If you are anything like me and adore the classic combination of peanut butter and chocolate, then you are going to fall head over heels for this delightful Buckeye Bars Recipe. These bars capture all the rich, creamy, and indulgent flavors of the beloved buckeye candy but in a convenient, shareable form that’s perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or simply treating yourself. With a smooth peanut butter base topped with a luscious chocolate ganache, this Buckeye Bars Recipe is the perfect balance of sweet and salty that melts in your mouth and leaves you reaching for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Buckeye Bars Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient is a superstar on its own, coming together to create a luscious, melt-in-your-mouth experience that’s equal parts rich and comforting. From the creamy peanut butter to the silky chocolate topping, every component plays an important role in delivering that classic buckeye flavor in bar form.
- Salted sweet cream butter (8 tablespoons): Softened butter adds richness and a smooth texture to the peanut butter layer.
- Creamy peanut butter (3 cups): The heart of the recipe, providing that iconic nutty flavor and creamy consistency.
- Pure vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Enhances the sweetness and adds aromatic warmth to the mixture.
- Powdered sugar (4 cups): Sweetens and helps firm up the peanut butter filling to hold its shape.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (12-ounce package): Used for the decadent ganache topping that perfectly contrasts the peanut butter base.
- Vegetable oil (2 tablespoons): Added to the melted chocolate to ensure a smooth and glossy finish.
How to Make Buckeye Bars Recipe
Step 1: Create the Peanut Butter Mixture
Start by taking your softened salted sweet cream butter and creamy peanut butter, then blend them together in a large mixing bowl until the texture becomes smooth and creamy. This step is crucial for ensuring your filling layer has that luscious, spreadable consistency that’s easy to work with.
Step 2: Sweeten and Firm Up the Base
Next, add in the pure vanilla extract along with the powdered sugar. Mix thoroughly until the texture firms up just enough to hold its shape when pressed. This combination not only adds sweetness but also creates the perfect sturdy yet creamy foundation for the bars.
Step 3: Press the Peanut Butter Mixture into the Pan
Grease a 9×13-inch pan and evenly press the peanut butter mixture into it. This step ensures the base layer is compact and level, setting the stage for a flawless top layer. Be generous with your pressure so the bars hold together beautifully when cut.
Step 4: Prepare the Chocolate Ganache
In a heatproof bowl, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips together with the vegetable oil over low heat. Stir constantly until the chocolate is fully melted and the mixture becomes smooth and glossy. This ganache will be the crowning touch that seals in the peanut butter flavor.
Step 5: Pour and Spread the Ganache
Carefully pour the silky ganache over the prepared peanut butter layer in the pan. Spread it evenly with a spatula, making sure every inch is covered in that rich chocolate goodness. This top layer will harden into a beautiful, shiny finish.
Step 6: Chill Until Set
Place the bars in the refrigerator and let them chill for about 2 hours or until the chocolate topping is fully set and firm. This step is essential for achieving clean, neat slices with a perfect texture contrast between layers.
Step 7: Slice and Enjoy
Once set, cut the bars into squares and serve. These little squares of happiness are ready to wow your taste buds and impress anyone lucky enough to have one.
How to Serve Buckeye Bars Recipe
Garnishes
These Buckeye Bars look stunning on their own, but if you want to elevate the presentation or texture a bit, consider sprinkling a few crushed peanuts on top before the ganache sets or a light dusting of powdered sugar. A small dollop of whipped cream on the side pairs wonderfully as well.
Side Dishes
Since these bars are rich and sweet, they go best with simple, fresh accompaniments. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a fresh fruit salad adds a refreshing contrast to the creamy, chocolatey bars. Coffee or cold milk also make perfect pairings for balance.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, serve Buckeye Bars Recipe squares on a decorative platter lined with parchment paper and arranged with colorful napkins. You can also pop individual bars into mini cupcake liners for easy, elegant servings at parties. Wrapping bars in wax paper makes them great gifts or lunchbox treats too!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover Buckeye Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Keeping them chilled maintains the firm texture of the chocolate and the perfect creaminess of the peanut butter base.
Freezing
These bars freeze beautifully. Simply wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator to preserve their perfect texture.
Reheating
Since these are no-bake bars with a chocolate ganache topping, reheating isn’t necessary or recommended. Serve them chilled or at room temperature for the best flavor and texture experience.
FAQs
Can I use natural peanut butter for this Buckeye Bars Recipe?
Natural peanut butter tends to be thinner and oilier, which may affect the texture and firmness of the bars. For best results, stick with creamy, no-stir peanut butter to ensure the bars hold together nicely.
Is there a way to make these bars vegan?
Yes! Substitute the butter with a vegan butter alternative, use a plant-based peanut butter, and choose dairy-free chocolate chips. Just make sure the powdered sugar you use is also vegan-friendly.
Can I use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet for the ganache?
Definitely! Dark chocolate will give the bars a richer, slightly less sweet chocolate flavor that contrasts beautifully with the peanut butter. Feel free to experiment based on your taste preference.
How thick should the peanut butter layer be?
You want the peanut butter layer to be spread evenly and compacted to about one inch thick in the pan. This thickness balances the chocolate and peanut butter perfectly without being too dense or too thin.
Can these bars be made gluten-free?
Absolutely! All the ingredients in this Buckeye Bars Recipe are naturally gluten-free, but double-check labels on processed ingredients like chocolate chips to confirm there’s no cross-contamination.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Buckeye Bars Recipe that captures the essence of a much-loved candy but elevates it into a dessert that’s easy to make and impossible to resist. Whether you’re serving them at a party or sneaking a square for yourself, these bars deliver that classic peanut butter and chocolate combination with a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Give this recipe a try—you won’t regret it, and soon it might just become your new favorite go-to treat!
Print
Buckeye Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 15 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
Deliciously rich and creamy Buckeye Bars feature a thick peanut butter base topped with a smooth layer of chocolate ganache. These no-bake treats combine the classic flavors of peanut butter and chocolate into easy-to-make bars that set in the refrigerator, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth anytime.
Ingredients
Peanut Butter Base
- 8 tablespoons salted sweet cream butter, softened
- 3 cups creamy peanut butter
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 4 cups powdered sugar
Chocolate Ganache
- 1 (12-ounce) package semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Instructions
- Blend Peanut Butter Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and creamy peanut butter. Mix well until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy, ensuring that both ingredients are fully integrated.
- Add Vanilla and Powdered Sugar: Stir in the pure vanilla extract followed by the powdered sugar. Continue mixing until the mixture thickens and is firm enough to hold its shape when spread.
- Press into Pan: Grease a 9×13-inch pan lightly, then press the peanut butter mixture evenly into the bottom of the pan, smoothing the surface for an even layer.
- Melt Chocolate Ganache: In a heatproof bowl set over low heat, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips along with the vegetable oil. Stir continuously until the mixture is completely smooth and glossy, forming a ganache.
- Pour Ganache Over Base: Carefully pour the warm ganache over the peanut butter layer in the pan, spreading it evenly to cover the entire surface.
- Refrigerate to Set: Place the pan in the refrigerator and chill for approximately 2 hours, or until the chocolate ganache is fully set and firm to the touch.
- Cut and Serve: Once set, remove the bars from the refrigerator. Use a sharp knife to cut into 15 squares. Serve chilled and enjoy the rich combination of peanut butter and chocolate.
Notes
- For a firmer texture, you can refrigerate the bars overnight.
- Use creamy peanut butter for the best smooth consistency.
- If you prefer a sweeter chocolate topping, use milk chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet.
- Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- Allow bars to sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving if they are too hard straight from the fridge.
