Chocolate and peanut butter is one of my favorite flavor combinations of all time, and these easy buckeye bars help me get my fix whenever I need it. Made with creamy peanut butter, chocolate chips, and lots of love, these bars are one of my favorite gifts to give out around the holidays. They also make a great snack on a Tuesday afternoon… just saying!
Buckeye Bars Recipe
I love classic buckeye candy, but these buckeye bars have all that great chocolate and peanut butter flavor with way less hassle. No rolling and dipping here– just spread it out in a pan, chill, and cut! This no-bake classic comes together in just a few minutes with 5 simple ingredients– so easy!
My secret to a shiny chocolate top is coconut oil, a worthwhile ingredient to keep in your baking arsenal. It helps make the chocolate smooth and spreadable, and it helps it set up nice and crunchy in the fridge.
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How to Store
Store leftover buckeye bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 month or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying chilled or at room temperature.
Tips for Success
- To double this recipe, double all ingredients and spread them between two 8×8-inch baking dishes or one 9×13-inch baking dish.
- You can switch up the flavor and texture of these buckeye bars by swapping out the creamy peanut butter for chunky peanut butter, almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter.
- If your bars are soft and droopy, it may be because your butter was too soft. Simply refrigerate the bars for longer, or pop them into the freezer to firm up.
- If you want to eat your desserts quicker, you can plop them in the freezer for half the chilling time.
- These bars can sweat in the refrigerator from condensation. To prevent this, cover the bars tightly with plastic wrap.
Peanut Butter Buckeye Bars Recipe
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter room temperature (1 stick)
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2½ cups powdered sugar
- 2 cups chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil optional
Equipment
- Kitchen Scale (optional)
- 8×8 Baking Pan
- Stand Mixer
Instructions
- Line a square 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper. Set aside.
- To the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter and peanut butter together on medium speed until well combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.½ cup unsalted butter, 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- With the mixer on low speed, add the vanilla extract, then slowly add the powdered sugar.1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract, 2½ cups powdered sugar
- Once all of the powdered sugar has been added, allow the mixer to run on low speed until the mixture all comes together in a ball.
- Transfer the peanut butter mixture to the prepared baking pan and pack it down, making sure to press it all the way to the edges. Set aside.
- Add the chocolate chips and coconut oil to a small, microwave-safe bowl and microwave until melted.2 cups chocolate chips, 2 tablespoons coconut oil
- Pour the chocolate mixture over the peanut butter layer and use a spoon or offset spatula to push the chocolate into an even layer.
- Transfer the bars to the fridge and allow them to sit until the chocolate has fully hardened, about 2 hours.
- Slice the bars and top with flakey sea salt, if desired.
Notes
How to Make Buckeye Bars Step-by-Step
Cream the Peanut Butter: Line a square 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper. Set aside. To the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat ½ cup of unsalted butter and 1 cup of creamy peanut butter together on medium speed until well combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
Add the Sugar: With the mixer on low speed, add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, then slowly add 2½ cups of powdered sugar. Once all of the powdered sugar has been added, allow the mixer to run on low speed until the mixture all comes together in a ball.
Spread the Mixture: Transfer the peanut butter mixture to the prepared baking pan and pack it down, making sure to press it all the way to the edges. Set aside.
Melt the Chocolate: Add 2 cups of chocolate chips and 2 tablespoons of coconut oil to a small, microwave-safe bowl and microwave until melted.
Spread the chocolate: Pour the chocolate mixture over the peanut butter layer and use a spoon or offset spatula to push the chocolate into an even layer.
Chill and Serve: Transfer the bars to the fridge and allow them to sit until the chocolate has fully hardened, about 2 hours. Slice the bars and top with flakey sea salt, if desired.
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