If you’ve ever wished for a delicious treat that satisfies your sweet tooth without all the guilt, then this Healthier Butterfingers Recipe is absolutely for you. Combining crispy, crunchy cornflakes with creamy peanut butter and just the right touch of natural sweetness, these homemade bites bring all the nostalgic goodness of a classic candy bar, but in a much cleaner, wholesome way. Plus, the rich chocolate coating ties everything together beautifully, making this recipe a total winner whether you’re snacking, sharing, or even gifting. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll want these Healthier Butterfingers on hand all the time!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is wonderfully simple yet uses each ingredient with purpose, creating the perfect balance of texture, flavor, and color that will make your homemade Butterfingers stand out. From crunchy cornflakes to melty chocolate, let’s take a look at the essentials.
- 1 1/2 cups organic corn flakes: The crispy base that gives these bites their iconic crunch and light texture.
- 3/4 cup drippy peanut butter: Creamy and rich, this binds everything together while lending a nutty flavor that’s utterly comforting.
- 1/3 cup maple syrup: A natural sweetener that adds just enough sweetness with a hint of warmth and depth.
- 1 teaspoon molasses (optional): Adds complexity with its robust, slightly smoky notes—feel free to skip if you prefer a lighter taste.
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips: These melt perfectly into a glossy coating that turns your bites into irresistible candies.
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil: Helps smooth and thin out the chocolate, giving it that beautiful shine and easy coating texture.
How to Make Healthier Butterfingers Recipe
Step 1: Crush the Cornflakes
Start by placing the cornflakes into a small plastic bag and crushing them gently into smaller pieces. This is important because you want enough crunch without any giant flakes overpowering the texture. It’s fun to do and takes just a minute!
Step 2: Heat and Combine Peanut Butter Mixture
In a small saucepan over low to medium heat, warm the peanut butter, maple syrup, and molasses (if using). Stir steadily so everything melts and blends into a smooth, sticky mixture. Be careful not to overheat, since peanut butter can scorch quickly and that would affect the flavor.
Step 3: Mix in the Crushed Cornflakes
Remove the saucepan from heat and gently fold in the crushed cornflakes. You want to coat every crunchy piece thoroughly with the peanut butter mixture, which is what brings flavor and holds everything in place.
Step 4: Spoon into Ice Cube Tray
Press the coated cornflake mixture into a silicone ice cube tray, filling each cavity about halfway. This shapes the bites into perfect little nuggets that are easy to eat and portion-controlled.
Step 5: Freeze Until Firm
Pop the tray into the freezer for at least two hours. This step is crucial because it lets the pieces harden enough to dip into chocolate without falling apart.
Step 6: Melt the Chocolate and Coconut Oil
Once the bites are firm, melt the chocolate chips and coconut oil together in a microwave-safe bowl, heating in short 15-second bursts and stirring in between. The coconut oil smooths the chocolate, making it easier to coat each little bite evenly and beautifully.
Step 7: Dip the Bites in Chocolate
Carefully remove each bite from the freezer and dip it fully into the melted chocolate. Use a spoon to help cover each piece from all sides, then place it on parchment paper to set. It’s a bit messy but very, very satisfying.
Step 8: Freeze Again and Enjoy
After coating, return the bites to the freezer so the chocolate hardens quickly. Once they’re set, these Healthier Butterfingers are ready to be enjoyed—cold, crunchy, sweet, and downright delicious.
Step 9: Store Properly
Keep any leftovers stored in an airtight container in the freezer. They last wonderfully for 1-2 months, so you’ll always have a healthier option when the craving strikes.
How to Serve Healthier Butterfingers Recipe
Garnishes
If you want to add a personal touch, try sprinkling a tiny pinch of sea salt over the chocolate coating before it sets—it enhances the sweetness and balances flavors beautifully. Alternatively, a dusting of finely chopped nuts or shredded coconut adds color, crunch, and flair.
Side Dishes
While these bites stand strong on their own, they pair perfectly with a cup of fresh brewed coffee or a glass of almond milk. The contrast between the rich sweetness of the Butterfingers and the creamy or bitter notes of your drink creates a lovely balance that makes snack time really special.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings or gifting, stack your Healthier Butterfingers on a pretty serving platter lined with parchment paper and scatter edible flowers or small berries around for color. Wrapping individual bites in wax paper or cellophane tied with a ribbon gives a charming homemade touch that anyone would adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Healthier Butterfingers will keep best if stored in the freezer inside an airtight container. This prevents moisture from creeping in and keeps the texture perfectly crisp. Just grab a few whenever you want a quick, energizing treat!
