Buckeye Bars — Peanut Butter & Chocolate

Buckeye Bars are a rich, no-bake dessert inspired by the classic chocolate-dipped peanut butter candies known as Buckeyes. Instead of shaping individual balls, this version is pressed into layers and sliced into bars—delivering the same iconic peanut butter and chocolate combination with far less effort.

The result is a dense, creamy peanut butter base topped with a smooth chocolate layer that sets firm yet slices cleanly. These bars are ideal for holidays, bake sales, potlucks, or make-ahead desserts.

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What Are Buckeyes?

Traditional Buckeyes are peanut butter balls partially dipped in chocolate, resembling the nut of the Ohio buckeye tree. Buckeye Bars simplify the process by eliminating rolling and dipping while preserving flavor and texture integrity.

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Key Ingredient Spotlight

Peanut butter forms the structural foundation of these bars. For optimal results:

• Use conventional creamy peanut butter (not natural-style unless fully emulsified)
• Ensure it’s smooth and well-mixed
• Avoid overly oily varieties that compromise firmness

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Ingredients (Makes 16–20 Bars)

Peanut Butter Layer

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups creamy peanut butter
• 3 ½ cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon salt (if using unsalted peanut butter)

Chocolate Topping

• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 2 tablespoons peanut butter (for smoother spread)

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Pan

Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.

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2. Make the Peanut Butter Base

In a large bowl, beat softened butter and peanut butter until smooth.

Add powdered sugar gradually and mix until fully incorporated.

Stir in vanilla and salt.

The mixture should be thick, cohesive, and slightly firm.

Press evenly into the prepared pan using a spatula or the bottom of a measuring cup.

Refrigerate 20–30 minutes to firm.

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3. Melt the Chocolate

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips and 2 tablespoons peanut butter.

Microwave in 20–30 second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth.

Do not overheat; chocolate should be glossy and fluid.

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4. Add Chocolate Layer

Pour melted chocolate over chilled peanut butter layer.

Spread evenly to edges.

Gently tap pan to release air bubbles.

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5. Chill Until Set

Refrigerate at least 1 hour, or until chocolate is fully set.

Lift from pan using parchment overhang.

Slice with a sharp knife (wipe blade between cuts for clean edges).

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Texture & Flavor Profile

• Dense, creamy peanut butter base
• Smooth, slightly firm chocolate topping
• Balanced sweetness
• Rich, indulgent mouthfeel

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Professional Tips for Perfect Bars

Use Room Temperature Butter

Cold butter prevents proper emulsification.

Sift Powdered Sugar

Prevents clumps in peanut butter layer.

Don’t Overheat Chocolate

High heat causes seizing and dull finish.

Slice at Cool Room Temperature

Too cold = cracked chocolate
Too warm = soft layers

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Variations

Dark Chocolate Buckeye Bars

Substitute semi-sweet chips with dark chocolate for deeper flavor.

Crunchy Version

Use crunchy peanut butter for added texture.

Sea Salt Finish

Sprinkle flaky salt over chocolate before chilling.

Gluten-Free

Recipe is naturally gluten-free (verify chocolate chip labeling).

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Storage

• Refrigerate up to 1 week
• Freeze up to 2 months (layer parchment between bars)
• Serve slightly chilled for best texture

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Nutritional Snapshot (Approximate per bar)

• Calories: 280–350
• Fat: 20–24g
• Carbohydrates: 25–30g
• Protein: 6–8g

Values vary by portion size.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Using natural peanut butter without stabilization
2. Skipping chilling time
3. Overheating chocolate
4. Cutting before fully set

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Serving Ideas

• Holiday dessert trays
• Party platters
• Lunchbox treats
• After-dinner coffee pairing

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Why Buckeye Bars Are a Crowd Favorite

• No baking required
• Easy to scale
• Travel-friendly
• Classic peanut butter and chocolate pairing

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Final Thoughts

Buckeye Bars deliver the nostalgic flavor of traditional Buckeye candies in a streamlined, slice-and-serve format. Their rich peanut butter base and glossy chocolate topping create a dessert that’s simple to prepare yet consistently impressive.

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