Description
Indulgent no-bake peanut butter buckeye bars deliver a delightful chocolate and peanut butter combination from Ohio. Sweet layers meld seamlessly, creating a quick dessert perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups chocolate chips
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
Binding Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups powdered sugar
Flavor Enhancers:
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil or butter (optional, for smoother chocolate layer)
Instructions
- Combine peanut butter, melted butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a medium bowl, whisking until a silky, homogeneous mixture forms.
- Fold graham cracker crumbs into the peanut butter base, ensuring thorough incorporation and creating a consistent texture.
- Transfer the mixture to a parchment-lined 8×8-inch pan, using a spatula to distribute evenly and create a compact, smooth layer.
- Melt chocolate chips with coconut oil in 30-second microwave intervals or using a double boiler, stirring until achieving a glossy, fully melted consistency.
- Carefully pour the melted chocolate over the peanut butter layer, tilting the pan to create an even, seamless chocolate coating.
- Chill in the refrigerator for 90-120 minutes until the bars become completely firm and set.
- Remove from refrigerator, lift parchment paper, and slice into uniform squares using a sharp knife.
- Serve chilled and store remaining bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Notes
- Swap regular peanut butter with almond or sunflower seed butter for nut-free alternatives that keep the creamy texture and sweet flavor.
- Ensure graham cracker crumbs are finely ground to create a smooth, compact base that holds together perfectly without crumbling.
- Use dark chocolate chips for a richer, less sweet topping that balances the sweet peanut butter layer and adds sophisticated depth to the dessert.
- Sprinkle sea salt or crushed peanuts on top before chilling to enhance flavor complexity and add a delightful crunch to the smooth bars.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 16
- Calories: 256
- Sugar: 17 g
- Sodium: 85 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg