Butterfinger Dessert
Indulge in this delightful Butterfinger Dessert, a layered treat that combines the crunch of crackers with the creaminess of vanilla ice cream and pudding. Perfect for parties or family gatherings, this dessert is a sweet homage to the iconic candy bar, making it a hit with both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine graham cracker crumbs and saltine cracker crumbs with melted margarine.
- Mix well until combined.
- Put 2/3 of the mixture in the bottom of a greased 9 x 13-inch pan.
- In a separate bowl, mix vanilla instant pudding with milk until smooth.
- Blend in the softened vanilla ice cream and pour the mixture over the cracker layer in the pan.
- Refrigerate until well set.
- Spread Cool Whip over the pudding layer.
- Mix crushed Butterfinger candy with the remaining cracker mixture and sprinkle over the top.
- Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using butter instead of margarine. If you're looking for a gluten-free option, substitute gluten-free graham crackers for the regular ones. To enhance the texture, mix in some chopped nuts or shredded coconut with the cracker mixture. You can also use different flavors of pudding, such as chocolate, to create a variation reminiscent of a Chocolate Silk Pie.
Serving Suggestions
This Butterfinger Dessert is perfect for potlucks or family gatherings and pairs beautifully with a refreshing fruit salad. Consider serving it alongside a light dessert like a Cherry Dessert to balance the richness. You can also garnish each serving with additional crushed Butterfinger or chocolate shavings for an extra touch. It's best served chilled to maintain its creamy layers.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain the texture, avoid freezing the dessert as the ice cream and Cool Whip may separate. If you need to reassemble, serve chilled directly from the fridge, allowing it to sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving to soften slightly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Butterfinger Dessert contains roughly 578 calories, with 7g protein, 56g carbohydrates, and 39g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 513mg per serving (22% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dessert a day in advance?
Absolutely! In fact, making it a day ahead allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the layers to set properly. Just ensure you cover it well to prevent any absorption of odors from the fridge. It will be ready to serve when you're ready for dessert.
What can I use instead of vanilla ice cream?
If you want to substitute vanilla ice cream, you can use a non-dairy alternative or flavors like chocolate or caramel for a different twist. Be cautious with flavored ice creams as they may alter the dessert's intended flavor profile.
How can I make this dessert more chocolatey?
To add a chocolatey touch, you can mix chocolate pudding with the vanilla pudding or add chocolate syrup into the ice cream mixture. Sprinkling mini chocolate chips on top before serving can also enhance the chocolate flavor and texture.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).