The Ultimate Buckeye Bars Recipe: Chocolate-Peanut Butter Bliss

Chocolate and peanut butter create a heavenly combination in these decadent buckeye bars that satisfy every sweet craving.

Inspired by the classic Ohio treat, this no-bake dessert brings rich, creamy flavors to your kitchen.

Layers of smooth peanut butter filling nestled between chocolate create an irresistible indulgence.

The recipe captures the essence of the beloved buckeye candy in an easy-to-serve bar format.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of sweet and salty notes that dance across your palate.

Chocolate lovers and peanut butter enthusiasts will absolutely adore these simple yet spectacular bars.

Tasty Variations for Buckeye Bars

• Almond Butter Bars: Replace peanut butter with almond butter for a nutty alternative that's perfect for those with peanut allergies.
• Vegan Chocolate Buckeyes: Use coconut oil instead of butter, dairy-free chocolate chips, and plant-based powdered sugar to create a vegan-friendly version.
• Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Squares: Swap graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free cookie crumbs or ground almonds to make the recipe celiac-friendly.
• Low-Sugar Option: Substitute powdered sugar with a sugar-free sweetener like stevia or monk fruit to reduce overall sugar content while maintaining a sweet flavor.

Serving Peanut Butter Buckeye Bars

• Sweet Slice of Heaven: Cut into perfect square pieces for an elegant dessert platter that highlights the rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter layers.
• Picnic Perfect Treat: Pack these bars in individual wax paper wraps for easy outdoor sharing during summer gatherings or family reunions.
• Chocolate Drizzle Upgrade: Before serving, create artistic chocolate zigzag patterns on top using melted white or dark chocolate for extra visual appeal and flavor complexity.
• Game Day Delight: Serve these bars on a rustic wooden board during sports watching parties, allowing guests to grab and enjoy a quick, satisfying snack.

Storing Buckeye Bars for Snack Time

• Seal Buckeye Bars in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months for maximum flavor and texture preservation.
• Keep bars in a cool, dry place for 1-2 days if serving soon. Avoid direct sunlight or warm temperatures to maintain chocolate's integrity.
• Thaw frozen bars in the refrigerator overnight. Let chilled bars sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to soften slightly and enhance flavor.

FAQs

• Why are they called Buckeye Bars?

Named after the buckeye nut from Ohio, these bars resemble the chocolate-covered peanut butter balls traditionally made in Ohio. The state’s beloved buckeye tree inspired the dessert’s name and appearance.

• Can I use natural peanut butter?

It’s best to use creamy, processed peanut butter like Jif or Skippy. Natural peanut butter can make the mixture too oily and might not hold together as well.

• How do I get clean, neat bar cuts?

Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between each cut. For extra precision, let the bars sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before cutting to prevent cracking.

Buckeye Bars Everyone Will Want Seconds Of

• Whip Up Quickly: Super simple recipe with minimal ingredients and basic mixing steps, perfect for busy home cooks who want delicious treats without complicated techniques.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Classic combination of chocolate and peanut butter creates an irresistible flavor that appeals to both kids and adults, making it ideal for gatherings, potlucks, and family events.
• No-Bake Convenience: Skip the oven and enjoy a stress-free dessert preparation that requires only mixing, chilling, and cutting, saving precious kitchen energy and reducing cleanup time.
• Versatile Party Treat: Portable bar format makes these buckeye bars easy to serve at birthday parties, game day celebrations, bake sales, or as a sweet weekend surprise for the family.

Gather Everything for Easy Buckeye Bars

• Peanut Butter: A creamy base that provides rich, nutty flavor and helps bind the bar together.
• Powdered Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a smooth, stable texture for the bar.
• Graham Cracker Crumbs: Provides a crunchy texture and adds a subtle graham flavor to the base.

• Butter: Helps melt and combine the ingredients, creating a smooth and cohesive mixture.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with its warm, sweet undertone.

• Chocolate Chips: Creates a rich, smooth chocolate layer that complements the peanut butter base perfectly.

How to Make Peanut Butter Buckeyes

Step 1: Whip Up the Peanut Butter Base

In a spacious mixing bowl, blend together creamy peanut butter, softened butter, powdered sugar, aromatic vanilla extract, and finely crushed graham cracker crumbs.

Stir the ingredients until they transform into a smooth, consistent mixture that holds together perfectly.

Step 2: Create the Foundational Layer

Transfer the peanut butter mixture into a parchment-lined 9×13 inch baking pan.

Use your hands or a spatula to press and spread the mixture evenly, creating a solid and compact base that will serve as the delicious bottom of your Buckeye Bars.

Step 3: Melt the Chocolate Topping

Place chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl.

Heat in short intervals, stirring every 20 seconds, until the chocolate becomes completely smooth and glossy.

This careful melting process ensures a silky, even chocolate layer.

Step 4: Crown with Chocolate

Gently pour the melted chocolate over the peanut butter layer.

Use a spatula to spread the chocolate evenly, ensuring complete coverage of the peanut butter base from edge to edge.

Step 5: Chill and Slice

Place the pan in the refrigerator and let it set for 2 hours.

Once the bars are firm and chilled, remove from the fridge and slice into squares using a sharp knife.

Serve and enjoy these decadent Buckeye Bars that combine the classic flavors of peanut butter and chocolate.

Buckeye Bar Tips for Perfect Results

• Use a food processor or rolling pin to crush graham crackers into fine, uniform crumbs for a smoother base texture.
• Stir chocolate chips gently and avoid overheating to prevent seizing and ensure a silky, glossy chocolate layer.
• Cover the pan with plastic wrap before refrigerating to prevent moisture condensation on the chocolate surface.
• Let bars sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before serving for easier cutting and softer texture.
• Replace graham crackers with gluten-free crackers and use dark chocolate for a gluten-free and vegan-friendly version.

Buckeye Bars Recipe

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4.7 from 8 reviews

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

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Description

Chocolate and peanut butter lovers rejoice with these irresistible Buckeye Bars that blend Ohio’s classic sweet treat into an easy, no-bake dessert. Rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter layers create a mouthwatering indulgence you won’t be able to resist.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chocolate and Peanut Butter Base:

• 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1 cup peanut butter
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

Sweet and Flavoring Ingredients:

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly blend peanut butter, melted butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and graham cracker crumbs until a cohesive, smooth consistency forms.
2. Transfer the creamy mixture into a parchment-lined 9×13 inch baking pan, using a spatula to distribute the mixture evenly and create a uniform layer.
3. Utilize a microwave-safe bowl to melt chocolate chips, pausing every 20 seconds to stir and prevent burning, continuing until the chocolate achieves a silky, glossy texture.
4. Gently cascade the liquefied chocolate across the peanut butter foundation, carefully maneuvering the pan to ensure complete and consistent coverage.
5. Refrigerate the dessert for approximately 120 minutes, allowing the layers to solidify and bond together.
6. Once chilled and set, extract the dessert from the refrigerator and slice into rectangular bars using a sharp knife, creating clean, precise cuts.
7. Serve the buckeye bars chilled for optimal flavor and texture, perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as a decadent personal treat.

Notes

• Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth mixing and consistent texture throughout the peanut butter layer.
• Line the baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal and clean cutting of bars.
• Opt for high-quality chocolate chips for a richer, more decadent chocolate topping.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free graham-style crackers or almond flour.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Chilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 297 kcal
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 75 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 23 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg