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Easy Buckeye Bars Recipe

Soft, creamy, and oh so peanut butter-y with a thick layer of chocolate ganache on top, these no-bake buckeye bars made with nutty brown butter are over-the-top easy! And they are gluten free!

Prep Time
10 mins
Additional Time
1 hr
Total Time
1 hr 10 mins
Servings: 64 one inch pieces
Calories: 98 kcal
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Peanut Butter Filling
  • 3/4 cup salted butter if using unsalted, add ¼ teaspoon of kosher salt
  • 4 teaspoons light brown sugar packed
  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter this recipe you may use either, just make sure your oils are well mixed
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 3 cups powdered sugar sifted
Chocolate Ganache Topping
  • 10 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips best you can afford
  • ¼ cup butter sliced into tablespoon pieces

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Line an 8x8 or 7x11 brownie pan with parchment paper or foil, be sure to leave a little hanging over the sides for easy removal and cutting.
  2. Over medium heat, melt butter, it will shizzle, snap, crackle and pop, then it will get quiet and foam up -- this is where you really need to keep an eye on it. You will start to see the browned butter swirling through, swirl the pan and remove from heat, once it's tan and brown with little flecks of goodness and will start smelling nutty.
  3. Remove from heat and stir in the brown sugar until smooth. Whisk or stir in peanut butter and vanilla until smooth.
  4. Stir in sifted powdered sugar, a half of a cup at a time, stirring until smooth. Pour mixture into prepared pan and smooth. Place in freezer until firm, about 30 minutes.
Chocolate Ganache Topping
    Cup of Yum
  1. Slice butter into 1 tablespoon hunks and place chocolate chips and butter in a microwave safe bowl. Heat in microwave for 30-45 seconds to start, stir well, return and microwave at 30 second intervals, stirring in between until melted and smooth. Note that the chocolate continues melting even after removing from the microwave.
  2. If chocolate becomes too thick or burns from overheating in microwave, simply stir in 1-2 teaspoons of vegetable oil until smooth and shiny. To fix broken, grainy, gloopy ganache, check out my Chocolate Ganache post.
  3. Spread chocolate evenly (I like using an offset spatula for this type of thing) over the top of the chilled peanut butter mixture and refrigerate until firm, about an hour.

Notes

  • Run a sharp knife under warm or hot water, wipe dry with paper towel. Use excess parchment paper to lift buckeye bark onto cutting board. Slice in 1 inch pieces.
  • Or place a large hunk on cutting board, with a knife for others to customize their bite!
  • Store buckeye bark or bars in airtight container on counter up to 5 days, may be refrigerated up to 7 days and frozen* up to 3 months.

Nutrition Information

Serving 2squares Calories 98kcal (5%) Carbohydrates 9g (3%) Protein 1g (2%) Fat 7g (11%) Saturated Fat 3g (15%) Polyunsaturated Fat 1g Monounsaturated Fat 2g Trans Fat 0.1g Cholesterol 8mg (3%) Sodium 41mg (2%) Potassium 49mg (1%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 8g (16%) Vitamin A 91IU (2%) Calcium 6mg (1%) Iron 0.4mg (2%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 64one inch pieces

Amount Per Serving

Calories 98

% Daily Value*

Serving 2squares
Calories 98kcal 5%
Carbohydrates 9g 3%
Protein 1g 2%
Fat 7g 11%
Saturated Fat 3g 15%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g 6%
Monounsaturated Fat 2g 10%
Trans Fat 0.1g 5%
Cholesterol 8mg 3%
Sodium 41mg 2%
Potassium 49mg 1%
Fiber 1g 4%
Sugar 8g 16%
Vitamin A 91IU 2%
Calcium 6mg 1%
Iron 0.4mg 2%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

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