Last updated 2 months ago | Originally Published: September 10, 2021

Everything About America’s Favorite Butterfinger Candy Bar

When thinking of a Butterfinger Candy Bar, Bart Simpson’s classic catchphrase, “Nobody better lay a finger on my Butterfinger,” comes to mind. Indeed, nobody loves that crispy, crunchy, peanut-buttery candy bar more than him, except for you, of course!

With this in mind, we thought you might want to know all about your favorite candy bar! So if you love Butterfinger just as much as Bart does, then you’ll definitely want to read this article! Plus, to be a loyal reader, we’re going to show you where you can buy this all-American candy bar online for cheap! Not to mention, we also have a pretty awesome DIY home recipe for you as well. Stay tuned…

Butterfinger – As the Story Goes

It all began in 1923 when Otto Schnering, owner of Curtiss Candy Company, was looking for the next big hit to add to his candy bar lineup. As a result of his brainstorming, he came up with an impossible crunchy peanut butter center candy bar coated with a thin layer of milk chocolate. Now, what to name it? 

After weeks of trying to come up with a perfect name, the company decided to hold a contest where the public could decide! During this time, the term “butterfingers” was gaining popularity among sportscasters. A term used to describe athletes who just couldn’t hold on to the ball.

On that note, the name “Butterfinger” was submitted by a man calling himself “Klutz,” and the rest is history. Butterfinger quickly became an all-American household name and brand.

The Beginning of a New Era

Founded in 1916, the Curtiss Candy Company was a candy giant until it was purchased in 1981 by Nabisco. Unfortunately, after the acquisition, the original recipe for the Butterfinger was lost. Nabisco’s candy bar engineers worked hard to recreate the popular candy recipe and eventually came up with a similar version, which we have no complaints about! 

In 2018, Butterfinger made yet another decision to change the already great recipe. This change was brought on after the candy bar was purchased by Luxembourg-based Ferrero, who also acquired the original Crunch Bar that same year!

Using high-quality ingredients and making a few slight adjustments to the original recipe, they finally launched a new campaign calling it the “Better Butterfinger.” As you may know, there were many skeptics when the new recipe was released as this type of change is hard for a lot of people to accept.

Being candy enthusiasts ourselves, we never thought the recipe needed any improvement. However, after trying it again, it became clear who the real experts were! 

Quirky Marketing Campaigns and Catchy Slogans

As the story goes, when Butterfinger was released, Curtis Candy Company took its marketing to the sky, literally! In fact, they tossed their new candy bar out of airplanes into crowds to promote it. Not only did everyone enjoy the stunt, but they also loved the taste, skyrocketing the candy into fame! Brilliant. 

Overall, Butterfinger’s success can be partially attributed to its fun and crazy advertisements and partnerships over time. They’ve consistently created catchy slogans and had a long list of celebrities who were more than happy to promote this iconic candy bar! 

The most popular and well-known ads for Butterfinger feature the infamous Bart Simpson where he does stunts to keep people away from his Butterfinger, you remember!

The Simpsons were featured in the ads long before they had their own standalone show. Bart was promoting Butterfinger way back when they were just a segment during The Tracy Ullman show!

All in all, Butterfinger campaigns are one of a kind. They still continue to play on the “Nobody better lay a finger on my Butterfinger” to this day. Their current ad campaign follows two detectives investigating crimes committed where Butterfingers are stolen from people. With their 100th anniversary approaching, it’s exciting to see what they will come up with next to celebrate! 

Awesome Versions of the Butterfinger

Wanting to expand on that one-of-a-kind taste, Butterfinger ventured on to create new ways of consuming that classic peanut buttery crunch taste. Along with mini, king-size, and dark chocolate! Few versions have stood the test of time, although most versions didn’t make the cut.

Perfect for a movie treat, Butterfinger BBs were small balls of Butterfinger similar to Whoppers. These were brought to popularity by The Simpsons as well. A favorite among Butterfinger fans, the choice to discontinue Butterfinger BBs brought on widespread disappointment. Perhaps, one day they’ll bring them back, wishful thinking, we know!

Also, there was once a version of the Butterfinger that contained 80mg of caffeine called Butterfinger Buzz! It has as much caffeine as one can of Red Bull. If you wanted a sugar rush and a caffeine jolt all in one complete snack, this did the trick. Released during the height of the energy drink craze, it was discontinued shortly after its release.

