Healthy Homemade Butterfingers Candy (Printable version)
Crunchy peanut butter cornflake bars coated in dark chocolate — a lighter take on the classic candy.
# Ingredient list:
→ Peanut Butter Crunch Layer
01 - 1 cup natural creamy peanut butter
02 - 1/2 cup pure maple syrup or honey
03 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
04 - 2 cups cornflakes (use certified gluten-free if needed), lightly crushed
05 - Pinch of sea salt
→ Chocolate Coating
06 - 1 1/2 cups dark chocolate chips (use dairy-free if needed)
07 - 1 tablespoon coconut oil
# Directions:
01 - Line an 8x8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, allowing the edges to overhang for easy removal.
02 - In a saucepan over medium-low heat, combine the peanut butter and maple syrup. Stir continuously until smooth and warmed through, about 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and sea salt.
03 - Gently fold the lightly crushed cornflakes into the peanut butter mixture until every piece is evenly coated.
04 - Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly, pressing it flat with a spatula. Place the dish in the freezer for 20 to 30 minutes until the layer is firm.
05 - Remove the firm peanut butter crunch slab from the pan using the parchment overhang. Cut into 16 even bars using a sharp knife.
06 - Combine the dark chocolate chips and coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until completely smooth. Alternatively, melt over a double boiler.
07 - Dip each bar into the melted chocolate, turning to coat all sides evenly. Place each coated bar onto a parchment-lined tray.
08 - Refrigerate the coated bars for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the chocolate shell is fully set and firm to the touch.
09 - Transfer the bars to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- You get that unmistakable flaky peanut butter crunch without the mysterious additives hiding in store-bought candy bars.
- The whole thing comes together in about thirty minutes of active time, which means you can satisfy a candy craving faster than running to the store.
02 -
- Do not skip the coconut oil in the chocolate, because without it the coating will be thick and stubborn instead of thin and snappy.
- These bars soften quickly at room temperature due to the natural peanut butter, so keep them chilled until right before serving.
03 -
- Crush the cornflakes in a zip-top bag with your hands rather than a rolling pin, because overly fine crumbs will make the texture dense instead of light and flaky.
- Let the dipped bars sit at room temperature for about two minutes before eating so the peanut butter layer softens slightly and you get the perfect bite.