Buckeye Cookie Bars

These Buckeye Cookie Bars are a perfect blend of rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter, creating a delightful treat for any occasion. Easy to make and irresistibly delicious, they're sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them! 🥜🍫

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Welcome to Chyna B's Sweets! Today, I'm sharing a mouthwatering recipe for Buckeye Cookie Bars that will quickly become a favorite in your household.

These delightful bars combine the rich flavors of chocolate and peanut butter in a way that's irresistibly delicious. Perfect for any occasion, these bars are easy to make and guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth. Let's dive into the details of this scrumptious treat!

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Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Indulgent Layers of Flavor: These Buckeye Cookie Bars feature three delicious layers - a fudgy chocolate cookie base, a creamy peanut butter filling, and a smooth chocolate ganache top. Each bite is a perfect blend of chocolate and peanut butter, making it an irresistible treat for all dessert lovers.

• Simple & Quick to Make: This recipe uses a boxed chocolate cake mix for the cookie layer, saving you time without compromising on taste. With just a few simple steps, you can whip up these delectable bars in no time, making them perfect for busy days or last-minute gatherings.

• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Whether you're making these for a family gathering, a potluck, or just to satisfy your own cravings, these Buckeye Cookie Bars are sure to be a hit. The combination of flavors and the beautiful layered presentation make them an impressive and delicious dessert choice.

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How to Make Buckeye Cookie Bars

Equipment Needed:

• 9x13 inch baking pan

• Parchment paper

• Mixing bowls

• Hand mixer or stand mixer

• Silicone spatula

• Small saucepan

• Heatproof bowl

• Offset spatula

• Wire rack

Instructions:

Preheat Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal.

Make the Cookie Layer:

• In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, melted butter, and eggs. Use a silicone spatula to fold until well blended.

• Press the mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan.

Unbaked Cookie Layer

Baked Cookie Layer

Bake the Cookie Layer:

• Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

• Allow it to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.

Prepare the Peanut Butter Layer:

• Use an electric hand mixer to beat together the peanut butter, powdered sugar, butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.

• Spread the peanut butter mixture evenly over the cooled cookie layer.

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Make the Chocolate Ganache:

• Place the chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl.

• In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it begins to simmer.

• Pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips and let sit for 2-3 minutes, then stir until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth and glossy.

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Assemble & Chill:

• Pour the chocolate ganache over the peanut butter layer, spreading it evenly with an offset spatula.

• Optional: Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt over the chocolate ganache before it sets for a delicious contrast. 

• Refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours, or until the chocolate is set.

Serve:

• Once set, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang.

• Cut into squares or rectangles and serve.

Enjoy your scrumptious Buckeye Cookie Bars!

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How to Store

Store your Buckeye Cookie Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to a week. If you prefer them at room temperature, you can keep them in an airtight container on the counter for up to 3 days.

How Long This Recipe Lasts

When stored properly, Buckeye Cookie Bars will last:

• In the refrigerator: Up to 7 days

• At room temperature: Up to 3 days

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Ingredient Substitutions/Variations

• Chocolate Cake Mix: You can substitute the chocolate cake mix with a brownie mix for an even fudgier base.

• Nut Butter: Try using almond butter or cashew butter instead of peanut butter for a different flavor profile.

• Chocolate Chips: Feel free to use milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet, depending on your preference.

• Add-ins: Consider adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the ganache for a salty-sweet contrast, or mix in some chopped nuts into the peanut butter layer for added crunch.

FAQs

Q: Can I make these bars ahead of time?

A: Absolutely! Buckeye Cookie Bars can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. This makes them a great option for preparing ahead for parties or events.

Q: Can I freeze these bars?

A: Yes, you can freeze Buckeye Cookie Bars. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before placing them in the freezer. They can be stored for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Q: Do I have to use heavy cream for the ganache?

A: Heavy cream is recommended for the smoothest, creamiest ganache, but you can use half-and-half in a pinch. Avoid using milk, as it won't give the same rich consistency.

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Tips & Tricks

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure the eggs and butter are at room temperature before mixing for a smoother batter.

• Chill Thoroughly: Ensure the bars are well chilled before cutting to get clean, neat slices.

• Lining the Pan: Don't skip lining the pan with parchment paper. It makes lifting the bars out much easier and ensures they don't stick to the pan.

Like, Comment, Share!

I hope you enjoy making and eating these Buckeye Cookie Bars as much as I do! If you try this recipe, please leave a comment below and let me know how it turned out.

Don’t forget to subscribe to my newsletter for more delicious recipes and baking tips. Share your creations on social media with the hashtag #ChynaBSweets so we can all see your wonderful bakes!

Stay Sweet, Xoxo Chyna B! 🥜🍫

More Bar & Brownies you’ll enjoy:

• Churro Cheesecake Bars

• Easy Mango Orange Bars

• Brown Butter Peach Blondies

• Mixed Berry Cheesecake Bars

• The Best Espresso Fudge Brownies

• Strawberry Ooey Gooey Bars

• Zesty Lemon Butter Bars

• Sweet Potato Cheesecake Bars

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Buckeye Cookie Bars with Cake Mix

Yield: 24

Author: Chyna B

Prep time: 20 MinCook time: 20 MinInactive time: 2 HourTotal time: 2 H & 40 M

These Buckeye Cookie Bars are a perfect blend of rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter!

Cook modePrevent screen from turning off

Ingredients

For the Cookie Layer:

• 1 box chocolate cake mix
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs, room temperature

For the Peanut Butter Layer:

• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Chocolate Ganache:

• 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 3/4 cup heavy cream
• a pinch of flaky sea salt (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal.
2. Make the Cookie Layer: In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, melted butter, and eggs. Mix until well blended. Press the mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan.
3. Bake the Cookie Layer: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow it to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
4. Prepare the Peanut Butter Layer: In a medium bowl, beat together the peanut butter, powdered sugar, butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Spread the peanut butter mixture evenly over the cooled cookie layer.
5. Make the Chocolate Ganache: Place the chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl. In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips and let sit for 2-3 minutes, then whisk until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth and glossy.
6. Assemble & Chill: Pour the chocolate ganache over the peanut butter layer, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt over the chocolate ganache before it sets for a delicious contrast (optional). Refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours, or until the chocolate is set.
7. Serve: Once set, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Cut into squares or rectangles and serve. Enjoy your scrumptious Buckeye Cookie Bars!

Notes

• Read the entire blog post for more in-depth instructions on creating this yummy recipe.

Recommended Products

6-speed Electric Hand Mixer

Baking Dish, 2-Piece Set

3-Piece Pyrex Mixing Bowl Set

Nutrition Facts

Calories

306.61

Fat

21.33 g

Sat. Fat

9.57 g

Carbs

26.52 g

Fiber

1.82 g

Net carbs

24.7 g

Sugar

17.18 g

Protein

4.95 g

Sodium

206.16 mg

Cholesterol

39.81 mg

Any nutritional information on chynabsweets.com should only be used as a general guideline as this information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only.

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