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Healthy Homemade Butterfingers

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close up image of healthy butterfingers cut in half.

This healthy homemade butterfingers recipe is made with just 5 simple ingredients! They’re gluten-free, dairy-free, and naturally sweetened for a better-for-your treat. They join my healthy candy lineup, right alongside healthy snickers, 3 ingredient homemade crunch bars, and healthy date caramels. These homemade butterfingers are perfect for anyone looking for a healthier version of a favorite candy bar!

healthy homemade butterfingers on parchment paper.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These healthy homemade butterfingers are a delicious and satisfying treat with just 5 simple ingredients. They’re a guilt-free version of the classic candy bar, made gluten-free, dairy-free, and with natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup. Plus, they’re easy to make and perfect for storing in the freezer for a quick snack or dessert.

What You Need to Make Healthy Butterfingers

  • Peanut Butter: The rich, creamy base that gives these bars their signature nutty flavor. Choose a natural variety with no added sugar for a healthier option.
  • Honey or Maple Syrup: These natural sweeteners bring the perfect touch of sweetness while keeping the recipe refined-sugar free.
  • Corn Flakes: Adds the necessary crunch to replicate the crispy texture found in classic butterfingers. Make sure to choose gluten-free corn flakes if needed. The Real Cereal Organic Corn Flakes are the best ones I’ve found, they’re unsweetened and made with just 2 ingredients!
  • Chocolate Chips: Melting the chocolate for coating gives that irresistible outer layer, while dark chocolate keeps the sugar content lower.
  • Coconut Oil: Helps melt the chocolate smoothly and adds a subtle flavor boost. I use and love Nutiva Organic Coconut Oil in many of my recipes!

How to Make Healthy Homemade Butterfingers

Start by crushing the corn flakes and mixing them with peanut butter and honey to form a crispy, sweet mixture. Press it into a loaf pan to set in the freezer before dipping each bar in melted chocolate. Freeze them again for a crunchy, chocolate-covered treat that’s perfect for a healthier snack or dessert.

healthy homemade butterfingers stacked on top of each other,

Storage Tips

Once made, store your homemade butterfingers in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. This way, they’ll stay fresh and ready for whenever you need a sweet treat.

Adjust This Recipe to Your Dietary Needs

  • Make it Vegan: Swap the honey for maple syrup and use dairy-free chocolate chips.
  • Low Carb: Choose a sugar-free chocolate alternative and use a low-carb cereal.
  • Make it Nut-Free: Substitute the peanut butter with sunflower seed butter for a nut-free version.
close up image of healthy butterfingers cut in half.
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Healthy Homemade Butterfingers

This healthy homemade butterfingers recipe is made with just 5 simple ingredients. They're gluten-free, dairy-free, and naturally sweetened for a better-for-your treat. These homemade butterfingers are perfect for anyone looking for a healthier version of a favorite candy bar!
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Prep Time: 5 minutes
Freezing Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 12 servings

Equipment

  • 1 large bowl
  • 1 9×4-inch loaf pan
  • 1 small bowl

Ingredients

  • 1 cup peanut butter
  • 1/3 cup maple syrup or honey
  • 2 cups corn flakes
  • 1 cup chocolate chips
  • 2 teaspoons coconut oil

Instructions

  • Add the corn flakes to a large zip-top bag, seal the bag and crush the cereal into small pieces.
  • Add the peanut butter and honey or maple syrup to a large bowl and mix together to combine. Add the crushed corn flakes to the bowl and mix again to fully combine.
  • Transfer the mixture to a loaf pan lined with parchment paper, and press the cereal down into the pan to create an even layer. Place in the freezer to harden for at least 1 hour.
  • Remove the pan from the freezer and carefully lift the corn flake mixture out of the pan. Place on a cutting board and cut into 12 bars.
  • Melt the chocolate chips and coconut oil together, whisk to combine, and then dip each bar into the melted chocolate to completely coat. Remove the bar from the chocolate and set on a parchment-lined plate. Repeat this process with all 12 butterfingers until all are coated in chocolate.
  • Transfer the butterfingers to the freezer for about 10 minutes, or until the chocolate has hardened. Then, enjoy right away or store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months (if they last that long!).

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 241kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 15g | Sugar: 12g
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Dairy-Free

3 Ingredient Healthy Homemade Crunch Bars

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overhead image of 3 ingredient no bake homemade crunch bars with sea salt on top.

It’s been a HOT summer so far. So hot in fact, that I’ve been avoiding turning on my oven unless absolutely necessary. But you guys know me by now, even without an oven I still need a little something sweet on-hand at all times. Healthy No-Bake Cookie Doughs Bars have been on repeat lately, and so have 4-Ingredient Healthy Snickers. And while both of those no bake desserts are delicious and ones I’d never get sick of, it was definitely time to switch things up!

These homemade crunch bars are made with just THREE ingredients. They’re totally vegan and gluten-free, and I’ll even include a paleo and keto option if you want to give those a try. They’re perfectly sweet, extra crunchy, and seriously SO easy to make!

overhead image of 3 ingredient no bake homemade crunch bars with sea salt on top.

Why These Are the Best Homemade Crunch Bars

These bars are not only simple to make but also healthier and more customizable than store-bought versions. By using high-quality ingredients, you avoid artificial flavors and preservatives. The addition of peanut butter gives extra creaminess and flavor, making these bars a delightful treat for all ages!

Ingredients and Substitutions

  • Chocolate Chips: Opt for dark chocolate for a less sweet version or semi-sweet for a classic candy bar taste. Vegan options like Guittard Extra Dark Baking Chips are perfect for dairy-free needs.
  • Peanut Butter: Can be substituted with any nut or seed butter. Ensure it’s creamy for the best texture.
  • Rice Cakes/Crisp Cereal: Gluten-free rice cakes or cereals ensure the bars are safe for those with gluten intolerances!
ingredients for healthy homemade crunch bars recipe.

How to Make Homemade Crunch Bars

  1. Line your pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  2. Melt chocolate and peanut butter in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth.
  3. Mix in crumbled rice cakes to combine.
  4. Spread mixture in the prepared pan and freeze until solid.
  5. Cut into squares and enjoy your homemade bars.

Storage Tips

Store these homemade crunch bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for the best texture and shelf life. They can start to soften if left at room temperature for too long. Or, store them in the freezer for up to 3 months!

3 ingredient no bake healthy homemade crunch bar on a table.

Adjust This Recipe to Your Dietary Needs

  • Keto Option: Use sugar-free chocolate chips and replace rice cakes with crushed nuts or seeds.
  • Vegan Option: Ensure your chocolate chips are vegan-friendly. Brands like Enjoy Life are great choices.
  • Paleo Option: Use paleo-approved chocolate, like Hu Kitchen Chocolate Gems and replace rice cakes with chopped nuts or seeds for the crunch.

Tips and Tricks

  1. Microwave Melting: Microwave the chocolate and peanut butter in short bursts to prevent burning, or use a double boiler instead if you’d like.
  2. Layer Thickness: Spread the mixture evenly in the pan to ensure uniform bars.
  3. Add-Ins: Feel free to add a pinch of salt or vanilla extract to enhance the flavor. Or, finish the bars with flaky sea salt like I did – YUM!

By following these tips and utilizing high-quality ingredients, you’ll have delicious, homemade crunch bars that are perfect for any occasion!

overhead image of 3 ingredient no bake homemade crunch bars with sea salt on top.
5 from 9 votes

3 Ingredient Healthy Homemade Crunch Bars

This 3 ingredient homemade crunch bars recipe is the perfect vegan and gluten-free sweet treat! They’re no bake, totally delicious, and irresistibly crispy. These homemade candy bars are also much healthier than store-bought!
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Ingredients

  • 1 1/4 cups chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter, unsweetened
  • 2 rice cakes, crumbled (or 1 cup rice crisp cereal)

Instructions

  • Line a 9-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
  • Add the chocolate chips and creamy peanut butter to a bowl, then microwave in 30 second increments (stirring between each increment) until chocolate has melted.
  • Add in the crumbled rice cakes and mix everything together to combine.
  • Transfer the crunch bar mixture to your prepared loaf pan and spread into an even layer. Place the bars in the freezer until solid, about 1 hour, then remove and cut into squares.
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30 Minutes or Less

4-Ingredient Healthy Snickers

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overhead image of healthy snickers cut in half with peanut butter inside.