To contend with Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, Butterfinger Cups were created. Delicious and slightly softer than the original Butterfinger Bar, they’re worthy contenders still around today.

Craving ice cream and Butterfinger? They make ice cream bars that can help satisfy both cravings! You can even add Butterfinger to your Blizzard at your local Dairy Queen. Now, doesn’t that sound good? 

In the 1990s, Nestle acquired Butterfinger. As a benefit to the consumer, they took on creating Butterfinger Crisp Bars, which is another version of the Butterfinger but features a chocolate-covered wafer cookie lined with a Butterfinger-flavored cream. These, thankfully, are still around.

No matter your Butterfinger of choice, there’s no mistaking that one-of-a-kind peanut butter taste. And to set the record straight, nobody better lay a finger on your Butterfinger! 

The Joy of Baking with Butterfinger

When a candy bar has been around as long as Butterfinger has, bakers around the globe throughout time have created baking masterpieces to spice up how you consume your Butterfinger. 

You can find hundreds of variations of cookies, cheesecakes, brownies, and the list goes on. With so many to choose from, it’s hard to pick just one. So, we selected two for you!

Brown Butter Butterfinger Cookies

Everyone loves cookies; however, this one is sure to take the cookie! Plus, this recipe is fast and easy, with a prep time of 10 minutes and a 30-minute bake time. Perfect for when you’re looking for a delightful upgrade!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp baking powder

• 12 tbsp unsalted butter

• 1/2 tsp baking soda

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 1 tbsp vanilla extract

• 1/2-3/4 cup Butterfinger Baking Bits

• Optional: Sea Salt for Garnish

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat until it begins to brown.

3. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt, and set aside.

4. Wisk together butter, sugars, and vanilla in a large bowl until thoroughly mixed.

5. Add eggs one at a time, whisking them into the sugar mixture.

6. In 1/3 increments, fold in flour mixture until just mixed in.

7. Fold in the Butterfinger Baking Bits to the batter.

8. Roll dough into one-inch-sized balls and line them up on your prepared baking sheet. Space them about 1 inch apart. Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes.

9. Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Allow the cookies to cool for 15 minutes.

10. Serve and enjoy! 

No-Bake Butterfinger Bites Pretzel Bars

These pretzel bars are the perfect treat for you and your family! Everyone loves a sweet treat that’s quick and easy to prepare. This recipe takes 10 minutes and only 5 minutes on the stovetop.

Ingredients:

• Nonstick cooking spray

• 4 cups miniature marshmallows

• 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1 3/4 cups (11.5-ounce package) milk chocolate chips, divided

• 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter

• 4 cups toasted rice cereal squares

• 1 cup Butterfinger Baking Bits

• 1 cup small pretzel twists, broken into 1/2-inch pieces

How to make it:

1. Line a 13 x 9-inch baking pan with foil, leaving an overhang on two sides. Spray the foil with nonstick cooking spray.

2. Heat marshmallows, butter, and salt in a large saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir frequently, for 5 to 10 minutes, until smooth. Remove from heat. Add 1 cup chocolate chips and peanut butter; stir until melted.

3. Working quickly, stir in cereal, Butterfinger Baking Bits, and pretzels. Stir in the remaining 3/4 cup morsels. Spread the mixture into the prepared baking pan with a greased spatula, pressing down lightly. Cool for 2 hours or until set.

4. Once cooled, lift the bars from the pan and transfer them to a cutting board. Carefully remove the foil and cut to the preferred size. Serve and enjoy!

Butterfinger Forever

Popular for good reasons, Butterfinger Candy Bars will continue to dominate the candy aisles. A unique taste that can’t be replicated, although many have tried it. 

Butterfinger remains on the top 10 list of best candy bars of all time, and I can’t imagine them being edged out anytime soon. 

So what’s your take on the golden-centered Butterfinger? Have you tried the new recipe? Candy Retailer carries this delightful peanut buttery treat, so be sure to add some to your cart today. 

If you haven’t had one in years, give it a try, and leave us a comment and tell us what you think. But remember, nobody better lay a finger on my Butterfinger! In other words, in our nicest voice, you’ll have to get your own, sorry!

Lastly, if you think Butterfinger is the best candy brand in the world, click here to go to our Candy Brands post to let everyone know in the comments.

Or, you can check out our post on The Top 37 Candy Bars in America and represent Butterfinger there as well. Thanks again for being a part of our candy community here at Candy Retailer!