Buckeye Bars Recipe

Introduction

Buckeye Bars are a delightful no-bake treat that combines creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate ganache in one delicious dessert. Perfectly sweet and irresistibly smooth, these bars satisfy any sweet tooth with ease.

Ingredients

• 8 tablespoons salted sweet cream butter (softened)
• 3 cups creamy peanut butter
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 12 ounce package semi sweet chocolate chips
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Instructions

1. Step 1: Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper and set it aside.
2. Step 2: In a stand mixer or a medium bowl with a handheld mixer, beat the softened butter on medium-high speed for 1 minute until smooth.
3. Step 3: Add the peanut butter and vanilla extract, then continue mixing for another minute until smooth and well combined.
4. Step 4: Lower the mixer speed to medium-low and gradually add the powdered sugar one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then increase speed to medium-high and mix until fully incorporated.
5. Step 5: Spread the peanut butter mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish using a silicone or offset spatula.
6. Step 6: For the chocolate ganache, place the chocolate chips and vegetable oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat for 1 minute, stir, then continue heating in 15-second intervals, stirring after each, until the mixture is smooth.
7. Step 7: Spread the melted chocolate evenly over the peanut butter layer with a spatula.
8. Step 8: Cover the dish and chill in the refrigerator for 15 to 20 minutes.
9. Step 9: Remove from the refrigerator and carefully slice into 15 bars, each about 2½ inches by 3 inches. Cover and return to the refrigerator for an additional 1 hour and 45 minutes to firm up.
10. Step 10: Lift the bars out using the parchment paper. Re-slice if needed, and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• Use creamy peanut butter for the smoothest texture. For a different flavor, try natural or crunchy peanut butter.
• Substitute the semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark or milk chocolate according to your preference.
• Chilling the bars thoroughly ensures clean slices and a firm texture.

Storage

Store Buckeye Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze the bars for up to 3 months and thaw in the refrigerator before serving. Reheat briefly at room temperature for the best texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes, Buckeye Bars can be made a day or two in advance and kept refrigerated. This actually improves their flavor and texture as they firm up.

Can I use natural peanut butter instead of creamy?

Natural peanut butter can be used, but it may alter the texture slightly and require a bit more mixing to fully combine with the sugar and butter.

Buckeye Bars Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 70 reviews

Buckeye Bars are a decadent layered dessert featuring a creamy peanut butter base topped with a smooth, shiny chocolate ganache. This no-bake treat combines the rich flavors of sweetened peanut butter and semi-sweet chocolate for a perfect indulgence that’s easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion.

• Author: Anna
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours
• Yield: 15 bars 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Peanut Butter Layer

• 8 tablespoons salted sweet cream butter, softened
• 3 cups creamy peanut butter
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Chocolate Ganache

• 12 ounce package semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Instructions

1. Prepare the baking dish: Line a 9×13 inch baking dish with parchment paper and set aside to make removal of the bars easier after chilling.
2. Make the peanut butter layer: In a stand mixer or medium mixing bowl with a handheld mixer, beat the softened butter on medium-high speed for 1 minute until smooth. Add the peanut butter and vanilla extract, continuing to beat for another minute until smooth. Reduce mixer speed to medium-low and gradually add powdered sugar one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. Increase mixer speed to medium-high and mix until fully incorporated and smooth.
3. Spread the peanut butter mixture: Using a silicone or offset spatula, spread the peanut butter mixture evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form a uniform layer.
4. Prepare the chocolate ganache: Combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips and vegetable oil in a small microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 1 minute, then stir well. Continue microwaving in 15-second intervals, stirring after each, until the chocolate mixture is completely smooth and shiny.
5. Spread the chocolate layer: Evenly spread the melted chocolate ganache over the peanut butter layer with a spatula. Cover the dish and refrigerate for 15 to 20 minutes to allow the chocolate to set slightly.
6. Chill the bars: Remove the baking dish from the refrigerator and carefully slice into 15 pieces, each approximately 2 ½ inches by 3 inches. Cover and return to the refrigerator to chill for an additional 1 hour and 45 minutes to fully set.
7. Serve: Lift the bars out of the dish using the parchment paper. If needed, carefully re-slice any bars before serving. Serve immediately or keep chilled until ready to enjoy.

Notes

• Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature for easier mixing.
• Microwave the chocolate chips carefully in intervals to avoid burning the chocolate.
• Use parchment paper to ensure easy removal and clean slicing of the bars.
• Store leftover bars in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• These bars can be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Keywords: buckeye bars, peanut butter bars, chocolate peanut butter dessert, no-bake dessert, easy peanut butter recipe