Oh my goodness, let me tell you about the sheer joy of making fudge! There’s something so magical about melting chocolate and transforming it into a creamy, dreamy treat that melts in your mouth. This *Butterfinger fudge* is a total game-changer, with its rich chocolate flavor and those delightful crunchy bits of Butterfinger candy mixed in. It takes me back to my childhood when my mom and I would whip up batches of fudge for the holidays. I’ve made countless desserts over the years, but this one always brings a smile to my face. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients for Butterfinger Fudge
- 2 cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips – these are your fudge’s base, providing that rich, chocolatey goodness.
- 1 cup of sweetened condensed milk – this is the secret to making the fudge creamy and smooth, so don’t skip it!
- 1 cup of crushed Butterfinger bars – the star of the show! These add a delightful crunch and a hint of peanut butter flavor.
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract – this elevates the overall flavor, giving it that extra warmth and depth.
How to Prepare Butterfinger Fudge
Getting this *Butterfinger fudge* ready is super simple and oh-so-rewarding! Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious treat in no time.
Step 1: Prepare the Pan
First things first, line an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper. This step is crucial because it prevents the fudge from sticking and makes it a breeze to lift out once it’s set. Just make sure the paper hangs over the edges a bit—trust me, it’ll make cutting into squares way easier later on!
Step 2: Melt the Chocolate
Now, grab a saucepan and combine those glorious chocolate chips with the sweetened condensed milk over medium heat. Stir constantly until the chocolate melts and the mixture becomes smooth and glossy. Be careful not to crank the heat up too high—burnt chocolate is a sad fate, and we want that rich, creamy texture!
Step 3: Mix in Flavor
Once your chocolate mixture is silky smooth, remove it from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and crushed Butterfinger bars. Make sure everything is mixed well—those crunchy bits of Butterfinger really need to be evenly distributed to give you that delightful crunch in every bite!
Step 4: Set the Fudge
Now, pour your scrumptious fudge mixture into the prepared pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly. Then, pop it in the refrigerator for about 2 hours until it’s firm. This step is super important—don’t skip it! It ensures your fudge sets properly and is easy to cut into those perfect squares. You’ll be ready to indulge in no time!
Tips for Success with Butterfinger Fudge
Alright, friends! Here are my top tips to ensure your *Butterfinger fudge* comes out perfectly every single time. Trust me, these little nuggets of wisdom can make all the difference!
- Keep it Smooth: Stir the chocolate mixture constantly while melting. This helps achieve that silky-smooth texture we’re after. If it looks grainy or lumpy, it’s not going to be pretty, so keep stirring!
- Low and Slow: Medium heat is your best friend here. If you crank it up too high, you risk burning the chocolate. Nobody wants that! Just be patient and let it melt slowly.
- Even Distribution: When you mix in those crushed Butterfinger bars, make sure they’re well incorporated. You want that delicious peanut butter crunch in every single bite, right?
- Chill Time is Key: Don’t rush the refrigeration! Letting the fudge set for the full 2 hours means you’ll get clean, neat squares when you cut into it. Plus, the longer it chills, the firmer and more flavorful it becomes.
- Use Quality Ingredients: The better the chocolate and Butterfinger bars, the better your fudge will taste. So splurge a bit on good-quality chocolate chips—you won’t regret it!
Following these tips will have you whipping up fudge like a pro in no time. So, let’s get to it and make some decadent, creamy goodness!
Variations of Butterfinger Fudge
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to mix things up with this *Butterfinger fudge*! For a sweeter twist, try using milk chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate—it’s like a candy bar in fudge form! You can also add some chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for an extra crunch and depth of flavor. Want a bit of flair? Swirl in a bit of peanut butter or even some caramel sauce before it sets. The possibilities are endless, and each variation brings a new delightful twist to this already amazing treat. Enjoy experimenting!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your *Butterfinger fudge* properly will keep it fresh and delicious! Once your fudge has set and you’ve cut it into those perfectly squared pieces, simply place them in an airtight container. I like to layer parchment paper between the layers of fudge to prevent them from sticking together—this little trick works wonders!
Now, if you store it in the fridge, your fudge will last for about a week. Trust me, it’s so rich and satisfying that it probably won’t even last that long! If you want to keep it for a longer period, you can freeze it. Just wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and then pop them into a freezer-safe bag or container. This way, you can enjoy your fudge for up to 2 months!
No need to reheat the fudge; it’s best enjoyed cold straight from the fridge! Just take it out, let it sit for a minute, and then indulge in that creamy, dreamy goodness. Enjoy every bite!
Estimated Nutritional Information for Butterfinger Fudge
Now, let’s talk about the estimated nutritional information for this *Butterfinger fudge*! Here’s a breakdown per serving, which is about one square of this delightful treat:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
- Sodium: 30mg
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 15g
- Protein: 2g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific brands of ingredients you use. So, enjoy your fudge guilt-free, and remember, it’s all about balance in life! Happy indulging!
FAQ About Butterfinger Fudge
How do I prevent my fudge from being too soft?
To avoid soft fudge, make sure to refrigerate it for the full 2 hours after mixing. If your fudge is still soft after chilling, it may need a bit more time to set in the fridge. If it’s too warm when you pour it into the pan, that can also lead to softness. Just be patient and let it cool completely!
What if my fudge turns out too hard?
If your fudge is too hard, it might be due to cooking it too long or using too much chocolate compared to the condensed milk. To fix it, you can try to melt it down again with a bit more sweetened condensed milk and then pour it back into the pan to set. Just be careful to monitor the heat this time!
Can I use other types of chocolate?
Absolutely! While I love the rich flavor of semi-sweet chocolate, you can definitely use milk chocolate for a sweeter fudge or even dark chocolate for a more intense taste. Just keep in mind that different chocolates will impact the flavor and texture, so choose what you love best!
How should I cut the fudge?
For clean cuts, I recommend using a sharp knife and warming it slightly under hot water before slicing. Wipe the knife clean between cuts to keep those edges sharp and your squares looking great! This helps prevent the fudge from sticking to the knife, giving you those perfect little pieces.
Can I add other mix-ins?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative! You can mix in nuts, dried fruit, or even swirl in some peanut butter for an extra treat. Just make sure that whatever you add is chopped small enough so that it mixes in well. Have fun experimenting!
Butterfinger Fudge: 5 Steps to Heavenly Indulgence
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 16 squares 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A rich and creamy fudge made with Butterfinger candy bars.
Ingredients
- 2 cups of chocolate chips
- 1 cup of sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup of crushed Butterfinger bars
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
Instructions
- Line an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper.
- In a saucepan, combine chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk over medium heat.
- Stir until the chocolate is melted and smooth.
- Remove from heat and mix in vanilla extract and crushed Butterfinger bars.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Refrigerate for 2 hours until firm.
- Cut into squares and serve.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Can substitute semi-sweet chocolate with milk chocolate for a sweeter taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: butterfinger fudge, dessert, chocolate fudge
