Skip links

Butterfinger Chocolate

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my Disclaimer.

Butterfinger Chocolate and peanut butter lush is one of those treats that just brings folks together. It’s a simple dessert, but it hits all the right notes for a family gathering or a quiet evening at home.

As Chef Thomas, I’ve found that the best recipes are often the least complicated. This one, with its layers of crunchy cookie crust, creamy filling, and delightful Butterfinger candy, is a perfect example. It’s about enjoyment, not about fuss.

Photorealistic Butterfinger Chocolate, freshly plated on white marble.
Enjoy this delicious Butterfinger Chocolate, perfectly plated.
8.5tHOMAS Score
Recipe Butterfinger Chocolate
I turn to this when I want something rich, layered, and easy to assemble, and as Chef Thomas, I appreciate the balance of chocolate and crunch.
Taste
9
Ease of Prep
8
Texture
9
Family-Friendly
9
Positives
  • Good contrast between creamy layers and crunchy topping
  • Simple assembly with familiar ingredients
  • Holds well for serving chilled
Negatives
  • Can be quite sweet for some tastes
  • Needs chilling time to fully set and slice cleanly

Why You’ll Love Butterfinger Chocolate

This recipe is a true friend in the kitchen. I remember the first time I made something like this, many years ago, for a neighborhood potluck. Everyone asked for the recipe.

It just goes to show that you don’t need fancy techniques to make something truly special. What I appreciate most about this Butterfinger Chocolate lush is how forgiving it is.

There’s no exact science here, just good old-fashioned layering. It’s a perfect dish for busy weeknights when you want something sweet without the stress, or for holidays when you need an extra dessert that comes together quickly.

Chef Thomas believes in food that makes life easier, not harder.

Get The Butterfinger Chocolate Recipe

Photorealistic Butterfinger Chocolate, naturally plated on marble, ready to enjoy.
Butterfinger Chocolate
Chef Thomas

Butterfinger Chocolate

Craving Butterfinger chocolate? Get the facts on its unique crunchy, peanut buttery flavor. Read this before you decide your next sweet treat.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 32 Oreo cookies
  • 5 tablespoon s butter, melted
  • 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup confectioners' sugar
  • 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1 bag mini Butterfingers
  • 1 (16-ounce) container Cool Whip, divided
  • 1 (5.9-ounce) box instant chocolate pudding mix
  • 2 cup s milk

Equipment

  • Bowl

Instructions
 

Instructions
  1. Prepare a 9X13 inch (or another size suitable in volume) baking dish. Grind the oreo cookies and melt the butter. Mix everything in a medium bowl. Put in the freezer for 10-25 minutes.
  2. Crush 6 mini Butterfingers. Using a mixer, beat the cheese cream, add the Cool Whip and peanut butter. Pour crushed Butterfingers into the dill. Put in a baking dish on a layer of oreo cookies.
  3. In a separate bowl, prepare your chocolate pudding, following the instructions on the packaging. Cool in a bowl for 3-4 minutes and put in a baking dish on previous layers.
  4. Put the remaining Cool Whip on the dessert, sprinkle with crashed Butterfingers. Keep in the refrigerator until serving.

What You’ll Need: Simple Ingredients for Butterfinger Chocolate

IngredientQuantity
Oreo cookies32
Butter, melted5 tablespoons
Cream cheese, softened1 (8-ounce) package
Confectioners’ sugar1 cup
Creamy peanut butter3/4 cup
Mini Butterfingers1 bag
Cool Whip, divided1 (16-ounce) container
Instant chocolate pudding mix1 (5.9-ounce) box
Milk2 cups

These are the kind of ingredients you probably already have in your pantry or can easily find at any grocery store. No special trips or hard-to-find items here.

FREE Kitchen Tools to Make Cooking Easier

I created these free tools to help you cook smarter, reduce waste, and adjust recipes instantly.

Ingredient Rescue

Ingredient Rescue

Turn what you already have into a recipe.

Try Tool
Recipe Scaler

Recipe Scaler

Instantly adjust servings without math.

Use Calculator
Leftover Magic

Leftover Magic

Transform leftovers into new meals.

Get Ideas

How To Make Butterfinger Chocolate

Let’s Cook: Butterfinger Chocolate
Get Your Crust Ready
Prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish. Grind the Oreo cookies into fine crumbs. Melt the butter. Mix the cookie crumbs and melted butter together in a medium bowl until combined.
Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Pop it in the freezer for 10-25 minutes to firm up while you get the next layers ready.
Mix the Creamy Peanut Butter Layer
Crush about 6 mini Butterfingers. You can do this by hand in a bag or with a small food processor. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
Add the confectioners’ sugar and peanut butter, then mix until everything is well combined and creamy. Gently fold in about half of the Cool Whip. Stir in the crushed Butterfingers. Spread this creamy peanut butter mixture evenly over the chilled Oreo crust.
Prepare and Add the Chocolate Pudding
In a separate bowl, prepare your instant chocolate pudding mix. Follow the directions on the package, usually by whisking it with 2 cups of milk until it thickens. Let it cool for 3-4 minutes in the bowl.
Then, carefully pour and spread the chocolate pudding layer over the peanut butter layer in your baking dish.
The Final Touch and Chill Time
Spread the remaining Cool Whip over the chocolate pudding layer. Crush a few more mini Butterfingers and sprinkle them over the top for garnish. This Butterfinger Chocolate dessert needs some time to chill in the refrigerator before serving.
Give it at least 4 hours, or even better, overnight. Chef Thomas’s Tip: Chilling it longer really lets the layers set up nicely and the flavors meld together.

Equipment and Tools I Used for This Recipe

This recipe comes together smoothly with a few dependable kitchen tools that keep the process simple and efficient. I prefer using practical equipment that helps maintain consistency without overcomplicating the steps.

