Indulge Guilt-Free: Healthier Copycat Reese’s Butterfinger Ghosts (Vegan & Gluten-Free Halloween Treats!)

If you’re a devoted fan of the iconic Reese’s peanut butter cups and the crunchy delight of Butterfingers, prepare to fall in love with these healthier, homemade copycat Reese’s Butterfinger Ghosts. This recipe offers the easiest, most adorable, and incredibly delicious way to celebrate Halloween with a treat that caters to your sweet tooth without the guilt. Imagine a perfectly crunchy peanut butter filling, bursting with that signature Butterfinger texture, all enrobed in a luscious chocolate shell and shaped into the cutest little ghosts. These aren’t just treats; they’re a healthier Halloween experience designed for everyone to enjoy!

Halloween just isn’t complete without a spread of delicious candies, and for many, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and Butterfingers reign supreme. It’s often a tough decision to pick a favorite between their creamy peanut butter richness and their unique crispy, toffee-like crunch. But what if you didn’t have to choose? Today, we’re bringing the best of both worlds together in one spectacular, spooky, and utterly irresistible treat! These healthier Reese’s Butterfinger Ghosts combine the beloved flavors and textures of two classic candies into a single, sensational creation, perfect for your festive celebrations.

Beyond their incredible taste, these chocolate ghosts are surprisingly simple to whip up. You can have them ready in under 15 minutes of active prep time, with just a little patience required while they set in the freezer. What makes these spooky delights even better is that they are entirely vegan, gluten-free, and free from refined sugars, making them an inclusive option for almost any dietary preference. Despite being made with wholesome ingredients, they deliver an incredibly decadent experience, packed with satisfying crunch and layers of delightful texture. I find myself making variations of these for nearly every holiday, adapting them with different fun and festive molds. I genuinely hope these healthier Butterfinger Reese’s ghosts become a new staple in your holiday recipe repertoire!

Why You’ll Absolutely Adore This Recipe

• Minimal Ingredients: This recipe calls for just 5 core ingredients, most of which you likely already have in your pantry. Simplicity is key to a stress-free baking experience!
• One-Bowl Wonder: The crunchy Butterfinger-style filling comes together effortlessly in a single mixing bowl, minimizing cleanup and making the process super quick.
• Dietary Friendly: These ghosts are thoughtfully crafted to be vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and refined sugar-free. This means more people can enjoy them without compromising on taste or texture.
• Lightning Fast Prep: With an active preparation time of under 20 minutes, these are perfect for last-minute Halloween party treats or whenever a craving strikes.
• Authentic Flavor: Despite being healthier, these treats capture the classic, satisfying crunch and flavor profile of a traditional Butterfinger, encased in chocolate like a Reese’s. Even the pickiest eaters and kids will be fooled and delighted!
• No-Bake Perfection: Forget about heating up your kitchen! These delightful ghosts require no baking, making them an ideal project for all skill levels and a great activity to do with kids.
• Versatile & Fun: While designed as ghosts for Halloween, this base recipe can be adapted to any holiday or occasion simply by changing the mold.
• Customizable Sweetness: You have full control over the sweetness level, allowing you to tailor it perfectly to your preference.

Reese’s Butterfinger Ghosts Recipe Video Guide

Are These Healthier Reese’s Butterfinger Ghosts Really Healthy?

When we talk about “healthy” desserts, the focus often shifts to calorie count, but I firmly believe that the quality of ingredients is paramount. These homemade Butterfinger Reese’s ghosts are crafted using just a handful of wholesome, natural ingredients, a stark contrast to the lengthy and often artificial ingredient lists found in conventional candy bars. Let’s take a closer look at what goes into classic candies versus my thoughtfully chosen, nutrient-rich version:

A Deep Dive into Ingredients:

Traditional Butterfingers: A typical Butterfinger bar contains a long list of ingredients, often including Sugar, Corn Syrup, Ground Roasted Peanuts, Partially Hydrogenated Palm Kernel Oil, Cocoa, Molasses, Confectioner’s Corn Flakes, Skim Milk, Whey, Salt, Monoglycerides, Soy Lecithin, Cornstarch, Artificial Flavors, Yellow 5, TBHQ and Citric Acid (Added to Preserve Freshness), Red 40. This list highlights several highly processed ingredients, artificial colors, and preservatives that many prefer to limit in their diet.

