Delightful Weight Watchers No-Bake Butterfinger Balls: Your Perfect Low-Point Peanut Butter Treat
Indulge your sweet tooth without derailing your wellness journey with these incredible Weight Watchers Butterfinger Balls! Bursting with the beloved flavors of creamy peanut butter, crunchy Butterfinger candy, and hints of graham cracker, these no-bake treats are a game-changer for anyone following the Weight Watchers program. Each delightful PB Butterfinger Ball is a mere 4 WW points, offering a satisfyingly decadent experience that makes portion control easy. Often, just one of these small, yet incredibly rich and indulgent treats is enough to curb those cravings. If you’re a fan of classic peanut butter balls or the iconic Buckeyes, you are absolutely going to adore this lighter version, elevated by the unique texture and taste of Butterfinger candy. They are beautifully finished with a luscious dark chocolate topping that not only enhances their presentation but also perfectly complements the sweet and salty filling with its delightful bittersweet notes, creating a balanced flavor profile that truly sings.
One of the many advantages of these Butterfinger balls is their convenience as a make-ahead dessert. They maintain their freshness for several weeks when stored properly under refrigeration, making them an ideal option for upcoming events, parties, or just having a delicious treat readily available. For optimal results and presentation, you can prepare the peanut butter and Butterfinger portion in advance and then decorate them with chocolate closer to the time you plan to serve them. Their compact size and sturdy nature also make them exceptionally easy to transport, eliminating the worry of damage that often accompanies more delicate desserts like cakes. These WW Butterfinger Balls pair wonderfully with other yummy snacks or dessert recipes from our collection, and are an exquisite companion to your morning coffee or a cozy cup of hot cocoa, offering a moment of pure bliss.
Why These Weight Watchers Butterfinger Balls Are a Must-Try
These no-bake Butterfinger balls aren’t just delicious; they offer a range of benefits that make them a perfect addition to your recipe collection, especially if you’re navigating the Weight Watchers program or simply seeking a healthier sweet treat.
- Effortlessly No-Bake: Say goodbye to oven worries and lengthy baking times! This recipe requires absolutely no baking, making it incredibly simple and accessible for even the most novice cooks. It’s a hassle-free method that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort, perfect for busy schedules or when you just don’t feel like heating up the kitchen. Just mix, chill, and dip – it’s that easy!
- A Guaranteed Crowd-Pleaser: These sweet treats are not only delicious but also boast an appealing presentation, making them perfect for any gathering or celebration. Their unique combination of flavors and textures, from the creamy peanut butter to the crispy Butterfinger bits, ensures they’ll be a hit with everyone. Whether you’re hosting a party, bringing a dish to a potluck, or simply treating your family, these balls will undoubtedly garner rave reviews and disappear quickly.
- Perfectly WW-Friendly: Traditional recipes for Butterfinger balls often feature ingredients like regular graham cracker crumbs, generous amounts of butter, and high sugar content, which can quickly add up in points. Our lightened-up version is thoughtfully crafted with reduced-fat and substitute ingredients, making it far better suited for a Weight Watchers lifestyle without compromising on taste or texture. You get all the indulgence you crave with a fraction of the points, helping you stay on track with your wellness goals.
- Ideal for Make-Ahead Preparations: As mentioned, these delightful treats are incredibly stable and store well, meaning you can prepare them days or even weeks in advance. This feature is invaluable for meal planning, holiday preparations, or simply ensuring you always have a smart snack option ready to go. The ability to make them ahead takes the pressure off last-minute cooking.
- Customizable to Your Taste: With a variety of substitution options, this recipe is highly adaptable. Whether you prefer a different type of candy, a sweeter or less sweet profile, or even a different nut butter, you can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your personal preferences, making it a truly versatile dessert.
Recipe Overview: Weight Watchers Butterfinger Balls
Here’s a quick glance at what you need to know before you start whipping up these delicious low-point treats:
- Serving Size: 1 Butterfinger ball
- Number of Servings: 25
- Time to Prep: 20 minutes
- WW Points Per Recipe: Each serving is 4 WW points, with the entire batch totaling approximately 109 points. (Click here to view the recipe directly in the WW app – a WW login is required to access the full details.)
Essential Ingredients for Weight Watchers Butterfinger Balls
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating these irresistible treats. We’ve carefully selected components that balance flavor and Weight Watchers compatibility.
- 1 cup Reduced-fat or regular peanut butter: Peanut butter forms the creamy base of our balls, providing rich flavor and binding power. Reduced-fat peanut butter is preferred for lower WW points, but regular can also be used if adjusted in the WW app.
- 3 tbsp Light butter substitute: This ingredient contributes to the smooth, workable consistency of the mixture while keeping the fat content and points lower than traditional butter.
- 1 tsp Vanilla extract: A touch of vanilla enhances all the other flavors, adding a warm, aromatic note to the peanut butter mixture.
- 3 oz Butterfinger candies, crushed: The star ingredient! Crushed Butterfinger candies add that signature crunchy texture and distinct, delicious flavor that sets these balls apart. Ensure they are finely crushed for even distribution.
- ⅔ cup – 1 cup Powdered sugar substitute: This provides the necessary sweetness without adding excessive sugar or calories. Adjust the amount to your preferred level of sweetness.
- ¾ cup Low-fat graham crumbs: Graham crumbs act as a binder and provide a subtle background flavor and texture. Using low-fat crumbs helps keep the points down.
- 4.5 oz Zero-sugar dark chocolate chips or melting wafers: The dark chocolate topping adds a touch of elegance and a bittersweet contrast that perfectly balances the sweetness of the filling. Zero-sugar options are key for a lower-point finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Weight Watchers Butterfinger Balls
Follow these simple steps to create your own batch of delicious and WW-friendly Butterfinger balls:
- Prepare the Base: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the reduced-fat (or regular) peanut butter and the light butter substitute. Using a handheld mixer, whip these two ingredients together until the mixture becomes smooth, light, and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect texture for your balls.
2. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Add the vanilla extract, the crushed Butterfinger candies, and the low-fat graham cracker crumbs to the peanut butter mixture. Gently mix these ingredients until just combined. Next, gradually mix in the powdered sugar replacement. Continue to mix until the mixture reaches a consistency that is firm enough to easily form into balls without being too sticky or crumbly. At this stage, give the mixture a taste test and adjust the sweetness if desired. If the mixture seems too dry or difficult to combine, you can add a tiny splash of milk or water (about ½ teaspoon at a time) to help it come together. Be careful not to add too much liquid, as this can make the mixture too soft.
3. Form the Balls: Using a 1-tablespoon scoop, measure out approximately 25 portions of the mixture. Roll each portion between your palms to shape them into smooth, uniform spheres. Arrange the formed Butterfinger balls on a sheet tray lined with parchment paper, ensuring they don’t touch each other. This preparation will make the freezing and dipping process much easier.
4. Chill Thoroughly: Place the sheet tray with the formed Butterfinger balls into the freezer for 15-30 minutes. This chilling period is essential as it helps the balls firm up, making them much easier to handle and dip into the melted chocolate without losing their shape.
5. Melt the Chocolate: While the Butterfinger balls are chilling in the freezer, prepare your chocolate coating. Place the zero-sugar dark chocolate chips or melting wafers in a microwave-safe bowl. Melt the chocolate in short increments (e.g., 30 seconds), stirring well after each interval, until it is completely smooth and free of lumps. Be careful not to overheat the chocolate, as it can seize or burn.
6. Decorate with Chocolate: Remove the thoroughly chilled Butterfinger balls from the freezer. You can either drizzle them with melted chocolate using a spoon or fork for a decorative touch, or fully dip them for a more complete coating. I personally found that decorating just the tops yielded a lovely presentation and was easier to manage, but feel free to get creative! Just ensure you distribute the chocolate evenly so you don’t run out.
7. Allow to Set and Enjoy: Once decorated, place the chocolate-coated balls back on the parchment-lined tray and allow the chocolate to set. You can speed up this process by placing them in the refrigerator for a few minutes. Once the chocolate is firm, your delicious Weight Watchers Butterfinger Balls are ready to be enjoyed!
Creative Variations and Smart Substitutions for Your Butterfinger Balls
This recipe is wonderfully versatile! Feel free to experiment with these variations to customize your Weight Watchers Butterfinger balls to your liking, or to adapt them based on what you have on hand.
- Experiment with Candy Types: While Butterfinger is a classic, don’t hesitate to try other crushed candy bars! Consider using Heath Bar (toffee), Snickers (nougat, caramel, peanuts), or even crushed pretzels for an extra salty crunch. Remember that different candies may affect the overall WW points, and you might need to slightly adjust the amount of graham crumbs or sweetener to maintain the desired consistency of the mixture.
