Description
Delightful buckeye bars blend rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter in an irresistible no-bake dessert straight from Ohio’s culinary traditions. Chocolate-dipped peanut butter squares promise a sweet escape that connects home cooks with Midwestern comfort and indulgence.
Ingredients
Scale
Chocolate Ingredients:
- 12 ounces (340 grams) semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) vegetable oil
Peanut Butter Layer Ingredients:
- 3 cups (680 grams) creamy peanut butter
- 4 cups (480 grams) powdered sugar
- 8 tablespoons (113 grams) salted sweet cream butter, softened
- 2 teaspoons (10 milliliters) pure vanilla extract
Utensil/Preparation Ingredients:
- Vegetable oil (for greasing pan, if needed)
Instructions
- Prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by lining it with parchment paper, ensuring extra hanging edges for easy extraction.
- Cream softened butter in a mixing bowl until silky and uniform, using a stand mixer or hand mixer.
- Incorporate peanut butter and vanilla extract, blending thoroughly until the mixture achieves a consistent texture.
- Gradually integrate powdered sugar into the mixture, reducing mixer speed to prevent sugar clouds.
- Whip the peanut butter base on medium-high speed until achieving a smooth, glossy consistency.
- Transfer the peanut butter layer into the prepared dish, meticulously spreading it to create an even surface using a spatula.
- Melt chocolate chips with vegetable oil in a microwave-safe bowl, using short intervals and stirring between each heating cycle.
- Continue heating and stirring until the chocolate transforms into a glossy, completely liquid ganache.
- Delicately pour the molten chocolate over the peanut butter layer, using smooth, controlled motions to distribute evenly.
- Refrigerate the dish briefly to allow the chocolate to partially set, approximately 15-20 minutes.
- Extract the dish and slice the bars into precise rectangles, approximately 2½ by 3 inches.
- Return the bars to the refrigerator for additional chilling, allowing the layers to firm completely.
- Carefully lift the bars from the dish using parchment paper edges, re-slicing if necessary.
- Serve chilled and savor the rich, decadent buckeye bars.
Notes
- Perfect for satisfying sweet-and-salty cravings with minimal kitchen effort.
- Creamy peanut butter base creates a rich, smooth foundation that melts in your mouth.
- Chocolate ganache topping provides a luxurious, glossy finish that elevates these bars from ordinary to extraordinary.
- Refrigeration is crucial for achieving the ideal texture and helping layers set perfectly.
- Cutting precise squares ensures elegant presentation and easy serving for gatherings or personal indulgence.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain optimal taste and consistency.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 401
- Sugar: 32 g
- Sodium: 185 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 41 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg