Irresistible Butterfinger Blondies with Creamy Peanut Butter Frosting
Butterfingers hold a special place in the hearts of candy enthusiasts, with their unique crisp-chewy texture and distinctive peanut butter flavor. When combined with the comforting, rich chewiness of a classic blondie, the result is nothing short of extraordinary. This recipe for Butterfinger Blondies unites two beloved treats into one glorious dessert that’s sure to become a new favorite. Perfect for using up leftover Halloween candy or simply satisfying a sudden craving, these blondies offer a delightful blend of sweet, salty, and crunchy in every bite. They are designed to be utterly addictive, making it incredibly difficult to resist just one – or maybe even two!
When I first conceived of this recipe, I knew it had the potential to be something truly special. The idea of a peanut butter blondie base, studded with chopped Butterfinger pieces, and then crowned with a smooth, luscious Butterfinger buttercream frosting, was pure dessert alchemy. I confess, I had to “test” a piece (or two!) myself before sharing them. My family, unfortunately, didn’t even get a chance to try this first batch of delights – they went straight to a friend who devoured them with enthusiasm. Even my husband, who generally steers clear of anything involving chocolate, would have undoubtedly fallen in love with these.
The decision to add the frosting was, at first, a debate, but I am so incredibly glad I did. The first bite of a plain blondie was delicious, but the addition of that rich, candy-infused frosting elevates these blondies from great to absolutely divine. It perfectly remedied any missing Butterfinger crunch on top and added an extra layer of decadence that made them truly unforgettable. Seriously, I’m already contemplating another trip to the store just to buy more Butterfingers so I can bake another batch to share (or maybe not share this time!) with my family. They truly are that good, and you deserve to treat yourself and your loved ones to this incredible creation.
Why These Butterfinger Blondies Are a Must-Try
These aren’t just any blondies; they’re an experience. Imagine a soft, chewy bar infused with rich peanut butter, bursting with crispy Butterfinger bits, all beneath a cloud of sweet, peanut buttery frosting. The texture contrast is simply heavenly – the melt-in-your-mouth blondie, the crunchy candy bar pieces, and the silky-smooth frosting create a symphony of deliciousness. From the very first bite, you’ll understand why this recipe is a true game-changer in the world of dessert bars. They offer that perfect balance of sweet and salty, making them incredibly satisfying without being overly rich.
Understanding Blondies: More Than Just a Brownie Without Chocolate
Blondies are often described as “brownies without chocolate,” but that simple definition doesn’t do them justice. They are a unique dessert in their own right, typically characterized by their rich butterscotch-like flavor, chewy texture, and golden hue. Our Butterfinger Blondies take this classic base and elevate it with the unmistakable taste and crunch of Butterfinger candy bars. The secret to a perfect blondie lies in the balance of brown sugar (for that deep, molasses flavor and chewiness), butter, and a precise baking time that ensures a fudgy interior without being undercooked. They are wonderfully versatile, serving as a perfect canvas for additions like chocolate chips, nuts, or, in this case, a generous helping of everyone’s favorite crispy peanut butter candy. Their versatility makes them a fantastic dessert for any occasion, from casual gatherings to special celebrations.
Ingredients Spotlight: What Makes Them Shine
Let’s take a quick look at the key players in this recipe and why they’re essential for creating these phenomenal Butterfinger Blondies:
- Melted Butter: Crucial for a fudgy, chewy texture. Melting the butter (rather than creaming softened butter) creates a denser blondie, as it incorporates less air, resulting in that delightful brownie-like chewiness we crave.
- Light Brown Sugar: Provides moisture, richness, and that signature caramel-like flavor that truly defines a classic blondie. It also contributes significantly to the chewy texture, setting these apart from a more cake-like bar.
- Creamy Peanut Butter: The undeniable star of the blondie base, offering a delightful nutty flavor that perfectly complements the Butterfingers. It adds to the overall richness and moistness of the bars, enhancing the overall taste profile.
- Large Egg: Acts as a binder, helping to hold the blondies together and contributing to their structure and tenderness. It provides stability and a slight lift.
- Vanilla Extract: A crucial flavor enhancer that brings warmth and depth to both the blondies and the frosting. Don’t skip this ingredient, as it rounds out all the sweet and nutty notes.
- All-Purpose Flour: Provides the main structure for the blondie. Make sure to measure it correctly for the best texture.
- Baking Powder: A leavening agent that gives a slight lift to the blondies, preventing them from being too dense. It helps create a tender crumb.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors. A little salt can make a huge difference in desserts, bringing out the best in the peanut butter and candy.
- Chopped Butterfingers: The hero ingredient! These pieces are folded into the batter, ensuring a delightful crunch and iconic flavor in every single bite, making these blondies truly unique.
Butterfinger Blondies
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Ingredients
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup Butterfingers, chopped
Frosting
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 3 Tablespoons milk
- 1/2 cup Butterfingers, crushed
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line an 8-inch baking dish with foil, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal, and spray the foil with non-stick cooking spray. This step is crucial for preventing sticking and ensuring clean cuts.
