If you have a sweet tooth that craves both the nostalgic crunch of candy bars and the soft, fluffy delight of cupcakes, this Butterfinger Cupcakes Recipe is an absolute treasure to try. Imagine tender yellow cupcakes studded with bits of buttery, crunchy Butterfinger candy, all crowned with a luscious, creamy frosting loaded with even more crushed Butterfingers. It’s a sensational twist on classic cupcakes that delivers irresistible texture and flavor in every bite, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at any gathering or a perfect treat for yourself on a cozy afternoon.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Butterfinger Cupcakes Recipe lies in a handful of straightforward ingredients that work together to create an enchanting balance of flavor and texture. Each component plays a vital role—from the soft crumb of the yellow cake mix to the rich, smooth buttercream crowned with candy crunch.
- 1 box yellow cake mix: A convenient base that ensures moist, fluffy cupcakes with a classic buttery flavor.
- 4 crushed Butterfingers: These infuse the cake batter with a delightful crunch and a sweet, peanut-buttery surprise.
- 1 cup butter, room temperature: Provides a creamy richness essential for the smooth buttercream frosting.
- 6 cups powdered sugar: Adds sweetness and structure to the frosting; you may need slightly more for perfect texture.
- ½ cup whipping cream: Lightens the frosting, making it fluffy and easy to pipe or spread.
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor, bringing warmth and depth to the buttercream.
- 3 crushed Butterfingers: Mixed into the frosting to deliver an extra layer of that beloved candy crunch.
How to Make Butterfinger Cupcakes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cupcakes
Start by following the directions on your yellow cake mix box to prepare the batter. The trick here is to stir in 4 crushed Butterfinger candies gently but thoroughly, so the candy bits are evenly distributed and ready to burst with flavor as they bake. Pour the batter into lined cupcake pans and bake as directed. Once baked, allow the cupcakes to cool completely—this step is crucial to avoid melting the frosting later on.
Step 2: Make the Butterfinger Buttercream
While the cupcakes cool, focus on the frosting. Using an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream the butter until it’s silky smooth and slightly fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes. Slowly add 6 cups of powdered sugar, the whipping cream, and vanilla extract on low speed to keep your kitchen tidy. Once everything is combined, whip on medium speed until the mixture is light, airy, and spreadable. Then, gently fold in 3 crushed Butterfinger pieces to infuse every bite of frosting with that beloved candy crunch. Adjust thickness with a bit more powdered sugar if needed.
Step 3: Frost and Finish
Once your cupcakes are thoroughly cooled, it’s time to frost them. Use a piping bag with your favorite tip or a simple spatula to slather on that decadent Butterfinger buttercream. For a fun visual and extra crunch, sprinkle a few more crushed Butterfingers on top of each cupcake. The contrast between the soft cake, creamy frosting, and crunchy candy on top makes each bite sensational.
How to Serve Butterfinger Cupcakes Recipe
Garnishes
Simple yet effective garnishes can elevate your Butterfinger Cupcakes Recipe to the next level. A few crushed Butterfinger bits scattered on top not only add a festive look but also hint at the candy goodness inside. You can also consider a light dusting of cocoa powder or even a tiny drizzle of melted chocolate for a touch of elegance and extra richness.
Side Dishes
These cupcakes shine most brightly on their own as a sweet treat, but if you want to balance the indulgence, consider serving them alongside a fresh fruit salad or a small scoop of vanilla ice cream. The refreshing sweetness of fruit or creamy coolness of ice cream beautifully contrasts the dense, buttery cupcake and rich frosting.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation can make all the difference! Try arranging your Butterfinger Cupcakes Recipe on a rustic wooden board for a casual vibe or on a tiered dessert stand for a party impression. Wrapping each cupcake with a delicate ribbon or adding themed cupcake toppers can personalize the experience. For an extra fun twist, serve alongside mini bottles of cold milk for dunking—a nostalgic nod that friends and family will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Butterfinger Cupcakes keep beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If your kitchen is warm, refrigeration is best to maintain the integrity of the frosting, but be sure to bring cupcakes back to room temperature before serving to enjoy their full flavor and softness.
Freezing
You can freeze these cupcakes to enjoy later! Place unfrosted cupcakes in a single layer in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. For best results, freeze the frosting separately in a covered bowl. Thaw both at room temperature before frosting and serving so you retain that delightful texture and taste.
