Print

Butterfinger Cupcakes Recipe

4.6 from 115 reviews

Delight in these indulgent Butterfinger Cupcakes featuring moist peanut butter cupcakes filled with crushed Butterfinger candy, topped with rich chocolate ganache and creamy peanut butter frosting with a Butterfinger crunch. Perfect for peanut butter and chocolate lovers seeking a decadent treat.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Peanut Butter Cupcakes:

  • ½ cup sugar
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
  • ½ cup creamy peanut butter
  • ¼ cup sour cream, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 large egg whites, room temperature
  • 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 6 tablespoons milk, room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons water, room temperature
  • ½ cup crushed Butterfingers

For the Chocolate Ganache:

  • 5 ounces semi sweet chocolate chips
  • 6 tablespoons heavy whipping cream

For the Peanut Butter Frosting:

  • ½ cup salted butter
  • ½ cup peanut butter
  • ¼ cup shortening (or substitute additional butter)
  • 3 ½ cups powdered sugar
  • 34 tablespoons water or milk
  • ¾ cup crushed Butterfingers

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat oven to 350°F (176°C) and line a cupcake pan with cupcake liners to ensure easy removal after baking.
  2. Mix Sugars and Fats: In a large bowl, beat together the sugar, brown sugar, unsalted butter, and creamy peanut butter on medium speed using an electric mixer until light in color and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. This aeration is key to light cupcakes.
  3. Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in sour cream and vanilla extract until fully combined, creating a smooth base for the batter.
  4. Incorporate Egg Whites: Add egg whites in two additions, mixing well after each, and scrape down the bowl sides to ensure an even mixture without lumps.
  5. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt to distribute the leavening agents evenly.
  6. Add Dry and Liquid Mixes: Add half of the dry ingredients to the batter and mix, then add the milk and water mixture, followed by the remaining dry ingredients. Mix each addition thoroughly and scrape the bowl sides as needed.
  7. Fold in Butterfingers: Stir in crushed Butterfingers gently to evenly distribute the candy bits throughout the batter.
  8. Fill and Bake: Fill cupcake liners halfway with batter and bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
  9. Cool Cupcakes: Let cupcakes cool in the pan for 2-3 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  10. Prepare Ganache: Place chocolate chips in a medium bowl. Microwave heavy cream until almost boiling, pour over chocolate, cover with plastic wrap, let sit 3-4 minutes, then whisk until smooth. Allow ganache to cool and thicken slightly.
  11. Make Frosting: Beat salted butter, peanut butter, and shortening together until smooth. Gradually add half the powdered sugar and mix well. Add 2-3 tablespoons of water or milk, then the remaining powdered sugar, mixing until smooth. Adjust consistency with more liquid as needed. Fold in the crushed Butterfingers.
  12. Assemble Cupcakes: Spread a layer of chocolate ganache over each cupcake top. Using a piping bag fitted with a large round tip, pipe the peanut butter frosting over the ganache.
  13. Garnish: Top each cupcake with additional crushed Butterfingers and optionally a small piece of Butterfinger candy for decoration and extra crunch.

Notes

  • Room temperature ingredients help blend the batter smoothly for a better texture.
  • Do not skip the extended mixing of butter and sugars; it contributes to fluffy cupcakes.
  • Adjust frosting consistency with milk or water to get the ideal piping texture.
  • Butterfingers can be crushed by placing them in a sealed plastic bag and gently pounding with a rolling pin.
  • Store cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.

Keywords: Butterfinger cupcakes, peanut butter cupcakes, chocolate ganache, peanut butter frosting, candy cupcakes, dessert, homemade cupcakes