Name: Buckeye Bars Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 2 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter (softened); 1½ cups creamy peanut butter; 2½ cups powdered sugar; 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs; Pinch of salt; 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips; 2 tbsp unsalted butter

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Imagine all the nostalgic joy of classic Ohio confections, but made even easier and shareable in bar form. Buckeye Bars are an irresistible marriage of creamy peanut butter and a luscious chocolate topping, pressed into bars that melt in your mouth and vanish at parties. Whether you’re craving a no-bake dessert for a family celebration or a chocolate peanut butter fix on a weeknight, these bars bring together just a handful of pantry staples to create pure magic!

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a few key ingredients, Buckeye Bars showcase the glorious combination of creamy, sweet, and salty flavors. Every element plays its part, giving you a perfect balance of taste and a gorgeous layered look.

Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Provides richness and helps hold the bars together, while giving the peanut butter layer its smooth, silky texture.
Creamy peanut butter (1½ cups): The star of the show—choose a classic shelf-stable type Dessert.
Powdered sugar (2½ cups): Sweetens the peanut butter base and ensures a smooth, fudgy consistency without any grittiness.
Graham cracker crumbs (1½ cups): Adds crunch, flavor, and structure to the base, making it lighter and less dense.
Semi-sweet chocolate chips (2 cups): Melt down to a glossy layer that sets firm but satisfies your chocolate cravings.
Unsalted butter for chocolate layer (2 tbsp): Helps create a perfectly pourable chocolate topping with a hint of silkiness.
Pinch of salt: Highlights all the sweet flavors and adds depth—don’t skip it!

How to Make Buckeye Bars

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan

Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, making sure to leave a bit of overhang on the sides. The overhang is your secret to easy, frustration-free removal once the Buckeye Bars have set. Trust me, this extra minute of prep time will make slicing and serving a total breeze!

Step 2: Mix the Peanut Butter Layer

Grab a large bowl and add the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, powdered sugar, graham cracker crumbs, and that essential pinch of salt. Using a sturdy spatula or even clean hands, mix it all up until no dry crumbs remain and the mixture is thick, smooth, and uniform. This step is where the magic happens—the buttery, peanutty dough should be soft yet hold together easily.

Step 3: Press and Set the Base

Transfer the peanut butter mixture into your prepared baking dish. Press it down firmly and evenly across the bottom, using either your hands or the back of a spatula. Be sure to reach all the corners, packing it in to avoid any crumbling later. A bit of pressure here results in a sturdy, fudgy bar that holds up for serving.

Step 4: Make the Chocolate Topping

In a microwave-safe bowl (or over a gentle double boiler), melt the chocolate chips together with 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Stir frequently until completely smooth—no lumps allowed! The butter gives the topping that polished, sliceable finish, so don’t skip it.

Step 5: Layer the Chocolate

Pour the melted chocolate over the pressed peanut butter layer and spread it out with a spatula until it covers every inch. For a neat finish, give the pan a gentle tap on the counter to smooth out the chocolate. If you’re feeling fancy, you can sprinkle a few flakes of sea salt on top for that sweet-salty punch.

Step 6: Chill and Slice

Pop the pan into the refrigerator for at least two hours, or until the chocolate is fully set. Once firm, use the parchment overhang to lift the entire block of bars out of the pan. For clean, bakery-worthy cuts, run your knife under hot water and wipe it dry between slices—then cut into squares and prepare for applause!

How to Serve Buckeye Bars

Garnishes

Sometimes the simplest flourish can make your Buckeye Bars look even more tempting! Try a sprinkle of flaky sea salt over the warm chocolate layer, a dusting of powdered sugar after slicing, or even a drizzle of melted peanut butter for extra drama. Chopped roasted peanuts scattered on top add a little crunch and highlight the nutty flavor.

Side Dishes

For a full dessert spread, Buckeye Bars pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a bowl of fresh berries. The cool creaminess of ice cream or the tartness of raspberries can balance out the bars’ satisfying richness. A good strong coffee or a cold glass of milk also makes an unbeatable companion!

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to show off your Buckeye Bars at a party or gathering, stack them on a tiered platter for a stunning display. For lunchbox treats, wrap individual squares in wax paper and tie with string. During the holidays, you can even cut the bars into festive shapes with cookie cutters—just dip the cutter in hot water first for easiest slicing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Buckeye Bars irresistibly fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. If you’re stacking the squares, place sheets of parchment or wax paper between layers to prevent the chocolate from sticking. They’ll hold their peak flavor and texture for up to a week—if they last that long!

Freezing

These bars freeze beautifully for up to three months. Arrange them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment. When you’re ready to enjoy, let the Buckeye Bars thaw in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for about an hour—just as delicious as the day you made them.

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat Buckeye Bars, as they’re best served chilled or at room temperature. If you’ve frozen them, allow a gentle, slow thaw for best texture. If you do want a gooier bite, let the bars sit out of the fridge for 10-15 minutes before serving.

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter introduces bits of peanut throughout the base, which adds a fun texture to your Buckeye Bars. Just keep in mind the bars might not slice as cleanly, but they’ll still be delicious.

What’s the best way to cut Buckeye Bars cleanly?

For bakery-worthy bars, run a sharp knife under hot water, wipe it dry, and slice swiftly. This helps glide effortlessly through the chocolate so you get neat, crisp edges every time.

Do I have to use graham cracker crumbs?

Graham cracker crumbs give that iconic flavor and texture, but you can substitute crushed digestive biscuits or vanilla wafer cookies in a pinch. Each will yield a slightly different, but equally tasty, result.

Can I make these Buckeye Bars dairy-free?

Yes! Swap out the butter for a plant-based alternative and choose dairy-free chocolate chips. Check your peanut butter to be sure it’s dairy-free, and you’ll have an equally delightful treat.

Why is it called Buckeye Bars?

Buckeye Bars are inspired by Ohio’s classic Buckeye candies, which resemble the nut of the buckeye tree. The bars offer the same cozy peanut butter and chocolate combo but come in an easy, crowd-pleasing form with no individual dipping required.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re making them for a family treat, your next party, or just to have something sweet on hand, these Buckeye Bars always deliver big on flavor with minimal fuss. I hope you’ll give them a try and share the chocolate and peanut buttery goodness with everyone you love!

Buckeye Bars Recipe

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4.9 from 28 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes (including chilling)
Yield: 24 bars 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

These Buckeye Bars are a delightful no-bake dessert featuring a layer of creamy peanut butter filling topped with rich chocolate. Perfect for parties or a sweet treat!

Ingredients

Scale

Peanut Butter Layer

1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
1½ cups creamy peanut butter
2½ cups powdered sugar
1½ cups graham cracker crumbs
Pinch of salt

Chocolate Layer

2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
2 tbsp unsalted butter

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Instructions

Prepare Peanut Butter Layer: Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper. Mix butter, peanut butter, powdered sugar, graham cracker crumbs, and salt until smooth. Press into the pan.
Make Chocolate Layer: Melt chocolate chips with butter, then pour over the peanut butter layer.
Chill: Refrigerate for at least 2 hours until set. Slice and serve.