If you are looking for an irresistibly sweet treat that combines crunchy texture with smooth, creamy flavors, the Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Mini Pies Recipe is your next dessert obsession. These adorable mini pies perfectly balance the rich, buttery graham cracker crust with luscious caramel sauce, velvety whipped cream cheese filling, and the iconic crunch of Butterfinger candy. Whether you’re serving them at a party or just craving a delightful indulgence, this recipe is guaranteed to bring smiles and satisfaction with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step toward creating these delightful mini pies. Each component is simple but essential, working together to deliver layers of flavor, contrasting textures, and beautiful colors that make the dish so memorable.
- Mini graham cracker pie crusts: Provide a sturdy yet crumbly base that holds all the delicious fillings together.
- Caramel sauce (1 cup): Adds a rich, buttery sweetness that complements the crunch of the candy.
- Butterfinger candy bars, crushed (1 cup): The signature crunchy and peanut buttery texture that gives this recipe its unique identity.
- Whipped cream cheese (1/2 cup, softened): Creates a creamy, slightly tangy filling that balances the sweetness perfectly.
- Powdered sugar (1/4 cup): Sweetens the cream cheese filling without graininess, ensuring a smooth texture.
- Heavy cream (1/2 cup): Whipped into soft peaks to provide lightness and fluffiness to the filling.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Small but mighty, it enhances all the flavors and adds a warm aroma.
- Chocolate chips (1/4 cup, optional): For a chocolate drizzle that adds a lovely contrast in taste and appearance.
- Additional crushed Butterfinger: Perfect for garnishing and adding that extra crunch on top.
How to Make Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Mini Pies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Whipped Cream Cheese Filling
Start by beating the softened whipped cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This base will give the pies a delightful tang that works in harmony with the sweet caramel and crunchy candy.
Step 2: Whip the Heavy Cream
Slowly add the heavy cream to your cream cheese mixture while continuing to beat. Keep going until you reach soft peaks, creating a texture similar to whipped cream that will melt delightfully on your tongue.
Step 3: Fold in the Crushed Butterfinger Candy
Gently fold in the crushed Butterfinger pieces, reserving a handful for topping. This fold is crucial for maintaining crunchiness while integrating the candy evenly into the filling without overmixing.
Step 4: Fill the Mini Pie Crusts
Take your mini graham cracker pie crusts and carefully spoon or pipe the luscious whipped mixture into each one, smoothing the tops with a spatula or the back of a spoon. The presentation starts here and sets the stage for the next steps.
Step 5: Drizzle with Caramel Sauce
Pour a generous spoonful of caramel sauce over each mini pie. The caramel not only adds richness but also forms a beautiful glossy top that invites you in.
Step 6: Add Optional Chocolate Drizzle
If you’re feeling extra indulgent, melt the chocolate chips and drizzle the silky chocolate over your pies for that divine finishing touch. The chocolate adds depth and makes them even more irresistible.
Step 7: Garnish with Crushed Butterfinger
Sprinkle the reserved Butterfinger pieces on top to enhance the crunch and give a hint of what’s inside. The garnishing step adds texture contrast and a pretty look that will wow your guests.
Step 8: Chill Before Serving
Refrigerate the pies for at least one hour to let the flavors meld and the filling set properly. This wait time is well worth it to experience the full texture and taste combination.
How to Serve Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Mini Pies Recipe
Garnishes
Beyond the crushed Butterfinger topping, you can add a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt to complement the caramel’s sweetness. A few chocolate shavings also bring a sophisticated touch that makes the pies look as good as they taste.
Side Dishes
These mini pies shine on their own but pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a simple mixed berry salad. The fruit offers a refreshing break from the richness, balancing the overall dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these tiny treasures on a pretty dessert platter with parchment paper doilies or in individual glass cups for a layered effect. You could also place them on stick pops to create Butterfinger caramel crunch mini pie pops, perfect for parties and easy to share.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Mini Pies in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They maintain their texture and flavor beautifully for up to three days, making them a perfect make-ahead dessert for busy days.
