Irresistible Peanut Butter Buckeye Bars Recipe

Sweet chocolate and peanut butter collide in these addictive buckeye bars that deliver pure dessert magic.

Every bite packs a nostalgic punch of creamy richness.

These no-bake treats capture the classic flavor combination beloved across the Midwest.

buckeye bars require minimal ingredients and zero baking skills, making them perfect for spontaneous dessert cravings.

The layers of smooth peanut butter and rich chocolate create an irresistible texture that melts in your mouth.

With just a few simple steps, you can whip up a dessert that looks impressive and tastes incredible.

Dive into this crowd-pleasing recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your sweet repertoire.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time:

Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes (including chilling)

Calories: 348 kcal

Servings: 13

What’s Inside Buckeye Bars?

• Unsalted Butter: Provides creamy richness and helps bind the layer smoothly, choose high-quality butter for best flavor.
• Peanut Butter: Creates the signature nutty base, opt for creamy style without added sugars for authentic taste.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances depth of flavor, use pure vanilla for richer aromatic notes.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes the mixture, sift to prevent lumps for silky texture.

• Chocolate Chips: Delivers rich chocolate coating, select semi-sweet or dark chocolate for balanced sweetness.
• Vegetable Oil: Helps create smooth, glossy chocolate layer, use neutral-flavored oil for consistent shine.

• Parchment Paper: Enables easy removal and clean cutting of bars, ensure full coverage of baking dish.

Tools That Make Buckeye Bars Easier

• Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer: Essential for beating butter and mixing peanut butter layer smoothly.
• Medium Mixing Bowl: Perfect for combining ingredients if not using a stand mixer.
• 9×13-inch Baking Dish: Provides the right size and shape for creating the bars.
• Parchment Paper: Helps easily remove bars from the dish and prevents sticking.
• Silicone Spatula or Offset Spatula: Great for spreading peanut butter mixture and chocolate ganache evenly.
• Microwave-Safe Bowl: Used for melting chocolate chips quickly and efficiently.
• Sharp Knife: Helps slice bars into neat, even squares.

How to Put Together Buckeye Bars

• Baking Dish Preparation

Select a clean 9×13 inch pan and line it with parchment paper, creating convenient edges for smooth removal later.

• Peanut Butter Foundation

Combine softened butter, peanut butter, and vanilla in a mixing bowl, blending until silky and uniform. Gradually fold in powdered sugar, whipping the mixture until it reaches a luxurious, creamy consistency.

• Base Layer Placement

Gently spread the peanut butter mixture across the prepared pan, ensuring an even surface that looks smooth and inviting.

• Chocolate Topping

Melt chocolate chips with a touch of oil in short microwave bursts, stirring between intervals until glossy and completely liquid. Pour the warm chocolate over the peanut butter layer, creating a beautiful, uniform coating.

• Chilling and Setting

Refrigerate the pan for approximately two hours, allowing the layers to solidify and develop a perfect texture. Once firm, slice into delectable squares using a sharp knife.

• Serving

Remove bars from the pan using parchment paper edges. Arrange on a serving plate and enjoy the rich, decadent treat at room temperature or slightly chilled.

Flavor Tweaks for Better Buckeye Bars

• Experiment with almond or cashew butter for a unique twist on the classic peanut butter flavor, adding depth and variety to the traditional buckeye bars.
• Drizzle white chocolate or add crushed nuts on top of the ganache layer to create exciting texture and visual appeal for your dessert.
• Prepare the bars up to 5 days in advance and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, making party prep and entertaining a breeze.
• Reduce powdered sugar by 1/4 cup if you prefer a less sweet dessert, or add a pinch of sea salt to balance the rich flavors and enhance the overall taste profile.

How to Serve Buckeye Bars with Style

• Dessert Party Centerpiece: Create a stunning dessert display by arranging Buckeye Bars on a decorative platter with small mint leaves or cocoa powder dusting for an elegant touch.
• Chocolate Lover's Dream: Pair these bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a warm chocolate drizzle to enhance the rich peanut butter and chocolate combination.
• Game Day Snack Platter: Perfect for sports gatherings, slice the bars into smaller bite-sized pieces and serve alongside other game day treats like pretzels and chips for a crowd-pleasing spread.
• Gift-Worthy Treat: Package individual bars in clear cellophane bags tied with ribbon for a homemade gift that shows thoughtfulness and culinary skill.

Keep Buckeye Bars Fresh

• Fridge Friendly Storage: Keep these delectable buckeye bars in an airtight container within the refrigerator for up to 7 days. Layer between parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain their perfect texture.
• Freezer Magic: Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place inside a freezer-safe container. These treats can stay frozen for 2-3 months without losing their delicious flavor profile. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.
• Party Prep Strategy: Create these bars 1-2 days before your gathering. They actually taste better after the flavors have melded together, making them an ideal make-ahead dessert for celebrations or potlucks.
• Temperature Sensitivity: Always serve slightly chilled for the best taste and texture. Let bars sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before serving to soften slightly and enhance their creamy peanut butter and smooth chocolate experience.

Heavenly Buckeye Bars

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• Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes (including chilling)
• Yield: 13 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Sweet Ohio-inspired buckeye bars blend chocolate and peanut butter in a nostalgic dessert. Midwestern charm shines through this simple, irresistible treat you’ll want to share with friends and family.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 cups (680 grams) creamy peanut butter
• 4 cups (480 grams) powdered sugar
• 12 oz (340 grams) semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 8 tbsps (113 grams) salted sweet cream butter, softened
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) vegetable oil
• 2 tsp (10 ml) pure vanilla extract
• Vegetable oil (for greasing pan, if needed)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, creating overhanging edges for effortless removal.
2. Base Creation: Combine softened butter, peanut butter, and vanilla extract in a mixing bowl. Blend using a stand or hand mixer until achieving a silky, uniform consistency.
3. Sugar Integration: Gradually fold powdered sugar into the mixture, mixing at low speed to prevent sugar dispersion. Whip the peanut butter base until smooth and glossy.
4. Layer Formation: Spread the peanut butter mixture evenly across the prepared dish, ensuring a level surface with a spatula.
5. Chocolate Coating: Melt chocolate chips with vegetable oil in a microwave-safe bowl, heating in short bursts and stirring between intervals until transformed into a glossy, liquid ganache.
6. Chocolate Application: Pour the molten chocolate over the peanut butter layer, using controlled motions to create an even distribution.
7. Chilling Process: Refrigerate the dish for 15-20 minutes to partially set the chocolate. Remove and slice into precise rectangles (approximately 2½ by 3 inches).
8. Final Setting: Return the bars to the refrigerator to firm the layers completely. Lift from the dish using parchment paper edges, re-slicing if needed.
9. Serving: Present the chilled buckeye bars, ready to be savored.

Notes

• Chill Strategically: Refrigerate in two stages for perfect layering – first 15-20 minutes to set chocolate, then longer to firm entire dessert completely.
• Prevent Sugar Mess: Mix powdered sugar slowly at low speed to avoid creating sugar dust clouds in your kitchen workspace.
• Smooth Chocolate Technique: Use short microwave intervals and consistent stirring to create a glossy, smooth chocolate ganache without burning.
• Precise Cutting Tip: Allow bars to chill fully before slicing to ensure clean, sharp edges and professional-looking dessert squares.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 348
• Sugar: 25 g
• Sodium: 113 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 33 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 12 mg