Buckeye Bars are soft no-bake desserts with a thick peanut butter base and topped with a chocolatey ganache. These chocolate peanut butter bars are so easy to make with just 5-ingredients and 10-minute prep!
Easy Buckeye Bars
For as long as I can remember, these bars have been a staple in my household and made every year for the Holidays. They are quick and simple to make with just a few ingredients to prepare and they can be ready in no time! Look below to see ways to decorate your bars for special occasions and bring out the flavors even more!
You will also love our traditional Buckeye Recipe, Buckeye Brownies, and Buckeye Cookies!
Key Ingredients You’ll Need
Peanut Butter: You will need to combine creamy peanut butter, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla to make the thick and soft peanut butter layer.
Chocolate Chips: You will combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips with butter to make a smooth chocolate ganache to go on top of the peanut butter layer.
How To Make Buckeye Bars
Step 1. In a large bowl, add in the butter, peanut butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla, and combine with an electric mixer until smooth, thick, and crumbly. Use parchment paper to line a 9 x 13-inch pan and add the dough to the pan and firmly press down to cover the base of the pan.
Step 2. In a heat-safe bowl, add the chocolate chips and the rest of the butter and melt in 30-second intervals until smooth. Make sure to mix in between each increment. Add the chocolate on top and use a spatula to spread evenly before placing it in the fridge to chill for 1 hour. Gently take the bars out of the pan with parchment paper and place them on a cutting board. Cut into squares using a very sharp knife before placing them back in the fridge for an additional hour to set. Serve and enjoy!
How To Keep The Buckeye Bars From Cracking?
When you get ready to cut the bars, I recommend doing it when the chocolate is just about set. This way it’s soft enough to cut and won’t cause any cracking. If the chocolate is fully set and hardens, it will cause it to chip off or crack.
How To Decorate Buckeye Bars?
To make these bars pop a little more at a buffet table or just in general, here are a few things you can add on top while the chocolate is setting. Drizzle with white chocolate or caramel sauce for more dimension. Add some Reese’s Pieces, M&M’s, or other fun and festive candies for special occasions. You can also top with chopped pecans, peanuts, or almonds for a more nutty flavor and texture.
Tips & Tricks
Just when you add the chocolate ganache, add some flaky sea salt on top to bring out the sweet and nutty flavors.
Allow the bars to set before eating!
Place any leftovers in an airtight container or Ziplock bag for the best storage method. You can keep these bars at room temperature or keep them in the fridge. If you decide to keep them in the fridge, I recommend allowing taking them out and allow them to reach room temperature before serving.
If you want more of a crunch in these bars, you can try crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy!
More Bar Recipes:
Buckeye Bars
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter softened
- 3 cups peanut butter creamy
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
CHOCOLATE GANACHE
- 12- ounce package chocolate chips 2 cups, semi-sweet
- 1 tbsp butter
Instructions
- Peanut Butter LayerPlace butter, peanut butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a large bowl. Using an electric mixer, beat until smooth. The dough will be very thick and crumbly.
- Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper. Transfer the peanut butter dough into the pan and press firmly covering the bottom of the dish.
- Add chocolate chips and the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter into a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between intervals, until smooth.
- Pour the melted chocolate over the top of the bars and spread evenly using a spatula. Refrigerate for 1 hour. Carefully remove the bars from the pan by pulling up on the excess parchment paper, and transfer to a cutting board. Slice into squares with a sharp knife.
- Return to the refrigerator for at least 1 more hour, or until ready to serve.
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1 thought on “Buckeye Bars”
These were super creamy and so easy to make