If you’re searching for a delightfully crunchy and irresistibly sweet treat that’s 100% plant-based, look no further than this Vegan Butterfingers Recipe. It’s a nostalgic snack that perfectly balances the buttery peanut flavor with the satisfying crisp of cornflakes, all coated in luscious vegan chocolate. Whether you’re vegan, have dietary restrictions, or just love discovering new homemade candy, this recipe will quickly become your new favorite indulgence. Plus, it’s surprisingly simple to make with ingredients you probably already have at home!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Vegan Butterfingers Recipe plays a crucial role, from creating the classic crunchy texture to delivering deep, rich flavors. The simplicity of each component makes this recipe accessible and the results nothing short of sensational.
- Vegan cornflakes (42 g): Provides the signature crunch and light texture that mimics traditional Butterfingers.
- Organic caster sugar (170 g): Adds sweetness and helps achieve that perfect caramelized honeycomb base.
- Golden syrup (100 g): A key ingredient for a chewy, buttery richness that binds everything beautifully.
- Water (50 ml): Helps dissolve the sugar and blend ingredients smoothly for that perfect syrup consistency.
- Baking soda (7.5 g): Creates delightful bubbling in the syrup, giving the candy its light, airy texture.
- Vanilla extract (5 ml): Adds warmth and depth, enhancing the overall flavor.
- Smooth peanut butter (260 g): Brings signature nutty, creamy flavor that defines a Butterfinger.
- Vegan chocolate (250 g): The final indulgent coating that makes every bite melt-in-your-mouth amazing.
How to Make Vegan Butterfingers Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Space and Equipment
Before diving in, make sure you have everything measured and ready because the honeycomb stage moves fast. Line an 8-inch square pan with parchment paper and set aside—it’s important to have this prepared early to press the mixture into shape quickly when it’s ready.
Step 2: Crush the Cornflakes
Add the vegan cornflakes to a food processor and blitz until you get a medium-fine crumb. This step is essential for creating that delightful crunch without overwhelming the candy with big flakes.
Step 3: Make the Sugar Syrup
In a medium-large saucepan, combine the sugar, golden syrup, and water. Stir gently over medium heat until the sugar completely dissolves. Then, stop stirring to avoid crystallization, and increase the heat to medium-high. Use a candy thermometer and patiently wait for the mixture to reach 149°C (300°F). This temperature is the secret to the right crunchy, crackly texture.
Step 4: Prepare the Peanut Butter Mixture
While your syrup heats, gently warm the smooth peanut butter in a bowl over a double boiler until it’s silky smooth. Then fold in the crushed cornflakes, blending the two evenly for that perfect base.
Step 5: Mix Baking Soda and Vanilla
In a small bowl, combine the baking soda and vanilla extract. Have this mixture ready to add to the syrup as soon as it reaches temperature for that signature airy lift.
Step 6: Combine Syrup and Peanut Butter Base
When the syrup hits 149°C, carefully whisk in the baking soda-vanilla mixture—watch as it bubbles up delightfully! Immediately pour this into the peanut butter and cornflake mixture, folding gently just until combined. Avoid over-mixing to keep the light texture intact.
Step 7: Press and Set
Transfer the mixture to your lined pan and press it evenly with a spatula or the bottom of a flat glass. Let it rest at room temperature for about two hours until completely set and firm enough to cut.
Step 8: Cut and Coat in Chocolate
Remove the set candy from the pan and carefully slice into bars using a sharp knife. Melt the vegan chocolate over a double boiler, then dip each bar using two forks, ensuring an even chocolate coating. Place on parchment paper to cool and set for 1–2 hours.
How to Serve Vegan Butterfingers Recipe
Garnishes
Though the classic Vegan Butterfingers Recipe shines on its own, you might love adding a sprinkle of crushed peanuts or sea salt flakes over the chocolate coating just before it sets. These simple garnishes enhance texture and bring out the nutty, sweet contrast perfectly.
Side Dishes
Serve these bars alongside a steaming cup of coffee or a creamy plant-based milk for an indulgent tea-time treat. For parties, an assortment of fresh fruit and nuts alongside the butterfingers can balance sweetness while giving your guests options.
Creative Ways to Present
Wrap each bar in parchment paper tied with a colored string for beautiful gifting. Alternatively, serve chopped Vegan Butterfingers over dairy-free ice cream to add crunch and a peanut butter-chocolate explosion that’s hard to resist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These bars don’t appreciate heat, cold, or moisture, so store your leftover Vegan Butterfingers Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature. Kept well, they’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to two weeks—if they last that long!
Freezing
You can freeze uncoated bars wrapped tightly in parchment and foil for up to a month. When ready, thaw completely before dipping in chocolate to preserve that perfect texture and flavor integrity.
Reheating
Since these bars are best enjoyed at room temperature, avoid microwaving or heating. If you want the chocolate to soften, allow bars to sit at room temp for 15-20 minutes rather than applying direct heat.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of smooth?
