The Ultimate Buckeye Bars Recipe: Creamy Chocolate Peanut Bliss

Indulging in a buckeye bars classic treat brings pure chocolate-peanut butter bliss to your dessert table.

Sweet memories of ohio’s beloved confection dance through every creamy bite.

Smooth peanut butter layers meld perfectly with rich chocolate coating.

Rich textures create an irresistible combination that makes everyone smile.

Minimal ingredients and simple preparation mean you can whip up these delectable squares in minutes.

Chocolate and peanut butter lovers will absolutely adore this no-bake delight.

Grab a plate and savor each decadent square – your taste buds will thank you.

What Makes Buckeye Bars a Classic

• Quicken Dessert Prep: Whip up these delightful bars in minutes with just a few simple ingredients and minimal kitchen skills required.
• Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Perfect for potlucks, parties, and family gatherings where everyone craves a sweet and rich chocolate-peanut butter combination.
• No-Bake Convenience: Skip the oven and create a delicious dessert that sets beautifully in the refrigerator, making it stress-free and foolproof for home bakers.
• Kid-Friendly Creation: Engage children in the kitchen by letting them help mix ingredients and spread layers, turning dessert-making into a fun family activity.

All You Need for Buckeye Bars Recipe

• Peanut Butter: A creamy spread that provides the signature nutty flavor and smooth texture of Buckeye Bars.
• Powdered Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps bind the peanut butter mixture together.
• Butter: Enhances richness and helps create a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth consistency.

• Chocolate Chips: Creates a rich, decadent chocolate topping that complements the peanut butter base.

• Parchment Paper: Helps with easy removal of the bars from the baking dish and prevents sticking.

How to Put Together Buckeye Bars

Step 1: Prepare Peanut Butter Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine creamy peanut butter with softened butter and powdered sugar.

Stir the ingredients thoroughly until the mixture becomes completely smooth and well-blended.

The consistency should be thick and easy to spread.

Step 2: Create Peanut Butter Layer

Line a rectangular baking dish with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal.

Carefully transfer the peanut butter mixture into the prepared dish.

Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to spread the mixture evenly across the entire surface, creating a uniform layer.

Step 3: Craft Chocolate Topping

Set up a double boiler or use a microwave-safe bowl to melt chocolate chips.

If using the microwave, heat in short 15-second intervals, stirring between each interval to prevent burning.

Once the chocolate is fully melted and smooth, add a small amount of butter to create an extra glossy finish.

Step 4: Pour and Chill Chocolate Layer

Gently pour the melted chocolate over the peanut butter layer, ensuring complete and even coverage.

Use a spatula to spread the chocolate if needed, creating a smooth top.

Place the entire dish in the refrigerator to set completely.

Step 5: Slice and Serve

After the bars have firmed up (approximately 2 hours), lift the dessert out of the dish using the parchment paper edges.

Place on a cutting board and slice into squares or rectangles.

Serve chilled and enjoy the rich, creamy treat.

Tips That Help With Buckeye Bars

• Refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours to ensure a clean, crisp cut and perfect texture.
• Select high-quality chocolate chips for a rich, smooth topping that melts beautifully and enhances flavor.
• Always use parchment paper for easy removal and clean slicing of the bars without sticking.
• Let peanut butter and butter sit out briefly to blend more smoothly and create a creamy consistency.
• Keep bars refrigerated in an airtight container for up to a week, allowing flavors to meld and maintain optimal texture.

Tasty Spins on Classic Buckeye Bars

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace regular powdered sugar with gluten-free powdered sugar and ensure chocolate chips are certified gluten-free for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Vegan Alternative: Swap butter with coconut oil and use dairy-free dark chocolate chips. Replace traditional peanut butter with almond or sunflower seed butter for added nutrition.
• Low-Sugar Option: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia-based powdered sugar replacement. Select sugar-free chocolate chips to reduce overall sugar content while maintaining delicious flavor profile.
• Keto-Friendly Adaptation: Substitute powdered sugar with powdered erythritol or powdered monk fruit sweetener. Use high-fat, low-carb chocolate like Lily's dark chocolate chips to create a ketogenic-friendly dessert bar.