Classic Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups: Similarly, Reese’s cups are made with Milk Chocolate (Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Chocolate, Skim Milk, Milk Fat, Lactose, Lecithin (Soy), PGPR), Peanuts, Sugar, Dextrose, Salt, TBHQ & Citric Acid (to Maintain Freshness). Again, you’ll notice a significant amount of sugar, dairy, and preservatives.

Dani’s Healthier Reese’s Butterfingers: In stark contrast, my recipe relies on: Organic natural peanut butter, high-quality chocolate chips (dairy-free and refined sugar-free options available), pure maple syrup, simple corn flakes cereal (look for brands with minimal ingredients), vanilla extract, and a pinch of sea salt. This simplified list means you’re consuming whole foods, beneficial fats, and natural sweeteners.

While I advocate for balance in all aspects of life, I also love to enjoy a sweet treat frequently. Ingredients like corn syrup, artificial dyes, hydrogenated oils, and chemical preservatives are not components I choose to regularly incorporate into my diet. This healthier copycat recipe offers a truly satisfying and sweet experience without these additives. It’s incredibly simple to make, just as gratifying as its traditional counterparts, and absolutely delicious – a win-win for your taste buds and your well-being!

How to Make Healthier Reese’s Butterfinger Ghosts

Essential Ingredients for Your Ghostly Creations

• Peanut Butter: Opt for organic, natural peanut butter that lists only peanuts and sea salt as ingredients. Many conventional brands include hydrogenated oils and added sugars, which we’re trying to avoid. If you have a nut allergy or prefer an alternative, sunflower seed butter works wonderfully! Almond butter or cashew butter are also fantastic choices that offer a slightly different, yet equally delicious, flavor profile.
• Chocolate: The quality of your chocolate makes a huge difference here. I highly recommend using brands like Hu Kitchen because their chocolate is made with premium, high-quality ingredients and contains no refined sugars. They offer both grass-fed milk chocolate and dairy-free dark chocolate options, so you can choose based on your dietary needs and preference. (Don’t forget to use my code “danishealthyeats” to save on your Hu Kitchen order!)
• Maple Syrup or Honey: These natural sweeteners provide a gentle sweetness to the ghosts. Both maple syrup and honey are excellent alternatives to refined sugar, offering not only sweetness but also beneficial antioxidant properties. Choose whichever you prefer or have on hand.
• Corn Flake Cereal: This is the secret ingredient for that unmistakable Butterfinger crunch! Finding a truly clean corn flake cereal can be a bit tricky, as many are loaded with added sugars. I personally love two brands: Real Cereal, which is simply made with organic corn grits and sea salt, and Nature’s Path Organic corn flakes, which are made with organic corn and naturally sweetened with pear juice. Always check the ingredient list to ensure it aligns with your healthier goals.
• Pantry Staples: A touch of pure vanilla extract enhances all the flavors, and a good pinch of sea salt balances the sweetness, making every bite incredibly satisfying.

Tools and Equipment for Success

• Mixing Bowl: For combining your delicious filling ingredients.
• Spatula: Essential for stirring and spreading.
• Baking Sheet: To hold your mold and for easy freezer transfer.
• Parchment Paper: Lines the baking sheet for easy cleanup and prevents sticking.
• Ghost Mold: This is what gives our treats their adorable Halloween shape! I purchased my silicone mold a few years ago, but this one is a super cute option if you’re looking to buy one.
• Small Saucepan or Microwave-Safe Bowl: For melting the chocolate.