Think snickers can’t be healthy?? Think again! I’ve pretty much made it my life’s work to take unhealthy treats and make them healthy. Like my healthy gluten-free mug cake, and my healthy cookie dough bars (another no-bake dessert in constant rotation around here!). These 4-ingredient healthy snickers fit seamlessly into my healthier treats lineup. My recent nighttime routine has included getting my baby to bed, popping 3 or 4 of these healthy snickers out of the freezer, and cozying up on the couch while I savor every last bite. My husband’s also obsessed, so I’ve been doubling this recipe to make sure there’s plenty to go around!

For this recipe, you’ll want to start with a silicone ice cube tray. I purchased these ones (they come in a 2-pack) and have loved them so far! They’re also great for making ice cubes too, as the silicone helps the cubes slide right out. From there, you’ll need just four simple ingredients – chocolate, coconut oil, dates, and peanut butter. All relatively healthy ingredients, but they come together to create a treat that tastes seriously indulgent, but won’t hurt your stomach… no matter how many you eat! *wink wink*

overhead image of a healthy snicker with flaky sea salt on top.

What You’ll Need To Make These Healthy Snickers

Chocolate Chips: Opt for dairy-free or dark chocolate chips for a healthier option. These provide the rich, chocolatey coating for your snickers bites.

Coconut Oil: Coconut oil helps melt the chocolate chips and creates a smooth, glossy texture for your healthy candy bars.

Medjool Dates: These naturally sweet and chewy dates serve as the caramel-like layer in your snickers, providing natural sweetness and a satisfying texture.

Crunchy Peanut Butter: Choose your favorite brand of crunchy peanut butter to add nutty flavor and crunch to your guilt-free treats!

overhead image of healthy snickers bars with flaky sea salt on top.

Tips and Tricks

  • If your dates are too firm, soak them in warm water for 10-15 minutes before using. This will help soften them and make them easier to work with.
  • Using a silicone ice cube tray makes it easier to remove the snickers bites once they’re frozen. If you don’t have one, you can line a regular ice cube tray with plastic wrap for easy removal.
  • To ensure even distribution of ingredients, use a layering technique when assembling your healthy snickers bites. Start with a layer of melted chocolate, followed by a date and a dollop of peanut butter, then top with another layer of melted chocolate.
overhead image of healthy snickers cut in half with peanut butter inside.
5 from 2 votes

4-Ingredient Healthy Snickers

This healthy snickers recipe is the perfect healthier treat to satisfy your sweet tooth! Made with just 4 wholesome ingredients; chocolate chips, coconut oil, medjool dates, and crunchy peanut butter. They taste just like a snickers, but with a fraction of the sugar!
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Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 15 snickers

Ingredients

  • 1 cup chocolate chips
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil
  • 8 medjool dates, pits removed and cut in half
  • 1/4 cup crunchy peanut butter

Instructions

  • Melt the chocolate chips and coconut oil together in a small bowl in the microwave.
    healthy-snickers-step-1
  • Take a silicone ice cube tray and fill 15 cavities of the tray with 1/2 tablespoon each of the melted chocolate.
    healthy-snickers-step-2
  • Place one pitted date half into each cavity on top of the chocolate.
    healthy-snickers-step-3
  • Then, add about ½ a tablespoon of crunchy peanut butter to each ice cube cavity, on top of each date.
    healthy-snickers-step-4
  • Pour the remaining melted chocolate into each ice cube cavity, covering the dates and peanut butter completely.
  • Place the ice cube tray in the freezer for about 20 minutes, or until the chocolate has completely hardened. Remove the tray from the freezer and pop out the healthy snickers. Store snickers in the fridge or freezer for up to 3 months!
    healthy-snickers-step-6

Notes

  • Here’s a link to the silicone ice cube trays I used to make my healthy snickers! They worked wonders and were super easy to clean.
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    30 Minutes or Less

    Summer Rolls with Peanut Dipping Sauce

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    summer rolls on a serving platter with peanut dipping sauce and a fresh lime on the side.

    These summer rolls are loaded with fresh, crunchy vegetables and served with a savory peanut sauce! In just 20 minutes you’ll have a fun and healthy lunch or snack.

    overhead image of peanut dipping sauce on a serving platter with sesame seeds on the side.