Reheating
While cupcakes are best enjoyed at room temperature, if you prefer a slightly warm bite, gently microwave a cupcake for 10 to 15 seconds. Do this carefully to avoid melting the frosting too much, and always remove any garnish before microwaving. This quick step brings out the buttery flavors without sacrificing the cupcake’s structure.
FAQs
Can I make Butterfinger Cupcakes Recipe from scratch instead of using cake mix?
Absolutely! While the box mix offers convenience, a homemade yellow cake recipe works just as well and can add a personal touch. Just fold in the crushed Butterfingers into your prepared batter before baking as described.
What if I can’t find Butterfinger candies?
If Butterfinger bars are out of reach, similar peanut butter and crisped candy bars can work as a substitute, such as Butterfinger’s close relatives or even a chopped peanut brittle. The key is that signature crunchy peanut butter flavor and texture.
How can I make the frosting less sweet?
Powdered sugar is a major contributor to sweetness, but you can slightly reduce the sugar amount or add a pinch of salt to balance flavors. Keep in mind, the frosting may become softer, so adjust consistency with a bit more cream or sugar as needed.
Can I add food coloring to the frosting?
Definitely! If you want to match a party theme or just have fun, gel food coloring works well to tint the buttercream without changing its texture. Just add a little at a time while mixing until you reach your desired shade.
Is this Butterfinger Cupcakes Recipe suitable for kids’ parties?
Yes, it’s a fantastic choice for kids’ parties! The vibrant Butterfinger crunch mixed into moist cupcakes and fluffy frosting is usually a big hit with children and adults alike. Just remind parents about the candy content if anyone has allergies.
Final Thoughts
Sharing this Butterfinger Cupcakes Recipe with you feels like introducing an old friend—one that’ll quickly become a favorite in your dessert rotation. These cupcakes strike the perfect balance between crunchy candy and velvety frosting, making every bite a little celebration. Whether you bake them for a special occasion, a casual get-together, or just because, I promise they’ll bring smiles and maybe even a few happy dance moves in the kitchen. Grab your ingredients and dive in—the sweetest moments are waiting!
Print
Butterfinger Cupcakes Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delightful Butterfinger Cupcakes featuring a moist yellow cake base with crushed Butterfingers mixed into the batter and a rich, creamy buttercream frosting studded with more Butterfinger pieces. Perfectly sweet and crunchy, these cupcakes are a fun treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cake
- 1 box yellow cake mix (including ingredients required on the box, typically eggs, oil, and water)
- 4 crushed Butterfingers
Buttercream Frosting
- 1 cup butter, room temperature
- 6 cups powdered sugar (may need a little more)
- ½ cup whipping cream
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 3 crushed Butterfingers
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake Batter: Follow the instructions on the yellow cake mix box, adding the required ingredients (usually eggs, oil, and water). Once mixed, gently fold in 4 crushed Butterfingers to add a delightful crunch to your cupcakes.
- Bake the Cupcakes: Pour the prepared batter evenly into cupcake liners within a cupcake pan. Bake according to the time and temperature specified on the cake mix box. After baking, allow the cupcakes to cool completely before frosting.
- Make the Buttercream Frosting: In an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the room temperature butter for 2 to 3 minutes until smooth and creamy. On low speed, gradually add 6 cups of powdered sugar, ½ cup whipping cream, and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract. Continue mixing until the frosting is light and fluffy.
- Add More Butterfinger Pieces to Frosting: Fold in 3 crushed Butterfingers into the buttercream and mix on low for 1 minute to evenly distribute the candy pieces.
- Adjust Frosting Consistency: If the frosting is too thin, gradually add more powdered sugar and mix until the desired consistency is reached for easy piping or spreading.
- Frost the Cupcakes: Using a spatula or piping bag, generously frost the cooled cupcakes. Optionally, garnish with additional crushed Butterfinger pieces for extra texture and decoration.
Notes
- Ensure the cupcakes are fully cooled before frosting to prevent melting.
- You can adjust the amount of crushed Butterfingers in both the batter and frosting to suit your taste.
- For a more intense Butterfinger flavor, add extra crushed pieces on top as garnish.
- Use room temperature butter for a smoother and easier-to-mix frosting.
- Store cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
