Enjoy the nostalgic taste of Butterfinger candy bars with this healthier, homemade version. These bars are gluten-free, dairy-free, and refined sugar-free, offering a guilt-free treat that still captures the crunchy, peanut buttery goodness of the classic candy. Perfect for those who want to indulge in a sweet treat while sticking to their dietary preferences.
Why You'll Love This: These homemade Butterfinger bars are incredibly satisfying with their crunchy texture and rich peanut butter flavor. The combination of natural ingredients ensures that you get all the flavor without the unnecessary additives. The optional molasses adds depth to the taste, making them even closer to the original. Plus, they're simple to make and store well, so you can enjoy them anytime.
Perfect Occasion: These candy bars are great for satisfying sweet cravings, serving at parties, or as a homemade gift for friends and family. They’re also perfect for packing in lunchboxes, enjoying as an afternoon snack, or as a dessert at a casual get-together. Their healthier profile makes them suitable for various dietary needs, making them a versatile treat for any occasion.
Decoration Tips: For an extra touch, sprinkle a bit of sea salt over the chocolate before it sets for a sophisticated sweet-salty flavor. You can also drizzle white chocolate over the top for a visually appealing contrast. Serving these bars in decorative wrappers or small boxes can make them look even more appealing for gifting or party favors.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup natural peanut butter
- 2 tbsp pure maple syrup
- 1 tbsp molasses (optional, but adds to the Butterfinger taste!)
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup gluten-free corn flakes
- 6 oz dark or semi-sweet chocolate (dairy-free and refined sugar-free)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Peanut Butter Mixture:
- In a small saucepan, combine the peanut butter, maple syrup, molasses, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix well.
- Heat the mixture over medium-low heat until slightly thickened, then remove from heat. Alternatively, you can heat the mixture in the microwave.
- Add Corn Flakes:
- Crush 1 cup of gluten-free corn flakes and add them to the peanut butter mixture. Mix until well combined.
- Form the Bars:
- Line an 8x5 inch loaf pan with parchment paper. Transfer the peanut butter mixture into the pan and smooth it out using another piece of parchment paper to press it evenly.
- Place the pan in the freezer for several hours until the mixture hardens.
- Slice and Coat:
- Once hardened, remove from the freezer and slice into bars.
- Melt the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl or over a double boiler. Dip each bar into the melted chocolate to coat evenly.
- Optionally, sprinkle sea salt over the chocolate-coated bars.
- Set and Serve:
- Place the chocolate-coated bars in the fridge until the chocolate hardens.
- Enjoy your homemade Butterfinger bars! Store them in the fridge for up to a week or in the freezer for several months.
Enjoy these delightful and healthier Butterfinger candy bars, a perfect treat that brings back the classic flavor in a wholesome way!