Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Mini Pies Recipe
Get ready to fall in love with the ultimate sweet treat: Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Mini Pies. Imagine layers of buttery graham cracker crust, silky caramel cheesecake filling, and the unmistakable crunch of Butterfinger candy bars in every bite — all wrapped up in a perfectly portioned mini pie. These little desserts are a total crowd-pleaser, combining creamy, crunchy, salty, and sweet into one irresistible package. Whether you’re hosting a party, celebrating a special occasion, or just craving something indulgent, these mini pies are guaranteed to steal the show.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Mini Pies is all in the ingredients — each one brings something essential to the table, from texture and richness to that signature candy bar flavor. Don’t be tempted to skimp or swap; every piece plays a delicious part in the finished result!
- Butterfinger Candy Bars: Crushed for that unmistakable peanut-buttery crunch and chocolatey flavor that sets these pies apart.
- Graham Cracker Crumbs: The base of the crust, giving a toasty, buttery bite that holds everything together.
- Granulated Sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness and helps the crust hold its shape.
- Unsalted Butter (melted): Binds the crust ingredients and adds rich flavor.
- Cream Cheese (softened): Forms the creamy, tangy backbone of the filling; make sure it’s at room temperature for the smoothest texture.
- Caramel Sauce: Swirled into the filling and drizzled on top for gooey, buttery sweetness in every bite.
- Whipped Topping: Lightens the filling and gives each mini pie a cloud-like finish.
- Pinch of Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Mini Butterfinger Pieces (for topping): For an irresistible, crunchy garnish that makes these pies look as good as they taste.
How to Make Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Mini Pies
Step 1: Prep the Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. In a medium bowl, stir together the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter until the mixture is evenly moistened and resembles wet sand. This will ensure your crust holds together perfectly and has that classic, buttery crunch. Spoon the mixture into a muffin tin lined with cupcake liners, pressing it down firmly to form a compact base for each mini pie.
Step 2: Bake and Cool
Pop the crusts into your preheated oven and bake for 5–6 minutes. This quick bake makes the crust extra fragrant and helps everything set. Once done, take them out and let them cool completely in the tin — patience is key here so your filling won’t melt!
Step 3: Make the Creamy Caramel Filling
In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s completely smooth and lump-free. Add in the caramel sauce and a pinch of salt, then continue to beat until creamy and luscious. Gently fold in the whipped topping, being careful not to deflate it, until the mixture is light and fully incorporated. Stir in half of your crushed Butterfinger pieces — this is where all that irresistible crunch comes in!
Step 4: Fill and Chill
Evenly spoon the creamy filling over each cooled crust, smoothing the tops with a spoon or spatula. Once filled, transfer the muffin tin to the fridge and let the pies chill for at least 2 hours. This step is essential for the pies to set up and develop their signature texture.
Step 5: Top and Serve
Just before serving, it’s time for the finishing touches. Add a generous sprinkle of the remaining crushed Butterfinger pieces, a dollop of whipped topping, and a playful drizzle of caramel sauce to each mini pie. The result? Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Mini Pies that look absolutely irresistible and taste even better!
How to Serve Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Mini Pies
Garnishes
A little extra flair goes a long way! Before presenting your Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Mini Pies, add a swirl of whipped topping, a drizzle of caramel sauce, and a few more Butterfinger crumbles on top. Not only does this make for a stunning presentation, but those toppings also add layers of texture and flavor in every bite.
Side Dishes
Since these mini pies are rich and sweet, balance them out with lighter sides. A bowl of fresh berries, a crisp fruit salad, or even a scoop of tangy frozen yogurt makes a refreshing counterpoint to the creamy, crunchy richness of the pies. If you’re serving them at a party, a hot cup of coffee or a glass of milk is a classic pairing.