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In a large bowl, mix together the melted butter and brown sugar until smooth and well combined. This forms the rich base of your blondies. Next, mix in the creamy peanut butter until thoroughly incorporated, ensuring no streaks remain. Add the large egg and vanilla extract, mixing well until the mixture is light and fluffy. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough blondies. Finally, gently fold in the chopped Butterfingers, distributing them evenly throughout the batter. Pour the batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes. A tester inserted into the center should come out clean or with moist crumbs, indicating the blondies are perfectly baked. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
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Meanwhile, prepare the delicious Butterfinger frosting. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until you reach your desired consistency. You may need to adjust the amount of powdered sugar or milk as needed; add more powdered sugar if it’s too thin, or a tiny bit more milk if it’s too thick, until it’s smooth and easily spreadable. Once the frosting is smooth, fold in the crushed Butterfingers for an extra burst of candy flavor and texture.
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Once the blondies are completely cool, evenly spread the prepared Butterfinger frosting over the top. Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to create an appealing swirl. Slice into squares and serve!
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
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Crafting the Perfect Butterfinger Blondies: Tips for Success
Making these Butterfinger blondies is straightforward, but a few key tips can ensure they turn out absolutely perfect every time:
- Don’t Overmix: Once you add the flour, mix just until combined. Overmixing develops gluten, which can lead to tough blondies. We want chewy and tender bars, not dense ones!
- Use Good Quality Ingredients: Fresh butter, good quality light brown sugar, and your favorite creamy peanut butter will make a noticeable difference in the final taste and texture of your blondies.
- Properly Prepare Your Pan: Lining your 8-inch baking dish with foil (with an overhang on the sides) and spraying it with non-stick spray is crucial for easy removal. This makes cutting and serving a breeze, and helps prevent any sticking.
- Watch Your Baking Time: Blondies can go from perfectly fudgy to dry and crumbly very quickly. Start checking for doneness at 25 minutes. The edges should be set, and a tester inserted into the center should come out with moist crumbs, but not wet batter. Remember, blondies continue to cook slightly after they’re removed from the oven, so slightly underbaked is better than overbaked.
- Cool Completely Before Frosting: This is a non-negotiable step! If your blondies are still warm, the frosting will melt and slide right off, creating a messy situation. Patience is key for a beautiful, stable frosting layer.
The Glorious Butterfinger Buttercream Frosting
The frosting isn’t just an afterthought; it’s an integral part of what makes these Butterfinger Blondies so incredibly good. It’s a simple buttercream made with softened butter, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla, but with a special twist: more crushed Butterfingers! Here’s how to ensure your frosting is as perfect as your blondies:
- Softened Butter is Key: Ensure your butter is truly softened (but not melted) for a smooth, lump-free frosting. This makes it easier to cream with the sugar.
- Sift Your Powdered Sugar: For the silkiest frosting, consider sifting your powdered sugar. This removes any lumps and makes it easier to achieve a smooth, creamy consistency.
- Adjust Consistency: The amount of milk can be adjusted based on your desired frosting thickness. Add a tablespoon at a time until you reach a creamy, spreadable consistency. If it’s too thick, add a tiny bit more milk; if too thin, add a little more powdered sugar.
- Crushed Butterfingers in the Frosting: This is where the magic happens! Adding crushed candy directly into the buttercream ensures that delicious Butterfinger flavor and satisfying crunch is present in every single bite, from the blondie base to the top layer.
Serving Suggestions and Storage Tips
These Butterfinger Blondies are absolutely delicious on their own, but here are a few ideas to make them even better and how to keep them fresh:
- Warm Treat: Slightly warm a blondie in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for an extra gooey, melt-in-your-mouth experience.
- Dessert with a Scoop: Serve a warm square with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. The cold ice cream contrasting with the warm blondie creates a divine temperature and texture combination.
- Coffee Break Companion: Pair with a hot cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk for the perfect afternoon treat or an indulgent snack.
- Party Favorite: Cut into smaller squares for a crowd-pleasing party dessert that’s easy to serve and enjoy.
- Storage: Store leftover blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. If you want to freeze them, wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Variations to Try
While this Butterfinger Blondie recipe is perfect as is, here are some ideas if you’re feeling adventurous and want to experiment with different flavors or additions:
- Chocolate Drizzle: Add a drizzle of melted chocolate (milk, dark, or white) over the frosting for an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal.
- Nutty Boost: If you love nuts, consider adding a handful of chopped peanuts or pecans to the blondie batter along with the Butterfingers for an added layer of crunch and flavor.
- Different Candy Bars: Not a Butterfinger fan? (We’re shocked!) You could try this recipe with other crunchy candy bars like Heath bars (for toffee flavor) or Snickers (for chocolate, caramel, and nougat) for a different but equally delicious twist.
- No Frosting Option: If you prefer a less sweet dessert or are short on time, these blondies are still incredibly delicious without the frosting. Just sprinkle a few extra chopped Butterfingers on top before baking for added visual appeal and crunch.
Conclusion: Your New Favorite Dessert Awaits!
There’s no denying the magic that happens when Butterfingers meet blondies. This recipe delivers a dessert that’s rich, chewy, crunchy, and bursting with peanut butter goodness. The harmonious blend of textures and flavors makes these Butterfinger Blondies truly irresistible. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion, a potluck, or just a treat for yourself, these blondies are guaranteed to impress everyone who tries them. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and prepare to fall in love with your new favorite dessert bar! Don’t forget to leave a comment and rate the recipe once you’ve tried them – your feedback helps fellow dessert lovers discover amazing treats!