November 8, 2023
Review RecipeBuckeye Bars
These easy buckeye bars have a delicious peanut butter filling and chocolate layer on top of the bars that will delight any chocolate fans or peanut butter lover.
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If you are a fan of peanut butter and chocolate, these buckeye bars will hit the spot. Peanut butter and chocolate are layered together to create a delicious, decadent treat that celebrates all things Ohio State.
Buckeye Bars Ingredients
Buckeye bars are a delectable dessert that combines creamy peanut butter, sweet cream butter, and a touch of vanilla to create a rich and nutty base.
Topped with a glossy chocolate ganache made from chocolate chips, these bars offer a contrast between sweet and savory, making them a truly indulgent treat.
You’ll need:
For The Peanut Butter Bars:
- 8 tablespoons of salted sweet cream butter, softened
- 3 cups of creamy peanut butter
- 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract
- 4 cups of powdered sugar
For The Chocolate Ganache:
- 1 (12-ounce) package of semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
Substitutions And Additions
PEANUT BUTTER: While the recipe calls for creamy peanut butter, you can experiment with different variations to add a twist to the bars.
Try using crunchy peanut butter for added texture or almond butter for a nutty flavor.
If you have dietary restrictions or allergies, consider using sunflower seed butter or soy nut butter as a substitute.
Keep in mind that different nut butters may have different consistencies, which can slightly affect the texture of the bars.
CHOCOLATE CHIPS: You can substitute milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips for semi-sweet chocolate chips in these peanut butter buckeye bars.
How To Make This Buckeye Bars Recipe
Let’s walk through making the peanut butter base first, followed by the rich chocolate ganache.
For The Peanut Butter Layer:
STEP ONE: Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper. Set it aside.
STEP TWO: Using either a stand mixer or a medium bowl and an electric mixer on medium-high speed, beat the softened butter for one minute until smooth.
STEP THREE: Add the peanut butter and vanilla. Continue mixing for one minute until smooth.
STEP FOUR: Lower the mixer speed to medium-low speed and add the powdered sugar one cup at a time, mixing well after each cup.
Increase the mixer speed to medium-high and continue mixing until completely incorporated.
STEP FIVE: Using either a silicone spatula or an offset spatula, evenly spread the peanut butter mixture in the bottom of the prepared pan.
OUR RECIPE DEVELOPER SAYS
You can use a piece of wax paper to smooth the peanut butter layer.
For The Chocolate Ganache
STEP ONE: Place chocolate chips and oil in a small microwave-safe bowl.
Heat for one minute, stir, and continue to mix in 15-second intervals until the mixture is completely smooth.
STEP TWO: Using a silicone spatula or an offset spatula, evenly spread the chocolate mixture over the peanut butter layer.
Cover with aluminum foil or plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes.
STEP THREE: Remove the baking dish from the refrigerator. Carefully slice the buckeye bars with a sharp knife into 15 (2½-inch x 3-inch) pieces.
Cover the baking dish and return the bars to the refrigerator to continue chilling for an additional 1 hour and 45 minutes.
PRO TIP:
You can let the bars chill for the full two hours before slicing, but the chocolate layer may crack and not be as pretty as pre-slicing after chilling for 15 to 20 minutes.
STEP FOUR: Remove the bars from the dish with the parchment paper. Serve immediately.
PRO TIP:
You may need to carefully re-slice the bars before serving.
How To Serve
This peanut butter dessert will most definitely satisfy any peanut butter craving.
Serve with a cup of tea or a cold glass of milk, or, for something extra special, how about a chocolate milkshake to wash these buckeye bars down?
Elevate your sundae game by crumbling buckeye bars over a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Drizzle with hot fudge and sprinkle with chopped nuts
Our buckeyes candies and buckeye brownie cookies are two more amazing ways to celebrate this tasty combination of flavors.
MORE BARS RECIPES
Storage
Whether you’re planning to make them ahead for a special occasion or have some leftovers to enjoy later, here are some tips on how to store your buckeye bars.
MAKE AHEAD: Once you’ve prepared and chilled them in the fridge, you can cover the bars tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
Store them in an airtight container to prevent moisture from affecting their texture.
Buckeye bars can be made up to three days in advance and stored in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.
ON THE COUNTER: Store any leftovers of this no-bake dessert in an airtight container for up to two weeks.
IN THE FREEZER: You can freeze the bars for up to three months. Allow the bars to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Why We Love This Recipe
IRRESISTIBLE FLAVOR COMBINATION: The perfect mix of creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate ganache creates a flavor that’s both sweet and savory.
EASY TO MAKE: This recipe comes with clear and concise step-by-step instructions, making it accessible for both novice and experienced bakers.
FREEZER FRIENDLY: You can prepare these bars in advance for convenience, and they freeze well, allowing you to enjoy them over an extended period.
The combination of peanut butter and the layer of chocolate recreates the favorite buckeye candies in bar form. This buckeye bars treat requires very little effort and only a handful of ingredients to whip up a tasty snack packed with so much flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are these called buckeyes?
This confection is called a buckeye because the finished product, with its chocolate exterior and a layer of peanut butter, recreates the buckeye candy that resembles the nuts from the buckeye tree, which is native to Ohio.
Can I freeze these bars?
These peanut butter treats can be frozen in an airtight container for up to three months.
Can I use natural peanut butter in this recipe?
These no bake peanut butter bars are best made with regular peanut butter. The oils of natural peanut butter tend to separate and may not give you the consistency you want for this recipe.
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Buckeye Bars
These easy buckeye bars have a delicious peanut butter filling and chocolate layer on top of the bars that will delight any chocolate fans or peanut butter lover.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings 15 slices
Ingredients
Peanut Butter Bars
- 8 tablespoons salted sweet cream butter softened
- 3 cups creamy peanut butter
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 4 cups powdered sugar
Chocolate Ganache
- 12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Instructions
Peanut Butter Layer
- Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper. Set it aside.
- Using either a stand mixer or a medium-sized mixing bowl and a handheld mixer on medium-high speed, beat the softened butter for 1 minute until smooth.
- Add the peanut butter and vanilla. Continue mixing for 1 minute until smooth.
- Lower the mixer speed to medium-low and add the powdered sugar 1 cup at a time, mixing well after each cup. Increase the mixer speed to medium-high and continue mixing until completely incorporated.
- Using either a silicone spatula or an offset spatula, evenly spread the peanut butter mixture in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Chocolate Ganache
- Add the chocolate chips and oil to a small microwave-safe bowl. Heat for 1 minute, stir, and continue to mix in 15-second intervals until the mixture is completely smooth.
- Using a silicone spatula or an offset spatula, evenly spread the chocolate over the peanut butter layer. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Remove the baking dish from the refrigerator. Carefully slice the buckeye bars into 15 (2½-inch x 3-inch) pieces. Cover the baking dish and return the bars to the refrigerator to continue chilling for an additional 1 hour and 45 minutes.
- Remove the bars from the dish by the parchment paper. You may need to carefully re-slice the bars. Serve immediately
Video
Notes
- You can use a piece of wax paper to smooth the peanut butter layer.
- You can let the bars chill for the full 2 hours before slicing, but the chocolate layer may crack and not be as pretty as pre-slicing after chilling for 15 to 20 minutes.
- You may need to carefully re-slice the bars before serving.
Nutrition
Calories: 619kcal | Carbohydrates: 55g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 41g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 7g | Monounsaturated Fat: 17g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 17mg | Sodium: 272mg | Potassium: 423mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 45g | Vitamin A: 198IU | Calcium: 42mg | Iron: 2mg
Have You Tried This Recipe?Follow me on Pinterest @spaceshipslb
Even More Recipes You’ll Love
- Buckeye Pie
- Disneyland Peanut Butter Squares
- Lunch Lady Peanut Butter Bars
- Buckeye Cheesecake
- Buckeye Brownies
Comments
Meg says
This girl from Ohio loves them – SO GOOD!
Haley N. Hodges says
I LOVE these buckeye bars!!! Definitely will be using this recipe with the short bread crust!
Fabiola Lopes says
I’ve never had Buckeye bars but I want to make them. I absolutely love milk chocolate, and I’d serve these during thanksgiving or family events maybe even birthday parties s or when my family does movie night. 🥰😍
Pam Duclos says
I have never tried these before but will be making this week for my husband as I think he will love them!
Caroljean Hauze says
I LOVE these bars! I can’t keep my “hot little hands” off of them. YUM!!!!
Angel says
This is one of my family’s favorite dessert. Easy, quick and delicious.
Joan Pierce says
Big hit with family and friends during holiday season for the past 4 years. I have not tried it with a crust. UT into smaller pieces. It is like buckeye fudge, but quicker to make since no dipping of individual balls is needed.
Lisa Paysinger says
I’ve always made the traditional buckeyes. Will definitely be trying these
Kathy says
Great recipe.
Theresa Everill says
I have been making Buckeye candy for about 30 years at Christmas time my kids and grand kids love them. I will have to try the bars it will be less time consuming but still delicious.
Dawn says
I like dark chocolate.
Amber says
These are amazing I love peanut butter and I love chocolate of any kind
Becky White says
These sound really good! Since I prefer dark chocolate, I would, of course, make them with dark chocolate!
Cory Anne Holmlund says
I have never made these before but my son loves peanut butter so he (and the rest of my family) will love them! These will be a hit when we go camping as well!
Evelyn Orem says
I have never had these before, but I am most definitely going to try them. Original buckeyes are awesome and I can’t ever get enough of them. So these bars are going to become a great item in my receipt file. Thank you.
Michael Doyle says
I prefer milk chocolate to dark chocolate. I wonder how white chocolate would be with these?
Teena says
I never personally made or had these bars YET but..buy… I do make the buckeyes candy at Christmas every year with my best friend when we do our cookies. Definitely will be trying these bars for cookouts this summer (:
Amanda says
No, I haven’t made buckeye bars, however my Dad is turning 75 in June and I think this will be a HIT at his party…if I can wait that long to try this recipe. Yum!
Robin says
I have never had buckeye bars, but I have made the traditional buckeye candies. They are my favorite! These bars look amazing and I can’t wait to try the recipe!
Kayla Kroening says
Love these bars my mom made these all the time as a kid!
Maria says
Never made buckeye bars but make buckeye candy every Christmas. This looks easy.
Andrea says
I almost always prefer milk chocolate but will eat dark chocolate.
Jenny b says
I have always loved these and they bring me back to my childhood
Chris Schubert says
I have never made this recipe before. But, it looks so good, I’m willing to try. Two of my favorite flavors…chocolate and peanut butter!!!
Deborah G Carter says
I love milk chocolate!!
Vickie says
i have definitely made classic buckeyes. And recently have made the buckeye cookies as well. They were a hit.
LaVerne says
I would make these for some friends.I love dark chocolate but can’t have sugar.
Lori Walls says
I prefer dark chocolate but the semi sweet chocolate would also be good I have never made or tried them they look delicious
Linda Hall says
These would be wonderful with a shortbread crust! Of coursd, mine would have to be gluten free!
Debra Lampe says
I’ve not had buckeyes with a shortbread crust, but it sounds delicious!
Barbara says
I have never made buckeye bars. I will as soon as I get to the store because I love chocolate and peanut butter. I’m also going to make the buckeye brownies. I can’t wait to try them.
Judy says
Never have made buckeye bars but eaten buckeye candy. yummy!! My favorite
Is milk chocolate!
Judy A.
Judy says
I have eaten buckeye candy, but never the bars. yummy!! i will have to try this recipe. My favorite CHOCOLATE is milk chocolate!!
Judy A.
Pete Whelan says
This recipe sounds and looks amazing I make my own peanut butter so I might try to make this recipe myself
Thanks
Pete Whelan says
I have never tried buckeye bars with a shortbread crust but I am going to make some soon I only like milk chocolate and caramac chocolate but I make my own peanut butter
Mrs Z C DMello says
An innovative chocolate-peanut butter combine snack for children and adults (with sweet tooth) as well. Could serve as a desert as well. I’ve made the candies with dark bitter chocolate. A good idea now to make a bar shape. Looking forward to making the brownies too!!
Leigh-Anne says
I’ve never made buckeye balls or bars but I’m definitely going to make these. I seem to remember trying them years ago and they had rice crisps in them. Would you make any changes to this recipe if you were going to add them?
Karen Runyan says
I’ve had buckeyes candy and I plan to make these soon!
Sheri says
I have never made these but I clearly need to!!
Dawn towner says
I have tried the regular candies and yummy. I havent made these but i am going to tomorrow. They look so good. Or hmmm i might today!!!!
Karen says
No, I have never tried Buckeye Bars, but would love to try them. Copied recipe so one of these days, it will be gotten too.
Rebecca says
I love buckeye favor. I have made buckeye candies and bars. Very easy recipe I just half the recipe for my family. I also hand mix the peanut butter part and melt chocolate topping on the stove.
Mary says
I love dark chocolate! It works out perfectly since my husband hates it so I get to hoard it all for myself! 😂
Paige says
Growing up, my mom LOVED buckeyes, so naturally we made a ton of the candies when I was younger. We stopped making them a few years ago and I haven’t had any of them since (I know, a tragedy). I have never tried buckeye bars before, but after this recipe, I must try them! I’m sure they’ll make me nostalgic. I’ll definitely use milk chocolate because even though they say dark chocolate is better for your heart, milk chocolate is better for my taste buds! 😉
Lisa says
Milk chocolate, always!!
