If you crave indulgent chocolaty goodness with a delightful crunch and a rich peanut butter twist, you’ll fall head over heels for this Thick & Chewy Butterfinger Brownies Recipe. Imagine fudgy, dense brownies studded with peanut butter chips and crushed Butterfinger bars, topped with a creamy peanut butter layer and more Butterfinger crunch. It’s the perfect balance of chewy, sweet, and slightly salty, making every bite an irresistible treat you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but each plays a vital role in creating the perfect chewy texture and bold flavor of your brownies. From rich cocoa powder to salted butter and the star Butterfinger candy, every component contributes to making this recipe a sensational hit.
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Essential for that deep chocolate flavor with no added sweetness.
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour: Gives structure while keeping the brownies tender.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Just enough lift to light up the chewiness without drying out.
- 1 & 1/2 cups granulated sugar: Sweetens perfectly and helps create a moist crumb.
- 1/2 cup salted butter (melted): Adds richness and moisture, plus a hint of salt to balance sweetness.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: Keeps brownies extra moist and chewy.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with warm, aromatic notes.
- 3 large eggs: Holds everything together while contributing to the fudgy texture.
- 1 cup peanut butter chips: Creates pockets of creamy peanut butter flavor throughout.
- 3 (1.9 ounce) Butterfingers, crushed: Infuses crispy crunch and that unmistakable Butterfinger taste.
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter (for topping): Smooth, meltable, and perfect for a luscious final layer.
- 3 (1.9 ounce) Butterfingers, roughly chopped (for topping): Adds an extra textural and flavor punch right on top.
How to Make Thick & Chewy Butterfinger Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Mix Dry Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F and spraying a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking. In a medium bowl, whisk together the unsweetened cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, and baking powder until evenly combined. This ensures the chocolate distributes perfectly and the brownies will rise just right.
Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, stir granulated sugar, melted salted butter, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract together until smooth and glossy. Adding the melted butter at this stage brings a lovely richness, while the oil helps keep the brownies irresistibly moist and chewy.
Step 3: Incorporate Eggs
Beat in the eggs one at a time, whisking after each addition. This slow integration is key for a smooth batter that will bake into fudgy perfection with a sturdy, chewy bite.
Step 4: Mix Dry Into Wet
Gently add the dry cocoa-flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring slowly until no flour streaks remain. Take care not to overmix here; you want the batter just combined to keep your brownies soft instead of tough.
Step 5: Add Peanut Butter Chips and Crushed Butterfingers
Fold in the peanut butter chips followed by the crushed Butterfinger bars. These add delightful pockets of creaminess and crunchy texture that are absolutely mouthwatering.
Step 6: Bake the Brownies
Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with a few moist crumbs but no raw batter. This timing hits the perfect chewy texture you want for your Thick & Chewy Butterfinger Brownies Recipe.
Step 7: Add the Peanut Butter Topping
While the brownies cool for about 5 minutes, microwave the creamy peanut butter in short intervals until just melted and easy to spread. Pour this warm peanut butter evenly over the hot brownies and let it settle for 15 minutes to set slightly.
Step 8: Finish with More Butterfingers
Sprinkle the roughly chopped Butterfinger pieces on top, gently pressing them into the peanut butter layer so they stick. Allow the whole pan to cool completely before slicing into squares. This final step ensures that signature crunch and flavor burst in every bite.
How to Serve Thick & Chewy Butterfinger Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling just a few extra peanut butter chips or chopped nuts over the top adds an elegant touch and extra texture. If you’re feeling festive, a light drizzle of caramel sauce can marry beautifully with the peanut butter and chocolate flavors.
Side Dishes
Serve these brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to balance the richness. A cup of hot coffee or a cold glass of milk also complements the sweet and salty notes wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the brownies into bite-sized squares and place them on a platter for an irresistible party dessert. Layer them with ice cream and fruit for a decadent brownie parfait or sandwich two brownies with peanut butter frosting for an unforgettable brownie sandwich.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your brownies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The chewy texture holds up well, and the topping stays deliciously creamy without losing its crunch.
Freezing
Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to freeze your Thick & Chewy Butterfinger Brownies Recipe for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture and flavor retention.
