Buckeye Bars
Buckeye Bars are a rich and creamy dessert combining smooth peanut butter and luscious chocolate. Easy to make with simple pantry ingredients, these bars are perfect for any occasion, offering a melt-in-your-mouth texture and customizable flavors that satisfy sweet cravings anytime.
- Author: Lilly
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes (melting chocolate)
- Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes (including chilling)
- Yield: 24 bars (approximate 2-inch squares) 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake / Chilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
For the Peanut Butter Filling
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup softened butter
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Chocolate Coating
- 2 cups semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips
- Prepare the Peanut Butter Mixture: Combine creamy peanut butter, softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a large bowl. Mix thoroughly until smooth and thick dough forms that holds together well.
- Shape the Bars: Press the peanut butter mixture evenly into a parchment-lined 9×13-inch pan. Smooth out the surface with a spatula for an even layer.
- Melt the Chocolate Coating: Gently melt the chocolate chips using a double boiler or microwave in short bursts, stirring between intervals to prevent burning and achieve a silky consistency.
- Coat the Bars with Chocolate: Pour the melted chocolate over the peanut butter layer and spread evenly with a spatula to cover completely, creating a shiny chocolate cap.
- Chill Until Set: Refrigerate the pan for at least two hours to let the chocolate harden and bars firm up fully. Once set, cut into squares and serve.
Notes
- Use room temperature softened butter for a creamier filling blend.
- Melt chocolate slowly and carefully to avoid graininess or burning.
- Line the baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease removal.
- Press the peanut butter filling firmly to keep bars neat and less crumbly.
- Store bars refrigerated in an airtight container to maintain freshness and texture.
- For vegan options, use plant-based butter and dairy-free chocolate chips.
- Customize with mix-ins like crushed pretzels, nuts, or caramel drizzle if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (1/24 of recipe)
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 90 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
Keywords: Buckeye Bars, peanut butter bars, chocolate peanut butter dessert, no-bake bars, gluten free dessert, creamy peanut butter bars