Daryl Byers says
I’ve made these before and my youth group LOVE Tgem!
Gabrielle grey says
Looks absolutely amazing and no I have never tried anything yet
Brandie Hyder says
Can’t go wrong with chocolate and peanut butter! First time hearing of buckeye bars. Looking forward to making them with dark chocolate. Love the recipes looks easy to make with my young daughters.
Pamela S Rivet says
These sound delicious. Can”t wait to make them. Love anything with chocolate and peanut butter
Mandy says
I’ve been making traditional buckeyes ever since I learned how to bake. I can’t wait to try out this easy recipe when I get home!
Laura Yarzebinski says
I always make peanut butter balls. I also add a little butter. This recipe sounds much easier!
Rebecca says
Love these with milk chocolate!
Patricia A Capello says
I have never made buckeye bars. I’m changing that this weekend. Sounds delish
Linda says
Easy to make and oh, so good!
Janie says
I have made Buckeyes many times but not the bars. These look delicious! I would serve these anytime.
Ramona says
I have never made these buckeye bars but I think they would be a hit at any party. Will keep this recipe in mind for the next party that I need a idea that I’m sure everyone will just love. Thanks!
Sandra Boudreau says
all of the recipes look delicious. i have never made buckeye bars. but i think i will.
Kat says
I’ve never made buckeye bars, but, I’m going to try them!
Yvonne says
These look amazing. I have never made these before. Cant wait to try the recipe out! I prefer milk chocolate!
Thank you!
Susan says
I have made buckeyes before. I usually make around Christmas and I have used milk chocolate and white chocolate as well.
Shannon S says
I love buckeye bars but never knew the name! These are one of our favorite desserts!
Vonda Golding says
I’ve made them with a shortbread crust and dark chocolate. 😋
Bernice says
I never made them but I will
Reba says
I’ve never had buckeyes… candy or bar. Sounds delicious!
Terri says
These look great. I’ve never made buckeyes or buckeye bars but these sound delicious.
Maribel Feliciano says
I have never made it before , bt after seeing how simple is to make . I will definitely will do it gir my family’s .
Janet says
I have never made buckeyes!
Reba says
I have never had Buckeye before but sounds good and will try it with the dark semi sweet chocolate
betty garcia says
I’ve made these several times. My family loves anything peanut butter and chocolate. I always use milk chocolate. I just don’t like the taste of dark chocolate.
Michelle says
I have never made these yet but they look so good 🙂
betty garcia says
I’ve made these several times. My family loves anything peanut butter and chocolate. I always use milk chocolate. I just don’t like the taste of dark chocolate. Great for Holidays or anytime.
Charlotte says
I have made the buckeye candies many times. Anything with peanut butter is a yes.
Belinda Snyder says
Can’t rate as I haven’t made it..however we make the original- very good and can’t wait to make it this way!
Always MILK chocolate
Jill Petrzelka says
I’ve had Buckeyes, but never made them…probably because they need to be refrigerated. These bars look yummy!
Earleen says
I’ve never tried a Buckeye Bar.
Lynette Dyas says
Milk or dark, it doesn’t matter because chocolate and peanut butter are 2 great tastes that taste good together!
Pamela says
I have made buckeyes several times using milk chocolate. They are a favorite of our family. So hard not to eat. Can’t wait to try out the Buckeye bars.
Sandy Mefford says
I have made the buckeye candies before.
Joyce Rife says
I would definitely make these. It sounds like making my own Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. Can’t wait to try this recipe.
Gail Beam says
I have never made the Buckeye bars, but I have make the buckeye candy many times. I like both the dark and milk chocolate, but I prefer the milk chocolate for the Buckeye .bars.
Cindy says
I’ve never tried them but they sound good
Becky Palfreyman says
I’ve never heard of this yumminess! Can’t wait to try them this week! Will you please post the shortbread crust for them?
Chasity says
I’ve made buckeyes and hate how time consuming and messy they are! I can’t wait to try these. My little boy loves Reece’s so I’m excited to see how he eats these!
Cathy says
I have never made buckeye bars before. I’ll have to make these but, when I do I’ll use dark chocolate to offset the sweetness of the peanut butter.
