I remember the first time I brought this Butterfinger cake recipe to a potluck. It was gone in minutes, with more than one person sneaking back for seconds. There’s something about the mix of moist chocolate cake, silky whipped topping, rich caramel drizzle, and crunchy Butterfinger bits that creates pure dessert magic. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the classic candy bar or just in the mood for a fun, crowd-pleasing sweet, this Butterfinger cake recipe delivers every time.
This dessert fits perfectly in so many settings. It’s the go-to choice for family gatherings, birthday parties, or even casual weekend cravings when you want something indulgent but low-effort. The ingredients are simple, and the steps are totally beginner-friendly, making it a fantastic option for bakers at any level.
Table of contents
Why This Butterfinger Cake Recipe Works So Well
The magic of this Butterfinger cake recipe lies in the perfect contrast of textures and layers of flavor. It begins with a boxed chocolate cake mix, which keeps prep easy and stress-free. Once baked, the warm cake is poked with holes and soaked with sweetened condensed milk and caramel sauce. That syrupy richness seeps into the sponge, turning it ultra moist and decadent.
Next comes a thick layer of whipped topping, light and airy to balance the richness. Finally, crushed Butterfinger bars get sprinkled over everything, adding the signature crunch, nuttiness, and peanut buttery toffee flavor that sets this dessert apart from other poke cakes.
This recipe is versatile too. You can lighten it up with sugar-free options or go full-on indulgent. Some swap in vanilla or peanut butter cake mix instead of chocolate. Others stir extra Butterfinger pieces into the batter for double the candy bar goodness. No matter which way you go, this cake remains the ultimate nostalgic treat.
Recipe Card
Butterfinger Cake Recipe
12
servings25
minutes35
minutes400
kcalIndulge in a delightful Butterfinger cake, made with a moist, buttery cake base, topped with a creamy frosting, and a sprinkle of crunchy Butterfinger bits. Perfect for any celebration or sweet tooth craving!
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Ingredients
1 box yellow cake mix
1/2 cup butter (melted)
1 cup sour cream
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup water
1 (8 oz) package of cream cheese (softened)
1 cup powdered sugar
1 (8 oz) tub of whipped topping
4-5 Butterfinger bars (crushed)
Directions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare Cake Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, sour cream, sugar, vanilla, and water. Stir until smooth. Pour the batter into the prepared dish and spread evenly.
- Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the dish for about 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make Frosting: In another bowl, mix the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth. Fold in the whipped topping and blend well.
- Top Cake: Once the cake has cooled, spread the frosting over the top of the cake evenly.
- Add Butterfinger: Sprinkle the crushed Butterfinger bars on top of the frosted cake. Refrigerate for at least an hour to let the flavors meld and the frosting set.
- Serve: Slice and serve your delectable Butterfinger cake chilled. Enjoy!
Notes
- You can use any yellow cake mix of your choice, but for a more homemade touch, substitute it with a from-scratch cake recipe.
- For extra crunch, feel free to sprinkle more crushed Butterfingers on top before serving.
- This cake keeps well in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
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Top Tips to Nail This Butterfinger Cake Recipe
- Use Fresh Butterfinger Bars: Ensure your Butterfingers are fresh for the best crunch and flavor. Old candy can become soft and won’t give the same satisfying crunch.
- Don’t Rush the Cooling Process: Allow your cake to cool completely before frosting. This prevents the frosting from melting and helps it set perfectly.
- Customize Your Frosting: Want to make your frosting even creamier? Add a bit more whipped topping for a fluffier texture, or use a bit of cream cheese to make it tangier.
- Serve in squares for perfect presentation: Use a hot knife (dip it in hot water and wipe) for clean slices through the chilled layers.
Variations on This Butterfinger Cake Recipe
1. Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cake
Swap the chocolate cake base with a peanut butter or yellow cake mix. The nutty notes in the cake amplify the flavor of the crushed candy and pair beautifully with the caramel sauce.
2. Butterfinger Ice Cream Cake
Layer crushed Butterfingers, vanilla ice cream, whipped topping, and crushed chocolate cake crumbs in a springform pan. Freeze and slice like an ice cream pie. It’s a hit during summer months and birthday parties.
3. Cupcake Version
Bake the chocolate cake mix as cupcakes. Once cooled, inject the centers with caramel and milk using a piping bag. Top with whipped cream and crushed Butterfingers for handheld delights.
4. Gluten-Free Butterfinger Cake
Use a gluten-free chocolate cake mix and check your candy bar labels (some Butterfinger versions are gluten-free, like the fun-size bars). A perfect option for dietary needs without compromising taste.
FAQs about Butterfinger Cake Recipe
Yes! This cake actually tastes better after a few hours in the fridge, so making it ahead of time is a great option.
While Butterfingers give the best flavor and texture, feel free to experiment with other candy bars like Snickers or Milky Way for a unique twist.
Absolutely! This cake is not only delicious but also visually impressive, making it perfect for gatherings, parties, or celebrations.
Health Benefits
While this cake is more of a treat than a health food, the inclusion of Butterfinger bars provides a touch of protein and calcium from the milk chocolate. The cake itself also contains moderate levels of carbohydrates, providing you with quick energy. Enjoying this cake in moderation can provide a moment of joy, and who doesn’t deserve that?
Nutrition Information of Butterfinger Cake Recipe:
Each serving of this Butterfinger cake contains approximately 400 kcal, providing a satisfying sweet treat that won’t leave you feeling deprived. While indulgent, this cake offers a balanced combination of sugars, fats, and protein to make for a great dessert option.
Pairing Suggestions
- Coffee or Hot Chocolate: A warm beverage like coffee or hot chocolate pairs perfectly with the richness of the Butterfinger cake, enhancing the dessert experience.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream alongside a slice of Butterfinger cake offers a delightful contrast in texture and temperature.
- Fresh Fruit: For a fresher balance, serve with some berries or sliced apples. Their tartness cuts through the sweetness of the cake and provides a nice contrast.
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light, fluffy texture that complements the dense cake.
Final thoughts
There’s something downright magical about this Butterfinger cake recipe. It’s nostalgic, playful, and bursting with textures and layers that keep every bite exciting. Whether you’re serving it at a potluck, holiday party, or casual gathering, you’re guaranteed to turn heads and win compliments. It also stores beautifully, making it a go-to for advance prep or last-minute dessert cravings.
One of the best things about it? The endless ways to customize it. Swap out the candy, change the cake base, or turn it into cupcakes or parfaits. It’s a forgiving recipe that still manages to feel special and indulgent.
If you loved this Butterfinger cake recipe, you’ll want to check out our chocolate lava cake recipe, a decadent dessert that is perfect for any special occasion!
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