Vegan Butterfinger Bars

🍬 Why We Love This Recipe

• Just as delicious as the original: to be honest, I haven't had a real Butterfinger in several years, but they used to be my absolute favorite. These homemade vegan butterfingers truly satisfy that craving, and although they aren't exactly the same, they're equally tasty (not to mention way healthier).
• Allergy friendly: these homemade butterfingers are naturally vegan (no dairy needed to make them delicious!) and gluten free, since we use cornflakes. They're also tree nut free and can be made peanut free if you use a different nut butter.
• Easy to make: just 6 ingredients for the peanut butter/cornflake-based filling, plus some dark chocolate for dipping and you're good to go! These vegan butterfinger bars come together quickly and easily, so even the kids can help.
• Homemade Halloween treat: we love celebrating Halloween, but with dietary restrictions, it can be a challenge to enjoy traditional treats. We love creating our own versions of classic candies we grew up with, and these vegan butterfingers are no exception! Make a big batch before Halloween and you'll feel just like a kid again.

🍫 Ingredients

Here's what you'll need to make this vegan butterfinger recipe:

📋 Ingredient Notes

• Peanut butter: we use natural, crunchy, unsweetened peanut butter in this recipe. The crunch adds extra texture, which we love, but feel free to use creamy if that's all you have on hand.
  • Note that if you're using a sweetened, more processed peanut butter (like Jif), the texture may be slightly different. Natural peanut butter tends to be more liquidy, so it mixes better with the cornflake mixture. If using a different variety, you may need to add in 1-2 tablespoon of melted coconut oil to loosen it up.
• Cornflakes: many cornflake cereals (especially the organic/natural brands) are naturally gluten free, but if you have Celiac disease or a severe allergy, be sure to use a certified gluten free brand. If you're not gluten free, any variety will do!
• Agave: feel free to substitute with maple syrup or another liquid sweetener.
• Chocolate: the peanut butter/cornflake filling is pretty sweet and rich, so we like to use dark chocolate for the coating. That being said, if you prefer a sweeter candy, feel free to use semisweet or even milk chocolate. (There are plenty of vegan varieties nowadays, or if you're not vegan, regular works too!)
• Salt: don't skip it! A small pinch of salt goes a long way in balancing out the sweetness.

🔪 Step-by-step Instructions

(1) In a large mixing bowl, whisk together peanut butter, agave, vanilla, sugar, and salt.

(2) Add crushed cornflakes to the peanut butter mixture and stir well until the cornflakes are evenly coated.

(3) Line an 8x8 or 9x9 inch pan with parchment paper. Spread the cornflake and peanut butter mixture evenly into the pan and transfer to freezer for at least 2 hours (or overnight).

(4) Remove from pan after freezing and slice into 18 rectangular bars. Return to freezer immediately. For best results, wait an hour before coating in chocolate.

(5) Melt chocolate with coconut oil in a double boiler or in 30 second intervals in the microwave, stirring in between each interval, until fully melted.

(6) Use two forks to coat each bar in melted chocolate. Coat well and let the excess chocolate drip off back into the bowl.

(7) Transfer to a parchment paper-lined tray, and top with crushed cornflakes and peanuts (optional).

(8) Return to freezer for 30 minutes to let the chocolate firm up. Remove from freezer and enjoy!

💭 Expert Tips and FAQs

• Don't skip the freezer: for best results, you want the butterfingers to be nice and firm before dipping into the chocolate. Otherwise, they will be messy and may break in half. For best results, we suggest freezing for at least 2 hours, but up to overnight.
• Storage: these vegan butterfingers get pretty soft at room temperature, so we suggest storing in the refrigerator or freezer. You can store in the freezer for up 6 months, but be sure to let them thaw for at least 15 minutes at room temperature before eating (to avoid breaking a tooth!).
• Chocolate: a small amount of coconut oil helps loosen up the melted chocolate so it's easier to coat the butterfingers. If the chocolate starts to cool and thicken too much, pop it back into the microwave for 15-30 seconds and stir well.

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