter, chocolate, and Butterfinger candy bars. This pie is perfect for potlucks, holiday gatherings, or simply satisfying a sweet craving. It requires no oven time, making it an ideal treat for warm weather or when you need a quick yet impressive dessert.
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History & Origin
Butterfinger candy bars were introduced in 1923 by the Curtiss Candy Company. The name “Butterfinger” was chosen through a contest, and the crispy, flaky, peanut-buttery center quickly became a favorite. Butterfinger Pie is a more recent creation, likely emerging in the latter half of the 20th century as no-bake desserts gained popularity. It celebrates the candy’s unique texture and flavor in a creamy, sliceable form—a true homage to an American classic.
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Ingredients
For the Crust:
· 1 (9-inch) chocolate cookie crust (store-bought or homemade from about 20 chocolate sandwich cookies mixed with 5 tbsp melted butter)
For the Filling:
· 8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
· 1 cup creamy peanut butter
· 1 cup powdered sugar
· 1 tsp vanilla extract
· 1 (8 oz) container frozen whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed, divided
· 4 full-size Butterfinger candy bars (about 2.1 oz each), crushed, divided
For Garnish (Optional):
· Additional whipped topping
· Chocolate syrup or hot fudge
· Extra crushed Butterfinger pieces
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Instructions & Methods
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
· If making homemade crust, combine finely crushed chocolate sandwich cookies with melted butter until moistened. Press firmly into a 9-inch pie plate and chill for 30 minutes. If using store-bought, keep it in its tin.
Step 2: Make the Filling
1. In a large mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
2. Add peanut butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat until fully combined and fluffy.
3. Gently fold in half of the thawed whipped topping until no streaks remain.
4. Fold in about ¾ of the crushed Butterfinger pieces, reserving some for garnish.
Step 3: Assemble the Pie
· Spoon the filling into the prepared crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
· Spread the remaining whipped topping over the filling.
· Sprinkle reserved crushed Butterfinger pieces evenly over the top.
· Cover loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.
Step 4: Serve
· Slice and serve chilled. Drizzle with chocolate syrup or hot fudge if desired. Garnish with extra whipped topping and Butterfinger crumbs for a festive touch.
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Nutrition Information (Per Serving, Approx. 1/8 of pie)
· Calories: 580
· Total Fat: 38g
· Saturated Fat: 16g
· Cholesterol: 35mg
· Sodium: 380mg
· Total Carbohydrates: 50g
· Dietary Fiber: 2g
· Sugars: 38g
· Protein: 11g
Note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific brands and portion sizes.
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Benefits & Enjoyment Tips
Why Lovers of This Pie Adore It:
· No-Bake Convenience: Perfect for beginner bakers or hot days.
· Satisfying Textures: Creamy filling meets crispy, crunchy candy.
· Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The peanut butter-chocolate combination is universally loved.
· Customizable: Swap peanut butter for almond butter, or use different candy bars.
Serving Suggestions:
· Pair with a cold glass of milk, coffee, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
· Great for themed parties (Halloween, game day, birthday celebrations).
· Can be made in individual jars for portable treats.
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Conclusion
Butterfinger Pie is more than just a dessert—it’s a nostalgic, indulgent experience that brings together creamy, crunchy, sweet, and salty in every bite. Easy to prepare and impossible to resist, this pie will quickly become a requested favorite in your recipe collection. Whether you’re a long-time Butterfinger fan or new to the combination, this pie is sure to delight and satisfy.
For lovers of no-bake sweets, peanut butter enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a simple yet show-stopping treat, Butterfinger Pie is the answer. Enjoy the process, share the results, and savor each delicious slice!