Buckeye Cookie Bars
Decadent Buckeye Cookie Bars combine chocolate, peanut butter, and crunchy peanuts for a rich, sweet treat perfect for sharing at parties or family gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, vegetable oil, and egg.
- Beat until the mixture is crumbly.
- Stir in the chopped peanuts.
- Reserve 1 1/2 cups of the mixture and set aside.
- Press the remaining mixture into the bottom of a greased 9 x 13-inch pan.
- In a medium bowl, beat together the Eagle Brand milk and peanut butter until smooth.
- Spread the peanut butter mixture over the crust.
- Sprinkle the reserved cake mix over the top.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25 to 30 minutes.
- Allow to cool before cutting into bars.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the peanut butter mixture. If you don't have chopped peanuts, you can substitute with crushed pretzels for a salty crunch. Make sure to press the crust firmly into the pan to ensure it holds together when baked. This recipe is perfect for those who love American recipes that are quick and easy.
Serving Suggestions
These Buckeye Cookie Bars are delicious on their own but can be enhanced with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert. They also pair beautifully with a cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk. Consider serving them alongside Kooky Cookies for a fun dessert platter.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate the bars, which can last up to a week. If you prefer them warm, simply reheat individual bars in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Buckeye Cookie Bars contains roughly 347 calories, with 4g protein, 28g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (35% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of cake mix for this recipe?
Yes, you can experiment with different flavors of cake mix such as vanilla or chocolate fudge. Keep in mind that the flavor profile will change, but it can lead to interesting variations of these bars.
What can I use instead of Eagle Brand milk?
If you don't have Eagle Brand milk, you can substitute with sweetened condensed milk or make your own by mixing whole milk with sugar until it thickens. This will still give you the desired sweetness and creaminess for the bars.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The bars are done when they are golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs. Be careful not to overbake, as this can dry out the bars.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).