    What are Summer Rolls?

    Summer rolls are a traditional Vietnamese side dish. They’re an assortment of vegetables wrapped in rice paper. Think of them like a sushi roll, but instead of rice and seaweed, you just wrap everything up in a thin sheet of rice paper.

    Summer rolls are most commonly served (and best served) with a side of savory peanut dipping sauce. The peanut sauce is honestly my favorite part. I could drink that stuff straight up. Creamy peanut putter, soy sauce, and fresh ginger come together in the most incredible, flavorful way possible! Dipping these summer rolls loaded with crisp, fresh veggies into luscious peanut sauce is nothing short of a dream come true. Guys, you gotta give this recipe a try. They’re vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free!

    summer rolls being dipped into peanut sauce.

    What You Need To Make Summer Rolls with Peanut Sauce

    Rice Wrappers – You’d be surprised by how easy rice wrappers are to find! I often locate them in the ethnic/asian aisle of my grocery store. And if all else fails, I can always find them at my local asian markets. If you’re not familiar with rice wrappers, they look sort of like a thinner tortilla. When you remove them from their packaging you’ll find that they’re dry and stiff. Though they simply need a bit of water to help rehydrate them for this recipe. Try not to overthink the process, follow the steps in the recipe below to prepare your rice wrappers.

    Tofu – Tofu is an incredible source of protein and contains all nine essential amino acids! It also just sort of takes on the taste of whatever else you’re eating it with. In this case, the tofu soaks up the peanut sauce, which is DELICIOUS. Not only is tofu super easy to come by these days, but it’s super cheap too.

    Peanut Butter – To me, peanut butter is typically only ever associated with sweet recipes. Though we turn the tables here by adding savory ingredients such as soy sauce and rice vinegar to create this peanut butter-based sauce. I prefer creamy peanut butter for a smoother sauce, though chunky works too. Just please, whatever you do, make sure the peanut butter you use has NO added sugar! Any sugar in the peanut butter would completely throw off the balance of flavors in this delicious sauce.

    summer roll sliced in half on a plate, with cucumber, carrots, and tofu inside.

    Adjust This Recipe

    • Make it Nut-Free: For a nut-free sauce, replace the peanut butter with tahini.
    • Add Shrimp: Make my shrimp spring rolls recipe instead!
    • The types and amounts of vegetables and herbs are simply suggestions – you can swap or remove anything you like!
    summer rolls with peanut dipping sauce on a plate.
    5 from 1 vote

    Summer Rolls with Peanut Dipping Sauce

    These summer rolls are loaded with fresh, crunchy vegetables and served with a savory peanut sauce! In just 20 minutes you’ll have a fun and healthy lunch or snack.
    Print Pin Rate
    Prep Time: 20 minutes
    Total Time: 20 minutes
    Servings: 6 servings

    Ingredients

    • 12 spring roll rice wrappers
    • 14 ounces extra firm tofu, sliced into about 12 sticks
    • 1 cup julienned carrots
    • 2 cups julienned cucumber
    • 1 cup napa cabbage, thinly sliced
    • 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
    • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
    • 1/4 cup green onion, sliced

    For the peanut sauce:

    • 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
    • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
    • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
    • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil, optional
    • 1 garlic clove, grated
    • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
    • 2-3 tablespoons warm water

    Instructions

    • Fill a shallow bowl with warm water, submerge one sheet of rice wrapper in water for about 5 seconds then transfer to a clean, damp dish towel.
    • Place filling in the center of wrapper and fold the end closest to you over the filling, then tuck sides in and towards the center, finish rolling to create a sealed summer roll. Repeat with remaining rice wrappers.
    • Make the sauce by adding all ingredients to a bowl and whisking until completely smooth.
    • Serve summer rolls with peanut dipping sauce and enjoy!

    Notes

  • Change up the filling ingredients however you’d like, use up whatever leftover fresh veggies you have on-hand!

    • Nutrition

    Calories: 300kcal

    More Healthy Vegan Recipes You’ll Love

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    30 Minutes or Less

    Shrimp Spring Rolls with Peanut Sauce

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    close-up overhead image of shrimp spring rolls on a plate with peanut sauce.

