Buckeye Bars Recipe

Oh, if you adore the rich, irresistible combination of peanut butter and chocolate, then you absolutely must try this Buckeye Bars Recipe. It’s one of those sweet treats that feels like a warm hug wrapped in a decadent bite, effortlessly blending creamy peanut butter with a luscious chocolate ganache topping. Whether you’re making these for a family gathering, a party, or just to indulge yourself, these bars promise a perfect balance of flavors and textures that keep everyone coming back for more.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Buckeye Bars Recipe lies in the simplicity of its ingredients. Each one is essential, bringing together the perfect bite-worthy texture, delightful sweetness, and rich flavor that makes these bars stand out. Let’s dive into what you’ll need:

• 8 tablespoons salted sweet cream butter (softened): Provides a creamy base with a touch of saltiness to balance the sweetness perfectly.
• 3 cups creamy peanut butter: The star of the show, creamy and smooth for that luscious peanut flavor.
• 4 cups powdered sugar: Adds sweetness and helps achieve that fudgy, firm texture when combined with peanut butter.
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with a warm, aromatic note.
• 12 ounce package semi sweet chocolate chips: Creates a silky chocolate ganache topping that melts in your mouth.
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: Ensures a shiny, smooth ganache and helps the chocolate spread evenly.

How to Make Buckeye Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Peanut Butter Layer

Start by lining a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper—it makes removing the bars so much easier later! Then, soften your butter and beat it in a stand mixer or with a handheld mixer on medium-high speed for about 1 minute until creamy and smooth. Next, add in the creamy peanut butter and pure vanilla extract, mixing for another minute until everything is beautifully blended. Lower the mixer speed to medium-low and gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Then, increase the speed back to medium-high and mix until the entire mixture is completely smooth and fluffy. Spread this peanut butter mixture evenly in your parchment-lined baking dish using a spatula, creating the delicious base for your Buckeye Bars Recipe.

Step 2: Create the Chocolate Ganache Topping

This top layer is what truly turns these bars into something extraordinary. Place your semi sweet chocolate chips and vegetable oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat it for 1 minute, then stir well. Continue heating in 15-second bursts, stirring after each, until your chocolate is perfectly smooth and glossy. Immediately spread the ganache evenly over the peanut butter layer, making sure every corner is covered. Pop the dish into the refrigerator and chill for 15 to 20 minutes to set this luscious top layer.

Step 3: Slice and Chill to Perfect

After chilling the ganache, carefully take your baking dish out and slice the Buckeye Bars into roughly 15 pieces, about 2 ½ inches by 3 inches each. Don’t worry if you need to reslice to get nice clean edges! Cover the bars again and refrigerate for an additional 1 hour and 45 minutes to allow them to fully set and firm up for easy serving.

How to Serve Buckeye Bars Recipe

Garnishes

While these bars are downright irresistible on their own, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of crushed peanuts on top adds an extra touch of elegance and texture. For a gourmet touch, drizzle a little white chocolate over the bars to contrast with the dark chocolate layer. These little extras make the presentation feel special and invite compliments!

Side Dishes

Buckeye Bars pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to balance the rich peanut butter and chocolate. A freshly brewed cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk also brightens up the experience, creating a perfect sweet snack break or dessert combo.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress guests? Serve these bars on a rustic wooden board with some fresh berries scattered around for color and freshness. You can also cut them into smaller bite-sized pieces for parties or pack them in decorative cupcake liners for an adorable treat. The versatility of this Buckeye Bars Recipe means you can style it any way to suit the occasion.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

The beauty of this Buckeye Bars Recipe is that they keep exceptionally well. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and they’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to a week. Just make sure they are well covered to maintain that perfect texture.

Freezing

If you want to save these bars for longer, they freeze beautifully. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil or place them in an airtight freezer-safe container. When properly stored, they can maintain their flavor and texture for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating

These bars are generally best enjoyed cold or at room temperature to keep the chocolate layer firm and the peanut filling dense. If you prefer a softer bite, you can microwave a bar for about 10 seconds to soften the chocolate layers slightly—but be careful not to melt them completely!

