Buckeye Bars Recipe

These Buckeye Bars take the classic chocolate and peanut butter treat to the next level! With a rich, creamy peanut butter layer topped by a smooth chocolate ganache, they offer all the flavors of traditional buckeyes without the hassle of rolling individual balls. Perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or simply a weekend treat, these bars are easy to make and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

this Recipe

I first discovered Buckeye Bars when I wanted the taste of my favorite holiday treat but without the time commitment. Now, they’re a family staple that disappears within minutes whenever I make them. Let’s dive into the recipe!

Why You’ll Love These Buckeye Bars

Prepare to fall in love with these Buckeye Bars! They’re rich, creamy, and deliver all the peanut butter and chocolate goodness you crave. Here’s why you need this recipe in your life:

First, they’re super easy to make. Unlike traditional buckeyes that require rolling each piece by hand, this recipe comes together in a pan—just mix, layer, and chill. It’s simple and hassle-free, making it ideal for busy days.

These bars are perfectly balanced in flavor. The creamy peanut butter base pairs with a luscious chocolate topping, creating the perfect contrast of sweet and salty. If you’re a peanut butter lover, this dessert will definitely hit the spot!

Not only are they delicious, but they’re also great for sharing. Buckeye Bars are easy to slice and serve, making them a go-to choice for gatherings or holiday cookie trays. They’re also incredibly portable, so you can take them on the go or wrap them up for gifting.

Best of all, these bars require no baking. Just a little mixing and chilling, and you’re ready to go. That means no oven time and a dessert that comes together in under an hour!

Ingredients Notes

The key to amazing Buckeye Bars is using quality ingredients that bring out the classic chocolate-peanut butter flavor. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need:

• Peanut Butter: Smooth, creamy peanut butter is best for this recipe, as it provides a soft, even texture for the filling. Choose a regular, processed peanut butter for the most stable and consistent results.
• Butter: The butter adds richness and helps hold the peanut butter layer together. Be sure to use unsalted butter, as salted butter could overpower the sweetness of the dessert.
• Powdered Sugar: This sugar sweetens the peanut butter layer without adding any graininess. If you prefer a slightly less sweet bar, you can reduce the amount by about ¼ cup.
• Graham Cracker Crumbs: Adding graham cracker crumbs to the peanut butter mixture provides a bit of texture and structure, making the filling stable enough to hold up to the chocolate layer.
• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: The chocolate layer on top is made with melted semi-sweet chocolate chips, which balances out the sweetness of the peanut butter. If you prefer a darker or milkier chocolate, feel free to swap it out, but semi-sweet is ideal for classic buckeye flavor.
• Heavy Cream: A touch of heavy cream makes the chocolate layer smooth and pourable. This adds richness and makes it easy to spread the chocolate evenly over the peanut butter base.

You’ll need an 8x8-inch or 9x9-inch baking pan lined with parchment paper for easy removal and slicing.

How to Make Buckeye Bars

Making Buckeye Bars is incredibly simple and only requires a few steps. Here’s how to make them:

1. Prepare the Peanut Butter Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine softened butter, peanut butter, and powdered sugar. Use an electric mixer to beat until smooth and creamy. Add the graham cracker crumbs and mix until well combined. The mixture should be thick and resemble cookie dough.
2. Press into the Pan: Line your baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a little overhang on the sides to make removal easier. Press the peanut butter mixture evenly into the pan, creating a smooth, level layer. Place the pan in the refrigerator while you make the chocolate topping.
3. Make the Chocolate Topping: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and heavy cream. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring in between, until the chocolate is melted and smooth. Be careful not to overheat, as chocolate can burn easily.
4. Spread the Chocolate Layer: Pour the melted chocolate over the chilled peanut butter layer. Use a spatula to spread it evenly across the top, covering the entire surface. For a decorative touch, you can run a knife through the chocolate in a swirl pattern.
5. Chill the Bars: Place the pan back in the refrigerator and chill for at least 1 hour, or until the chocolate is fully set. This will make the bars easier to slice and serve.
6. Slice and Serve: Once the bars are fully chilled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift them out of the pan. Slice into squares or rectangles, wiping the knife clean between cuts to keep them looking neat.

These bars take about 15 minutes to prepare and an hour to chill, making them a fast and delicious option for any occasion.

Storage Options

Buckeye Bars store beautifully, so you can make them ahead of time or keep leftovers on hand. Here’s how to store them:

• Refrigerator: Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. This will keep the chocolate firm and prevent the peanut butter layer from becoming too soft.
• Freezer: Buckeye Bars also freeze well! Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Simply thaw in the fridge for a few hours before serving.
• Serving Tips: For best results, let the bars sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving. This softens the peanut butter layer slightly, making each bite extra creamy.

Variations and Substitutions

The beauty of Buckeye Bars is that they’re easy to customize! Here are a few ideas to try out:

• Crunchy Peanut Butter: For added texture, use crunchy peanut butter in the base layer. You’ll get small pieces of peanuts throughout, adding a nice crunch to each bite.
• Chocolate-Peanut Butter Swirl: For an extra peanut butter hit, melt a little peanut butter and drizzle it over the chocolate layer before it sets. Use a toothpick to swirl the peanut butter into the chocolate for a decorative look.
• Oreo Crust: Replace the graham cracker crumbs with crushed Oreo cookies for a chocolatey twist. This adds a bit of extra sweetness and pairs well with the peanut butter.
• Dark Chocolate: If you’re a fan of darker chocolate, use bittersweet chocolate instead of semi-sweet. This gives the bars a richer, less sweet taste that complements the peanut butter beautifully.
• Add Sea Salt: For a sweet-and-salty treat, sprinkle a little flaky sea salt over the chocolate layer before it sets. The salt adds a wonderful contrast to the creamy, sweet filling.

No matter how you make them, these bars are bound to be a hit with anyone who loves chocolate and peanut butter.

Conclousion

Buckeye Bars are the ultimate treat for peanut butter and chocolate lovers. They’re rich, creamy, and incredibly satisfying—and best of all, they’re easy enough to whip up any time you’re craving something sweet. Give them a try, and see why they’ve become a favorite in so many households!

Print