Butterfinger Chocolate Cupcakes: A Crunchy, Chocolatey Delight

Who can resist the perfect combination of rich chocolate and the irresistible crunch of Butterfinger candy? These Butterfinger Chocolate Cupcakes are the ultimate indulgence, featuring moist chocolate cupcakes filled with creamy peanut butter frosting and topped with crushed Butterfinger pieces for an extra crunch. Whether you’re making them for a party, a bake sale, or just because you love chocolate and peanut butter together, these cupcakes are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Butterfinger candy bars, known for their crisp, peanut-buttery layers coated in chocolate, add a delightful texture and a unique caramelized peanut flavor to these cupcakes. The balance of the deep cocoa flavor with the sweet and slightly salty Butterfinger makes for an unforgettable bite. Plus, they’re easy to make and fun to decorate!

Let’s dive into this delicious recipe and create cupcakes that will disappear within minutes of serving.

Ingredients

IngredientQuantity
For the Chocolate Cupcakes
All-purpose flour1 ¼ cups
Unsweetened cocoa powder½ cup
Granulated sugar1 cup
Brown sugar½ cup
Baking soda1 teaspoon
Baking powder½ teaspoon
Salt½ teaspoon
Eggs2 large
Whole milk½ cup
Vegetable oil½ cup
Vanilla extract2 teaspoons
Hot coffee (or hot water)½ cup

| For the Peanut Butter Frosting | |
| Unsalted butter, softened | ½ cup (1 stick) |
| Creamy peanut butter | 1 cup |
| Powdered sugar | 2 cups |
| Heavy cream or milk | 3 tablespoons |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |

| For Topping | |
| Butterfinger candy bars, crushed | 3 large |
| Chocolate drizzle (optional) | As needed |

Ingredient Notes:

  • Using hot coffee enhances the depth of the chocolate flavor in the cupcakes, but if you prefer, you can substitute it with hot water.
  • Make sure the Butterfinger bars are crushed into small pieces, but not too fine—you want some crunchy texture!
  • If you prefer a stronger peanut butter taste, you can use an extra ¼ cup of peanut butter in the frosting.
Butterfinger chocolate cupcake with caramel drizzle and a coffee pairing

Equipment Needed

  • Muffin tin
  • Cupcake liners
  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer or hand whisk
  • Sifter (for dry ingredients)
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Spatula
  • Piping bag with frosting tip (optional)

Using a muffin tin and cupcake liners ensures uniform baking and easy removal. An electric mixer will help achieve a fluffy, well-incorporated batter and a smooth frosting.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chocolate Cupcake Batter

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
  2. In a large bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In another bowl, whisk together the sugars, eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  4. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
  5. Add the hot coffee (or hot water) and stir gently. The batter will be thin—this is normal!
  6. Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling them about ⅔ full.

Step 2: Bake the Cupcakes

  1. Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  2. Remove from the oven and let the cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 3: Make the Peanut Butter Frosting

  1. In a mixing bowl, beat the butter and peanut butter together until smooth and creamy.
  2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing on low speed until combined.
  3. Pour in the vanilla extract and heavy cream and beat on medium-high speed until fluffy. Adjust the consistency by adding more cream if needed.

Step 4: Assemble and Decorate

  1. Once the cupcakes are completely cooled, use a piping bag (or a spatula) to frost them with the peanut butter frosting.
  2. Sprinkle generously with crushed Butterfinger pieces.
  3. (Optional) Drizzle melted chocolate over the top for an extra touch of indulgence.

Tips and Variations

  • Make it extra chocolatey: Add chocolate chips to the batter for an extra rich texture.
  • For a stronger peanut butter flavor: Add a swirl of peanut butter into the cupcake batter before baking.
  • Butterfinger-infused frosting: Mix some crushed Butterfinger into the frosting for added crunch.
  • Gluten-free option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
  • Vegan option: Use dairy-free butter, plant-based milk, and flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water per egg).

Serving Suggestions

  • Arrange the cupcakes on a cake stand or dessert platter with extra crushed Butterfinger sprinkled around.
  • Serve with a cold glass of milk, hot coffee, or a peanut butter milkshake for an ultra-indulgent pairing.
  • Add a small piece of Butterfinger on top of each cupcake for an elegant touch.
Chocolate Butterfinger cupcake with a luscious peanut butter frosting and golden lighting

Pairings

  • Milkshakes: A classic chocolate or peanut butter milkshake enhances the flavors beautifully.
  • Coffee: The richness of espresso or a caramel latte pairs perfectly with the cupcakes.
  • Dessert Wine: Try a Tawny Port or chocolate-infused wine for a decadent treat.

Storage and Reheating

  • Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
  • Refrigerator: Keep in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Let them come to room temperature before eating.
  • Freezer: Unfrosted cupcakes can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw and frost before serving.

Nutritional Information (Per cupcake, approximate)

  • Calories: 350
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fat: 18g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Sugar: 32g
  • Sodium: 220mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation.

Conclusion

Butterfinger Chocolate Cupcakes are the ultimate treat for anyone who loves the irresistible combination of chocolate and peanut butter. The rich, moist chocolate cupcakes paired with the creamy peanut butter frosting create a perfect balance of flavors, while the crunchy Butterfinger topping adds an exciting texture in every bite. Whether you’re making these for a birthday party, a bake sale, or simply to satisfy a sweet craving, they are guaranteed to impress. Plus, with easy-to-follow steps and simple ingredients, this recipe is a great choice for both beginner and experienced bakers.

If you’re looking to elevate your cupcake game, feel free to experiment with different variations—add extra chocolate chips, swirl peanut butter into the batter, or try a drizzle of caramel on top. No matter how you customize them, these cupcakes will always be a crowd-pleaser. Give this recipe a try, and don’t forget to share your results! Let us know in the comments how they turned out, or tag us on social media with your delicious creations. Happy baking!

Butterfinger Chocolate Cupcakes: A Crunchy, Chocolatey Delight

Recipe by Abdul Kader
Servings

12

cupcakes
Prep time

20

minutes
Cooking time

20

minutes
Total time

40

minutes

Ingredients

  • For the Cupcakes:
  • 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour

  • ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

  • 1 cup granulated sugar

  • ½ cup brown sugar

  • 1 tsp baking soda

  • ½ tsp baking powder

  • ½ tsp salt

  • 2 large eggs

  • ½ cup whole milk

  • ½ cup vegetable oil

  • 2 tsp vanilla extract

  • ½ cup hot coffee (or hot water)

  • For the Peanut Butter Frosting:
  • ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)

  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter

  • 2 cups powdered sugar

  • 3 tbsp heavy cream (or milk)

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

  • For Topping:
  • 3 large Butterfinger candy bars (crushed)

  • Chocolate drizzle (optional)

Directions

  • Preheat oven and prepare muffin tin.
  • Make cupcake batter and bake.
  • Make cupcake batter and bake.
  • Frost and decorate with crushed Butterfinger.

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