Easiest Butterfinger Pie Recipe (No-Bake)

My kids have this habit of sneaking candy bars into the grocery cart when I’m not looking, usually it’s Butterfingers. One afternoon, I found three half-crushed bars stashed behind the breadbox and thought, “Okay, game on.”

It wasn’t the first time they’d tried to hide a sweet tooth from me, and it certainly wouldn’t be the last. But instead of lecturing, I got inspired.

That night, I whipped up what would soon become a weekend favorite in our home: Butterfinger Pie. It’s the kind of dessert that feels like a big hug—creamy, crunchy, rich, and just a little mischievous. I didn’t even need to turn on the oven (a bonus when you’re already juggling school projects and dinner duty).

The moment I sliced into it and served it chilled with a big dollop of whipped topping, my husband raised an eyebrow like, “You’ve been holding out on us?” The kids? Speechless—mouths too full of peanut-buttery crunch to complain about anything.

Short Description

Butterfinger Pie is a no-bake, creamy peanut butter dessert loaded with crushed Butterfinger bars, nestled in a graham cracker crust and topped with a light whipped layer. Quick, easy, and irresistibly indulgent.

Key Ingredients

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 8 oz whipped topping, thawed
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• ½ cup creamy peanut butter
• 3 Butterfinger candy bars, crushed (reserve ½ cup for topping)
• 1 pre‑made 9‑inch graham cracker crust
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

Tools Needed

• Mixing bowl
• Hand or stand mixer
• Rubber spatula
• Spoon or offset spatula
• Measuring cups
• 9-inch pie dish (if not using pre-filled crust)
• Plastic wrap or pie cover for chilling

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Beat the Base
In a medium mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until completely smooth and lump-free.

Step 2: Sweeten It Up
Add powdered sugar and peanut butter. Mix until creamy and well-combined. The texture should be light but thick.

Step 3: Flavor Boost
Stir in vanilla extract to round out the flavors.

Step 4: Fold in Whipped Topping
Gently fold the whipped topping into the mixture using a rubber spatula. Don’t overmix—just until fully incorporated and fluffy.

Step 5: Add the Crunch
Reserve about ½ cup of crushed Butterfinger for garnish. Fold the rest into the filling to add that signature crunch throughout.

Step 6: Fill the Crust
Spoon the mixture into your graham cracker crust, smoothing the top with the back of a spoon or spatula.

Step 7: Garnish
Sprinkle the reserved Butterfinger crumbs on top. Press lightly so they stick without sinking in.

Step 8: Chill
Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours—or overnight if time allows for a firm, sliceable texture.

Step 9: Serve & Enjoy
Slice with a sharp knife, serve chilled, and savor every creamy, crunchy bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich and Creamy: The cream cheese-peanut butter combo is smooth, dreamy, and ultra-satisfying.

Texture Heaven: Bits of crushed Butterfinger add unexpected crunch in every bite.

Zero Bake Time: No oven required, just chill and serve.

Quick to Make: Comes together in under 15 minutes, perfect for busy days.

Kid and Crowd Approved: It disappears fast at family gatherings and potlucks.

Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions

Using Cold Cream Cheese
Mistake: Lumpy filling
Solution: Let cream cheese sit at room temperature for 30–45 minutes before mixing.

Overmixing the Whipped Topping
Mistake: Deflated texture
Solution: Fold it in gently until just combined to keep the filling light and airy.

Skipping Chill Time
Mistake: Filling too soft to slice
Solution: Chill for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to help it firm up properly.

Crushing Butterfingers Too Fine
Mistake: Loss of texture
Solution: Crush gently to maintain some crunchy chunks for a better mouthfeel.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Serve Chilled: Best enjoyed cold straight from the fridge.

Top with Extra Whipped Cream: Adds volume and presentation points.

Drizzle with Chocolate or Caramel Syrup: For a decadent twist.

Pair With: Fresh brewed coffee, a glass of milk, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Perfect For: Potlucks, bake sales, holidays, or weekend indulgence.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Refrigerate: Store in the fridge covered with plastic wrap or a pie dome for up to 5 days.

Freeze for Later: Wrap tightly in plastic and foil. Freeze up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge.

Do Not Microwave: This pie is meant to be enjoyed cold. Heating will melt the whipped topping and ruin the texture.

FAQs

1. Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Yes, though the texture will be slightly different. Creamy peanut butter blends more smoothly, but crunchy adds an extra nutty bite.

2. Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Absolutely! It’s even better when made a day in advance and chilled overnight.

3. Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of store-bought?
Yes! Whip 1 cup heavy cream with 2 tablespoons powdered sugar until stiff peaks form and substitute it in.

4. What if I don’t have Butterfingers?
Try using Reese’s, Snickers, or any peanut-butter based candy bar. Just keep the texture in mind.

5. Can I use a different crust?
Sure! A chocolate cookie crust or even an Oreo crust works wonderfully for a richer flavor.

Tips & Tricks

For extra crunch, sprinkle chopped roasted peanuts over the top.

To crush Butterfingers, place them in a zip-top bag and use a rolling pin.

Soften cream cheese quickly by microwaving in 10-second bursts, checking between rounds.

Use a warm knife (run under hot water, then dry) for clean slices.

Decorate with mini Butterfinger bits or chocolate curls for a fancier look.

Recipe Variations

1. Chocolate Butterfinger Pie
Swap graham crust with chocolate cookie crust. Drizzle chocolate sauce over the top before serving.

2. Frozen Butterfinger Pie
Freeze the whole pie instead of chilling it. Serve frozen for an ice cream-like texture—especially great during summer.

3. Mini Pies
Scoop filling into mini graham cracker crusts (available in packs). Great for parties or individual servings.

4. Nut-Free Version
Use cookie butter instead of peanut butter and a nut-free candy like Crunch or Kit-Kat for a similar crunch effect.

5. Greek Yogurt Lightened-Up Pie
Replace half the cream cheese with vanilla Greek yogurt and use reduced-fat whipped topping. Still creamy, with less richness.

Final Thoughts

Butterfinger Pie is like the happy sigh after a long day. It’s the reason your kids set the table early. And it’s one of those recipes that feels both nostalgic and new each time you make it. I’ve brought this to bake sales, potlucks, and even packed it in a cooler for a road trip (highly recommend, by the way).

Every time I take a bite, I’m reminded of how easy joy can be—just a mixing bowl, a few pantry staples, and a little bit of candy magic. No stress, no fuss. Just a creamy, crunchy, peanut-buttery hug in pie form. You don’t need to wait for a holiday or special event, this pie makes an ordinary Tuesday taste like a celebration.

So go ahead, make it once. Then try not to make it again next weekend. I dare you.