Buckeye Bars
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These 5 Ingredient Buckeye Bars are made with a peanut butter layer and covered with melted chocolate and topped with festive sprinkles! This makes an easy and delicious no-bake dessert that everyone will love.
Other peanut butter treats to try are these Peanut Butter Stuffed Pretzels and Edible Peanut Butter Cookie Dough.
PIN these Peanut Butter Buckeye Bars to try later!
Buckeye bars
Just like the classic Buckeye Balls but these Buckeye Bars are so much easier and in a bar form! These taste like Reese’s Peanut Butter cups and makes the best peanut butter dessert.
If you’re wondering where the name “buckeye” came from, the original little chocolate peanut butter balls look just like the nuts on Ohio’s state tree, the buckeye tree! So basically they are just No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars and makes a perfect treat for any occasion or holiday (just swap the sprinkles).
Other no-bake desserts to try is this Edible Peanut butter Cookie Dough, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Truffles, and No-Bake Cheesecake Balls.
Why You’ll Love Buckeye Bars
key ingredients
- Butter: Adds a buttery flavor. I like to use salted so it helps balance out the sweetness a bit.
- Powdered sugar: Adds sweetness. Granulated sugar won’t work for this recipe as the texture of the sugar would be too grainy.
- Peanut butter: Make sure to use creamy peanut butter such as Jif or Skippy brand that’s already stirred and has a little sugar already. I use Skippy’s natural creamy peanut butter but any creamy style will work. Be sure not to use a peanut butter that has oil sitting at the top if you use a natural peanut butter, it won’t work because it will be too oily. I haven’t tried using different nut butters but I’m sure almond butter would work too.
- Vanilla extract: Compliments the peanut butter flavor.
- Chocolate chips: I love using semi-sweet chocolate chips because it’s not too sweet. You could also use milk chocolate or dark chocolate. I recommend using high quality chocolate to get the smoothest layer of chocolate.
- Sprinkles: These are optional. I love adding them for fun and to make these no bake bars festive.
how to make buckeye bars
Make peanut butter mixture: In a large mixing bowl with an electric mixer add the butter, peanut butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth. Line a 9×9 inch baking dish with parchment paper or foil. Add the peanut butter mixture to the pan and firmly press the dough down with a rubber spatula into the pan.
Melt chocolate chips: Place chocolate chips and coconut oil in a microwave safe bowl and heat in 30 second increments until melted and smooth.
Add chocolate layer: Pour the melted chocolate on top of the bars in an even layer. Let sit at room temperature until the chocolate has set. Carefully pull the bars out of the pan by pulling up the parchment paper or foil. Cut into bars and place on a large plate or platter and cover with plastic wrap. Place in the refrigerator to chill for an hour then serve and enjoy.
add-ins and topping ideas
- Mini chocolate chips
- Peanut butter chips
- Graham cracker crumbs
- Crushed candy canes (fun for the holidays)
- Crushed Oreos or any of your favorite cookies
- M&Ms
- Mini marshmallows
- Holiday sprinkles (use any color or theme sprinkles that you wish)
- Chopped nuts
- Shredded coconut
tips & Variations
- Bite size bars: Cut each bar in half yielding 32 mini bars.
- Avoid cracks: Be sure to cut the bars before they are fully set before placing them in the refrigerator.
- Make this for any holiday: Swap the Christmas sprinkles for rainbow sprinkles to make this for a birthday or celebration. Use orange and black sprinkles for Halloween or red and pink sprinkles for Valentine’s Day.
- Be sure to use a sharp knife when cutting the fudge into squares.
- Crunchy bars: Use crunchy peanut butter instead of smooth peanut butter for a crunchy texture or add 2 cups of Rice Krispie Cereal to the peanut butter mixture.
leftovers & storage
To-store: Place bars in an airtight container and place in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.
Make-ahead: You can easily make these a day ahead if you are making these for a party. Just keep them refrigerated until ready to serve.
To-freeze: Place cut bars in a large freezer bag or in an airtight container. When ready to eat, remove from the freezer and let them defrost in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours. They will last up to 3 months in the freezer.
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Buckeye Bars
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter make sure to use creamy peanut butter such as Jif or Skippy brand that’s already stirred and has a little added sugar.
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup chocolate chips semi-sweet, milk chocolate or dark chocolate will work
- 2 teaspoons coconut oil or butter
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl with an electric mixer add the butter, peanut butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
- Line a 9×9 inch baking dish with parchment paper or foil. Add the peanut butter mixture to the pan and firmly press the dough down with a rubber spatula into the pan.
- In a microwavable bowl, add the chocolate chips and coconut oil and heat in 30 second increments until melted and smooth.
- Pour the melted chocolate on top of the bars and spread evenly. Let sit at room temperature until the chocolate has set. Carefully pull the bars out of the pan by pulling up the parchment paper or foil. Cut into bars and place on a large plate or platter and cover with plastic wrap. Place in the refrigerator to chill for an hour then serve and enjoy.