Buckeye Bars Pair Well With These

• Festive Party Platter: Arrange Buckeye Bars on a decorative wooden board with fresh mint leaves and dusted cocoa powder for elegant dessert presentation.
• Sundae Surprise: Crumble these bars over vanilla ice cream for a decadent chocolate-peanut butter topping that transforms a simple dessert into a gourmet treat.
• Game Day Delight: Cut into bite-sized pieces and serve during sports watching parties as a crowd-pleasing sweet snack that's easy to grab and enjoy.
• Gift-Worthy Treat: Package in clear cellophane bags tied with ribbons for homemade holiday gifts or potluck contributions that will impress family and friends.

Best Way to Keep Buckeye Bars Fresh

• Store Buckeye Bars in a sealed container between layers of parchment paper in the refrigerator for up to 7 days, keeping them fresh and preventing flavor absorption.
• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, place in a freezer-safe bag, and freeze for up to 3 months, ensuring they remain delicious for future enjoyment.
• Keep bars in a cool, dry place for 1-2 days maximum if serving soon, but refrigeration is recommended to maintain texture and prevent chocolate melting.
• Remove frozen bars from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving, allowing them to soften gently without compromising their structure.

FAQs

• Are Buckeye Bars similar to the actual Buckeye candy?

Yes, they’re a simplified bar version of the classic Buckeye balls, with the same delicious peanut butter and chocolate combination from Ohio.

• Can I use a different type of chocolate for the topping?

Milk, dark, or semi-sweet chocolate chips all work well. Choose your favorite chocolate for the topping.

• Do I need any special equipment to make these bars?

Just a mixing bowl, baking dish, parchment paper, and basic kitchen tools like a spatula and measuring cups.

• How long will these Buckeye Bars stay fresh?

They’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to a week when stored in an airtight container.

Buckeye Bars Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Irresistible buckeye bars merge classic peanut butter and chocolate in a simple no-bake dessert. Midwestern charm meets sweet indulgence that beckons hungry friends to gather and savor each delectable square.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chocolate Layer:

• 2 cups chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter (113 grams / 4 ounces)

Peanut Butter Layer:

• 1 cup peanut butter
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (113 grams / 4 ounces)
• 2 cups powdered sugar

Optional Garnish:

(No additional ingredients listed)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Thoroughly combine creamy peanut butter with melted butter and powdered sugar until achieving a uniform, silky consistency.
2. Transfer the blended mixture into a parchment-lined baking dish, carefully spreading it into an even, smooth layer using a spatula.
3. Create a glossy chocolate topping by gently melting chocolate chips with additional butter in a double boiler or microwave, stirring until completely smooth and lustrous.
4. Cascade the molten chocolate evenly over the peanut butter foundation, ensuring complete coverage with a gentle tilting motion.
5. Place the prepared dessert in the refrigerator, allowing it to chill and solidify for approximately 120 minutes or until the chocolate sets completely.
6. Remove from refrigerator and slice into uniform rectangular bars using a sharp knife, wiping the blade clean between cuts for precise edges.
7. Serve chilled and store any remaining bars in an airtight container within the refrigerator to maintain optimal texture and flavor.

Notes

• Choose creamy, room-temperature peanut butter for smoother mixing and easier blending with other ingredients.
• Line the baking dish with parchment paper for effortless removal and clean cutting of bars.
• Melt chocolate slowly using a double boiler or microwave in short bursts to prevent burning and achieve silky texture.
• Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, ensuring maximum freshness and maintaining their firm consistency.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Refrigerating
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 275
• Sugar: 19 g
• Sodium: 55 mg
• Fat: 21 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg