Decadent Butterfinger Pie: Brown Butter Ritz Cracker Crust Recipe

I’ve enjoyed making the classic Butterfinger Pie recipe before, but this week I wanted to add a special twist. This new version features a creamy Butterfinger candy bar pie crafted with freshly whipped cream and a unique brown butter and Ritz cracker crust. It’s a delightful combination of textures and flavors that elevates the traditional dessert.

Crafting the Perfect Ritz Cracker Pie Crust

The crust idea came to me spontaneously after spotting a box of Ritz crackers in the freezer. To make it, you’ll need to grind about 36 Ritz crackers into approximately 1 ½ cups (170 grams) of fine crumbs. Combine these crumbs with 2 tablespoons of sugar. Then, brown 6 tablespoons of butter until it achieves a nutty aroma and golden-brown color. Mix everything together thoroughly. Press the mixture firmly into your pie pan and bake it for around 8 minutes at 350°F (175°C). Allow it to cool completely before adding the filling. This brown butter Ritz cracker crust adds a salty-sweet, buttery goodness to the pie that perfectly complements the Butterfinger filling.

Whipped Cream or Whipped Topping: The Choice is Yours

Traditional Butterfinger Pie recipes often call for whipped topping, which offers convenience and speed. Whipped topping tends to be fluffier and lighter than heavy cream and remains stable in the freezer. I grew up enjoying it and still appreciate its texture. However, I also love the richness of freshly whipped cream, so that’s what I opted for in this pie. The fresh whipped cream creates a slightly denser and richer pie. If you prefer a fluffier, lighter pie and want to simplify the process, you can easily substitute the same weight of Cool Whip or another brand of whipped topping. Both options provide a delicious contrast to the Butterfinger filling.

Experiment with different options to find what you like best! Using whipped cream will add a richness you won’t find in whipped topping but whipped topping will make the process quicker and easier.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making the Ultimate Butterfinger Pie

Here’s a quick overview of the steps involved in making this irresistible Butterfinger Pie:

• First, prepare the Ritz cracker crust as described above and let it cool completely.
• Next, whip the heavy cream with a touch of pudding mix and confectioners’ sugar to stabilize it. Set the whipped cream aside. A stand mixer with two bowls can be incredibly helpful, as you’ll need to whip both the cream and the cream cheese mixture.
• In a separate bowl, beat together a block of softened cream cheese, the remaining confectioners’ sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in the crushed Butterfinger candy bars and then incorporate the freshly whipped cream (or Cool Whip).
• Spread the filling evenly into the cooled Ritz cracker crust.
• Cover the pie and chill it in the refrigerator while you prepare the whipped cream topping.
• Whip the remaining heavy cream, sweeten it to your liking, and pipe it around the edges of the pie or spread it evenly over the top. Garnish with additional crushed Butterfinger candy bars.

This pie is really easy to customize. For instance, try using different kinds of pudding mix to complement the flavor of the Butterfingers. You can also try adding in other flavors, such as peanut butter chips, chocolate shavings, or even a swirl of caramel sauce.

Here’s a snapshot of my pie before I added the fluffy whipped cream border. I always keep a supply of piping bags and various large tips in my baking drawer. They make fantastic stocking stuffers or thoughtful gifts for the bakers in your life, as do large piping tips. You can never truly have too many piping bag tips for decorating your culinary creations!

Having the right tools can be a huge help when making this pie. A good quality mixer, a reliable pie pan, and a set of piping tips can all make the process easier and more enjoyable. Don’t be afraid to invest in a few key pieces of equipment that will help you take your baking to the next level!

Tips for Storing Your Delicious Butterfinger Pie

This pie maintains its delightful texture and flavor when stored overnight in the refrigerator. However, for longer-term storage, freezing is a great option. I recommend preparing the pie as described above, *without* the piped whipped cream border. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a large freezer bag. When you’re ready to serve, thaw it in the refrigerator and add the whipped cream topping or piping just before serving.

If you’re just freezing leftover pie, place the remaining portion in the freezer until the topping becomes firm. Then, carefully cut it into individual wedges and return them to the freezer until they are completely solid. Store the frozen wedges in a freezer bag. For maximum freshness, consider wrapping each wedge separately.

Proper storage is key to maintaining the quality of your pie. Make sure to wrap it tightly to prevent freezer burn, and thaw it slowly in the refrigerator to preserve its texture. With a little care, you can enjoy this Butterfinger pie for days to come!

Recipe