Freezing
If you want to prepare in advance, you can freeze the unfilled pie crusts or even the filled pies before chilling. Be sure to wrap them well with plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They keep well frozen for up to one month.
Reheating
Since these mini pies are best served chilled, reheating isn’t recommended. Instead, simply thaw frozen pies in the refrigerator overnight and serve cold for the perfect creamy, crunchy texture.
FAQs
Can I use regular pie crust instead of mini graham cracker crusts?
Absolutely! Regular pie crust cut into smaller portions works just fine. Just keep in mind that the graham cracker crust adds a bit of extra crunch and sweetness ideal for this dessert.
Is it necessary to whip the heavy cream to soft peaks?
Yes, whipping the heavy cream to soft peaks gives the filling a light, airy texture that balances the richness of the cream cheese and caramel. Over or under-whipping may affect the final texture.
Can I make caramel sauce from scratch for this recipe?
Definitely! Homemade caramel sauce adds a wonderful depth of flavor, but store-bought caramel is a great shortcut that still tastes fantastic and saves you time.
How long can I keep the mini pies chilled before serving?
For the best flavor and texture, chill the mini pies for at least one hour, but they can stay refrigerated for up to three days without losing quality.
What makes the crushed Butterfinger candy bars special in this recipe?
The Butterfinger pieces provide a crispy, peanut buttery crunch that contrasts beautifully with the silky filling and smooth caramel, making this recipe uniquely delicious.
Final Thoughts
Once you try the Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Mini Pies Recipe, it’s hard to go back to ordinary desserts. These little pies pack so much flavor and texture into every bite that they quickly become a favorite for any occasion. I encourage you to give this recipe a whirl—you’ll love sharing this sweet, crunchy creation with friends and family as much as everyone loves eating them.
Print
Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Mini Pies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 mini pies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Mini Pies are a delightful no-bake dessert featuring a creamy whipped cream cheese filling studded with crunchy Butterfinger candy pieces. Nestled in mini graham cracker crusts and topped with luscious caramel sauce and optional chocolate drizzle, these bite-sized treats offer a perfect combination of creamy, crunchy, and sweet flavors. Easy to assemble and chill, they make an irresistible treat for parties or any occasion.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 package mini graham cracker pie crusts (or regular pie crusts, cut into smaller portions)
Filling
- 1/2 cup whipped cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup Butterfinger candy bars, crushed
Toppings
- 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips (optional, for drizzling)
- Additional crushed Butterfinger for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened whipped cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until the mixture is smooth and creamy, forming a perfect base for the filling.
- Whip the Heavy Cream: Slowly add the heavy cream to the cream cheese mixture while continuing to beat. Keep mixing until soft peaks form, resulting in a light and fluffy whipped cream texture.
- Fold in Butterfinger Pieces: Gently fold the crushed Butterfinger candy bars into the whipped cream mixture, reserving a few pieces for the garnish on top of the pies.
- Fill the Pie Crusts: Carefully spoon or pipe the whipped filling into the mini graham cracker crusts, smoothing the top with a spoon or spatula for a clean finish.
- Add Caramel Sauce: Drizzle a generous amount of caramel sauce over each mini pie to impart richness and sweetness.
- Optional Chocolate Drizzle: Melt the chocolate chips and drizzle the melted chocolate over the pies for an extra layer of indulgence, if desired.
- Garnish: Sprinkle the remaining crushed Butterfinger pieces on top of each pie to add crunch and decorative appeal.
- Chill and Set: Place the mini pies in the refrigerator and chill for at least 1 hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the filling to firm up for the best texture and taste.
Notes
- You can use store-bought caramel sauce or make homemade caramel for a richer flavor.
- To crush Butterfinger bars, place them in a sealed plastic bag and gently crush with a rolling pin.
- If you prefer, regular-sized pie crust can be cut into smaller pieces to substitute the mini graham cracker crusts.
- Optional melted chocolate drizzle adds a nice touch, but pies are delicious without it.
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened to ensure a smooth filling without lumps.
- These mini pies are best served chilled and can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