    Fun and delicious shrimp spring rolls with an irresistibly good peanut dipping sauce! These spring rolls are an easy and exciting way to pack veggies into your diet – they’re super healthy and tasty.

    overhead image of shrimp spring rolls on a plate with peanut sauce on the side.

    What You’ll Need to Make Shrimp Spring Rolls with Peanut Sauce

    Spring Rolls Rice Wrappers – These light little rice-based wraps are what hold these spring rolls together! I’ve had lots of luck finding these at my local grocery store, in the ethnic food aisle. However, if you can’t seem to track these thin rice sheets down, I recommend ordering these on Amazon. Leftover rice wrappers? Try making my summer rolls recipe next!

    Cooked Shrimp – Buy pre-cooked shrimp, or quickly boil it yourself before adding to your shrimp spring rolls. The only thing to note here is that you must remove the tails from your shrimp for this recipe! Removing the tails can happen either before or after cooking – it makes no difference.

    Fresh Mint and Cilantro – These Asian-inspired rolls taste extra fresh thanks to a few sprigs of fresh mint and cilantro! I highly recommend adding fresh herbs to your rolls. Though if you don’t like cilantro, or don’t like mint, simply swap it out for a different fresh herb.

    Peanut Butter – Unsweetened creamy peanut butter is the base to our peanut sauce. However, if you don’t like peanut butter, you can use cashew butter instead. Or, for a nut-free version, try tahini!

    Soy Sauce – Found in most Asian recipes, soy sauce adds the perfect savory component to this dish. However, you can certainly swap out the soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos if that’s more your thing.

    shrimp spring rolls on a plate with peanut sauce and fresh limes on the side.

    Tips on Handling Rice Wrappers

    • Submerge one rice wrapper at a time in the water! If you attempt more than one, they’ll stick together and you won’t be able to separate them.
    • Don’t leave the rice wrapper in the water for too long. Just 5 seconds submerged in a shallow bowl of warm water will do the trick. Leaving the wrapper to soak for too long will make it too soft and difficult to handle.
    • Place each rice wrapper (one at a time) on a damp paper towel or dish cloth before filling and rolling. The wrapper will lift easily off the damp cloth, making rolling a breeze. If you place the rice wrapper on a kitchen counter or cutting board, it’ll stick and be a nightmare to remove!
    shrimp spring rolls being dipped into peanut sauce.

    Adjust This Recipe to Your Dietary Needs

    Make it Vegan: For vegan spring rolls, use extra firm tofu cut into strips in place of the cooked shrimp!

    Make it Gluten-Free: The only non gluten-free ingredient in this recipe is the soy sauce. Therefore, use tamari instead, which tastes just like soy sauce but is 100% gluten-free!

    close-up overhead image of shrimp spring rolls on a plate with peanut sauce.
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    Shrimp Spring Rolls with Peanut Sauce

    Fun and delicious shrimp spring rolls with an irresistibly good peanut dipping sauce! These spring rolls are an easy and exciting way to pack veggies into your diet – they’re super healthy and tasty.
    Print Pin Rate
    Prep Time: 20 minutes
    Total Time: 20 minutes
    Servings: 4 servings

    Ingredients

    • 12 spring roll rice wrappers
    • 1-2 pounds cooked shrimp, shells and tails removed
    • 3 large carrots, peeled and sliced into matchsticks
    • 2 medium red bell peppers, seeded and sliced into matchsticks
    • 1 English cucumber, sliced into matchsticks
    • 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves
    • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves

    For the peanut sauce:

    • 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter, unsweetened
    • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
    • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
    • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
    • 1 garlic clove, grated or finely minced
    • 1-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and grated or finely minced
    • 2-3 tablespoons warm water

    Instructions

    • Fill a shallow bowl with warm water. Submerge one sheet of rice wrapper in water for 5 seconds, then transfer to a clean, damp dish towel.
    • Place 2-3 shrimp, a small handful of vegetables, and a few fresh mint and cilantro leaves in the center of the wrapper. Then, fold the end closest to you over the filling, tuck sides in and towards the center, and finish rolling to create a sealed spring roll. Repeat this process with remaining rice wrappers.
    • Make the sauce by adding all ingredients to a bowl and whisking to combine.
    • Serve shrimp spring rolls with peanut dipping sauce on the side.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 300kcal
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