TAKE TIME TO SIP THE WINE WITH A LIMITED TIME DISCOUNT ON WINE GLASSES: MORAWINE20
Cincinnati Buckeye Bars: The Fast and Easy Dessert

Cincinnati Buckeye Bars: The Fast and Easy Dessert

Cincinnati Buckeye Bars: The Fast and Easy Dessert

 

Alright, let’s talk about a little Midwest secret: Buckeye Bars. If you're from Ohio, you're probably already obsessed. But if not, welcome to your new dessert crush. Cincinnati’s taken the classic Buckeye candy—a peanut butter and chocolate dream—and leveled it up into a bar form that’s easier to make, easier to eat, and, let’s be real, absolutely irresistible.

Let’s dive into how these bars went from a humble Ohio candy to a Cincinnati must-have. Whether you're a foodie, a snack lover, or just someone with a killer sweet tooth, Buckeye Bars are about to be your new go-to.

Give this recipe a try and let me know what you think!

  • You can always get a hold of me on Instagram.  

Buckeye Bars 101: The OG Buckeye Story

First, a little history (don’t worry, it’s cool). The Buckeye tree is Ohio's state tree, and it drops these shiny brown nuts that look like, you guessed it, a deer’s eye—hence the name buckeye. So Ohioans, being the creative geniuses they are, took that little nut and turned it into candy.

The original Buckeye candy is basically a peanut butter ball dipped in chocolate, leaving a circle of peanut butter on top so it looks like the real nut. It started in the 1960s and quickly became a Midwest staple, especially around Ohio State University football games and holidays.

But Cincinnati was like, “Wait, we can do better,” and out came the Buckeye Bar—all the same delicious flavors but in a bar form that’s way more shareable and fun to eat.

Our baking pan works perfect for this recipe. Plus, we used parchment paper for super easy cleanup.

The Cincinnati Buckeye Bar Glow-Up

Cincinnati is known for doing food differently (Skyline Chili, anyone?), and Buckeye Bars are no exception. Imagine all the peanut butter-chocolate goodness of a Buckeye candy but as a layered dessert bar that you can slice up and devour.

Here’s the vibe:

  • A thick, creamy peanut butter layer at the bottom
  • Topped with a smooth, rich chocolate layer
  • Optional upgrades: graham cracker crumbs for crunch, a little sea salt on top, or even some pretzels mixed in

These bars are perfect for everything—parties, football Sundays, or just when you're binging Netflix and need something sweet. No more rolling individual Buckeyes by hand (ain't nobody got time for that)—just press the peanut butter mix into a pan, pour on some chocolate, chill, and boom, you’ve got a whole pan of yum.

Why Cincinnati Buckeye Bars Are the Move

1. Way More Convenient

Who wants to spend hours making individual candy pieces when you can whip up a whole batch of bars in one go? Cincinnati Buckeye Bars are the ultimate lazy-but-tasty dessert.

2. Perfect Sweet-Salty Combo

Peanut butter and chocolate are already an iconic duo, but Buckeye Bars take it next level. The slight saltiness of the peanut butter cuts through the sweetness of the chocolate, making it dangerously easy to eat multiple squares.

3. Customizable

Feeling fancy? Add crushed pretzels for some crunch or drizzle white chocolate on top. Want a crunchier base? Throw in some graham cracker crumbs. You can tweak these bars to match your vibe.

Wrap-Up

Cincinnati Buckeye Bars aren’t just dessert—they’re a whole vibe. They’re easy to make, easy to eat, and totally customizable. Whether you’re grabbing one from a local bakery or whipping up a batch at home, these bars will have you hooked after one bite.

Next time you’re in Cincy, be sure to hit up one of the local spots serving Buckeye Bars, or better yet, try making them yourself and join the peanut butter-chocolate fan club. Trust us—you won’t regret it.

Buckeye Bars

Category

Dessert

Servings

20

Prep Time

None

Cook Time

10 Minutes

Let's dive in

Author:

Alixandrea Tieben

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups creamy peanut butter
  • 1/2 cup butter (softened)
  • 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 tsp vanilla
  • 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 tablespoon butter

 

Directions:

  1. Make the Peanut Butter Layer:

    • Mix peanut butter, butter, powdered sugar and vanilla together until smooth.
    • Press this mixture into a parchment-lined 9x13-inch baking pan.

  2. Melt the Chocolate:

    • Melt the chocolate chips and vegetable oil in the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring in between until smooth.
    • Pour the melted chocolate over the peanut butter layer and spread it out evenly.

  3. Chill & Slice:

    • Pop the bars in the fridge for about 2 hours, or until the chocolate is firm.
    • Once chilled, slice into squares and get ready for the peanut butter-chocolate overload.

 

Find me making this recipe on instagram. If you make this, feel free to tag me @moraceramics.

Written by Alixandrea Tieben

CHECK US OUT ON INSTAGRAM

Shop the story