If you’re craving a treat that combines the irresistible duo of chocolate and peanut butter, look no further than Buckeye Bars. These no-bake delights are inspired by the beloved Ohio buckeye candies, but come together as rich, sliceable bars that are simple to make and perfect for sharing. With creamy peanut butter, a luscious chocolate topping, and a melt-in-your-mouth texture, Buckeye Bars are the ultimate answer to any sweet tooth emergency or casual get-together.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Buckeye Bars lies in their short ingredient list—each one playing a key role to create layers of flavor and texture that are so much greater than the sum of their parts. Trust me, using simple pantry staples never tasted so luxurious!

Unsalted Butter: Ensures a truly rich and creamy base without overpowering saltiness; make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
Creamy Peanut Butter: Classic peanut butter provides both flavor and that signature fudge-like consistency—divided use heightens both the filling and the topping.
Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and stiffens the peanut butter layer for a smooth, easy-to-slice bar.
Pure Vanilla Extract: Lends a boost of warmth and depth to round out the flavors.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out the peanut butter’s natural nuttiness.
Semisweet Chocolate Chips: Melt down into a glossy, decadent topping that pairs beautifully with the peanut butter below.
Vegetable Shortening: Gives the chocolate layer a professional shine and soft bite, making it easy to cut.

How to Make Buckeye Bars

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan

Start by lining a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, allowing a generous overhang on the sides. This little trick makes removing and slicing the bars a breeze later—no prying or crumbling needed.

Step 2: Make the Peanut Butter Base

In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, 1 1/2 cups of peanut butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. You’ll want to mix until everything is well combined and smooth. The finished mixture will be thick and fudge-like—don’t worry, that’s exactly what you want for sturdy Buckeye Bars that hold their shape.

Step 3: Press and Smooth

Take the peanut butter mixture and press it evenly into your prepared pan. Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to smooth the top as much as possible. It’s great therapy if you enjoy a satisfying, flat surface!

Step 4: Melt the Chocolate Layer

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the semisweet chocolate chips, the remaining 1/2 cup of peanut butter, and vegetable shortening. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring each time, just until the mixture is melted and thoroughly blended. This keeps the chocolate super silky and easy to pour.

Step 5: Assemble and Chill

Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the peanut butter base, then gently spread it into an even layer. Pop the whole pan into the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 2 hours, or until totally set. If you can wait overnight, the texture becomes even firmer—perfect for clean slicing.

Step 6: Slice and Enjoy

Once chilled, use the parchment overhang to lift the slab of Buckeye Bars out of the pan. Place on a cutting board and cut into squares or rectangles with a sharp knife. Admire those gorgeous layers, then try not to eat them all in one sitting!

How to Serve Buckeye Bars

Garnishes

Buckeye Bars shine all on their own, but if you want to dress them up, consider a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt, a drizzle of melted white chocolate, or a scattering of chopped roasted peanuts. These little extras add sparkle, crunch, and a bit of sophistication, making each bite as fun to look at as it is to eat.

Side Dishes

For a dessert platter, pair your Buckeye Bars with fresh berries, sliced bananas, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The fruit brings brightness, and the ice cream’s creamy, chill complements the bar’s richness perfectly. If you’re serving them with coffee or milk, prepare for delighted faces all around!

Creative Ways to Present

Try cutting the bars into fun shapes using cookie cutters (stars or hearts are always a hit), or layer mini Buckeye Bars into dessert jars with whipped cream and crushed graham crackers. For parties, arrange them on a tiered dessert stand, alternating with chocolate-dipped strawberries or peanut butter cookies for a show-stopping presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Buckeye Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to a week—the only challenge is resisting the urge to nibble every time you open the fridge! The chocolate stays firm, and the peanut butter filling remains perfectly creamy.

Freezing

To extend their life even further, Buckeye Bars freeze beautifully. Layer squares between sheets of parchment and tuck into a zip-top bag or container. They’ll keep for up to two months. Thaw in the fridge overnight for the same fresh-from-the-pan flavor and texture.

Reheating

No need to reheat these bars, as they’re best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature. If you like a slightly softer filling, let the bars sit out for 10 to 15 minutes before serving. The chocolate will yield just a bit and the peanut butter layer will become extra luscious.

FAQs

Can I use natural peanut butter for Buckeye Bars?

While you can use natural peanut butter, the texture might be softer and slightly oilier than the classic version. It’s best to use a shelf-stable creamy peanut butter for the most authentic, sturdy results, but feel free to experiment if you prefer that natural nuttiness!

What can I use instead of vegetable shortening?

If you don’t have shortening on hand, you can substitute with coconut oil or even a little unsalted butter. Both help keep the chocolate topping smooth and sliceable, though coconut oil will add a subtle coconut flavor to your Buckeye Bars.

How do I prevent the chocolate layer from cracking?

It helps to let the bars sit at room temperature for a few minutes before cutting, and always use a sharp knife. You can also warm the knife with hot water, wipe it dry, and then slice for clean, crack-free edges.

Can I add other mix-ins to Buckeye Bars?

Absolutely! Stir in finely chopped pretzels, crushed graham crackers, or even mini chocolate chips to the peanut butter layer for new twists in flavor and texture. A sprinkle of sea salt or extra peanuts on top also adds a fun crunch.

Do Buckeye Bars need to be refrigerated?

Yes, it’s best to keep Buckeye Bars in the fridge. Refrigeration ensures the chocolate doesn’t get too soft and the peanut butter remains set—plus, the texture is divine when chilled!

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never tried making Buckeye Bars before, now’s the perfect time! These treats are foolproof and incredibly rewarding, with their stacked layers of peanut butter and chocolate always stealing the spotlight. I can’t wait for you to try them and share them—if you can bear to part with a few!

Buckeye Bars Recipe

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4.8 from 26 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Yield: 24 bars 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the irresistible combination of creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate with these decadent Buckeye Bars. A no-bake treat perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth!

Ingredients

Scale

Peanut Butter Layer:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups creamy peanut butter
3 3/4 cups powdered sugar
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon salt

Chocolate Layer:

2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
2 tablespoons vegetable shortening

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Instructions

Prepare Peanut Butter Layer: Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper. Beat together softened butter, 1 1/2 cups peanut butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt until smooth. Press into the dish.
Make Chocolate Layer: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate chips, 1/2 cup peanut butter, and shortening together. Pour over the peanut butter layer.
Chill and Serve: Refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Cut into squares and enjoy!