buckeye bars whisk you away to cozy afternoons as a soft, creamy peanut butter fudge base meets a glossy, dark chocolate topping. Each square promises a delightful contrast between sweet, buttery filling and a satisfyingly crisp shell that snaps with every bite. These little treasures come together in a flash—no fancy tools or ingredients required—so you’ll spend more time savoring and less time stirring. Whether you’re baking for a festive gathering or treating yourself after a busy day, you’ll delight in how easily these bars disappear. Prepare to be the hero of your next bake sale or family dessert table.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This buckeye bars
- Decadent chocolate and peanut butter flavor in every bite.
- Easy to make with simple ingredients you probably have at home.
- Perfect for sharing at parties or enjoying as a sweet treat.
- No baking required, making it a quick and hassle-free dessert.
- Customizable with toppings like crushed nuts or drizzled chocolate.
buckeye bars
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will get things nice and toasty for your bars!
- Combine graham cracker crumbs and 6 tablespoons of melted butter in a bowl. Mix well and press this mixture into the bottom of a greased 9×9-inch baking pan to form a crust.
- Pop the crust in the oven and bake for 5 minutes. Once done, let it cool slightly.
- In a bowl, beat together 1 cup of peanut butter, ½ cup of softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until the mixture is smooth and thick.
- Spread the peanut butter mixture evenly over the cooled crust. Then, refrigerate for 30 minutes to let it set.
- In a microwave-safe bowl or over a double boiler, melt chocolate chips and 2 tablespoons of butter together until smooth.
- Pour the melted chocolate over the peanut butter layer and spread it evenly. This is where the magic happens!
- Refrigerate the bars for at least 1 hour until firm. Once set, cut into bars and serve. Enjoy your delicious buckeye bars!
Notes
| Nutrition Facts | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 200 |
| Fat | 12g |
| Protein | 4g |
| Carbs | 20g |
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to create your delicious buckeye bars!
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs – for the base
- 6 tablespoons butter, melted – adds moisture
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter – rich flavor
- ½ cup butter, softened – for texture
- 2 cups powdered sugar – for sweetness
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – enhances flavor
- 8 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips – for topping
- 2 tablespoons butter (for topping) – helps melt chocolate
How to Make Buckeye Bars
Get ready to whip up some delicious buckeye bars! This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time, 5 minutes of cooking time, and an extra hour for chilling. Let’s dive in!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will get things nice and toasty for your bars!
Step 2: Make the Crust
Combine graham cracker crumbs and 6 tablespoons of melted butter in a bowl. Mix well and press this mixture into the bottom of a greased 9×9-inch baking pan to form a crust.
Step 3: Bake the Crust
Pop the crust in the oven and bake for 5 minutes. Once done, let it cool slightly.
Step 4: Prepare the Peanut Butter Mixture
In a bowl, beat together 1 cup of peanut butter, ½ cup of softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until the mixture is smooth and thick.
Step 5: Spread the Peanut Butter Mixture
Spread the peanut butter mixture evenly over the cooled crust. Then, refrigerate for 30 minutes to let it set.
Step 6: Melt the Chocolate
In a microwave-safe bowl or over a double boiler, melt chocolate chips and 2 tablespoons of butter together until smooth.
Step 7: Pour the Chocolate
Pour the melted chocolate over the peanut butter layer and spread it evenly. This is where the magic happens!
Step 8: Chill and Serve
Refrigerate the bars for at least 1 hour until firm. Once set, cut into bars and serve. Enjoy your delicious buckeye bars!
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category | Dessert |
| Cuisine | American |
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 5 minutes |
| Extra Time | 30 minutes (resting) |
| Total Time | 50 minutes |
| Dietary | Vegetarian |
| Serves | 12 |
| Best Served | Chilled and cut into bars! |
Pro Tips for Making buckeye bars
- Chill the peanut butter layer for easier cutting.
- Use creamy peanut butter for a smooth texture.
- Opt for high-quality chocolate for a richer flavor.
- Let the bars cool completely before slicing for clean edges.
How to Serve this buckeye bars
- Enjoy them chilled for a refreshing treat.
- Pair with a glass of almond milk for a nutty twist.
- Serve alongside fresh fruit for a balanced snack.
- Top with a sprinkle of sea salt for an extra flavor kick.
- Cut into bite-sized pieces for easy sharing at parties.
- Drizzle with melted dark chocolate for a decadent touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Keep your buckeye bars fresh and delicious with these storage tips:
Storing Leftovers
- Allow bars to cool completely before storing.
- Place in an airtight container.
- Store at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week.
Freezing
- Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap.
- Place wrapped bars in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Reheating
- For best results, let bars come to room temperature.
- Microwave for 10-15 seconds for a warm treat.
- Alternatively, warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes.
- Enjoy the soft, gooey texture!
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FAQs
Here’s a helpful FAQ about this recipe:
1. What are buckeye bars?
Buckeye bars are a delicious dessert that combines the flavors of peanut butter and chocolate, inspired by the classic buckeye candy. They typically consist of a creamy peanut butter layer topped with a rich chocolate layer, making them a favorite treat for many. These bars are easy to make and perfect for sharing at parties or enjoying as a sweet snack at home.
2. What ingredients do I need to make buckeye bars?
To make buckeye bars, you will need the following ingredients: creamy peanut butter, powdered sugar, unsalted butter, vanilla extract, graham cracker crumbs, and chocolate chips. If you prefer a dairy-free option, you can use dairy-free chocolate chips and a plant-based butter substitute. These simple ingredients come together to create a delightful treat that everyone will love.
3. What is the best method for dipping buckeye bars in chocolate?
The best method for dipping buckeye bars in chocolate is to melt the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl or using a double boiler until smooth. Once melted, you can either dip the bars directly into the chocolate or use a spoon to drizzle the chocolate over the bars. Make sure to let any excess chocolate drip off before placing them on a parchment-lined baking sheet to set. This method ensures an even coating and a beautiful finish.
4. Can buckeye bars be made gluten-free or dairy-free?
Yes, buckeye bars can easily be made gluten-free or dairy-free! To make them gluten-free, simply use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs or a suitable alternative. For a dairy-free version, opt for dairy-free chocolate chips and a plant-based butter substitute. With these adjustments, you can enjoy delicious buckeye bars that cater to various dietary needs without sacrificing flavor.
Final Thoughts
Get ready to indulge in the delightful world of buckeye bars! These easy-to-make treats are perfect for sharing or savoring all by yourself. With their rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter layers, they’re sure to bring back sweet memories. So grab your ingredients, whip up a batch, and enjoy the simple joy of homemade goodness!