Bestseller #1
  • 9 x 13 inch rectangular cake pan; made from aluminized steel; a mix of steel for strength and durability and aluminum fo…
  • USA Pan baking pans feature our proprietary silcone nonstick coating which promotes quick release of baked goods plus fa…
  • Our rectangular baking pan features unique corrugated surface; facilitates air flow for quick release and evenly baked g…
Bestseller #2
  • This hand mixer has the right speed for the task at hand, from mixing in nuts and chocolate chips at speed one, to whipp…
  • Lockable swivel cord keeps the cord out of your way while mixing
  • Quickly remove any of the included accessories from the hand mixer with the single-handed press of the button
Bestseller #3
  • [ HIGH QUALITY ] : 100% made of Food Grade Silicone Material. Non-toxic, lead free Odourless. Smooth flexible thin edges…
  • [ SEAMLESS ONE PIECE DESIGN] :Seamless one piece design ,easy to clean ,and Non-Stick ,Soft Handle for better grip ,Nois…
  • [ HEAT RESISTANT ] : Temperature Resistant -104℉~600℉(-40℃~315℃). The average heat resistance of a typical silicone spat…

If you like keeping your kitchen setup straightforward and reliable, you can browse my complete list of recommended cooking essentials.

Tips From Chef Thomas

For grinding Oreos, a food processor works fastest, but a Ziploc bag and a rolling pin do the job just fine.
Make sure your cream cheese is truly softened. It makes for a much smoother, lump-free filling.
Don’t rush the chilling time. It’s important for the layers to set properly so the slices hold their shape.
When folding in the Cool Whip, use a gentle hand to keep the mixture light and airy.
You can crush extra Butterfingers to have on hand for a little extra garnish right before serving.

How I Serve Butterfinger Chocolate

This dessert is wonderful on its own, served cold. I usually cut it into squares, making sure each piece gets a good helping of all those delicious layers.

It’s a rich dessert, so smaller portions are often best. Learning to master portion control for desserts can help ensure you enjoy your treat without overindulging.

A little extra drizzle of chocolate syrup or a dollop of whipped cream can be a nice touch, but it’s definitely not necessary. It’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, or just a treat after dinner.

Photorealistic Butterfinger Chocolate, freshly served as part of an everyday meal on marble.
Freshly baked Butterfinger Chocolate, ready to enjoy on warm white marble.

Variations and Adjustments for Butterfinger Chocolate

You can easily adjust this recipe to your liking. Instead of Oreos, consider using graham cracker crumbs for the crust. If you are not a fan of Butterfinger, try other crushed candy bars like Heath bars or Snickers.

You could even swap the instant chocolate pudding for vanilla or butterscotch pudding for a different flavor profile. Some people like to add a layer of softened caramel sauce over the peanut butter for an extra indulgent treat.

Just remember to keep the total volume roughly the same so it fits your baking dish. If you enjoy flexible, comforting desserts like this, you might also like this chocolate cobbler.

Storage & Make-Ahead

This Butterfinger Chocolate lush needs to be stored in the refrigerator. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap to keep it fresh. It will last nicely for 3–4 days.

It is an excellent make-ahead dessert, which is one of the reasons I appreciate it. You can prepare it the day before serving, giving the layers time to set and the flavors to come together. If you enjoy desserts that can be made ahead like this, you might also like these funnel cake bites.

Modern infographic: Butterfinger Chocolate recipe with hero cookies, ingredients & steps.
Learn to make Butterfinger Chocolate with this detailed recipe infographic.

FAQ About Butterfinger Chocolate

Can I make Butterfinger Chocolate dessert ahead of time?

Yes, it actually works best when made ahead. Preparing it a day in advance allows the layers to set properly and the flavors to blend.

How should I store it?

Keep it covered in the refrigerator with plastic wrap or a lid. It will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days.

Can I freeze Butterfinger Chocolate dessert?

Freezing is possible, but the texture of the creamy layers may change slightly once thawed. It is best enjoyed fresh from the refrigerator.

Can I use a different candy bar?

Yes, you can substitute Butterfinger with other options like Heath bars, Snickers, or even plain chocolate pieces depending on your preference.

Final Thoughts on Butterfinger Chocolate

This is a dessert that leans into familiar flavors and simple assembly, bringing together layers of chocolate, cream, and the distinctive crunch of Butterfinger for a result that feels both nostalgic and practical. The combination of creamy and crisp textures is what gives it its appeal, especially in no-bake, make-ahead recipes.

What stands out to me is how easily it fits into everyday cooking. It does not require much effort, yet it delivers a consistent, crowd-pleasing dessert that works well for gatherings or casual meals.

If you enjoy classic, comforting desserts like this, you might also like this Kentucky butter cake.

500 Delicious Dessert Recipes Cookbook

Bake 500 Irresistible Desserts at Home

Discover 500 mouthwatering dessert recipes from quick treats to bakery-style favorites you can easily make at home.

Save this recipe for later

Enter your email below and we’ll send the recipe straight to your inbox!

Plus get new recipes from Chef Thomas

Categories:

You Might Also Like More

Leave a comment

Recipe Rating




About CHEF THOMAS

Chef Thomas, recipe developer and home cooking expert

My name is Chef Thomas, creator and owner of Tomatillo Recipes. As a classically trained chef with over 40 years of experience, I develop and test time-tested tomatillo recipes and share practical chef tips to help you create flavorful, reliable meals in your home kitchen.

Plant-Based Cooking Made Simple

A plant-forward recipe collection I recommend for home cooks looking to expand their meatless options.

Get My Newsletter and Join the Fun!!

Get recipes & fun goodies delivered right to your inbox!!