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These buckeye bars are a bigger version of the bite-sized candy, with creamy peanut butter, sweet sugar, and rich chocolate.
One of my favorite candies is Peanut Butter Buckeyes!
Originating in Ohio (also known as the Buckeye State,) buckeye candies are a peanut butter and chocolate confection that mimics the shape of the nut from the buckeye tree.
These Buckeye bars take those same flavors, and instead of small candy, I’ve turned them into bars!
This makes for easier preparation and for feeding a larger crowd for parties. And they’re no-bake, so they come together in a flash!
These buckeye bars have creamy, nutty peanut butter, sweet powdered sugar, coconut oil, and chocolate chips.
I’ve topped these buckeye bars with festive sprinkles, but feel free to use your imagination! And who doesn’t love sprinkles?
Trust me, you’re about to amaze your friends and family with this original Ohio treat!
Ingredients for Buckeye bars
- Creamy peanut butter – Creamy peanut butter is best for this recipe!
- Unsalted butter – Butter will add moisture, flavor, and necessary fat.
- Vanilla extract – Vanilla extract will add a subtle sweet vanilla flavor.
- Kosher salt – Kosher salt is important to help balance all of the sweetness in the buckeye bars.
- Powdered sugar – Powdered sugar dissolves easily at room temperature and is the best sugar to use for these buckeye bars.
- Chocolate chips – Chocolate chips melt easily on top.
- Refined coconut oil – Coconut oil will give the melted chocolate chips a smooth texture and prevent clumping.
- Festive sprinkles – Sprinkles will add some pizazz!
How to make Buckeye bars
Simply mix together the peanut butter, unsalted butter, vanilla extract, powdered sugar, and salt, until everything is combined evenly.
Press the peanut butter mixture down in an even layer, in a pan that has been prepared with parchment paper.
In a separate bowl, take coconut oil and chocolate chips and microwave until smooth and melted. Immediately pour onto your peanut butter layer and smooth with a spatula.
While the chocolate topping is still wet, add your sprinkles, and then store in the refrigerator until the chocolate has cooled and firmed up.
Cut into desired bar size and serve!
Freeze ahead!
You can freeze these buckeye bars so they’re ready whenever you are!
Simply prepare as directed, and cut bars into desired size.
Spread out bars onto a cookie sheet lined with parchment, and freeze until solid.
Place frozen solid bars and wrap them in parchment (to keep them from sticking) and place them into freezer-safe bags.
They can stay in the freezer for up to 3 months!
To use from frozen, simply let them thaw at room temperature!
Variations
You can get really creative with these Buckeye bars!
Feel free to try different nut butter like crunchy peanut butter, almond butter, or cashew butter.
You can even try using different types of chocolate chips, like milk chocolate, semi-sweet, or even bittersweet!
Storage and leftovers
Any leftover buckeye bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
More bar recipes
- Want something seasonal? Try my Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars
- Craving chocolate? Try my Chocolate Chunk Oatmeal Cookie Bars
- Need something fruity and tangy? Try my Blueberry Cheesecake Bars
- Loving the flavors of the holidays? Try my Gingersnap Plum Swirled Cheesecake Bars
Buckeye Bars
Ingredients
- 2 cups creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 5 cups powdered sugar
- 1-½ cups chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon refined coconut oil
- 2 tablespoons festive sprinkles, optional
Instructions
- Line an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper and set it aside.
- Add the peanut butter and softened butter to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Beat until completely combined and smooth.
- Next add the vanilla and salt. Mix to combine. Scrape down the sides of the bowl, if needed.
- With the mixer on low speed, slowly add the powdered sugar. Mix just until the powdered sugar is incorporated and the dough comes together into large crumbles.
- Transfer the peanut butter dough to the prepared pan and press it into a smooth even layer. For a smooth top, place a piece of parchment paper over the bars and then press down to compact them.
- Add the chocolate chips and coconut oil to a medium-sized microwave safe bowl. Heat the chocolate for 30 second intervals, stirring between each interval.
- Pour the melted chocolate over the peanut butter bars and spread it into an even layer.
- While the chocolate is still wet, top it with sprinkles.
- Place the buckeye bars in the fridge to set for 20 minutes, or just until the chocolate is no longer wet.
- Use a sharp, flat-bladed knife to cut the bars into your desired size. For clean cuts, run the knife under warm water and wipe it clean between each slice.
- Enjoy these buckeye bars chilled or at room temperature. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I love making buckeyes for Christmas, but this was SO much easier and just as tasty! New favorite.
These Buckeye Bars are an absolute triumph of flavor and texture! A standout dessert that has become a favorite in my household, and I can’t recommend it enough!