Tanya says
Can’t wait to try for my sister-in-laws baby shower
Renee says
I make buckeye candy every year at Christmas!
Ann Holt says
Haven’t tried this in bar form, but the candy is addictive.
Anita Acosta says
Buckeye Bars are my go to recipe when bringing a treat to my coworkers. I slice them a bit smaller so I can accommodate a crowd. Everyone loves them and they are my most asked for recipe.
Amber Anspach says
I’ve had the candies and bars but without a shortbread crust. I will have to try these the next time we make sweets.
Kim Newsom says
I’ve never made them, but I’ll use dark chocolate, since I prefer it over milk chocolate.
Norita (Rita) COHEN says
I make these different husband loves. 2 cups graham cracker crumbs & 2 cups powdered sugar stir together in bowl. Set aside. Melt 1 cup peanut butter (or a little more) and 1 cup butter in microwave till melted. Stir together add 1 tablespoon vanilla extract, mix thoroughly and pour into center of sugar mix. Stir together until mixed put in refrigerator to chill about 15 minutes, then roll into balls and place back into refrigerator on lined cookie sheet. (or you can spread in pyrex dish like you did) We like the balls. While leaving balls in refrigerator I melt semi sweet choc chips (about 2 1/2) cups and 1 1/2 cups milk chocolate chips and about 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter) about 30 second intervalls till all mixed and melted. With 2 spoons I dip each ball into choc and back onto cookie sheet lined with pastry paper. Place in refrigerator overnight then place into covered container and store in refrigerator. Harder then spreading but you can take out when you want one ball (like individual servings of candies). And they stay good a long time. we and children really like.
W says
Have never made bars but help my friend make the Buckeye balls. She made them for her church bake sale once a month and they were a top seller. I prefer milk chocolate. I would make them for our pot luck at church,(if I didn’t eat them all first) lol
Jill York says
Those are awesome!
Sky Ainsworth says
I’ve made buckeye bars for dessert. I don’t like dark chocolate so I used milk chocolate
Pam Amatangelo says
These are so easy snd absolutely amazing
Pam Amatangelo says
I love this with the semi sweet chocolate.
Connie says
I haven’t tried this recipe; however, I have made buckeye candies in the past. I would like to try this recipe with a shortbread crust to see how that would turn out! I bet YUMMY!!!
Amber says
buckeye candies are my favorite. Make them regularly.
Amber says
buckeye candies are my favorite. Make them regularly. Can’t wait to make these
Andrea Woods says
I love buckeyes and have made the candies in the past. Looking forward to making these for my grandson’s graduation party. Yum!!
Dawn says
For the chocolate, could I use coconut oil instead of veg oil?
I grew up with my mom making chocolate covered peanut butter balls. I plan on making these for memorial weekend.
Layne Kangas says
Hi, Dawn – that should work ok. Enjoy!
Melanie Connell says
Can’t wait to try these. I have made the standard buckeyes and love them.
.
Beverly Pogue says
Never made these before
Bonda Albers says
I have only made the traditional buckeye candies. They are standard fare at Christmas time for our family. I need to try the bars, since it would be so much quicker without dipping all the candies individually in chocolate. Thanks for the great recipes!
Bonda Albers says
I have only made the traditional buckeye candies. They are standard fare at Christmas time for our family. I need to try the bars, since it would be so much quicker without dipping all the candies individually in chocolate. Thanks for the great recipes!
Laurie says
My family love buckeyes. Never made the bars but family says they wouldn’t be the same. I usually make them at Christmas.
Margie says
looks delicious! I have never made Buckeye Bars- I will have to try this
Vanassa says
Buckeyes are the Best. Being from Ohio you better know how to make Buckeyes. I do prefer mine in milk chocolate.
Judith Goodman says
I had never heard of these until moving from the west coast to Tennessee and they sound soooo delicious !!! Can’t wait to make them
Vicki says
Have only made buckeye brownies. These look delicious so I might need to make them 😃
BethB says
I made them and they are awesome!! Everyone loved them.
Amy Kelley says
These are a great dessert for all the peanut butter lovers! My husband and dad loved them but I am not a fan. They are very rich so a little bar goes a long way!! Prefect for those who like reeses peanut butter cups!
Amy Kelley says
This is a delicious recipe for reeses lovers. However do not attempt to make this recipe without a kitchen aid! I tried making it with a 1965 hand.mixer and it did not have the power to mix it once I started adding the powdered sugar. I was on vacation and didn’t have my usual high powered mixer. And mixing this by hand was no easy task. But it was well worth the end result.