Step-by-Step Guide to Crafting Your Reese’s Butterfinger Chocolate Ghosts

• Prepare Your Chocolate Layer: Begin by gently melting your chosen chocolate chips. You can do this using the double boiler method (placing a heat-proof bowl over a simmering pot of water) or in a microwave-safe bowl, heating in short 20-second increments and stirring well after each interval until the chocolate is completely smooth and glossy. If your chocolate seems too thick, stir in 1-2 teaspoons of coconut oil to thin it slightly.
• Create the Chocolate Base: Pour a small amount of the melted chocolate into the bottom of each cavity of your ghost mold. Use the back of a spoon or a small brush to spread the chocolate evenly, ensuring it covers the entire bottom and extends slightly up the sides of each crevice. This creates a sturdy base and a full chocolate coating. Place the mold into the freezer for just a few minutes, allowing the chocolate to harden quickly.
• Whisk Up the Crunchy Filling: While your chocolate base is chilling, prepare the irresistible Butterfinger-style filling. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter (or alternative nut/seed butter), maple syrup (or honey), melted coconut oil (if using, helps with texture), vanilla extract, and a generous pinch of sea salt. Stir these ingredients until they are well combined and smooth. Once creamy, gently fold in the lightly crushed corn flake cereal. This is what provides that signature crunch! Taste the mixture and adjust sweetness if desired by adding an extra tablespoon of maple syrup.
• Add the Filling: Once the chocolate base in your mold has hardened, remove it from the freezer. Take small portions of the peanut butter filling and carefully press it into each chocolate-lined ghost cavity. Gently flatten the top of the filling to create an even layer, leaving a small space at the top for the final chocolate coating.
• Seal with More Chocolate: Pour the remaining melted chocolate over the top of each ghost, spreading it carefully to completely cover the peanut butter filling. Ensure the edges meet the side chocolate coating to fully enclose the filling.
• Final Chill & Enjoy: Return the mold to the freezer for at least one hour, or until the ghosts are completely firm. This allows the filling to set properly, ensuring that satisfying crunch when you bite into them. Once firm, carefully pop the ghosts out of their molds. Store these delightful healthier Reese’s Butterfinger Ghosts in an airtight container in the freezer until you’re ready to enjoy them!

No Ghost Mold? No Problem! Here’s How to Adapt the Recipe

Absolutely! While the ghost mold adds a fun, festive touch for Halloween, you can easily make these delicious healthier Reese’s Butterfinger treats without one. They will still taste just as amazing! The simplest alternative is to use a standard muffin tin. If you don’t own a silicone muffin tin, which makes removal incredibly easy, I highly recommend using cupcake liners. These liners will prevent sticking and help you create perfectly shaped “Reese’s”-style cups. Simply follow the same layering process: a bottom layer of chocolate, then the crunchy peanut butter filling, topped with a final layer of chocolate. You can also form small balls or bars with the filling and dip them into melted chocolate for a more free-form, bite-sized treat!

FAQ’s, Tips, & Tricks for Perfect Healthier Halloween Treats

• How to Store Your Reese’s Butterfinger Ghosts: For optimal freshness and texture, these delightful treats are best stored in the freezer. Simply place them in an airtight container once they’ve fully set. When you’re ready to indulge, feel free to let them sit out for about 5 minutes at room temperature if you prefer a slightly softer, chewier texture.
• How Long Do They Last? These homemade Butterfinger bites boast an impressive shelf life! When stored properly in an airtight container in the freezer, they will remain fresh and delicious for up to 2 months. This makes them perfect for meal prepping ahead of Halloween or enjoying long after the festivities.
• Can I use a different sweetener? While maple syrup and honey are recommended for their natural properties, you could experiment with other liquid sweeteners like agave nectar if you prefer, adjusting to taste.
• My chocolate is too thick/thin! What do I do? If your melted chocolate is too thick, stir in 1-2 teaspoons of coconut oil until it reaches a pourable consistency. If it’s too thin, you can add a tiny bit more chocolate chips and remelt, or let it cool slightly to thicken.
• Getting Clean Shapes: Ensure your chocolate layers are fully set before adding the filling and final chocolate layer. This prevents mixing and helps achieve defined layers and clean lines when you unmold them. Using silicone molds is key for easy release.
• Crushing Corn Flakes: Don’t pulverize the corn flakes into a powder. Lightly crush them by hand or in a zip-top bag with a rolling pin to maintain some texture and crunch. This is essential for the “Butterfinger” experience.
• Customizing the Filling: Feel free to experiment with additions to the peanut butter filling! A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top of the finished ghosts can elevate the flavor even further.

More Healthy No-Bake Recipes to Try

If you loved making these healthier Reese’s Butterfinger Ghosts, you’re in for a treat! Our collection of no-bake recipes offers equally delicious and wholesome options that are simple to prepare and perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings without any baking required. Explore these other fan favorites:

• Healthy Snickers Bites
• 2 Ingredient Copycat Rolo’s
• No Bake Samoa Cookies
• Carrot Cake Bites/Truffles
• Homemade Dilly Bar Ice Creams
• 2 Ingredient Orange Sorbet
• Gluten Free Banana Pudding

If you give these Healthier Reese’s Butterfinger Ghosts a try, it would truly mean the world to me if you left a review below! Don’t forget to tag me in your delightful creations on Instagram @danishealthyeats. Happy Halloween and happy snacking!