Reheating
Warm brownies slightly in the microwave for about 10 seconds to bring back some softness and soften the peanut butter topping before enjoying. Avoid overheating to maintain the ideal chewy texture and gooey peanut butter layer.
FAQs
Can I use other types of candy bars instead of Butterfinger?
Absolutely! While Butterfingers give a unique crispy peanut buttery crunch, you can experiment with other crunchy peanut butter candies or even chopped Snickers for a different twist. Just consider how the texture and flavor will complement the brownies.
How do I ensure the brownies stay chewy and not cakey?
Be cautious not to overmix the batter once you add the dry ingredients. Also, bake until a toothpick comes out mostly clean but with some moist crumbs—it’s this timing that gives the luscious chewiness you want.
Is it okay to use natural peanut butter for the topping?
Natural peanut butter can work but might be less smooth and harder to melt evenly because of its oil separation. For the best creamy, spreadable topping, creamy, processed peanut butter is preferred.
Can I make these brownies gluten-free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Just be sure to use one that contains xanthan gum or another binder to get the proper texture.
What is the best way to crush Butterfingers without making a mess?
Place the Butterfinger bars in a sturdy zip-top bag and gently crush them using a rolling pin or a can. This method keeps pieces contained and gives you control over the size of the chunks for perfect texture in your brownies.
Final Thoughts
If you love brownies that are thick, chewy, and bursting with peanut butter and crunchy candy bar goodness, this Thick & Chewy Butterfinger Brownies Recipe is an absolute must-try. Once you take that first bite, the combination of fudgy chocolate, peanut buttery layers, and Butterfinger crunch will definitely make these your new favorite dessert. So gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to impress yourself and everyone around with these heavenly brownies!
Print
Thick & Chewy Butterfinger Brownies Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 15 servings
Description
These Thick & Chewy Butterfinger Brownies are a decadent treat combining rich cocoa, peanut butter chips, and crushed Butterfinger candy bars for an irresistible texture and flavor combination. Topped with a creamy peanut butter layer and more chopped Butterfingers, these brownies offer a perfect balance of fudgy, crunchy, and nutty indulgence. Perfect for chocolate lovers and candy fans alike.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
Wet Ingredients & Batter
- 1 & 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup salted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup peanut butter chips
- 3 (1.9 ounce) Butterfingers, crushed
Topping
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 3 (1.9 ounce) Butterfingers, roughly chopped
Instructions
- Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, and baking powder until combined. Set aside.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, stir together granulated sugar, melted salted butter, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth and well mixed.
- Add Eggs: Incorporate the eggs one at a time into the wet mixture, whisking thoroughly after each addition to ensure a smooth batter.
- Make the Batter: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, gently folding until the batter has no dry streaks. Be careful to mix slowly to avoid flour dust flying.
- Add Mix-ins: Fold in the peanut butter chips, then add the crushed Butterfingers and stir gently to distribute evenly throughout the batter.
- Bake the Brownies: Press the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs clinging to it.
- Cool Slightly: Remove the brownies from the oven and let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes.
- Melt Peanut Butter: Microwave the peanut butter in a microwave-safe bowl in 15-second intervals, stirring between each, until completely melted and pourable.
- Add Topping: Pour the melted peanut butter evenly over the warm brownies and spread to cover the surface.
- Add Chopped Butterfingers: Cool the brownies for an additional 15 minutes before sprinkling the roughly chopped Butterfinger pieces on top, gently pressing them into the peanut butter layer for adherence.
- Final Cooling: Allow the brownies to cool completely at room temperature before slicing to ensure clean cuts and a perfect chewy texture.
Notes
- Line with Aluminum Foil: If you prefer, you can line the baking dish with aluminum foil sprayed with nonstick spray instead of spraying the pan directly for easier removal.
- Don’t Overmix: Stir the dry ingredients into the wet just until combined to avoid tough brownies.
- Mind the Oven: Oven temperatures vary; if the center looks underbaked at 40 minutes, add a few more minutes, or reduce time if edges pull away too soon.
- Check With a Toothpick: A slightly moist batter on the toothpick is ideal for chewy brownies—not wet, not completely dry.
- Crush Butterfingers: Use a zip-top bag and a rolling pin or can for controlled crushing with minimal mess.
- Don’t Skimp on the Topping: Warm peanut butter until pourable for a smooth, even layer that enhances texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