Creative Ways to Present
Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Mini Pies are perfect for parties and special occasions! Try serving them in decorative cupcake liners, or arrange them on a tiered dessert stand for an eye-catching display. For a more elegant touch, top each mini pie with a chocolate curl or a tiny caramelized sugar shard. You can even set up a DIY topping bar and let guests add their own finishing touches!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Mini Pies (lucky you!), simply cover them with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to three days, making them a great make-ahead dessert option.
Freezing
Yes, you can freeze these mini pies! Arrange the fully assembled pies (without garnishes) on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight, then add your whipped topping, caramel drizzle, and Butterfinger pieces just before serving for the freshest taste and best texture.
Reheating
These pies are at their best served chilled, so there’s no need to reheat. If you’ve frozen them, just let them come to fridge temperature before adding the toppings and serving. If you do want a slightly softer texture, let them sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before digging in.
FAQs
Can I make Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Mini Pies without baking the crust?
Absolutely! For a true no-bake version, simply skip the oven and chill the crust in the freezer for 15 minutes to help it set before adding the filling. This is especially handy during hot weather or if you want to keep things super simple.
What can I use instead of Butterfinger candy bars?
If you can’t find Butterfinger bars, try substituting with other crispy peanut butter candies, or even a mix of toffee bits and chopped chocolate for a similar flavor. Just note that the signature Butterfinger crunch is part of what makes these mini pies so special!
Can I make these pies ahead of time?
Yes, Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Mini Pies are a fantastic make-ahead dessert. You can assemble them up to a day in advance and keep them chilled until you’re ready to garnish and serve. This makes them perfect for parties or busy holidays.
Are these mini pies gluten-free?
With regular graham crackers and Butterfinger bars, these pies do contain gluten. However, you can easily make them gluten-free by using gluten-free graham cracker crumbs and checking the candy bar label for gluten content.
Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of whipped topping?
Definitely! Homemade whipped cream brings a fresh, airy texture and rich dairy flavor to the filling. Just whip heavy cream with a little powdered sugar until soft peaks form, and swap it in for the store-bought topping in equal amounts.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, you can’t go wrong with Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Mini Pies. Each bite is a celebration of creamy caramel, crunchy candy, and buttery crust — all in a cute, handheld package. Give them a try, and don’t be surprised if they become your new go-to treat for every occasion!
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Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Mini Pies Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 mini pies 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Mini Pies, featuring a crunchy graham cracker crust, creamy caramel-infused cream cheese filling, and loaded with buttery, crunchy Butterfinger candy pieces. Perfect as a no-bake dessert that’s easy to prepare and sure to satisfy candy bar lovers with every bite.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 cup crushed Butterfinger candy bars (about 4 fun-size bars)
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
Filling
- 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese (softened)
- ½ cup caramel sauce (plus extra for drizzling)
- 1 cup whipped topping (plus extra for garnish)
- Pinch of salt
- Mini Butterfinger pieces for topping
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Stir until the mixture has the texture of wet sand. Press this mixture firmly into a muffin tin lined with cupcake liners to form the base of your mini pies. Bake for 5 to 6 minutes, then remove from the oven and allow to cool completely.
- Make the filling: In a clean bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add the caramel sauce and a pinch of salt, then continue beating until the mixture is fully combined and creamy.
- Combine whipped topping and Butterfinger pieces: Gently fold the whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture until fully incorporated. Stir in half of the crushed Butterfinger candy pieces to add a crunchy texture throughout the filling.
- Assemble the pies: Spoon the filling evenly over the cooled crusts in the muffin tin. Smooth out the tops and refrigerate the mini pies for at least 2 hours, or until the filling is set.
- Garnish and serve: Before serving, top each mini pie with the remaining crushed Butterfinger pieces, a dollop of whipped topping, and a generous drizzle of caramel sauce. Enjoy chilled.
Notes
- You can prepare these mini pies up to one day in advance and keep them refrigerated to maintain freshness.
- For easy release, use silicone muffin liners instead of paper ones.
- If you prefer a no-bake version, skip baking the crust and simply freeze it for 15 minutes to help it firm up before adding the filling.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake (with optional baking for crust)
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mini pie
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
