Buckeye Crunch Bars.
If you’re a fan of sweet, salty, and crunchy treats, then Buckeye Crunch Bars are about to become your new favorite indulgence. These delightful bars combine the rich flavors of peanut butter and chocolate with a satisfying crunch, thanks to the addition of pretzel twists. Inspired by the classic Buckeye candy, these bars are not only easy to make but also incredibly delicious. Perfect for parties, snacks, or a sweet treat any time of the day, Buckeye Crunch Bars are sure to impress your family and friends. Let’s dive into this delectable recipe!
The Upside of Buckeye Crunch Bars.
What’s not to love about Buckeye Crunch Bars? They are a delightful marriage of sweet and salty flavors, making them irresistible. The smooth, creamy peanut butter filling paired with a rich chocolate coating creates a taste sensation that you won’t want to miss. Plus, the added crunch from the pretzel twists takes these bars to a whole new level. Whether you’re serving them at a gathering or enjoying them solo, Buckeye Crunch Bars are the perfect treat to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Ingredient Checklist
- 1 stick (8 tablespoons) salted butter, at room temperature
- 1 3/4 cups + 3 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 – 3 cups confectioners sugar, using more or less to your taste
- 12 ounces milk or semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
- 20-24 pretzel twists, for crunch
Essential Tools for Success
- Mixing bowl: For creaming the butter and peanut butter.
- Spatula: To mix the ingredients thoroughly.
- 9×9 inch baking pan: For shaping your Buckeye Crunch Bars.
- Double boiler or microwave-safe bowl: For melting the chocolate.
Buckeye Crunch Bars., Made Easy
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Peanut Butter
Start by placing the room-temperature salted butter and creamy peanut butter into a mixing bowl. Using a spatula or an electric mixer, cream the two together until they are well combined and smooth.
Step 2: Add Vanilla and Sugar
Next, add the vanilla extract to the butter and peanut butter mixture. Gradually incorporate the confectioners sugar, starting with 2 1/2 cups. Mix until everything is well blended. If the mixture is too soft, feel free to add more confectioners sugar until you reach your desired consistency.
Step 3: Prepare the Baking Pan
Line your 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later. Spread the peanut butter mixture evenly across the bottom of the pan, using your spatula to ensure it’s packed down firmly.
Step 4: Add the Pretzel Crunch
Take your pretzel twists and crush them slightly. You can do this by placing them in a zip-top bag and using a rolling pin to gently break them into smaller pieces. Sprinkle the crushed pretzels evenly over the peanut butter layer, pressing them down lightly to ensure they adhere.
Step 5: Melt the Chocolate
In a double boiler or a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chopped chocolate until it’s smooth and glossy. If using the microwave, heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between to avoid burning.
Step 6: Coat the Bars
Pour the melted chocolate over the peanut butter and pretzel layers in the baking pan. Use your spatula to spread it evenly across the top.
Step 7: Chill and Cut
Refrigerate the bars for at least 1-2 hours or until the chocolate has fully set. Once firm, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment overhang and cut them into squares or rectangles.
Make It Diet-Friendly
- Substitute the salted butter with a plant-based butter alternative.
- Opt for natural, unsweetened peanut butter to reduce sugar intake.
- Use dark chocolate instead of milk or semi-sweet chocolate for a richer flavor and less sugar.
- Use a sugar alternative like erythritol or stevia in place of confectioners sugar.
Don’t Do This
- Don’t skip the chilling step; it’s crucial for the bars to set properly.
- Avoid using chunky peanut butter, as it won’t achieve the smooth texture needed for the filling.
- Don’t overheat the chocolate; this can lead to a grainy texture.
- Do not use stale pretzels; they should be fresh for the best crunch.
Make-Ahead & Storage
Buckeye Crunch Bars can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container. They can also be frozen for up to three months. Just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Top Questions & Answers
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
While creamy peanut butter is recommended for a smooth filling, you can use crunchy peanut butter if you prefer a bit more texture. Just keep in mind it will change the overall consistency of the bars.
What type of chocolate should I use?
You can use either milk chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate based on your preference. For a richer flavor, you might want to try dark chocolate as well.
How do I make these bars gluten-free?
To make Buckeye Crunch Bars gluten-free, ensure that the pretzels you use are gluten-free. There are various brands that offer gluten-free pretzel twists available in stores.
Can I add toppings to the bars?
Absolutely! Feel free to add toppings like chopped nuts, sea salt, or even a drizzle of caramel for an extra layer of flavor.
What to Make After This
- Buckeye Fudge – another delicious way to enjoy peanut butter and chocolate.
- Mini Peanut Butter Cookies – bite-sized treats that are perfect for any occasion.
Time to Try It
Now that you have all the steps laid out, it’s time to gather your ingredients and make your own batch of Buckeye Crunch Bars. With their perfect combination of flavor and texture, these bars are sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them. Enjoy the process of making these tasty treats, and don’t forget to share with friends and family—or keep them all to yourself! Happy baking!
Buckeye Crunch Bars.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by placing the room-temperature salted butter and creamy peanut butter into a mixing bowl. Using a spatula or an electric mixer, cream the two together until they are well combined and smooth.
- Next, add the vanilla extract to the butter and peanut butter mixture. Gradually incorporate the confectioners sugar, starting with 2 1/2 cups. Mix until everything is well blended. If the mixture is too soft, feel free to add more confectioners sugar until you reach your desired consistency.
- Line your 9x9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later. Spread the peanut butter mixture evenly across the bottom of the pan, using your spatula to ensure it's packed down firmly.
- Take your pretzel twists and crush them slightly. You can do this by placing them in a zip-top bag and using a rolling pin to gently break them into smaller pieces. Sprinkle the crushed pretzels evenly over the peanut butter layer, pressing them down lightly to ensure they adhere.
- In a double boiler or a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chopped chocolate until it’s smooth and glossy. If using the microwave, heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between to avoid burning.
- Pour the melted chocolate over the peanut butter and pretzel layers in the baking pan. Use your spatula to spread it evenly across the top.
- Refrigerate the bars for at least 1-2 hours or until the chocolate has fully set. Once firm, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment overhang and cut them into squares or rectangles.
Notes
- Store Buckeye Crunch Bars in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- For longer storage, wrap them tightly and freeze for up to three months.
- Use gluten-free pretzels for a gluten-free version.
