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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- Preparation: Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, creating overhanging edges for effortless removal.
- 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.
- 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.
- Layer Formation: Spread the peanut butter mixture evenly across the prepared dish, ensuring a level surface with a spatula.
- 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.
- Chocolate Application: Pour the molten chocolate over the peanut butter layer, using controlled motions to create an even distribution.
- 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).
- 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.
- 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