- Explore Chocolate Types: We recommend zero-sugar dark chocolate for lower points and a balanced flavor. However, if your points allow or if you prefer a different taste, feel free to use milk chocolate or white chocolate for decorating. Keep in mind that these options will likely increase the point value per serving.
- Real Powdered Sugar vs. Substitute: If you’re not strictly adhering to a sugar-free approach, you can certainly use regular powdered sugar. Simply use the same amount as specified in the recipe for the substitute. Just remember to update the recipe in your WW app’s recipe builder to accurately reflect the point changes.
- Natural Peanut Butter Considerations: While natural peanut butter is often seen as healthier, its consistency can vary significantly. If using natural peanut butter (especially the kind that separates), you might find the mixture slightly oilier or less cohesive. You may need to add a bit more low-fat graham crumbs or powdered sugar substitute to help the peanut butter balls hold their shape effectively.
- Creamy Butterfinger Balls with Cream Cheese: For a tangier and even creamier texture, replace half of the peanut butter with light cream cheese. This variation creates a delightful cheesecake-like element. Be aware that this version has a shorter shelf life and should be enjoyed within 5-7 days when refrigerated.
- Butterfinger Balls with Rice Krispies: For an exciting textural contrast, swap out a portion of the low-fat graham crumbs with Rice Krispies cereal. This adds a light, airy crispness that complements the rich peanut butter and crunchy Butterfinger pieces beautifully, offering a unique and satisfying bite.
- Nut Butter Alternatives: If you have a peanut allergy or prefer other flavors, feel free to substitute peanut butter with almond butter or cashew butter. Ensure to use reduced-fat or natural versions where possible and adjust the dry ingredients if the consistency differs.
- Adding Extracts: A dash of peppermint extract or almond extract can dramatically change the flavor profile. Add ½ teaspoon along with the vanilla extract for an interesting twist.
Expert Tips and Tricks for Perfect Weight Watchers Butterfinger Balls
Achieving perfectly delicious and presentable Butterfinger balls is easy with these helpful tips and tricks:
- Mastering Chocolate Melting: Ensure your chocolate is completely melted and smooth before you begin decorating. If the chocolate isn’t warm enough or has lumps, it will be very difficult to drizzle or dip the Butterfinger balls evenly. For best results, melt chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring vigorously after each, until it’s fluid. If it becomes too thick, a tiny bit of coconut oil (¼ teaspoon) can help thin it out, but remember to account for any added points.
- Portion Control and Sizing: You have full control over the size of your Butterfinger balls. If you wish to maintain the 4 WW points per serving, stick to the 1-tablespoon scoop recommendation. If you prefer a larger, more indulgent treat and are comfortable with a higher point value, simply make them bigger. Conversely, for a truly miniature, lower-point bite, use a smaller scoop. Just be sure to adjust your WW tracker accordingly.
- Importance of Chilling: Before you even think about decorating, make absolutely sure your Butterfinger balls are thoroughly chilled in the freezer. This step is critical because cold balls will help the melted chocolate set quickly and prevent the balls from softening and losing their shape when dipped.
- Make-Ahead Strategy: To streamline your prep, you can make the Butterfinger balls themselves and freeze them solid (without the chocolate coating) for up to several weeks. When you’re ready to serve, simply remove them from the freezer, melt your chocolate, and then dip or drizzle them for a fresh coating exterior. This is perfect for entertaining or when you want a fresh-looking dessert without all the last-minute work.
- Optimal Storage: Any leftover Weight Watchers Butterfinger balls should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will last for a surprisingly long 2-3 weeks, making them an excellent snack or dessert to have on hand for when cravings strike. For even longer storage, you can freeze the finished, chocolate-coated balls in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature for a few minutes before enjoying.
- Crushing Butterfinger Candies: For perfectly crushed candy, place the Butterfinger bars in a Ziploc bag, squeeze out excess air, and use a rolling pin or the flat side of a meat tenderizer to crush them into small, manageable pieces. Avoid turning them into a powder; you want distinct crunchy bits.
- Troubleshooting Sticky Mixture: If your peanut butter mixture is too sticky to roll, try chilling it in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes. A colder mixture is often easier to handle. If it’s still too soft, add a tiny bit more graham crumbs or powdered sugar substitute.
