No-Bake Buckeye Bars
Ingredients
- 8 tablespoonssalted sweet cream butter (softened: The butter forms the base of the peanut butter layer, adding richness and depth of flavor.)
- 3 cupscreamy peanut butter: Peanut butter is the star of the show (providing a smooth, nutty taste that’s hard to resist.)
- 4 cupspowdered sugar: This ingredient sweetens the peanut butter layer and gives it a firm texture that holds together well.
- 2 teaspoonspure vanilla extract: Adding vanilla enhances the overall flavor profile of the bars (giving a delicious aroma.)
- 12 ouncessemi-sweet chocolate chips: These chips make up the decadent chocolate ganache that tops the bars (offering a sweet and rich layer.)
- 2 tablespoonsvegetable oil: The oil helps to achieve a smooth and glossy ganache (making it easier to spread over the peanut butter layer.)
Instructions
- 1
Line a 9×13 baking dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- 2
In a large mixing bowl, use a mixer to beat 8 tablespoons of softened salted sweet cream butter until it's smooth and creamy.
- 3
Add 3 cups of creamy peanut butter and 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract to the bowl, mixing until fully combined.
- 4
Gradually incorporate 4 cups of powdered sugar, mixing until the mixture is smooth. The consistency should be thick yet spreadable.
- 5
Spread this mixture evenly across the base of the prepared baking dish, creating a flat layer.
- 6
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 12 ounces of semi-sweet chocolate chips and 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil.
- 7
Heat the mixture in the microwave on medium heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until completely melted and smooth.
- 8
Once melted, gently spread this ganache over the peanut butter layer in the baking dish, ensuring an even coating.
- 9
Place the baking dish in the refrigerator and chill for about 15-20 minutes, allowing the chocolate to firm up.
- 10
After chilling, remove the baking dish from the fridge and slice the bars into 15 squares, each measuring approximately 2½ in x 3 in.
- 11
Return the sliced bars to the fridge for an additional 1 hour and 45 minutes to ensure everything sets properly.
- 12
Once completely chilled, carefully lift the bars out of the dish using the parchment paper, slice again if necessary, and serve cold.