Description
Classic buckeye bars merge peanut butter and chocolate in a delightful Ohio-inspired dessert. Chocolate and peanut butter layers create a rich, nostalgic treat you will crave after one memorable bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Chocolate Ingredients:
- 2 cups (340g / 12 ounces) chocolate chips or chunks
- 1 tablespoon (14g / 0.5 ounces) butter
Peanut Butter Base Ingredients:
- 2 cups (480g / 16 ounces) creamy peanut butter
- 3 1/2 cups (420g / 14.8 ounces) powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup (113g / 4 ounces) softened butter
Flavoring Ingredient:
- 1 1/2 teaspoons (7.5ml / 0.25 fluid ounces) vanilla extract
Instructions
- Create a silky, homogeneous mixture by thoroughly blending softened butter, creamy peanut butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until perfectly smooth.
- Prepare a 9×13-inch pan by lining it with parchment paper, then firmly press the peanut butter mixture into an even, compact base layer.
- Melt chocolate chips with a small amount of butter in a microwave-safe bowl, heating in short 30-second intervals and stirring between each interval until completely liquefied and glossy.
- Gently cascade the molten chocolate over the peanut butter foundation, using a spatula to distribute the chocolate in a uniform, seamless layer.
- Allow the bars to stabilize at ambient temperature for 30-60 minutes, or expedite the setting process by placing them in the refrigerator.
- Once fully set, carefully elevate the entire dessert using the parchment paper edges, then slice into precise, rectangular segments.
- Enhance the texture and flavor by chilling the bars in the refrigerator for a minimum of one hour before serving, ensuring a delightfully firm and rich consistency.
Notes
- Smooth Mixing Technique: Use an electric mixer to ensure the peanut butter, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla blend completely without lumps for a creamy, consistent texture.
- Chocolate Melting Hack: Stir chocolate chips gently during microwaving to prevent burning and achieve a silky smooth chocolate layer that spreads evenly.
- Chilling Shortcut: Refrigerate bars for faster setting and a firmer texture, which helps create clean, precise cuts when slicing.
- Dietary Modifications: Swap regular chocolate chips for dairy-free alternatives and use gluten-free powdered sugar to make the recipe suitable for various dietary needs.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: None
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 327
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 55mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 18mg