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy for this Buckeye Bars Recipe?

Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter will add a delightful texture crunch in every bite, though the bars will be less smooth. It’s a great way to customize the bars to your liking.

Is it necessary to chill the bars for so long?

Yes, chilling helps the peanut butter layer firm up and sets the chocolate ganache so you get neat, clean slices. Skipping the chill time can result in messy, soft bars that are harder to serve.

Can I use dark chocolate instead of semi sweet chocolate chips?

Yes, you can swap in dark chocolate if you prefer a more intense chocolate flavor. Just be mindful that it might be slightly less sweet, which could change the balance of flavors in the Buckeye Bars Recipe.

What’s the best way to cut the bars without cracking the chocolate?

Using a sharp knife warmed under hot water and wiped dry between cuts makes slicing easier and prevents the chocolate from cracking or sticking.

Can I make these bars vegan or dairy-free?

To make a vegan or dairy-free version, use a plant-based butter substitute and dairy-free chocolate chips. Make sure your peanut butter is also free of added dairy ingredients. It’s entirely doable with a few thoughtful swaps!

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly comforting and satisfying about the rich harmony of peanut butter and chocolate in this Buckeye Bars Recipe. It’s a treat that feels like an instant favorite—whether you’re making it for friends, family, or just indulging yourself. Give this recipe a go, and you’ll understand why it’s such a beloved classic that keeps everyone asking for seconds. Enjoy every delicious bite!

Buckeye Bars Recipe

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Delight in these rich and creamy Buckeye Bars, combining a smooth peanut butter base with a luscious semi-sweet chocolate ganache topping. Perfectly balanced and easy to make, these bars are a crowd-pleasing treat that can be prepared ahead of time and chilled until ready to serve.

• Author: Paula
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 15 servings
• Category: Dessert
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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 Baking Dish: Line a 9×13 inch baking dish with parchment paper and set aside to prevent sticking and for easy removal of bars later.
2. Beat Butter: Using a stand mixer or handheld mixer on medium-high speed, beat the softened butter for 1 minute until smooth and creamy.
3. Add Peanut Butter and Vanilla: Incorporate the peanut butter and vanilla extract into the butter mixture. Continue mixing on medium-high speed for another minute until well combined and smooth.
4. Incorporate Powdered Sugar: Reduce mixer speed to medium-low, gradually add powdered sugar one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. Once all sugar is added, increase mixer speed to medium-high and mix thoroughly until fully incorporated and mixture is smooth.
5. Spread Peanut Butter Mixture: Using a silicone or offset spatula, evenly spread the peanut butter mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating an even layer.
6. Make Chocolate Ganache: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips and vegetable oil. Microwave on high for 1 minute, then stir. Continue microwaving in 15-second intervals, stirring between each, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
7. Spread Ganache: Pour and evenly spread the melted chocolate ganache over the peanut butter layer using a spatula.
8. Chill Bars: Cover the baking dish and refrigerate for 15 to 20 minutes to set the chocolate layer.
9. Slice Bars: Remove from refrigerator and carefully slice the bars into 15 pieces, each approximately 2 ½ inches by 3 inches. Cover and return to the refrigerator.
10. Final Chill: Let the bars chill for an additional 1 hour and 45 minutes to fully firm up before serving.
11. Serve: Use the parchment paper to lift bars from the dish. If needed, carefully re-slice bars to separate. Serve immediately or store chilled.

Notes

• For best results, use creamy peanut butter rather than chunky to ensure a smooth texture.
• Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature before beating for easier mixing.
• The chocolate ganache can also be melted gently over a double boiler instead of microwave if preferred.
• Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh up to 5 days.
• Allow bars to come to room temperature for a few minutes before serving if preferred less firm.