Freezing
Because these treats freeze so well, you can make a big batch in advance, freezing them right after coating in chocolate. Just make sure they’re well protected from air and kept at a consistent temperature so they stay fresh and maintain their satisfying crunch.
Reheating
There’s really no need to reheat these tasty bites. They’re perfect straight from the freezer and will soften slightly at room temperature if you prefer. Avoid microwaving as this can melt the chocolate unevenly and affect the texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different nut butter?
Absolutely! Almond butter or cashew butter work well in this recipe, though peanut butter’s natural flavor pairs best with chocolate and cornflakes. Just look for creamy, not overly thick versions to make mixing easier.
Is molasses required?
Molasses adds a deep, rich flavor, but it’s completely optional. If you don’t have it or prefer a simpler taste, leaving it out won’t affect the overall success of your Healthier Butterfingers.
Can I substitute maple syrup with another sweetener?
Sure! Honey, agave nectar, or even brown rice syrup can be used instead of maple syrup. Keep in mind these substitutes might slightly alter the taste, but your bites will still be delicious.
How do I prevent the chocolate from melting too fast when coating?
Ensure your peanut butter bites are well frozen before dipping, and work quickly when coating. Cooling the dipped pieces promptly in the freezer helps set the chocolate before it melts.
Are these Butterfingers gluten-free?
If you use certified gluten-free corn flakes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those avoiding gluten.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something so satisfying about treating yourself to a sweet snack that’s not only tasty but also better-for-you. This Healthier Butterfingers Recipe is an absolute delight to make and share, bringing nostalgia and wholesome ingredients together in perfect harmony. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite treat that’s easy to whip up and impossible to resist!
PrintHealthier Butterfingers Recipe
These healthier Butterfinger bites are a delicious homemade treat combining crunchy corn flakes coated in a rich peanut butter and maple syrup mixture, then dipped in smooth chocolate. Perfect for a guilt-free sweet snack, they are naturally sweetened with maple syrup and can be made quickly with no baking required.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 18 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Base and Coating
- 1 1/2 cups organic corn flakes
- 3/4 cup drippy peanut butter
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon molasses (optional)
Chocolate Coating
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil
Instructions
- Crush cornflakes: Place the cornflakes into a small lunch-size plastic bag and crush them into small pieces using your hands or a rolling pin until finely broken but not powdery.
- Heat peanut butter mixture: In a small saucepan over low to medium heat, combine the peanut butter, maple syrup, and molasses if using. Stir continuously and gently heat the mixture just until combined and smooth. Avoid overheating to prevent burning the peanut butter.
- Combine with cornflakes: Remove the saucepan from the heat and immediately stir in the crushed corn flakes until all pieces are evenly coated with the peanut butter mixture.
- Shape bites: Spoon the coated cornflakes into a silicone ice cube tray, filling each cavity about halfway to form bite-sized pieces.
- Freeze to set: Place the ice cube tray in the freezer and let the bites harden for at least 2 hours to firm up properly.
- Melt chocolate coating: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips and coconut oil. Melt in the microwave in 15-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth and fully melted. This should take about 1-2 minutes total.
- Dip bites in chocolate: Pop the hardened bites out of the tray and place them on a parchment-lined platter. Use a spoon to dip and completely coat each bite in the melted chocolate, then return the coated bites to the parchment.
- Freeze chocolate to harden: Place the chocolate-covered bites back in the freezer until the chocolate sets completely, making them ready to enjoy.
- Storage: Store the bites in an airtight container in the freezer. They keep best for 1-2 months and can be enjoyed straight from the freezer as a refreshing snack.
Notes
- Use organic corn flakes for a cleaner ingredient list and better flavor.
- Molasses is optional but adds a deeper, richer sweetness and flavor.
- The silicone ice cube tray makes shaping uniform bite-size pieces easy.
- Be cautious when heating the peanut butter to avoid burning or separating.
- These bites are best stored in the freezer to maintain texture and freshness.
- You can substitute chocolate chips with dark or dairy-free chocolate to suit dietary preferences.