- Serving Suggestions: These Butterfinger balls are delicious on their own, but they also make a fantastic garnish for low-fat ice cream or yogurt, or can be arranged on a dessert platter with fresh berries for a vibrant presentation.
- Garnishing Ideas: Beyond the chocolate drizzle, consider a light sprinkle of sea salt flakes on top of the wet chocolate for an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal. You could also chop a tiny bit of extra Butterfinger and sprinkle it on top before the chocolate sets.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Weight Watchers Butterfinger Balls
Here are answers to some common questions you might have when making these delicious low-point treats:
- Can I make these Butterfinger balls vegan?
Yes, with a few substitutions! Ensure you use a plant-based peanut butter (most are already vegan). For the light butter substitute, opt for a vegan butter alternative. The Butterfinger candies themselves contain milk, so you would need to find a suitable vegan candy bar or use a different crunchy mix-in like crushed vegan pretzels or homemade toffee bits. Also, make sure your dark chocolate chips are dairy-free. - Are these Butterfinger balls gluten-free?
The original Butterfinger candy bars contain gluten. To make these gluten-free, you would need to use a certified gluten-free alternative to Butterfinger candy or choose a different gluten-free candy or crunchy mix-in (like gluten-free pretzels or toasted nuts). Additionally, ensure you use certified gluten-free graham cracker crumbs. Always check ingredient labels for hidden gluten. - What’s the best way to crush the Butterfinger candies?
The easiest and least messy way is to unwrap the Butterfinger bars, place them in a sturdy Ziploc bag, and seal it, pressing out as much air as possible. Then, use a rolling pin, a meat tenderizer, or the bottom of a heavy pan to gently but firmly crush the candy into small pieces. Aim for a mix of fine crumbs and small crunchy bits, not a powder. - My mixture is too sticky/crumbly, what should I do?
If the mixture is too sticky, it might be too warm or have too much liquid. Try chilling it in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes, which often makes it easier to handle. If it’s still sticky, add a tablespoon or two more of low-fat graham crumbs or powdered sugar substitute. If the mixture is too crumbly, it might be too dry. Add a very small amount (half a teaspoon at a time) of milk or water, mixing until it comes together. - Can I use a different nut butter?
Absolutely! Almond butter, cashew butter, or even sunflower seed butter (for nut allergies) can be used as a substitute for peanut butter. Keep in mind that the consistency and flavor will change. Natural nut butters might require a bit more graham crumbs to firm up due to their oil content. Always recalculate your WW points if you make significant substitutions.
More Delicious Low-Point Recipes to Explore
If you loved these Weight Watchers Butterfinger Balls, you’ll surely enjoy these other fantastic recipes from our collection:
Weight Watchers Chocolate Pumpkin Truffles – A perfect fall treat that’s rich and satisfying.
Peanut Butter Chocolate No-Bake Cookies – Another easy, no-bake option combining classic flavors.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Waffles – A delightful breakfast or brunch idea for chocolate and peanut butter lovers.
Butterfinger Balls
Ingredients
- 1 cup Reduced-fat or regular peanut butter
- 3 tbsp Light butter substitute
- 1 tsp Vanilla extract
- 3 oz Butterfinger candies, crushed
- ⅔ cup – 1 cup Powdered sugar substitute
- ¾ cup Low-fat graham crumbs
- 4.5 oz Zero-sugar chocolate chips or melting wafers
Instructions
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Using a handheld mixer, whip the peanut butter and butter substitute until smooth and fluffy.
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Add in the vanilla, crushed Butterfinger, and the graham cracker crumbs, then gently mix in the powdered sugar replacement until it reaches a consistency that you can form into balls. Give it a taste test, and if you would like to add more powdered sugar, you can add a splash of milk or water to help the mixture come together.
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Using a 1 tablespoon scoop, measure out 25 Butterfinger balls and shape them into spheres. Place them on a sheet tray with parchment paper.
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Freeze the Butterfinger balls for 15-30 minutes.
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Before removing the Butterfinger balls from the freezer, melt the chocolate in the microwave in increments until smooth.
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Drizzle or dip the Butterfinger balls with the chocolate. I found it easier just to decorate the tops of them, but you can decorate them however you would like. Just keep in mind to evenly distribute the chocolate (you don’t want to run out of it).
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Allow the chocolate to set and enjoy.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation. If precise nutritional values are critical for your dietary needs, please consult a registered dietitian or use a trusted nutritional analysis tool with the exact ingredients you use.