While you could, smooth peanut butter works best for a creamy base that binds perfectly with the crushed cornflakes. Crunchy peanut butter might affect the texture and make the bars a bit harder to slice cleanly.
What can I substitute for golden syrup?
If golden syrup isn’t available, light corn syrup or a mix of maple syrup and a bit of sugar can work in a pinch, but the flavor and texture may be slightly different. Golden syrup provides that perfect buttery sweetness that is hard to replicate exactly.
Is it necessary to use a candy thermometer?
Yes, for best results a candy thermometer ensures your sugar syrup reaches the precise hard crack stage at 149°C, which is essential for that iconic Butterfinger crunch. Without one, it’s easy to under- or overcook the syrup, affecting texture.
Can I make smaller or larger batches of this recipe?
Absolutely! Just keep the same ingredient ratios. However, be aware that cooking times, especially heating the syrup, might vary, so watch the thermometer carefully regardless of batch size.
Are there any tips to avoid the sugar crystallizing?
Once the sugar has dissolved, it’s crucial to stop stirring to prevent crystallization. Instead, just gently swirl the pan if needed. Also, make sure your utensils and pot are super clean before starting to help prevent any sugar crystals from forming prematurely.
Final Thoughts
Making your own Vegan Butterfingers Recipe is such a rewarding experience that blends nostalgia with vibrant plant-based goodness. The unbeatable crunch paired with creamy peanut butter and glossy vegan chocolate will have you reaching for seconds before you know it. Give this recipe a try—you’ll love sharing it with friends and savoring every bite yourself!
Print
Vegan Butterfingers Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This Vegan Butterfingers recipe creates deliciously crunchy, peanut buttery bars coated in rich vegan chocolate. Made with simple ingredients like crushed vegan cornflakes, smooth peanut butter, and a homemade caramelized sugar syrup, these bars replicate the classic Butterfinger candy in a completely plant-based form. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth with a homemade treat free from dairy and eggs.
Ingredients
Base
- 42 g vegan cornflakes
- 260 g smooth peanut butter
Syrup
- 170 g organic caster sugar
- 100 g golden syrup
- 50 ml water
- 7.5 g baking soda
- 5 ml vanilla extract
Chocolate Coating
- 250 g vegan chocolate
Instructions
- Prepare Equipment and Ingredients: Ensure all equipment is ready and ingredients are measured because you will need to work quickly once the honeycomb mixture is prepared.
- Line Baking Pan: Line an 8-inch square pan with parchment paper and set aside for easy removal of the final bars.
- Crush Cornflakes: Place the cornflakes in a food processor and blitz for a couple of minutes until they become a medium-fine crumb.
- Make Sugar Syrup: In a medium to large saucepan, combine sugar, golden syrup, and water. Heat over medium and stir with a wooden spoon until the sugar dissolves. Stop stirring to prevent crystallization.
- Heat Syrup to Hard Crack Stage: Increase heat to medium-high. Use a candy thermometer to monitor the syrup’s temperature until it reaches 149°C (300°F), which takes about 15 minutes.
- Warm Peanut Butter: Place peanut butter in a heat-resistant bowl over a double boiler. Whisk until smooth, then stir in the crushed cornflakes gently.
- Mix Baking Soda and Vanilla: Combine baking soda and vanilla extract in a small bowl.
- Add Baking Soda Mixture to Syrup: When syrup reaches 149°C, quickly whisk in the baking soda-vanilla mixture—be careful as it will bubble vigorously and is extremely hot.
- Combine Syrup with Peanut Butter Mixture: Pour the syrup mixture into the peanut butter and cornflake mixture and fold gently until incorporated, avoiding over mixing to maintain the texture.
- Set Mixture in Pan: Transfer the combined mixture into the lined baking pan, pressing evenly to the edges and smoothing the top. Let set at room temperature for 2 hours.
- Slice Bars: Once fully set, remove the slab from the pan and carefully cut into bars using a sharp knife.
- Coat with Chocolate: Melt vegan chocolate over a double boiler. Dip each bar using two forks into the melted chocolate to coat the bars thoroughly, then place them on parchment paper to set for 1-2 hours.
- Store Properly: Store the finished bars in an airtight container at room temperature away from heat, cold, or moisture. They will keep fresh for up to two weeks.
Notes
- Golden syrup can be substituted with light corn syrup or a mild maple syrup, though flavor and texture may slightly change.
- Ensure you have a candy thermometer for accurate syrup temperature, which is key for achieving the perfect crunchy texture.
- Work quickly when combining the hot syrup with baking soda to capture the right aeration and lightness characteristic of honeycomb.
- Use a sharp knife and gentle pressure when cutting bars to prevent crumbling.
- Keep bars at room temperature and store them away from humidity for best results.
